Is rice vinegar the same as white distilled when cooking Thai food?

No, rice vinegar and white distilled vinegar are not the same thing and shouldn't be used interchangeably in Thai cooking.

Here's why:

* Flavor Profile: Rice vinegar has a milder, slightly sweet taste with a subtle, almost nutty aroma. White distilled vinegar has a sharper, more acidic taste and a stronger, more pungent aroma.

* Origin and Production: Rice vinegar is fermented from rice, while white distilled vinegar is made from fermented grains like corn or barley.

* Uses: Rice vinegar is ideally suited for Thai cuisine because its subtle sweetness and mild acidity complement the flavors of Thai dishes. White distilled vinegar is too harsh and acidic for most Thai recipes and can overpower the delicate flavors.

Exceptions: There might be a few specific recipes where a small amount of white distilled vinegar is used to add acidity, but rice vinegar is usually the preferred choice for Thai cooking.

In short, using rice vinegar will give you a more authentic and flavorful Thai dish.