English What Now? is an ongoing series based around the humorous, head-scratching, or just plain amusing English found around Thailand observed and written by Teresa Derr.
Teresa Derr, 134 YinD
Food is a large part of Thai culture. There are lots of different articles on this already on Sticky Rice, so I won’t elaborate too much more here. But, knowing that eating is important to Thai people, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are lots of fun places to find English phrases related to food in Thailand. Here are some:
Cafés like to advertise themselves differently. This one greatly amused me and carries the sentiment I feel any time I sit down to eat with Thai people. They never think I eat enough. I can’t comprehend where these tiny people are putting all the food they eat. They will eat breakfast, go hang out at a café where they get some kanoms (snacks), move from there to a restaurant for lunch, go to another café to get dessert, and then wander the street market for some street food. While they’re doing this, I’m still full from breakfast!
I’m always appreciative when menus have some English, even though I can read some Thai. I’m sure other volunteers feel the same, like Grace, who submitted this photo. But sometimes, the English doesn’t help! I’m not entirely sure what they’re trying to say here. I don’t know anyone who wears fermented fish, though it is a popular dish in the Isan region of Thailand!
I love the incredible variety of sweet, delicious fruit that Thailand constantly has to offer, and I laughed when Morgan sent me this picture. Thailand truly is an “Earth of Fruit”. Everyone should definitely “use more fresh each you”. Whatever that’s supposed to mean. I’m sure it’s great advice if it’s talking about fruit!
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
There is always food to be enjoyed and English to laugh at while doing so, here in Thailand. A huge thanks to Grace and Morgan for their contributions to this article, and if you ever see funny English in Thailand be sure to send it along so everyone can share in the laugh!
Sticky Rice 
Share your thoughts