Niphatchanok Najpinij
Suan Dusit Rajabhat University
Humans devote their attention to the kitchen more than just to survive. Meaningful arts of life are depicted from farm to table. “Sumptuous” or “divine” are words of social agreement, both domestic and public, regarding gastronomy preference. Environment and food choices, transferring freshness at its best quality, cooking with a touch of love and care, garnishing food to wow the diners and create good health are the processes of civilization. Chefs and cooks play significant roles in harmonizing their love of cooking on the offered nature from the very basic to the ultimate in complexity. “Happiness” is tangibly felt and found through food in different ways, from the bold jungle, to the warm home, to the extravagant restaurant.
(Presented in the 2015 Chulalongkorn Asian Heritage Forum: Understanding Happiness, 16-17 July 2015, Le Meridien Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok, organized by Institute of Thai Studies and Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University)