About Thailand

Beginning Thai Fruit & Vegetable Carving Class

                 Traditional Thai food is normally presented with carved fruit and vegetables.  The purpose is to make food more attractive and appetizing because it’s not only about the taste but also about the presentation.  The art of fruit and vegetable carving was originated by the chief royal consort, Nang Noppharat, in 1364 at the old Thai capital of Sukhothai. A floating lamp (Krathong) was decorated with fruit and vegetable carvings shaped as flowers, birds, and animals.  The Krathong was made in celebration of Loey Krathong, the royal festival celebrated in November during the full moon.  When King Phra Ruang saw that Nang Noppharat created such a beautiful piece of art he “decreed it would be an art heritage of Thailand”

                For over 700 years, the art has been performed by the ladies of the royal court.  The beauty of the art was created for the exclusive enjoyment of the King and the high ranked staff in the palace. 

               As the owners of Bangkok Bay we feel that it’s very important for us to maintain this treasured art and share a piece of this beautiful culture with our community.  Mimi Bangbor, co-owner, started taking carving lessons at the Berkeley Thai temple over 16 years ago.  She has devoted her free time to perfect and practice this skill ever since.  She has dazzled Bangkok Bay’s customers with an array of fruit and vegetable pieces that have been displayed at special catering events.

                We hope to inspire you so that you can show off these skills at your next party. You can also add your own imagination and creativity to make it more beautiful and interesting.

 Ask us about our classes.