Although sour, sweet, salty and spicy are by far the most common taste elements in Thai cuisine, it wouldn't be complete without including bitterness. Normally, bitter things aren't pleasant to the taste, although this does vary from person to person.

Today, the harmonious combination of the five flavors - sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy - is the basis of Thai cuisine. If you have been to a Thai restaurant once or twice, it does not give you a reason to believe that you are familiar with the local cuisine.

Thai cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that make it one of the most popular cuisines in the world. The complex flavors, fresh ingredients, balance of flavors, cooking techniques, and cultural influence are what make Thai food so unbelievably mouth-watering.

If you want authentic Thai food, the secret is a balance of five flavor profiles. These are: salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy. For the dish to taste authentic, all five flavors need to be in a perfect balance. Cooking Thai food isn't easy, and if the flavors don't complement one another, something will taste off.