Wasting food it makes me so angry!

[nithisa78]

You deal with this with near any family. 30% of the groceries purchased in USA go to waste.

This is about your ability to adjust. Don't dump it on your family. Who is the head of the household?

Enjoy your life and the left overs. 93% of the world would trade places with you, maybe more. Present company excluded.

[NickJ]

Im using Rohingya to power up my place...got em in huge hamster wheels.....I am kind worried about the work permit thing though.....

[nithisa78]

I noticed a family recently at the next table partaking of the buffet breakfast. When they departed they left plates piled high with food. It just seems to be a matter of greed!

Ignorance and overwhelmed. If you see greed its about you.

[northernphil]

Those of us who grew up during the war, with severe rationing of food, are acutely sensitive to food wastage. The same consideration does not apply to people who have never known food shortages.

I agree with you Farang99 . I was born a couple of years after the war but the same applied. Mother knew how much we could eat, what we liked and disliked etc. When my eldest dayghter and 2 grands came over last year we were in a restaurant in Hua-Hin and one g/daughter chose something off a menu with about 20 English dishes on it then half way through said she was full up. I said what a waste my daughter said " Well your not paying for it ! " I would rather of paid and seen it all eaten. I hate waste .

[mike324]

A lot of Thais I know will pack the food to take home or give to their maids. Perhaps your Thai family thinks they are hiso and they can waste a little?

[wowfactor10]

I never see Thai as food waisters..

How about next time when u go restaurant ur thai family tell them you wont pay for the bill,then let see if they still order many dishes that they will not even finish..

[CLW]

I would add historical reason as well. They never had a famine or war like in Europe so they always had enough to eat. Also climatic differences, they can grow food all year round not just 1 season.

Another thing could be the social aspect, look, I have enough money to order the whole menu in a restaurant... Another story I would like to share, some Hi So students at my university, they never go to the canteen like most people. I asked them where they go and why. The answer was they prefer to eat outside in a real restaurant coz the food at the canteen is too cheap and therefore can not taste good...

[off road pat]

I like to eat not to show off how much I can order then throw it in the trash.

I'm afraid you've chosen the wrong continent to settle in then. There's a custom in most of Asia that food will keep coming out until everyone is finished eating and there is still food on the plates. Clean your plate like our mothers taught us and someone will order more food. Drove me crazy my first year in China. I'm over it now.

I hear it's not that way in Japan, where you have to clean your plate or the host thinks you don't like the food he selected for you.

I agree with the OP but impulse's post sums it up - it is cultural/habitual in Asia (but notably worse in Thailand).

Apart from being brought up to clear our plates, we also generally plan what we order to match our appetite. The Thais seem less conscious of this.

I also share the OP's thoughts that in a country that is generally poor, and has many ideals about respect, they show little 'respect' for food.

One of the tiny problems I had with my wife, is that she always ordered to much food in restaurants.....and I always had to finish her plate.....

We talked it over....now, she only orders what she think she can eat ???... but over estimates her appetite sometimes.....!!! and I have to jump in again.

I , just like many of us was brought up with respect for food, Never to waste any, and always eat and finish what you order,.....I'm quite comfortable with this.

In France just last week a law has been voted that supermarkets can not throw away over dated food anymore. There are social welfare institutions picking it up and redistributing it to the homeless . maybe a example for the USofA....???

[frank0424]

I think it is that thailand is food rich . The quality and quantity and affordability is amazing in comparison to canada.

That is no excuse to not eat what food you order.

It is affordable with your Canadian wage. Consider a Thai's wage.

[dotpoom]

I have to agree with you OP. I was brought up to the motto ...."Waste not, want not". We were also always reminded of the starving people of the world and what they would give for what we were about to throw in the bin.
Wasting food to me is like giving the fingers to those who are suffering from hunger..

Edited May 28, 2015 by dotpoom

[SoiBiker]

I've never really followed the 'starving people' logic. Do restaurants in Thailand automatically send unordered ingredients to famine-ridden parts of the world?

I think this says more about the long-lasting effects of WW2-era propaganda on aging farangs than anything else, really.

Edited May 28, 2015 by SoiBiker

[SunLover2]

I'm with you on this one OP, but I don't have a whole family to contend with. When my girl and I go out to eat and she says she wants to order two or three dishes I just look at her and say, "fine, but you had better eat everything or the next time the answer will be NO!".

At home it's easier to control with just the two of us, but they sure do hate eating leftovers. It probably has something to do with some cultural thing.

Having more food than you need is a status thing. Even at home when nobody is watching. Much easier on someone else's dime of course, but it would be done just the same.

SL

[impulse]

I've never really followed the 'starving people' logic. Do restaurants in Thailand automatically send unordered ingredients to famine-ridden parts of the world?

I think this says more about the long-lasting effects of WW2-era propaganda than on aging farangs than anything else, really.

+1 I know in my family's case, my parents were children of the depression, and it had little to do with wasting food.

We got just as much duff for leaving the water running and leaving the lights on and leaving the car running- anything that wasted those hard earned nickels and dimes.

Still, I heard a lot about starving kids in China and Africa, depending on the political climate. And often heard about the rarity of money trees, too.

Edited May 28, 2015 by impulse

[SunLover2]

I'm quite comfortable with this.

In France just last week a law has been voted that supermarkets can not throw away over dated food anymore. There are social welfare institutions picking it up and redistributing it to the homeless . maybe a example for the USofA....???

This is already being done to some degree. The problem is the liability risk to the donator and acceptor in a ultra-litigious society. Quite a shame really.

SL

[Mudcrab]

I like to eat not to show off how much I can order then throw it in the trash.

I'm afraid you've chosen the wrong continent to settle in then. There's a custom in most of Asia that food will keep coming out until everyone is finished eating and there is still food on the plates. Clean your plate like our mothers taught us and someone will order more food. Drove me crazy my first year in China. I'm over it now.

I hear it's not that way in Japan, where you have to clean your plate or the host thinks you don't like the food he selected for you.

Where I grew up, I got the belt on my butt, for not eating what was put in front of me. My parents had no special feelings about Southeast Asia, but made many references to "those starving people in China!"

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I agree with your sentiments.....every time I can't finish a beer I just think of those people dying of thirst in Africa...and have another one!

[ggt]

I try to eat all the leftovers that they can't eat.

Many of today's retirees were brought up by parents who lived thru the Great Depression...eating everything on your plate before getting up from the dinner table was mandatory...even essential during that time of poverty...

These values...never putting more on your plate than you can eat...never cooking more than can be eaten in one meal...is carried on by the offspring...

I too...do not like to waste food...so many people in the world only get one meal a day...if that...

That being said...it is not healthy for you personally or your relationship with your Thai family...if you continue to make a fuss over this issue...

Obviously your Thai family does not share your views...you are a guest in Thailand...go with the flow...do not get high blood pressure over wasted food....

[MaeJoMTB]

I've never really followed the 'starving people' logic. Do restaurants in Thailand automatically send unordered ingredients to famine-ridden parts of the world?

I think this says more about the long-lasting effects of WW2-era propaganda than on aging farangs than anything else, really.

+1 I know in my family's case, my parents were children of the depression, and it had little to do with wasting food.

We got just as much duff for leaving the water running and leaving the lights on and leaving the car running- anything that wasted those hard earned nickels and dimes.

Still, I heard a lot about starving kids in China and Africa, depending on the political climate. And often heard about the rarity of money trees, too.

Starvation is not from lack of food, but from lack of money to buy food.

Farmers don't grow food because they have feelings of altruism.

[angiolo]

Waste not Want not . Old English saying

[ICECOOL]

Buy a deep freeze. I did and gf loves it. Cooks up extra of my favourite Thai curries and saves serves in those great little plastic bags they love to use. When she does not feel like cooking digs into the freezer and presto

[Gandtee]

I noticed a family recently at the next table partaking of the buffet breakfast. When they departed they left plates piled high with food. It just seems to be a matter of greed!

Ignorance and overwhelmed. If you see greed its about you.

Why should it be about me? Surely it is greed when people take more than they need, or are you saying it is human nature? I grew up during a period when obesity ( fat people) was hardy seen. Look at WW2 soldiers and civilians. Hardly an overweight person to be seen. Sure, modern food maybe partly to blame but over eating ie. greed is the main cause in my opinion. To paraphrase you 'Ignorance and overwhelmed by greed'.

[Gandtee]

I try to eat all the leftovers that they can't eat.

Many of today's retirees were brought up by parents who lived thru the Great Depression...eating everything on your plate before getting up from the dinner table was mandatory...even essential during that time of poverty...

These values...never putting more on your plate than you can eat...never cooking more than can be eaten in one meal...is carried on by the offspring...

I too...do not like to waste food...so many people in the world only get one meal a day...if that...

That being said...it is not healthy for you personally or your relationship with your Thai family...if you continue to make a fuss over this issue...

Obviously your Thai family does not share your views...you are a guest in Thailand...go with the flow...do not get high blood pressure over wasted food....

A guest in Thailand maybe, but not in my own house.

[Gandtee]

I've never really followed the 'starving people' logic. Do restaurants in Thailand automatically send unordered ingredients to famine-ridden parts of the world?

I think this says more about the long-lasting effects of WW2-era propaganda than on aging farangs than anything else, really.

+1 I know in my family's case, my parents were children of the depression, and it had little to do with wasting food.

We got just as much duff for leaving the water running and leaving the lights on and leaving the car running- anything that wasted those hard earned nickels and dimes.

Still, I heard a lot about starving kids in China and Africa, depending on the political climate. And often heard about the rarity of money trees, too.

Starvation is not from lack of food, but from lack of money to buy food.

Farmers don't grow food because they have feelings of altruism.

I agree that maybe aging farangs carry the standards that were instilled into them as children, but WW2 propaganda? Never! In Britain food was rationed, as were many other things and waste was something you did not contemplate. We had just enough to live on and it certainly did us no harm. Without food aid from the USA we would have been in deep trouble. We never wasted food!

[chilli42]

My experience with Thai's is just the opposite

[bazza40]

A cultural thing. Leaving food on your plate in Western culture means you don't think much of the food. Leaving it in Thai culture means you've been well fed. Leaving no food on your plate in Thai culture means you think the restaurant has been stingy.

[MiKT]

One thing is for sure f/saucer, if you get angry, it will be your anger that becomes the topic and you will be blamed for spoiling the meal. This applies to many other situations.

As you must know from the many posts, this behaviour is very, very common in Thailand and if you want to survive here you just have to go with the flow. I used to get so angry about soi dogs being treated so badly, also elephants and the many very poor people, but you cannot save them all, you just have to live with some things that you could have done something about in another country. Logic and confrontation just does not work here, you need to find a Thai solution that will involve very convoluted conversations with your wife avoiding the real topic. Or just live with it.

But saving the food for dogs is good and ...... to anybody who is scared to feed soi dogs.

[flyingsaucersarereal]

I noticed a family recently at the next table partaking of the buffet breakfast. When they departed they left plates piled high with food. It just seems to be a matter of greed!

There's a reason why so many all you can eat places here charge extra for food you order and don't consume.

Yep I have seen those signs!

[flyingsaucersarereal]

I try to eat all the leftovers that they can't eat.

Many of today's retirees were brought up by parents who lived thru the Great Depression...eating everything on your plate before getting up from the dinner table was mandatory...even essential during that time of poverty...

These values...never putting more on your plate than you can eat...never cooking more than can be eaten in one meal...is carried on by the offspring...

I too...do not like to waste food...so many people in the world only get one meal a day...if that...

That being said...it is not healthy for you personally or your relationship with your Thai family...if you continue to make a fuss over this issue...

Obviously your Thai family does not share your views...you are a guest in Thailand...go with the flow...do not get high blood pressure over wasted food....

That is always the counter argument oh its just Thai culture your in Thailand deal with it. Take some responsibility for the fact that throwing huge amounts of food in the trash is wrong. It's wrong in any culture!

[peterb17]

I've never really followed the 'starving people' logic. Do restaurants in Thailand automatically send unordered ingredients to famine-ridden parts of the world?

I think this says more about the long-lasting effects of WW2-era propaganda on aging farangs than anything else, really.

Soibiker you have said a few controversial things in the past - but this is definitely the best post.

My philosophy is to look forward- forget the past ( half the world whinges on about how they were colonies- have been independent for decades and driven their countries into poverty)

On another point I find the posts that seem to bring up a recurring theme on TV- that you pay- you control- it's YOUR money- therefore everyone bows down to your wonderfulness - truly revolting .

You married into another culture, learn and understand it ( of course it may be to do with stimulation of certain sensory neurones, visa requirements or the need for a domestic slave)

[MiKT]

I try to eat all the leftovers that they can't eat.

Many of today's retirees were brought up by parents who lived thru the Great Depression...eating everything on your plate before getting up from the dinner table was mandatory...even essential during that time of poverty...

These values...never putting more on your plate than you can eat...never cooking more than can be eaten in one meal...is carried on by the offspring...

I too...do not like to waste food...so many people in the world only get one meal a day...if that...

That being said...it is not healthy for you personally or your relationship with your Thai family...if you continue to make a fuss over this issue...

Obviously your Thai family does not share your views...you are a guest in Thailand...go with the flow...do not get high blood pressure over wasted food....

That is always the counter argument oh its just Thai culture your in Thailand deal with it. Take some responsibility for the fact that throwing huge amounts of food in the trash is wrong. It's wrong in any culture!

Your right it is wrong, but getting angry won't solve the problem (believe me, I still do it all the time). Find a solution that makes your wife happy and give your ego a rest.

[GOLDBUGGY]

I like to eat not to show off how much I can order then throw it in the trash.

I'm afraid you've chosen the wrong continent to settle in then. There's a custom in most of Asia that food will keep coming out until everyone is finished eating and there is still food on the plates. Clean your plate like our mothers taught us and someone will order more food. Drove me crazy my first year in China. I'm over it now.

I hear it's not that way in Japan, where you have to clean your plate or the host thinks you don't like the food he selected for you.

Where I grew up, I got the belt on my butt, for not eating what was put in front of me. My parents had no special feelings about Southeast Asia, but made many references to "those starving people in China!"

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I never got the belt over this but did get the lecture. But for me it was the starving people in Africa who would kill me for what I have on my plate.

What I never could figure out, even today, is why would anyone kill anyone over a plate of tough Wild Moose Meat, or a greasy Canadian Goose.