Wait Staff Needed

We all have been there at one time or another, sitting at a restaurant waiting, waiting, waiting and waiting.  This is usually the result of overcrowding, slow kitchen staff or a disgruntled waiter.  All in all, however, this experience tends to be the exception rather than the rule when most people dine out.  That is unless you are in beautiful Thailand.

Now don't get me wrong, I loved Thailand.  The people were friendly and helpful, going out of their way to make you feel comfortable and welcome in their homeland.  The beaches were stunning, covered white sand that was literally in some places raked every evening to remove jagged shells and seaweed that washed up with the incoming tides.  The water clarity rivaled that of tap water. And the food was exquisite, made with the freshest vegetables and just the right amount of spices.  All in all I would describe my 3 weeks there as incredible.

The first time our food failed to arrive, I chalked it up to an honest mistake.  How could one be upset anyway?  You were in an exotic land full of delightful people with no where in particular to be.  We simply reordered and enjoyed another Chang beer before our food arrived.

The second time, half of our food arrived which I guess is a step up from the first experience.  I received my meal while Meredith sat and watch me slurp up a spicy mouthful of pad thai.  Of course I offered to wait to begin eating until her meal arrived, but fearing the worst Meredith gave me the green light.  About the time I finished my meal, her food made its way to the table.

Our third dining experience was no less spectacular than the previously mentioned ones.  On this occasion food actually arrived at our table within and reasonable amount of time.  There was one little problem, however.  The food that came to our table was someone else's.  I must say it looked delicious.

No food, half of our food and someone elses food.  Were there any other scenarios possible in a restaurant?  Sure.  On several occasions we actually got our food as ordered.  Unfortunately in Thailand, this happened to be the exception rather than the rule.

For a while we thought maybe we were just having bad luck and picking all of the wrong places.  That is until other travelers began to make jokes about the service as well.  "If you havent seen you waiter in twenty minutes you might want to order again," one fellow said with a hearty laugh.  "Good wait service in Thailand, that's an oxymoron," another traveler said as he rolled his eyes. 

The Thai just fail to grasp the concept and process of waiting tables.  If they get the order correctly from the customer, they then have to remember that that order then has to get to the kitchen and then most importantly back from the kitchen to the actual customer who ordered it.  My experience tells me that they often tend to forget one of those steps which defeats the purpose in the end.

I can say with 100% certainty that every server had a smile and pleasant disposition, which is more that many restaurants in the states can boasts.  If you're planning a trip to Thailand get ready for a culinary delight, but bring your patience and be prepared to sip a few extra Changs while you wait.