Despite the change of materials, the architectural style remains intact. The style stems from the legend of the original Dai ancestor building his house on the instructions of a golden phoenix from the celestial world. Various parts of the abode are named after animals. Legend says that the Dai ancestor saved the lives of both sparrows and egrets, which repaid their gratitude by helping him build a bamboo house. Generally speaking, the Dai style of breakfast and lunch is simple.
Alcoholic beverages are drunk only at dinnertime.
Glutinous rice, the staple food, is served in a bamboo container, and eaten with the hands. Most dishes have kill germs, whet the appetite, and aids digestion. The Dai lifestyle cannot do without water. Situated on the northern edge of the tropical zone, Xishuangbanna is hot all year round. Therefore, the Dai people, men and women alike, bathe frequently every day.