Dairy products are not consumed in sufficient quantity, except for ice cream. Fish, pork, and poultry comprise the main proteins. Significant amounts of nuts and dried beans are also eaten. Vegetables and fruits make up a large part of their food intake. Rice is the mainstay of the diet and is commonly eaten at every meal.
Thai food is generally spicy, hot, and high in sodium.
Hot peppers are used daily. Garlic and hot pepper are not common ingredients. Koreans make kimchee in October or November for use throughout the winter. Kimchee is cabbage marinated in salt water, layered with peppers and spices in crockery, and left to ferment through November and December. Kimchee is eaten with every meal.