very other person has a different way of buying meat. Some people prefer buying ground beef and special cuts that they use on a regular basis. Others prefer whole chicken and various other cuts. Meat is consumed in very large quantities throughout Thailand. Only, in Bangkok, there are hundreds of butcher shops spread throughout various neighborhoods. But, many people end up paying more than they should for their meat. If you want to save money on buying meat at your local butcher shop, there are plenty of things that you should keep in mind.
- Find a Reputable Butcher
The first and most important thing that you need to do is find a reputable butcher in your area. Finding a decent butcher shop in Bangkok is very important. Most people only buy their meat from one place, so it’s recommended that you first do your homework about various stores. While you can buy the meat from your local supermarket, it’s generally a wise idea to buy from a butcher’s. Butcher shops usually charge a lower price as compared to supermarkets, so you can save quite a bit of money if you buy the meat in bulk quantities.
- Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions from the butcher before you buy the meat. It’s always good to know exactly where your meat is coming from. You can ask questions such as where the animals were raised and if they were raised on proper grass feed, without antibiotics. Most butchers are quite compassionate about their animals, which might come as a surprise to many people, but it’s actually true. You can also ask for any certifications or labels about the kind of animals that are brought to the shop before making a decision.
- Go Local
Most people don’t understand just how big of an environmental impact they are making when buying meat. It’s generally a good idea to buy from local businesses, because they put money into their respective economies. You will be actively contributing to the promotion of the local economy and you will also help you keep your local butchers in business.
- Use Your Senses
Your eyes, ears, and nose, are all very important tools that you can use to gauge the quality of the meat that you are buying. The color of the meat depends on the animal from which it’s coming from. More importantly, the cut of meat you are buying also has an impact. For instance, a fresh cut of pork will have a pinkish hue, while new beef is likely to be bright red. Make sure you smell it to ensure that it’s fresh.
- Bargain
Don’t be afraid to bargain with the butcher to get the price reduced as much as possible. Many people tend to bargain with their local butchers, and you should know that the prices aren’t fixed at all. These are just a few tips for buying meat from your local butcher shop.