Abstract:
This research aims to study and compile features of the identity in Shan cuisineand to include this identity within the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage Shan Cuisine of Thailand.The research is qualitative research with collection of data by RapidEthnography Community Assessment Program, Ethnography Research Methodology and Survey Research Methodology. The research tools include recording forms of IntangibleCultural Heritage, interviews both structured and unstructured, questionnaires and 7 issue of concerns in communities study.The population of the study is the indigenous people concerned with folk food, the professional Shan food caterers and chefs who cook in the Shans ceremo-nies in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Tak. The research employed the Snowball Sampling technique.The results of the study and collection of the identity data of Shan food offered in ICH recording forms included a total of 44 items consisting of 33 savory items and 11 dessert items. These are in the role of relationships between (1) a recipe (2) the identity (3) the (food) ethnicity (4) the local wisdom (5) the cultural values and (6) reflects the social context.The studies of Shan Cuisine have co-identities in four areas with three maintypes of spices ; Tua Now, sesame and tomatoes.These are cooked by the assimilation of the interaction of culture and ethnic groups in order to bring a sense of the sameness(Self-Ascription) of Shan Cuisine in the Shan communities.The research shows that the other side means to break the self from the other (Ascribe by Others) and fromother regions and to show the other ethnic groups whatShan Cuisinemeans and to distinguish thewe and othersand show how thefood identityis connected.In addition, Shan Cuisine is also indicative of (food) ethnicity, makes for Social space and is the collective conscious of the Shan people in Thailand. This includes the space of inclusion that brings outsiders (another ethnic groups), to come forward to study, learn, taste and try of others the Shan Cuisine.