Khantoke

A khantoke or khantok (, ) is a pedestal tray used as a small dining table by the Lanna people (of northern Thailand), Laotians, and by people from Isan (northeastern Thailand). A "khantoke" tray is a short, round table, made of several different materials such as: wood, bamboo or rattan. It has a diameter of about but can vary in size and use case. It is comparable to the daunglan traditionally used in Burmese cuisine.
Culture.
Glutinous rice is generally eaten instead of "fluffy" rice in this culture, which is eaten in the rest of Thailand. Glutinous rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa; also called "sticky rice", "sweet rice", or "waxy rice" Thai people call it "Khao Neaw") is grown mainly in Southeast and East Asia. It has opaque grains, very low amylose content and is sticky when cooked. It is called glutinous (< Latin glūtinōsus) in the sense of being glue-like or sticky, and not in the sense of containing gluten. While often called "sticky rice", it differs from non-glutinous strains of japonica rice that also become sticky to some degree when cooked. Numerous cultivars of glutinous rice exist, including japonica, indica and tropical japonica strains.
A "khantoke" can hold cups of rice and other food, flowers, and candles and fruit.
Dining.
People in northern Thailand traditionally sit on the floor when eating. When the food is ready, it is poured into cups or bowls and placed on the "khantoke" tray. Then it is ready to be served.
"Khantoke" is used as dining furniture to keep food off the ground at special occasions such as wedding parties, funerals, housewarming parties and temple festivals.
"Khantoke" dinners involve different foods depending on social status. "Khantoke" dinners are a northern tradition, especially in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Lampang.
Ceremonial use.
A location is prepared for the guests by providing them with a seat and table.