What Are the 7 Must-Try Thai Dishes in Thailand?
Whether you're exploring Bangkok's street food scene or dining in Chiang Mai, these seven dishes represent the best of Thai cuisine. From the famous Pad Thai to lesser-known regional specialties, here's what every food lover should try.
1. Pad Thai: Thailand's Most Famous Noodle Dish
Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai dish and a global favourite. These stir-fried rice noodles are tossed with tamarind sauce, eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts and a sprinkling of crushed peanuts. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that captures the essence of Thailand’s street food culture. Whether enjoyed at a Bangkok bustling market or a beachside restaurant at Khao Lak, it’s a must-try for any food lover.
2. Tom Yum Goong: Thailand's Iconic Spicy Soup
Tom Yum Goong is a bold, aromatic soup that perfectly represents Thai cuisine. Made with prawns, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and chilli, it delivers a spicy and sour flavour that’s unmistakably Thai. This dish is especially popular in central Thailand and is often served as part of a shared meal..
3. Som Tam: Thailand's Famous Green Papaya Salad
Green Papaya Salad or Som Tam, is a refreshing, spicy salad made with shredded unripe papaya, crunchy bean sprouts, long beans, cherry tomatoes, chilli and dressed with lime juice, fish sauce and palm sugar. This salad truly delivers a burst of flavour with every bite and is perfect on a hot day. It’s a staple in Thailand’s street food scene and a great dish for those craving something light yet satisfying.
4. Gaeng Matsaman (aka Massaman Curry): Thailand's Richest Curry
Massaman curry is a rich and creamy dish that showcases Thailand’s diverse culinary influences. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom, it’s made with tender meat, potatoes and peanuts in a coconut milk base. This dish is perfect for those who prefer a milder curry, offering a comforting and indulgent experience.
5. Khao Niew Mamuang (aka Mango Sticky Rice): Thailand's Most Popular Dessert
No trip to Thailand is complete without sampling Mango Sticky Rice. This sweet treat features glutinous rice soaked in coconut milk, served with fresh mango slices and a drizzle of syrup. Mango sticky rice is a popular dessert in Thailand. You can easily find it at various night markets and street food stalls across the country.
6. Khao Soi: Northern Thai Noodle Curry
A specialty of Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a creamy and aromatic noodle curry with Burmese influences. The dish features soft egg noodles in a coconut milk-based curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard greens and lime. Perfect for adventurous eaters, it’s a must-try when exploring Chiang Mai.
7. Gaeng Keow Wan (aka Thai Green Curry): A Thai Classic
Thai Green Curry is a fragrant and spicy dish that captures the heart of Thai cooking. Made with green curry paste, coconut milk and a medley of vegetables or meat, it’s a vibrant dish best enjoyed with jasmine rice. The balance of sweetness and heat makes it a crowd-pleaser and a staple in Thailand’s culinary repertoire.
Tips for Eating Thai Food
Thailand’s diverse cuisine is a feast for the senses! Expect lots of chilli, fish sauce, basil, curry paste, shrimp paste, coconut milk, garlic and rice, among other flavours! A gentle reminder - if you’re a novice in Thai spicy food, always ask for the mildest option to test it out first. The level of spiciness in Thailand is scaled differently compared to what you may get at home.
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