Food in Thailand is a journey of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Thai cuisine is known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spice tastes. Whether it’s a simple bowl of Pad Thai, a spicy bowl of Tom Yum, or a delicious green curry, this cuisine offers something for every palate. Street food stalls are a big part of the experience, offering fresh and tasty snacks that are full of flavor. Thailand’s food is made with fresh herbs and ingredients like lemongrass chili and basil, which makes every bit a delight. From bustling markets to high-end restaurants, exploring Thai cuisine dishes is a must for any travelers looking to discover the country’s rich culinary culture.
Top 11 Food In Thailand That You Cannot Miss
Thailand is a food lover’s paradise, offering a perfect blend of various flavors to make your trip memorable. From aromatic curries to refreshing desserts, every dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and culture. Below is our handpicked list of the top 11 foods in Thailand you simply cannot miss.
Pad Thai
The very first dish in our list is the Pad Thai which is a popular stir-fried noodle dish. It is made with rich noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, and vegetables like bean sprouts and chives. The dish gets its unique flavor from tamarind paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. It is typically served with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Sometimes, chili flakes are added for extra spice. It is loved for its balance of sweet and spicy tastes. You can try this dish anywhere in Thailand, from small-street vendors to high-end restaurants. The best part about this famous dish in Thailand is that you can customize it as per your personal tastes and preferences.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a famous Thai cuisine dish that is loved around the world. It is a hot and sour soup made with shrimp (goong), fresh herbs, and spices. The key ingredients include lemongrass kaffir lime leaves, galangal fish sauce lime juice, and Thai bird’s eye chilies. These ingredients give Tom Yum Goong its unique spicy flavor. The soup is often served with mushrooms making it even more delicious. It’s known for its bold combinations of spicy and salty tastes. If you are in Thailand, you can try Tom Yum Goong at places like Pratunam in Bangkok or Jim Thompson House. These spots are famous for serving authentic versions of this dish. If you don’t like spicy food then you can order this soup in a milder version with coconut milk.
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Khao Soi
Khao Soi is another popular food dish from northern Thailand especially in Chiang Mai. It’s a type of noodle soup with a rich, flavourful curry broth. The dish combines both crispy noodles and soft egg noodles topped with a fragrant coconut-based curry. It is usually served with chicken or beef but you can also find vegetarian versions. The broth is made from a mix of coconut milk curry paste and spices, giving it a creamy yet spicy taste. Khao Soi is often enjoyed with side condiments like pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime to add extra flavor. To try Khao Soi in Thailand, head to places like Khao Soi Mae Sai or Khao Soi Islam in Chiang Mai, which are known for their authentic flavor.
Green Papaya Salad
Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tum, is a popular dish in food in Thailand. It is made from shredded green papaya mixed with ingredients like chili garlic, lime fish sauce, and peanuts. The salad is usually served with a side of sticky rice or grilled chicken. In Thailand, you can find it in street markets, restaurants, and local eateries. Some of the best places to try Som Tum are in the bustline markets of Bangkok or at famous spots in Chiang Mai, where the dish is prepared fresh right in front of you. You can customize it with extra ingredients like dried shrimp or salted crab. The spiciness from the chilies, the tanginess from the lime, and the saltiness from the fish sauce come together to create perfect balance.
Mango Sticky Rice
After trying spicy and salty dishes it’s time to know more about the popular and delicious dessert from Thailand food – Mango Sticky Rice. It is made of sticky rice, sweet coconut milk, and fresh mango slices. The rice is steamed until it becomes soft and sticky, then mixed with coconut milk to give it a creamy texture. The mango used is usually ripe and sweet, making it the perfect combination with rice. This dessert is a favorite in Thailand, especially during the mango season, which lasts from March to May. It is served as a refreshing treat after meals or as a street food snack. The creamy, sweet, and slightly salty flavor makes it a must-try dish for anyone visiting Thailand. Some of the best places to try Mango Sticky Rice include local markets like Chatuchak Market in Bangkok or Tha Kha Floating Market.
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Red Curry
Red Curry, which is also known as the Gaeng Paed in the local language, is a popular Thai cuisine dish. It is made from red curry paste, which contains ingredients like dried red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and spices like cumin and coriander. This paste is mixed with coconut milk to create a rich, creamy, and mildly spicy sauce. The curry can include a variety of meats such as chicken, beef, or pork and is often paired with vegetables like bamboo shoots or bell peppers. The dish is served with steamed jasmine rice, which helps balance the spicy flavor. Red curry is also a staple food in Thai homes and restaurants loved for its combination of heat and sweetness from coconut milk. Some of the best places to try red curry are in Bangkok at Thip Samai or in Chiang Mai at Khao Soi Nimman.
Khao Pad
Khao Pad, or known as Thai fried rice, is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand. It is made with jasmine rice, which gives it a fragrant aroma and soft texture. The dish is cooked with vegetables, eggs, and a choice of meat like chicken, pork, or shrimp. It is seasoned with soy sauce, fish sauce, and sometimes a hint of sugar. Many people enjoy Khao Pad with a side of fresh cucumber and a squeeze of lime. In Thailand, you might also find Thai pad noodles served alongside, offering a similar taste and texture. These noodles are often cooked in the same savory style and are a favorite of locals and tourists. For the best experience, head to local markets or famous street food spots in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket.
Fried Basil and Pork
Fried Basil and Park, locally known as Pad Krapow Moo, is one of the most popular foods in Thailand. This dish is made with ground pork stir-fried with fresh Thai basil, garlic, and chili, giving it a spicy and flavourful taste. It is often served with rice and topped with a fried egg. The egg adds richness and balances the spiciness of the dish. The key ingredient is Thai basil, which has a strong aromatic flavor that makes the dish unique. You can find basil and pork in many street food markets across Thailand. It is a favorite for both locals and tourists. Some of the best places to try this dish are in Bangkok’s street food stalls, particularly in areas like Chinatown or Khao San Road.
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Gaeng Keow Wan Gai
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai is a Thai dish that you must try when visiting Thailand. It’s a green chicken curry made with coconut milk, green curry paste, and a variety of herbs and spices. The main ingredient is chicken, which is cooked in a curry, absorbing all the delicious flavors. The green curry paste is made from fresh green chilies, lemongrass garlic, and other spices, giving it a unique taste. This dish is often served with steamed jasmine rice, which helps balance the spicy and creamy sauce. You can find this food at many street food stalls and restaurants across Thailand. Some great places to try this dish are in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Chiang Mai, or famous restaurants like Thip Samai and Som Tam Nua.
Poh Pia Tod
Poh Pia tod is a dish that is enjoyed as a snack or appetizer by the locals. It is also known as the Thai spring rolls as the dish consists of thin crispy wrappers filled with a mix of vegetables, glass noodles and sometimes meat like shrimp or chicken. The rolls are deep-fried until golden brown, giving them a crunchy texture. This Thai food dish is often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce that adds flavor. Some of the best places to try Poh Pia tod in Thailand include Chinatown in Bangkok and the night markets in Chiang Mai. These spots offer freshly made rolls that capture the authentic taste of Thai street food.
Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew means stir-fried soy sauce noodles, which feature wide flat rice noodles cooked with dark and light soy sauces. The dish included Chinese broccoli egg and a choice of meat like chicken, pork or beef. The noodles are stir-fried in a hot wok, which adds a smoky flavor. This cooking method comes from Chinese immigrants who brought their stir-fry techniques to Thailand. In Bangkok, you can enjoy Pad See Ew at many places, like the food court at Siam Paragon Mall. Another option is the street food stalls along Banthat Thong Road, known for their authentic Thai cuisine dish. Trying Pad See Ew is a great way to experience the flavors of Thai food.
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Food in Thailand FAQs
What are Pad Thai noodles?
Thai Pad noodles are a classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, tamarind sauce, eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken and garnished with peanuts, lime, and bean sprouts. It is a flavorful, tangy, and slightly sweet dish that is popular worldwide as it is Thailand’s national dish.
Is Thailand cheap for food?
Thailand is renowned for its affordable and delicious Thai food. Street food, in particular, is budget-friendly, offering meals for as little as 30 to 50 BAHT. Even in restaurants, food prices are comparatively lower, making it an excellent destination for culinary enthusiasts on a budget.
What are some must-try foods in Thailand?
Must-try foods in Thailand include Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Green Curry Mango Sticky Rice Som Tum (Papaya salad), Pad Kra Pao (stir-fried basil) and Massaman curry. Each dish showcases a unique blend of flavors, from spicy and sour to sweet and savory.
What are some of the best foods in Thailand for vegetarians?
Vegetarians can savor dishes like Pad Thai Jay, which is vegetarian Pad Thai noodles, Green Curry with Tofu, Som Tum (Papaya Salad without fish sauce), vegetable spring rolls, and stir-fried morning glory. Thai cuisine dishes offer various flavorful vegetarian options that highlight fresh ingredients and bold spices without worrying about the food and enjoying your trip.
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