Thailand is world-renowned for its vibrant and diverse cuisine. Whether you’re dining in a fancy restaurant or picking up street food from a local vendor, Thailand offers an abundance of flavors and experiences that are sure to delight any food lover. From sweet and spicy dishes to tangy and sour soups, there’s something for everyone.
When visiting Thailand, you’ll undoubtedly be indulging in some of the best food in the world. Whether you’re a foodie seeking out unique experiences or simply someone who enjoys trying new things, Thai food is an essential part of the journey. Thai cuisine combines bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques passed down through generations.
For anyone wondering what food should I try in Thailand, the options are seemingly endless. To help narrow down the list, here’s a comprehensive guide to the must-try dishes in Thailand, including where to find them and why they are essential to your Thai culinary adventure.
A Deep Dive into Thai Cuisine
Thai food is much more than Pad Thai or Tom Yum Goong; it is a diverse and flavorful mix of dishes from different regions of the country. Each area of Thailand boasts its own unique flavor profile, shaped by its geography and history. For example, northern Thai cuisine, heavily influenced by Burmese flavors, tends to be milder and use more herbs. On the other hand, southern Thai cuisine is known for its heat and the use of coconut.
Thai food culture places great emphasis on the use of fresh ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, chili, and kaffir lime leaves, giving the dishes a fresh, aromatic quality. Whether you’re enjoying a simple street food snack or a lavish dinner spread, Thai food offers a range of tastes and textures that make it one of the most popular cuisines globally.
If you’re looking for a more detailed guide to traditional Thai dishes, check out this comprehensive list of must-try traditional Thai dishes to learn more about the cuisine that defines Thailand.
Must-Try Dishes in Thailand
When you ask what food should I try in Thailand, the following dishes should be at the top of your list:
1. Pad Thai: The Iconic Thai Dish
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes, known worldwide for its balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. The dish consists of stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts, all tossed in a tamarind-based sauce. Chefs often prepare it with shrimp or chicken, and the dish is garnished with lime wedges and chili flakes.
- Ingredients: Rice noodles, tofu, eggs, tamarind sauce, peanuts
- Where to try it: Every corner of Thailand offers Pad Thai, from street vendors to high-end restaurants.
As a must-try for anyone visiting Thailand, Pad Thai truly captures the essence of the country’s street food culture. For a deeper exploration of the best dishes in Thailand, you can find more recommendations at Asia Highlights’ list of best Thai dishes.
2. Tom Yum Goong: Hot and Sour Soup
Another iconic Thai dish is Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour soup that features shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. The soup’s fiery kick comes from its chili paste and fish sauce seasoning.
- Ingredients: Shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, lime leaves, chili paste
- Variations: Tom Yum with chicken, pork, or tofu
- Health benefits: This dish is rich in antioxidants and great for boosting immunity.
With its intense flavors, Tom Yum Goong perfectly represents the sour and spicy elements of Thai cuisine. You can find it in virtually any restaurant across Thailand.
3. Som Tum: Green Papaya Salad
Som Tum is a refreshing and tangy green papaya salad from the Isaan region of northeastern Thailand. This dish combines shredded green papaya with chilies, garlic, peanuts, and lime juice, offering a refreshing yet spicy flavor.
- Ingredients: Green papaya, chili, garlic, lime juice, peanuts
- Best places to try: Street markets, especially in Chiang Mai and Bangkok
Because of its spicy kick, Som Tum is particularly famous, so be sure to ask for a milder version if you are not used to spicy food.
4. Pad Krapow Moo Saap: Stir-Fried Pork with Basil
This beloved dish features stir-fried minced pork with Thai basil and chilies, served over rice with a fried egg on top. Pad Krapow is quick, simple, and full of flavor, making it one of the most popular street foods in Thailand.
- Ingredients: Minced pork, Thai basil, chilies, rice
- Variations: You can ask for chicken or tofu if you prefer a vegetarian version.
The bold flavors of Thai basil and chilies make Pad Krapow a satisfying and flavorful meal.
5. Khao Soi: Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodles
A signature dish from northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a rich, coconut-based curry served with egg noodles and topped with crispy noodles. This dish often includes chicken or beef, offering a hearty and warming meal that’s perfect for colder evenings.
- Ingredients: Egg noodles, coconut milk, curry paste, chicken or beef
- Where to try: The best Khao Soi is found in Chiang Mai, where the dish originates.
Khao Soi blends creamy and spicy flavors, making it a standout in northern Thai cuisine.
6. Massaman Curry: A Rich, Flavorful Experience
Massaman Curry is a milder, sweeter curry compared to Thai red or green curries. Influenced by Indian and Muslim traders, Massaman Curry uses potatoes, peanuts, cinnamon, and cardamom to create a complex mix of spices.
- Ingredients: Potatoes, peanuts, cinnamon, cardamom, coconut milk
- Where to try: You can find this dish across restaurants in Thailand, especially in the southern regions.
7. Mango Sticky Rice: A Sweet Thai Treat
For dessert, you can’t miss Mango Sticky Rice, a popular Thai sweet made with glutinous rice, fresh mango slices, and a generous drizzle of coconut milk.
- Ingredients: Sticky rice, coconut milk, ripe mangoes
- Where to try: Street vendors and dessert shops all over Thailand serve this beloved dessert.
Mango Sticky Rice is especially enjoyable during Thailand’s mango season, which typically occurs between April and May.
8. Gaeng Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry
Thai Green Curry, or Gaeng Keow Wan, is another essential dish. Made with green chili paste, coconut milk, and a combination of vegetables and meat, the dish provides a spicy and fragrant experience.
- Ingredients: Green chili paste, coconut milk, vegetables, chicken or beef
- Where to try: Every Thai restaurant offers its own version of green curry, making it easy to find.
The vibrant green color and balanced mix of spicy and sweet flavors make this curry a must-have in Thai cuisine.
9. Thai Street Food: Essential Dishes to Try
No visit to Thailand would be complete without sampling the street food. Thai street food offers a variety of dishes, from savory snacks to sweet treats. Some essential street food items include:
- Grilled pork skewers (Moo Ping)
- Fried banana fritters (Kluay Tod)
- Coconut ice cream (I-Tim Kati)
Street food is an integral part of Thai culture, and markets like Chatuchak and Or Tor Kor in Bangkok are perfect places to dive into the vibrant food scene.
The Thai Food Experience
Exploring Thai cuisine is not only about eating; it’s about experiencing the culture and traditions that go hand in hand with it. Here’s how you can fully immerse yourself in the Thai food experience:
Famous Food Markets and Food Tours
Thailand is home to some of the most exciting food markets in the world, offering a wide range of dishes in one place. Popular markets include:
- Chatuchak Market in Bangkok
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
To deepen your understanding of Thai food culture, consider joining a local food tour. These tours will take you to hidden gems and allow you to try authentic dishes while learning about the history behind them.
The Role of Thai Spices and Herbs
Thai cuisine wouldn’t be the same without its iconic herbs and spices, such as:
- Lemongrass
- Galangal
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Chilies
These ingredients not only enhance the flavor of dishes but also offer numerous health benefits, making Thai food both delicious and nutritious.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options in Thailand
For those following a plant-based diet, Thailand offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. Popular vegetarian dishes include:
- Pad Thai Jay (Vegetarian Pad Thai)
- Som Tum Jay (Vegetarian Green Papaya Salad)
- Gaeng Keow Wan Jay (Vegetarian Green Curry)
Many restaurants in Thailand are flexible and will happily prepare vegetarian versions of traditional dishes. Be sure to ask for “Jay,” which means vegan, when ordering.
FAQ
What is the most famous food in Thailand?
Pad Thai is often considered the most famous Thai dish, known for its harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Is Thai street food safe to eat?
Yes, Thai street food is generally safe if you follow basic hygiene rules, such as eating from busy stalls with high turnover.
What food is Thailand famous for besides Pad Thai?
Besides Pad Thai, Thailand is famous for dishes like Tom Yum Goong, Massaman Curry, and Som Tum.
What should I not eat in Thailand?
It is best to avoid raw or undercooked meat and be cautious with ice and tap water in less developed areas.
Is Thai food spicy?
Many Thai dishes are spicy, but not all of them. Always ask for less spice if you’re not accustomed to heat.
Conclusion
Thai cuisine offers an incredible variety of flavors and dishes that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the bold spices of Tom Yum Goong to the sweet simplicity of Mango Sticky Rice, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re exploring street food stalls or enjoying a traditional Thai meal, be sure to try these must-eat dishes during your visit to Thailand.
