What to Eat
Thai cuisine is one of the most flavorful in the world, known for its perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor or dining in a local restaurant, there’s a dish for every palate. Here’s a guide to the must-eat dishes in Thailand.
1. Pad Thai
Perhaps Thailand’s most famous dish, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. It's often garnished with lime and chili flakes for an extra kick.
Where to Try: Almost every street food stall in Thailand serves Pad Thai, but Pad Thai Thip Samai in Bangkok is particularly famous for its delicious and authentic take on the dish.
2. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
This iconic Thai soup is a mix of spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors, made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and fish sauce. The soup’s heat comes from fresh chilies, and it’s often served with mushrooms and cilantro.
Where to Try: Tom Yum Kung in Bangkok serves a delightful version of this dish, but you can find it at most Thai restaurants.
3. Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
Green curry is a fragrant and creamy dish made from green curry paste, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables and meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork. The dish is spicy but balanced by the richness of coconut milk.
Where to Try: For an authentic taste of green curry, head to Siam Square or try a local restaurant in Chiang Mai.
4. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
This vibrant and zesty salad is made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, lime, and fish sauce, with a generous amount of chilies for heat. It's usually served with sticky rice and can be made with or without dried shrimp.
Where to Try: Street vendors in areas like Chatuchak Market in Bangkok or Night Markets in Chiang Mai serve some of the best Som Tum.
5. Massaman Curry
A unique Thai curry with Persian and Indian influences, Massaman curry is mild and rich, made with coconut milk, peanuts, potatoes, and a variety of spices like cinnamon and cardamom. It’s often served with beef or chicken.
Where to Try: Blue Elephant Restaurant in Bangkok is known for its excellent Massaman curry.
6. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
A popular Thai dessert, Mango Sticky Rice consists of sweet coconut sticky rice paired with ripe, juicy mango slices. It’s often topped with mung beans or sesame seeds for crunch.
Where to Try: Mae Varee in Bangkok is famous for its delicious Mango Sticky Rice, but you'll find it in most Thai restaurants and markets.
7. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
This simple yet flavorful dish consists of stir-fried rice with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat (usually chicken, pork, or shrimp). It’s commonly served with a wedge of lime and cucumber on the side.
Where to Try: You’ll find Khao Pad at street food stalls across Thailand, but Khao Pad Sapparot (pineapple fried rice) is a delicious twist on the classic.
8. Pad Krapow (Basil Stir-Fry)
Pad Krapow is a stir-fried dish made with minced meat (often chicken or pork), Thai basil, garlic, chilies, and fish sauce. It’s served with rice and often topped with a fried egg. It’s a favorite lunch dish among locals.
Where to Try: Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok is full of street vendors serving up delicious Pad Krapow, especially Jay Fai for an upscale twist.
9. Khao Soi
This northern Thai specialty is a rich and aromatic curry noodle soup made with egg noodles in a coconut milk-based broth, topped with crispy noodles, pickled mustard greens, and lime. It’s typically served with chicken or beef.
Where to Try: Khao Soi Khun Yai in Chiang Mai serves some of the best versions of this dish.
10. Sate (Satay)
Satay is a delicious street food snack consisting of skewered meat (often chicken or pork) marinated in spices, grilled, and served with a side of peanut sauce. It’s a great option for those looking for something savory on the go.
Where to Try: Sate vendors are common in Bangkok’s Chinatown and around markets, offering fresh and flavorful skewers.
11. Laab (Larb)
Laab is a zesty, refreshing dish made with minced meat (often chicken or pork), lime, mint, onions, and toasted rice powder. It's a great dish for those who enjoy a mix of spicy, sour, and fresh flavors.
Where to Try: Laab Udon in Chiang Mai is renowned for its authentic take on Laab, but it’s commonly available at northern Thai restaurants.
12. Pla Pao (Grilled Fish)
Pla Pao is a traditional Thai dish where fish (often tilapia or snapper) is coated in salt and grilled over open flames. It’s usually served with a spicy, sour dipping sauce and fresh herbs.
Where to Try: Talad Rot Fai Market in Bangkok is known for offering freshly grilled fish served with aromatic sauces.
13. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
No meal in Thailand is complete without a refreshing glass of Thai Iced Tea. This sweet, creamy beverage is made with strong black tea, condensed milk, and sugar, and is served chilled with ice.
Where to Try: You can find Cha Yen at almost every Thai restaurant or street food stall in Thailand. It’s also available at many 7-Eleven stores.
14. Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Soup)
This mild, creamy soup is made with chicken, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s both comforting and fragrant, offering a perfect balance of flavor.
Where to Try: Many Thai restaurants serve Tom Kha Gai, but you can find one of the best versions at Bua Khao in Chiang Mai.
15. Roti (Thai Pancake)
A popular street snack, Roti is a Thai-style pancake often filled with sweet toppings like banana and chocolate, or savory options like egg and cheese. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Where to Try: You’ll find Roti vendors in many night markets, especially in Bangkok’s Ratchada Night Market.
Pro Tip: Street Food Adventures
One of the best ways to experience Thai cuisine is through its street food culture. Head to local night markets or food stalls, where you can try everything from satay to som tum for a true taste of Thailand.
Thai food is all about balance—sweet, salty, sour, and spicy—so be prepared to enjoy a wide array of flavors that’ll excite your taste buds. Whether you’re snacking on street food or dining at a restaurant, Thailand’s culinary offerings are sure to leave you craving more!
