Thailand is regarding as culinary paradise because of the unique (and delicious) food that you can enjoy in Thai cuisine. Thai food caters to a variety of tongues and wallets - from bustling street food stalls to elegant restaurants, the country offers a mix of amazing flavors, aromas, and textures that will leave you craving more. And, it gets pretty spicy!
This What to Eat in Thailand thread is specifically to talk about Thai food - the best dishes to try, the must-eat recipies and bizarre foods that others may tell you to avoid (or not even tell you about!). Hopefully, it helps a hungry traveller with some inspiration (and information) to taste some incredible Thai specialties.
Some of the best places to try these dishes are the street food markets in Khaosan area (Bangkok), Chiang Mai night market, Phuket, among many more cities and towns. You can also find many local warungs all over the island. While street food is mostly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian versions that you can find without difficulty
Here’s a list of the most popular Thai foods that I can quickly recollect spotting in the street food shops and the night markets:
Food (some of these are vegetarian friendly):
- Pad Thai: A harmonious blend of stir-fried noodles, tofu or shrimp, crunchy peanuts, fresh bean sprouts, and scrambled egg with a squeeze of lime.
- Tom Yum Goong: A symphony of hot, sour, salty, and sweet flavors in a single bowl. This iconic soup features succulent shrimp, earthy mushrooms, fragrant lemongrass, zesty kaffir lime leaves, and a touch of fiery chili.
- Som Tum: This vibrant green papaya salad is a medley of shredded papaya, juicy tomatoes, crunchy peanuts, and savory dried shrimp, all tossed in a tangy dressing that will leave you wanting more.
- Massaman Curry: Indulge in the creamy richness of this mild curry, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, with chunks of chicken or meat and potatoes and peanuts.
- Green Curry: Cooked with green herbs and spices, this coconut milk-based curry has Fragrant basil, fiery chilies, and tender bamboo shoots combined with your choice of meat or veggies
- Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet embrace of fluffy sticky rice, perfectly ripe mango slices, and a drizzle of creamy coconut milk. This dessert is a celebration of simple yet exquisite flavors.
- Panang Curry: A velvety smooth curry that’s slightly sweet and incredibly satisfying. Red curry paste, rich coconut milk, and fragrant kaffir lime leaves create a luxurious sauce that pairs perfectly with tender veggies or meat.
- Thai Fish Cakes: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside fish patties are infused with aromatic red curry paste and herbs, then served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce for the ultimate contrast of flavors.
- Khao Pad: Thailand’s take on fried rice is a delicious medley of fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, scrambled eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal.
- Moo Ping: Grilled and marinated pork skewers with flavors of garlic, coriander root, and soy sauce
- Boat Noodles: Embark on a culinary adventure with this flavorful noodle soup, traditionally served from boats floating along Thailand’s canals. Choose from meat, and savor the rich broth infused with herbs and spices.
Note: If you are vegetarian, it is important to confirm what ingredients have been used - for example, Chilli paste sometimes has crushed Shrimp (both are red), or soups are typically cooked in meat broth.
Popular Drinks:
- Thai Iced Tea: Quench your thirst with this iconic beverage. Black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of cream create a refreshing and indulgent drink that’s perfect for a hot day.
- Nam Manglak: Cool down with this revitalizing basil seed drink. The tiny seeds create a unique texture, and the addition of sweet syrup makes it a delightful and thirst-quenching treat.
- Chang Beer: Toast to your Thai adventure with this popular local beer. Its crisp and refreshing flavor makes it an ideal companion for spicy dishes and warm weather.
- Sangsom Rum: For a taste of Thai spirits, try Sangsom rum. Often enjoyed with soda or cola, it’s a smooth and flavorful choice for those seeking a local libation.
Have you had any of these dishes? Which one did you like best? Want to suggest more Thai foods? Share them here as responses/comments on this thread. This will be very helpful to fellow travellers and members of this travel community who are planning a trip to Thailand.
