Looking for the best Thai dishes? Youโve come to the right place! In this article, Iโll take you through some of the most mouthwatering Thai dishes youโve got to try.
From the deliciously rich khao soi soup to the bold and aromatic green curry and the ever-popular pad thai with shrimp, thereโs a dish for everyone.
My food journey started on the lively streets ofย Bangkok, where I fell in love with authentic Thai flavorsโa passion thatโs stuck with me ever since.
Whether at home or traveling, Iโm always hunting for incredible Thai food. Check out my list of 10 must-try Thai dishes and discover your new favorite. Ready to dive in? Letโs go!
Table of Contents
1. Khao Soi Soup: One of the Iconic Thai Dishes
At the top of my list is the beloved khao soi, a signature soup from northern Thailand. I first tasted this gem at Mr. Kai’s during our Chiang Mai trip, and Iโve been hooked ever since!
This amazing dish combines fragrant coconut milk soup with curry paste, crispy noodles (rice or egg), and tender meat (chicken or beef).
The vibrant yellow color comes from turmeric, and itโs topped off with pickles (like cabbage), shallots, or ground chili peppers.
Donโt forget the final touchโa generous squeeze of lime on top. It adds a refreshing tang that really makes the dish pop!
2. Pad Thai: One of the Iconic Thai Dishes
Of course, you canโt talk about iconic Thai dishes without mentioning the famous pad thai.
Even though visitors to Thailand often see pad thai as the heart of local cuisine, not all Thai people might agree. Still, itโs a dish loved by many.
Pad thai is made with rice noodles stir-fried with egg, bean sprouts, tamarind paste, fish sauce, tofu, and your choice of shrimp and/or pork. Itโs topped with crispy peanuts and a squeeze of lemon. The result is a simple yet flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweetness, spiciness, and saltiness.
One of my best pad thai experiences was at Thip Samai in Bangkok. If youโre in the area, itโs definitely worth checking out!
3. Phad Krapow Gai: Thai Basil Chicken
When youโre diving into the culinary delights of Thailand, you canโt miss phad krapow gai, also known as chicken with Thai basil.
This dish holds a special spot in our hearts, with its bold aroma of fried Thai basil bringing back great holiday memories.
Phad krapow gai is a tasty stir-fry made with tender chicken (or beef/pork) in a spicy brown sauce, mixed with fragrant Thai basil, which is different from the Italian kind.
For an extra treat, try adding a fried egg on top, like a sunny-side-up egg, and serve it with rice.
Just a heads-up: this dish is pretty spicy thanks to the chili peppers, so get ready for a flavorful kick with every bite!
4. Kaeng Khiao Waan: Green Curry
Number four on my must-try list of iconic Thai dishes isย kaeng kiao waan, a spicy delight featuringย green curry paste made fromย green chili peppers.
Usually made with pork or beef, but you might also find versions with tofu or seafood.
No matter what you choose, youโre in for a flavor explosion! The spicy kick is perfectly balanced by creamy coconut milk, while Thai eggplants and sweet basil add freshness and aroma.
And of course, no Thai meal is complete without rice to soak up all the amazing flavors. Each bite is a taste of heaven, making for an unforgettable culinary experience.
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5. Tom Yam Soup: One of the Iconic Thai Dishes
You definitely canโt miss tom yam when youโre in Thailandโitโs basically the queen of Thai soups. Youโll find it everywhere, from street food stalls to fancy restaurants.
This soup has a flavor thatโs kind of like Polish broth but with a spicy and sour Thai twist that makes it really memorable.
It usually comes withย shrimpย orย pork, but thereโs so much more going on.
The mix ofย mushrooms,ย lemongrass,ย kaffir lime leaves,ย galangal,ย fish sauce, and fieryย red chili peppersย creates an amazingย flavor explosion. Every spoonful is a little adventure.
For the best experience, donโt forget to add fresh coriander on top. It gives a fresh kick that makes the soup even better. You really donโt want to miss out on this one!
6. Boat Noodles
Another Thai dish I highly recommend is boat noodles. Itโs named after its history of being served from boats on Bangkokโs canals.
Originally, it was served in small bowls for convenience and safety, a tradition that still sticks even though youโll now find it served on land too.
The star of boat noodles is its rich broth, often flavored with pork and beef slices, marinated tofu, dark soy sauce, and a mix of spices that give it a unique taste. It also usually comes with meatballs and liver, adding extra depth and texture.
One of my favorite boat noodle experiences was at Lunglek Boat Noodles in Ayutthaya. This dish might look simple, but itโs packed with incredible flavor. Itโs definitely a must-try in my book! What do you think?
7. Kaeng Kari Kai: Yellow Curry
Another curry you definitely need to try is kaeng kari kai, made with a fragrant yellow paste.
Itโs one of the most popular and flavorful Thai dishes youโll find on the bustling streets of Thailand, and Iโve had the pleasure of savoring it firsthand.
Kaeng kari kai features tender chicken, creamy coconut milk for a touch of sweetness, and hearty chunks of potatoes. Its vibrant yellow color, similar to khao soi, comes from turmeric.
One of my most memorable experiences with this curry was at Khao Gaeng Jake in Bangkok. Watching it being prepared was amazing, and the taste was a culinary masterpiece that only cost me a dollar.
These are the kinds of moments that truly capture the essence of Asia. Donโt just take my word for itโtry it yourself and see the magic!
8. Som Tam: Papaya Salad
No trip to Thailand is complete without trying som tam, the spicy unripe papaya salad thatโs a true culinary sensation.
Despite its simple appearance, som tam offers a symphony of flavors, blending tangy lime, fiery chili, savory fish sauce, and the subtle sweetness of palm sugar.
The flavor experience is even more complex with additional ingredients like green beans, crab, carrots, or peanuts. Itโs one of the most flavorful salads Iโve had in Asiaโlight, refreshing, and perfect for cooling down in the Thai heat.
Som tamย is usually enjoyed with rice andย chicken, but itโs just as good with noodles.
For the ultimate som tam experience, I recommendย Mr. Kaiย in Chiang Mai, though I also had a fantastic version at one of theย Krua Apsornย spots in Bangkok.
9. Tom Kha Gai: Coconut Soup
The next dish I wholeheartedly recommend is the delightful tom kha gai soup.
This soup is unique in its perfect balance between moderate spiciness and sweet undertones, thanks to the generous use of creamy coconut milk.
Itโs packed with aromatic ingredients likeย galangal,ย kaffir lime leaves,ย lemongrass, andย coriander, which create a symphony of flavors.
Tenderย chickenย pieces, earthy mushrooms, and a hint ofย fish sauceย andย lime juiceย add to the depth of the soup.
The result is a wonderfully nuanced soup that’s slightly spicy, refreshingly sour, and rich from the coconut milk. For anyone who loves Asian soups, tom kha gai is a must-try!
10. Mango Sticky Rice: One of the Iconic Thai Dishes
Thereโs hardly anyone who hasnโt heard of Thailandโs most beloved dessertโmango sticky rice. A trip to the Land of Smiles isnโt complete without trying this iconic Thai dish!
Youโll find mango sticky rice everywhere, from street stalls to high-end restaurants, and it rarely disappoints.
This delightful dessert is a perfect counterbalance to the spiciness of Thai food, with its sweet and sour flavors. Itโs a simple yet satisfying treat, featuring steamed sticky rice soaked in creamy coconut milk and served with slices of ripe, juicy mango.
In my opinion, mango sticky rice captures the essence of Thailandโa blend of simplicity, flavor, and cultural richness. Iโve enjoyed it from a street vendor in Bangkok and even learned to make it on a Thai farm.
If youโre keen to recreate this delicious treat at home, you can find a recipe for mango sticky rice here. Donโt miss out on this quintessential Thai dessert!
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10 Iconic Thai Dishes: Summary
Thailand offers one of the worldโs finest cuisines, taking you on a culinary journey that delights every palate. From aromatic soups to flavorful curries and indulgent desserts, Thai food is all about vibrant spices and diverse flavors.
I hope this article has inspired you to try some iconic Thai dishes. If so, feel free to share it with your friends and spread the culinary joy!
And if youโve visited Thailand, Iโd love to hear your Thai food recommendations in the comments below. Your tips could help fellow travelers on their own gastronomic adventures.
Mango Rice and Pad Thai were my favourite dishes when I was there! I basically lived on them. This is a really great list of amazing dishes though!
Mango is so good in Thailand so it is a sin not to eat it every day ๐
I’ve tried Pad Thai (like most people), but never heard of the other options, so thanks so much for sharing
Katie | katieemmabeauty.co
You have to try the other dishes when you’ll be in Thailand or try to cook them at home ๐ I’ve shared some recipes here: https://runawayann.com/en/blog/2017/04/18/thai-farm-cooking-school-amazing-thing-to-do-in-chiang-mai/