Looking for the best Thai dishes? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, I’ll take you through some of the most mouthwatering Thai dishes you’ve 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, there’s a dish for everyone.
My food journey started on the lively streets of Bangkok, where I fell in love with authentic Thai flavors—a passion that’s stuck with me ever since.
Whether at home or traveling, I’m 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? Let’s go!
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 I’ve 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 it’s topped off with pickles (like cabbage), shallots, or ground chili peppers.
Don’t forget the final touch—a 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 can’t 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, it’s 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. It’s 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 you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out!
3. Phad Krapow Gai: Thai Basil Chicken
When you’re diving into the culinary delights of Thailand, you can’t 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 is kaeng kiao waan, a spicy delight featuring green curry paste made from green chili peppers.
Usually made with pork or beef, but you might also find versions with tofu or seafood.
No matter what you choose, you’re 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.
5. Tom Yam Soup: One of the Iconic Thai Dishes
You definitely can’t miss tom yam when you’re in Thailand—it’s basically the queen of Thai soups. You’ll find it everywhere, from street food stalls to fancy restaurants.
This soup has a flavor that’s kind of like Polish broth but with a spicy and sour Thai twist that makes it really memorable.
It usually comes with shrimp or pork, but there’s so much more going on.
The mix of mushrooms, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, and fiery red chili peppers creates an amazing flavor explosion. Every spoonful is a little adventure.
For the best experience, don’t forget to add fresh coriander on top. It gives a fresh kick that makes the soup even better. You really don’t want to miss out on this one!
6. Boat Noodles
Another Thai dish I highly recommend is boat noodles. It’s named after its history of being served from boats on Bangkok’s canals.
Originally, it was served in small bowls for convenience and safety, a tradition that still sticks even though you’ll 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 it’s packed with incredible flavor. It’s 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.
It’s one of the most popular and flavorful Thai dishes you’ll find on the bustling streets of Thailand, and I’ve 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. Don’t just take my word for it—try 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 that’s 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. It’s one of the most flavorful salads I’ve had in Asia—light, refreshing, and perfect for cooling down in the Thai heat.
Som tam is usually enjoyed with rice and chicken, but it’s just as good with noodles.
For the ultimate som tam experience, I recommend Mr. Kai in Chiang Mai, though I also had a fantastic version at one of the Krua Apsorn 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.
It’s packed with aromatic ingredients like galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and coriander, which create a symphony of flavors.
Tender chicken pieces, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of fish sauce and lime juice 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
There’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of Thailand’s most beloved dessert—mango sticky rice. A trip to the Land of Smiles isn’t complete without trying this iconic Thai dish!
You’ll 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. It’s 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 Thailand—a blend of simplicity, flavor, and cultural richness. I’ve enjoyed it from a street vendor in Bangkok and even learned to make it on a Thai farm.
If you’re keen to recreate this delicious treat at home, you can find a recipe for mango sticky rice here. Don’t miss out on this quintessential Thai dessert!
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10 Iconic Thai Dishes: Summary
Thailand offers one of the world’s 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 you’ve visited Thailand, I’d 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 😉
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 😉 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/