Embark on a culinary adventure in Thailand, a haven for food enthusiasts. My journey began amidst the vibrant streets of Bangkok, where I fell in love with authentic Asian cuisine – a passion that still burns brightly. Whether in Poland or abroad, I am drawn to eateries serving iconic Thai dishes, captivated by the irresistible aroma of khao soi soup, the tantalizing flavors of green curry, and the timeless appeal of pad thai with shrimp.
Curious about Thailand’s culinary treasures? Below, I present a tantalizing list of 10 must-try Thai dishes for your gastronomic exploration of this captivating land. Discover your favorite and share the joy of Thai cuisine with me!
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 predominantly enjoyed in northern Thailand. My first encounter with this culinary gem was at Mr. Kai’s during our Chiang Mai sojourn, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
This delectable dish boasts a harmonious blend of fragrant coconut milk soup and curry paste, accompanied by crispy noodles (either rice or egg) and tender pieces of meat (be it chicken or beef).
Khao soi’s vibrant yellow hue is courtesy of turmeric, while its complexity is further enriched by the addition of assorted pickles (such as cabbage), shallots, or ground chili peppers.
And let’s not overlook the final touch – a generous squeeze of lime atop the soup, adding a refreshing sour note that elevates the entire culinary experience.
2. Pad Thai: One of the Iconic Thai Dishes
Of course, no list of iconic Thai dishes would be complete without the famous pad thai.
While visitors to Thailand often consider this dish to be the cornerstone of the local cuisine, Thai people themselves may not necessarily share the same sentiment. Nevertheless, pad thai remains a beloved culinary icon.
This dish features rice noodles stir-fried in a wok with egg, bean sprouts, tamarind paste, fish sauce, tofu, and a choice of shrimp and/or pork. The finishing touches include a sprinkle of crispy peanuts and a squeeze of lemon. Pad thai captivates with its simplicity yet offers a remarkable explosion of flavors. It’s a delightful balance of sweetness, spiciness, and saltiness.
My most memorable pad thai experience was at Thip Samai in Bangkok. If you’re ever in the area, it’s an absolute must-visit!
3. Phad Krapow Gai: Thai Basil Chicken
When exploring the culinary wonders of the Land of Smiles, one specialty you simply cannot miss is phad krapow gai, better known as chicken with Thai basil.
This dish holds a special place in our hearts, its robust aroma of fried Thai basil evoking cherished memories of holiday times.
A nutritious stir-fry, phad krapow gai features tender chicken (or beef/pork) cooked in a spicy brown sauce alongside fragrant Thai basil (distinct from its Italian counterpart).
For an extra indulgence, I recommend pairing it with a fried egg on top, reminiscent of sunny-side-up eggs, served alongside rice.
However, a word of caution: thanks to the fiery kick of chili peppers, this dish packs quite a punch in terms of spiciness! So brace yourself for an exhilarating flavor adventure with every bite.
4. Kaeng Khiao Waan: Green Curry
Ranked fourth on my must-try list of iconic Thai dishes is kaeng kiao waan, a delectably spicy dish featuring green curry paste made from green chili peppers.
Typically served with pork or beef, I’ve also encountered versions with tofu or seafood.
Regardless of your choice, one thing is certain – it’s a flavor explosion! The fiery heat of the dish is beautifully balanced by the addition of creamy coconut milk, while Thai eggplants and sweet basil lend their freshness and aroma.
Of course, no Thai meal is complete without a side of rice to soak up all the delicious flavors. Each mouthful is a little drop of heaven, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.
5. Tom Yam Soup: One of the Iconic Thai Dishes
The next culinary delight you simply can’t miss in Thailand is the queen of Thai soups – tom yam. This iconic dish is ubiquitous, found everywhere from humble street food stalls to upscale restaurants.
Its tantalizing flavor profile, reminiscent of Polish broth but with a distinctly Thai twist of spiciness and sourness, is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Tom yam’s main ingredients typically include shrimp or pork, but its complexity extends far beyond that.
A medley of mushrooms, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, and fiery red chili peppers come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each spoonful is a culinary adventure waiting to be savored.
For the ultimate tom yam experience, don’t forget to garnish generously with fresh coriander – it adds a delightful burst of freshness that complements the soup perfectly. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this culinary masterpiece!
6. Boat Noodles
Another Thai food I highly recommend experiencing is the flavorful noodle dish known as boat noodles, aptly named for its historical association with being served from boats navigating the canals of Bangkok.
Traditionally, to ensure convenience and safety for buyers, it was served in small bowls – a practice that continues today, even though the dish is now commonly available on land.
The heart of boat noodles lies in its rich broth, typically flavored with pork and beef slices, marinated tofu, dark soy sauce, and an array of spices that contribute to its distinctive taste. Additionally, this dish often features meatballs and liver, adding depth and texture to every spoonful.
My personal favorite boat noodles experience was at Lunglek Boat Noodles, a quaint restaurant tucked away in Ayutthaya. These seemingly unassuming yet incredibly flavorful iconic Thai dishes are a definite must-try in my book. What about you?
7. Kaeng Kari Kai: Yellow Curry
Another curry that should be at the top of your list to try is the delectable kaeng kari kai, crafted from a base of fragrant yellow paste.
Renowned as one of the most popular and flavorsome Thai dishes found on the bustling streets of Thailand- an experience I’ve savored firsthand.
Alongside the yellow curry paste, kaeng kari kai features tender chicken, creamy coconut milk for sweetness, and hearty chunks of potatoes. Its vibrant yellow hue, reminiscent of khao soi, is owed to the inclusion of turmeric.
One of the most memorable experiences with this curry was at Khao Gaeng Jake in Bangkok, where I witnessed its preparation firsthand. The result? A truly delicious culinary masterpiece that didn’t dent my pockets, costing no more than a dollar.
It’s moments like these that truly epitomize the essence of Asia. Don’t just take my word for it – give it a try and experience the magic yourself!
8. Som Tam: Papaya Salad
No journey through Thailand would be complete without indulging in som tam, the spicy unripe papaya salad that’s a culinary sensation.
Despite its apparent simplicity, som tam boasts a symphony of flavors, combining the tanginess of lime, the fiery kick of chili, the savory umami of fish sauce, and the subtle sweetness of palm sugar.
This multidimensional taste experience is further enhanced by additional ingredients such as my beloved green beans, crab, carrots, or peanuts. It’s undoubtedly one of the most flavorful salads I’ve encountered in Asia – light, refreshing, and perfectly suited to combat the Thai heat.
Som tam is typically enjoyed alongside rice and chicken, though it pairs equally well with noodles. My top recommendation for the ultimate som tam experience would be at Mr. Kai in Chiang Mai, although I also savored a delightful version at one of the Krua Apsorn establishments in Bangkok.
9. Tom Kha Gai: Coconut Soup
The penultimate dish I wholeheartedly recommend is the delightful tom kha gai soup.
Unlike many other iconic Thai dishes, this soup strikes a perfect balance between moderate spiciness (despite the presence of chili) and sweet undertones, thanks to its generous infusion of creamy coconut milk.
Infused with aromatic ingredients such as galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and coriander, this soup offers a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement tender chicken pieces, earthy mushrooms, and the subtle tang of fish sauce and lime juice.
The harmonious interplay of these ingredients creates a wonderfully nuanced soup, slightly spicy and refreshingly sour, all harmonized by the richness of coconut milk. For aficionados of Asian soups, tom kha gai is an absolute 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 visit to the Land of Smiles simply wouldn’t be complete without indulging in this one of the iconic Thai dishes!
Available virtually everywhere, from humble street stalls to upscale dining establishments, mango sticky rice rarely fails to impress.
This delightful dessert serves as the perfect counterbalance to the spiciness of Thai cuisine, thanks to its harmonious blend of sweet and sour flavors. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish, comprising steamed sticky rice infused with creamy coconut milk, served alongside slices of ripe, juicy mango.
In my opinion, mango sticky rice encapsulates the essence of Thailand – a fusion of simplicity, flavor, and cultural richness. My most memorable encounters with this dessert include enjoying it from a street vendor in Bangkok and learning to prepare it ourselves on a Thai farm.
For those eager to recreate this delectable treat at home, you can find a recipe for mango sticky rice here. Don’t miss out on this quintessential Thai food!
Summary
Thailand boasts one of the world’s finest cuisines, offering a culinary journey that caters to every palate. From aromatic soups to flavorful curries and decadent desserts, Thai cuisine captivates with its diverse flavors and vibrant spices.
I trust this article has piqued your interest in sampling iconic Thai dishes. If so, please consider sharing this article with your friends to spread the culinary joy!
And if you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Thailand, feel free to share your Thai food recommendations in the comments below, enriching the gastronomic adventures of fellow travelers.
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 π
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 π 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/