Best Thai Food Dishes – Top 15 Delicacies To Try
Thailand is not only a paradise for sun-seekers and adventurers but also a hot spot for foodies! It’s one of my favorite destinations in South East Asia because of its vibrant street food scene and exquisite regional cuisines. Thai food offers a delightful fusion of flavors and aromas. Key ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, and fish sauce play a pivotal role in in many of the popular Thai food dishes as well. Read on to find out the 15 best Thai food dishes that you need to try!
1. Pad Thai – Fried Noodles
Pad Thai is as a beloved staple all over the world. If you want to try Thai cuisine in your home country – this is one of the most popular dishes.
Preparation: This iconic noodle dish is skillfully stir-fried in a searing wok -using either thin or wide rice noodles.
Ingredients: Onions, eggs, and crunchy bean sprouts.
Flavor: While Pad Thai inherently possesses a subtly mild flavor, it eagerly welcomes enhancements. Enrich your serving with a splash of fish sauce, a sprinkle of chili powder, a handful of crushed peanuts, and a dash of sugar to elevate the dish to new heights of taste.
Add-ons: For those adhering to a vegetarian diet, tofu provides a satisfying alternative. Seafood lovers can indulge in the addition of succulent shrimp, making it a versatile dish that caters to a variety of dietary preferences. Pad Thai is one of the most famous Thai dishes for a reason!
2. Som Tum – Papaya Salad
Som Tum is a distinctive Thai dish also known as Papaya Salad. Many people love it for being one of the healthiest Thai food to try.
Origin: Som Tum, originates from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Issan.
Key Ingredients: This salad is a vibrant medley of fresh, tangy flavors and crisp textures. Key ingredients include pungent garlic, fiery chiles, crunchy green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and thinly shredded raw papaya.
Regional variations introduce additional elements like dried shrimp, salted crab, or crushed peanuts, allowing for a personalized touch. Commonly served as an appetizer, side, or even a main dish, Som Tum is versatile. To transform it into a more substantial meal, consider adding protein such as shrimp, which complements the dish’s fresh flavors.
3. Tom Yum Goong – Hot and Sour Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Goong unquestionably deserves the top spot on any list of best Thai foods to try. This iconic soup is ubiquitous in Thailand, gracing the menus of street vendors, cozy cafés, and even upscale Michelin-starred restaurants.
Ingredients: The soup’s base is a sour and spicy broth with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilis, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It’s richly seasoned with fish sauce and lime juice, creating a vibrant taste profile that’s both refreshing and hearty.
Typically, Tom Yum is presented in a large bowl or served bubbling over a charcoal burner in an aluminum hot pot. It can include various types of meat such as beef, chicken, or pork. However, shrimp is the most sought-after version, making Tom Yum Goong a beloved staple among locals and tourists alike.
4. Thai Green Curry – A Staple of Thai Cuisine
Thai Green Curry stands out as a renowned dish in Thai cuisine, loved for its compelling blend of flavors.
Ingredients: Green curry paste, creamy coconut milk, and a choice of protein like pork, chicken, beef, or shrimp. The curry’s vibrant base is complemented with a mixture of green chilis, garlic, and shallots. The secret to the curry’s rich, velvety texture lies in the combination of this spicy green paste with coconut milk.
The recipe might seem straightforward at first glance. However, the art of green curry lies in the precise timing of adding each ingredient to achieve the perfect balance. Accompany this aromatic curry with a bowl of steaming rice, and immerse yourself in the essence of Thai culinary tradition.
5. Panang Curry – One of the Staple Thai Food Dishes
Penang curry is one of the most popular Thai dishes.
Flavor: This curry have traces of influence of Burmese, Indian, and Malaysian culinary traditions. Typically prepared with chicken, this robust red curry embodies a blend of aromatic ingredients that captivate the senses. For a true taste of Thailand, starting with curry is highly recommended. Panang can also be enjoyed with beef, offering a delectably rich alternative that is equally aromatic.
Main Ingredients: The base of this flavorful curry includes red curry paste and creamy coconut milk. Fish sauce adds the depth. The addition of onions, garlic, and peppers introduces more complexity, while basil and kaffir lime give a refreshing citrus note.
6. Khao Pad – Thai Fried Rice
Thai fried rice is really one of the most popular dishes you can easily find in every eater in Thailand. There are a few varieties of fried rice in Asian countries and the difference depend on what rice is used.
Main Ingredients: For example, Thai Fried Rice differs from its Chinese counterpart by utilizing fragrant Thai jasmine rice instead of the typical long-grain variety. As for proteins, people use tofu, pork, shrimp, chicken, beef, and crab – there is diversity within Thai cuisine. Alongside these are staples like eggs, onions, peas, and carrots.
The seasoning is a blend of soy sauce, a hint of sugar, salt, chili sauce, and the indispensable nam pla (fish sauce). These ingredients are all stir-fried together, ensuring each grain of rice is perfectly coated with flavor.
Thai fried rice is served with fresh cucumber slices, tomato wedges, a wedge of lime, and chopped green onions. Though there are countless variations found throughout Thailand, my favorite version is pineapple fried rice!
7. Larb Gai – Pork Salad
If you’re in the mood for something light yet satisfying, consider Larb Gai, a vibrant pork salad infused with fresh mint. This cherished Thai dish pairs excellently with either steaming hot white rice or a bowl of crisp, cool greens. While traditionally made with pork, which tenderly melts in your mouth, substituting chicken is also a popular choice. The blend of meat with herbs like mint creates a harmonious mix of flavors that’s both refreshing and hearty, making Larb Gai a standout choice for a popular Thai dish to try.
8. Kai Med Ma Muang – Chicken With Cashews
Don’t miss out on Kai Med Ma Muang, a classic Thai dish that marvelously combines succulent chicken with crunchy cashews. This popular Thai food stir-fry includes chicken marinated and cooked in a soy sauce, enhanced with the sharpness of onions, the heat of chiles, and the sweetness of honey. Crisp bell peppers, tender carrots, and occasionally earthy mushrooms add depth and variety to the dish. This simple yet delectable combination of ingredients makes Kai Med Ma Muang one of the best Thai dishes to try!
9. Whole Fried or Grilled Fish
Whole fried or grilled fish is a spectacular and traditional Thai dish that perfectly captures the essence of Thai cooking—fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and complex flavor profiles. Known in Thai as “Pla Pao” when grilled, this dish often features a whole fish, such as tilapia, sea bass, or snapper, which is either marinated or stuffed with a variety of aromatic herbs before cooking.
For the grilled version, the fish is typically stuffed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and sometimes slices of galangal or garlic. It’s then coated in a salty paste, often made from a blend of salt and sometimes flour, which helps to seal in the flavors and moisture.
Fried whole fish is another popular preparation. The fish is usually scored to allow deeper seasoning penetration, then fried until the exterior is delightfully crispy. The high heat of frying locks in the moisture, ensuring the fish inside remains tender and juicy.
Both versions are typically served with a dipping sauce that can range from a simple garlic-chili-lime sauce to a more complex tamarind-based sauce. If you love fish, you can’t go wrong with this popular Thai dish.
10. Massaman Curry – A Milder Flavor
Massaman Curry, with its origins deeply rooted in Muslim traditions and culinary principles, traditionally incorporates chicken, although it is also frequently prepared with duck, beef, mutton, or goat. Adhering to Islamic dietary laws, the pork variant is not consumed by devout Thai Muslims, though it exists as a less common option.
For those who follow a plant-based diet, vegetarian and vegan adaptations of Massaman Curry are also available, showcasing the versatility of this dish. Known for its gentler heat compared to other Thai main dishes, Massaman Curry strikes a delightful balance between sweet and spicy flavors. The addition of coconut milk infuses the curry with a subtle creaminess.
Served atop a mound of soft Jasmine rice, this curry offers a deeply satisfying culinary experience that beautifully combines Thai flavors with Islamic culinary influences, making it a beloved dish for its rich taste and cultural significance.
11. Chicken Satay – Chicken on a Stick
Chicken Satay, in Thai as “Satay Gai,” is a street food delicacy and a popular appetizer in Thai cuisine. This dish consists of marinated chicken strips that are skewered and grilled, delivering a smoky, savory flavor that is both simple and deeply satisfying.
Chicken Satay is almost always served with a side of peanut sauce, a creamy, spicy, and sweet condiment made from ground peanuts, coconut milk, and various spices. This sauce complements the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken beautifully. Additionally, the dish is often accompanied by a small serving of cucumber salad and slices of raw onion, which provide a refreshing crunch and help cut through the richness of the meat and peanut sauce.
Popular at local markets, street-side stalls, and in restaurants across Thailand, chicken satay is not only a favorite among Thais but has also gained international acclaim, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore Thai cuisine. Chicken Satay is some of the best Thai food you’ll find for cheap!
12. Tom Kha Kai – Spicy Chicken Coconut Soup
Tom Kha Kai, Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, is a rich and aromatic dish that exemplifies the complexity and balance of Thai cuisine. This creamy soup blends the sweet, savory, and spicy elements characteristic of Thai food into a comforting and flavorful dish.
At the heart of Tom Kha Kai is coconut milk, which provides a silky, rich base. This is infused with galangal—a rhizome similar to ginger but with a sharper, more citrusy flavor—which gives the soup its name (“Tom” means to boil, “Kha” refers to galangal, and “Kai” means chicken). Lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves add refreshing citrus notes, while fish sauce brings a depth of umami flavor.
Chunks of chicken, usually thigh for its juiciness and flavor, are simmered in this aromatic broth until tender. This is definitely some of the best Thai food available! This soup is often served as a starter in Thai meals but can also stand alone as a light main dish. It is a staple in Thai restaurants worldwide and remains a favorite for its soothing qualities and the way it encapsulates essential Thai flavors in every spoonful.
13. The Variety of Spring Rolls in Thai Cuisine
Spring rolls are a beloved snack in Thai cuisine, featuring a delicate pastry or rice paper shell enveloped around a hearty filling. These fillings typically include an assortment of chopped vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, green beans, bamboo shoots, banana hearts, and leeks. For those who prefer a meaty bite, options often extend to minced chicken, shrimp, pork, or beef.
Spring rolls can be enjoyed in two distinct styles: deep-fried or fresh. The deep-fried version is crispy and golden, making it a satisfying appetizer or side dish. Alternatively, the fresh spring rolls, offer a lighter, more refreshing taste that is perfect for warmer days or as a healthy snack. These are particularly popular for their crisp texture and vibrant flavor, often accompanied by a dipping sauce like sweet chili or peanut sauce.
14. Mango Sticky Rice – Sweetness Among Thai Food Dishes
Mango Sticky Rice is the most iconic dessert in Thai cuisine. This dessert perfectly combines the sweetness and fragrance of ripe mangoes with the richness of coconut sticky rice, creating a simple yet unforgettable taste experience.
Preparation: The dish starts with glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice, which is soaked in water and then steamed until tender. Once cooked, the rice is mixed with a preparation of coconut milk sweetened with sugar and a pinch of salt, which helps to enhance the flavors and add a slight contrast to the sweetness. The warm, creamy rice paired with the cool, fresh slices of mango creates a delightful texture contrast.
This is one of the most popular Thai dishes that’s adored both locally and internationally.
15. Thai Roti Pancakes – A Sweet Street Food Snack
Sweet versions: Thai Roti Pancakes are a popular street food delicacy made from pan-fried bread using wheat flour. There are numerous sweet toppings to choose from. Try them with sweetened condensed milk, white sugar, bananas, and even chocolate, catering to various tastes.
You can easily spot vendors preparing these scrumptious pancakes throughout Bangkok. Whether it’s a sunny day corner booth, a bustling stall along the vibrant Khao San Road, or a convenient setup right in front of your hostel, Thai Roti is a ubiquitous presence.
Savory versions: In addition to the classic sweet versions, savory variations of Thai Roti are also gaining popularity. These might include fillings like egg, cheese, or even a combination of both, offering a delicious twist for those seeking a different flavor profile. No matter the time of day, a freshly made Thai Roti Pancake provides a perfect snack to complement the dynamic atmosphere of Thailand’s cities.
Authentic Thailand Food Qualities
Thai food is known for its vibrant flavors, intricate balance of seasoning, and its unique combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes that are meticulously blended in each dish. Here’s a more detailed look at why Thai food is so distinctive:
1. Complex Flavor Profiles: Even the typical food in Thailand food is famous for achieving a complex interplay of flavors. A single dish can contain elements that are simultaneously sweet, sour, spicy, and salty, challenging and delighting the palate. Ingredients such as tamarind provide sourness, palm sugar adds sweetness, fish sauce brings saltiness, and Thai chilies offer a fiery heat.
2. Fresh and Aromatic Ingredients: Essential to Thailand’s food are fresh herbs and spices, which are used liberally. Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai basil not only infuse the food with flavor but also with enticing aromas that are characteristic of top Thai dishes.
3. Health Benefits: Many Thai dishes are made with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and herbs that have known health benefits. Turmeric, ginger, coconut milk, and fresh green vegetables frequently used in Thai entrees are both nutritious and medicinal. These ingredients contribute to the overall balance of a healthy diet.
4. Street Food Culture: Thai street food is an integral part of the cuisine and offers an authentic taste of Thailand’s culinary art at affordable prices. From bustling markets to roadside stalls, food vendors offer an array of dishes cooked on the spot, ranging from pad Thai and satay to mango sticky rice and beyond.
5. Regional Variations: Thailand’s culinary traditions vary significantly across different regions. For instance, Northern Thailand has a distinct style of cooking that often includes sticky rice and milder curries, while Southern Thailand is known for its fiery spices and abundant use of coconut milk.
Best Thai Food Dishes – Which Dish Are You Craving?
Now that you’ve seen the 15 traditional Thai food dishes, which one makes your mouth water the most? While Thai food flavors spice and protein, there are plenty of popular Thai food options for vegetarians and those with a low spice tolerance. When in Thailand don’t miss these staples! Best of all, local food is usually very affordable, leaving you satisfied without being overly full.