The streets are alive with sizzling woks, fragrant herbs, and colorful dishes that reflect Thailand's rich culinary heritage. From spicy soups and aromatic curries to refreshing salads and tropical desserts, here’s your ultimate guide to the best dishes to try in Thailand.
Top Must Try Dishes in Thailand
1. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
A fiery and sour soup packed with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili. Known for its intense flavor and health benefits.
2. Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
A crunchy, spicy, and tangy salad made with shredded unripe papaya, garlic, chilies, lime, and fish sauce. It’s a staple across the country with many regional variations.
3. Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles)
Thailand’s most iconic noodle dish, made with tamarind, peanuts, egg, and shrimp or chicken. Best eaten hot off a street stall grill.
4. Gaeng Keow Wan (Thai Green Curry)
A creamy coconut-based curry infused with green chili paste, Thai eggplant, basil, and tender chicken or fish balls.
5. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
Simple yet satisfying jasmine rice stir-fried with egg, onions, and your choice of meat, flavored with soy and fish sauce.
6. Khao Niew Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice)
Thailand’s beloved dessert made of glutinous rice soaked in sweet coconut milk and served with ripe mango slices.
7. Khao Soi (Northern Thai Noodle Soup)
A rich curry noodle soup from northern Thailand made with egg noodles, coconut milk, and crispy fried toppings.
8. Massaman Curry
A fusion of Thai and Indian flavors, this curry features cinnamon, cardamom, potatoes, and slow-cooked meat in a creamy, mildly spicy sauce.
9. Pad See Ew (Soy Sauce Stir-Fried Noodles)
Thick rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, Chinese broccoli, garlic, and your choice of protein.
10. Yam Nua (Thai Beef Salad)
A zesty and spicy salad made with thinly sliced beef, lime juice, chilies, fish sauce, and fresh herbs.
11. Kai Jeow (Thai Omelette)
A crispy and fluffy omelette typically served over rice, often with a side of sweet chili sauce.
12. Gai Tod (Thai Fried Chicken)
Crispy, marinated chicken deep-fried and served with sticky rice. A street food favorite.
13. Pla Pao (Salt-Grilled Fish)
Whole fish grilled in a salt crust, often served with spicy dipping sauce and sticky rice.
14. Yam Talay (Seafood Salad)
A refreshing salad with mixed seafood, herbs, lime juice, and chili. Light, spicy, and full of flavor.
15. Chim Chum (Thai Hot Pot)
A street-side hot pot of pork and vegetables simmered in a clay pot with herbs like lemongrass and galangal.
16. Pad Krapow (Basil Stir-Fry)
A spicy stir-fry made with minced chicken or pork, Thai basil, chilies, and garlic, typically served over rice with a fried egg.
Exploring Thai Food Culture
Thai cuisine varies by region — the north favors mild, herb-forward dishes like Khao Soi; the northeast (Isan) is known for spicy salads and grilled meats; the south offers rich curries and seafood; and the central plains balance all flavors.
Eating in Thailand is also a social affair. Dishes are often shared, and meals are accompanied by sticky rice, dips, and a mix of flavors — spicy, sweet, sour, and salty — on every plate.
Street Food in Thailand
You don’t have to spend much to eat well in Thailand. From roadside carts in Bangkok to bustling night markets in Chiang Mai and Phuket, the country’s street food is legendary. Be sure to try:
- Grilled meats on skewers
- Fried banana pancakes (Roti Gluay)
- Boat noodles (Kuay Teow Reua)
- Thai desserts like Tub Tim Grob and Khanom Buang
Whether you're a food lover chasing Michelin stars or a traveler looking to explore night markets, the food in Thailand offers something unforgettable. Every bite tells a story — of heritage, bold flavors, and warm hospitality. So, come hungry. And when in Thailand, eat like a local.