Whether you’re a fan of bold curries, tangy soups, or zesty stir-fries, you’ll find something that will satisfy your tastes when exploring Thai cuisine. 

Join us as we explore the absolute best Thai food delicacies that are guaranteed to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Thailand. 

Pad Thai

This iconic Thai dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Picture this: stir-fried rice noodles tossed with eggs, tofu (or shrimp or chicken if you prefer), bean sprouts, and a medley of aromatic flavours like tangy tamarind paste, and fish sauce. 

It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savoury goodness that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Don’t forget to sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for that extra crunch. 

Local tip:  To fully enjoy Pad Thai, squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the dish before digging in. 

The tangy citrus juice adds a refreshing zing that complements the savoury flavours of the noodles, shrimp, tofu, and crunchy peanuts. Don’t forget to mix everything together to distribute the flavours evenly. 

Tom Yum Goong

This hot and sour soup is a Thai favourite, and it’s a taste sensation like no other. 

The star of the show? Juicy shrimp bathing in a flavorful broth infused with fragrant lemongrass, tangy lime juice, fiery chilli peppers, and a touch of fish sauce.

The result is a zesty, aromatic soup that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect dish to clear your sinuses and awaken your taste buds.

Local tip: When relishing Tom Yum Goong, don’t be afraid to slurp up the flavorful broth. The soup is known for its aromatic blend of herbs and spices, including lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. 

The act of slurping not only enhances the taste, but it also allows you to savour the aromatic steam that wafts up from the bowl. 

Green Curry

This curry is a vibrant, creamy delight that balances the heat of green chilli peppers with the rich flavours of coconut milk, aromatic herbs like basil and cilantro, and a hint of sweetness from palm sugar.

It’s typically made with chicken or beef, but you can also go for tofu or vegetables if you prefer. Pair your Green Curry with a side of fragrant jasmine rice to balance out the spiciness. 

Local tip: To add an extra layer of fragrance to your Green Curry, lightly toast the spices and herbs in a hot pan before cooking. This simple step helps to release the essential oils and intensifies the flavours. 

It’s a small trick that can make a big difference in the overall taste of your curry.

Massaman Curry

This dish has a fascinating blend of Thai and Indian influences, resulting in a rich, fragrant curry that’s both creamy and slightly sweet. 

Think tender chunks of meat (usually beef or chicken) cooked in a luscious sauce made with coconut milk, aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and a touch of tanginess from tamarind paste.

Local tip:  Massaman Curry is even more delightful when paired with a side of fluffy roti bread. Tear off a piece of the warm, flaky bread and dip it into the rich and flavorful curry. 

The combination of the buttery roti and the savoury curry creates a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that will elevate your dining experience to new heights. 

Also, you can roast your own spices for Massaman Curry. Dry roast whole spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamom pods in a hot pan until fragrant, then grind them into a powder. 

The freshly roasted and ground spices will enhance the depth of flavours.

Som Tum (Papaya Salad)

When it comes to refreshing and zesty salads, Thai cuisine nails it with Som Tum, also known as Papaya Salad. 

This vibrant dish combines shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and chilli peppers. 

Our favourite is that the flavours are bright, tangy, and spicy, making it a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats or as a refreshing standalone dish. 

Local tip:  When enjoying Som Tum, embrace the Thai way of eating it by using sticky rice as a utensil. Take a small ball of sticky rice with your fingers, use it to scoop up some of the spicy and tangy papaya salad, and enjoy the explosion of flavours. 

The sticky rice not only adds a textural contrast but also helps balance out the heat of the salad. 

Mango Sticky Rice

Let’s talk about one of my absolute favourite Thai desserts: Mango Sticky Rice. Oh man, it’s a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth!

The combination of the fragrant, slightly salty rice with the luscious sweetness of the mango is simply divine. It’s like a tropical paradise on your plate!

Local tip:  For an extra touch of indulgence, try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to your Mango Sticky Rice. The nutty flavour of the sesame seeds complements the sweetness of the mango and adds a delightful crunch to each bite. 

It’s a simple yet brilliant way to elevate this beloved dessert to another level of deliciousness.

Also, when selecting mangoes for your Sticky Rice, go for those that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. This indicates that the mangoes are perfectly ripe and will provide the best flavour and sweetness for your dessert.

Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup)

Tom Kha Gai, or chicken coconut soup, is like a big, comforting hug for your taste buds. It’s got tender chunks of chicken swimming in a creamy coconut milk broth infused with fragrant galangal, lemongrass, and a tangy kick from lime juice. 

The combination of creamy, zesty, and aromatic flavours is pure magic. One spoonful, and you’ll be transported to flavour town. Trust me, this soup is the ultimate soul-soothing comfort food that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Local tip:   Before diving into your Tom Kha Gai, take a moment to inhale the aromatic steam rising from the bowl. 

Plus, to infuse the maximum flavour into your Tom Kha Gai, gently bruise the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves before adding them to the soup. 

This helps to release the essential oils and intensifies the citrusy aroma. Don’t forget to remove them before serving the soup.

Panang Curry

This rich and creamy curry is known for its bold, robust flavours. It’s made with a thick, luscious sauce infused with red chilli paste, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, and a hint of sweetness from palm sugar. 

The result? A velvety, aromatic curry that’s bursting with depth and complexity. 

Local tip: Don’t forget to garnish your Panang Curry with a handful of fresh Thai basil leaves. Tear the basil into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the curry just before serving.

You could also stir in a spoonful of creamy coconut cream at the end of cooking your Panang Curry for an extra layer of richness . This will not only add a luxurious texture but also enhance the coconut flavour.

Pad Kra Pao (Basil Chicken)

This popular Thai street food dish features juicy chicken stir-fried with fresh basil leaves, garlic, chilli peppers, and a savoury sauce made with soy sauce and oyster sauce. 

The combination of fragrant basil, tender chicken, and the kick of spice makes this dish an absolute winner. It’s typically served over steamed rice with a fried egg on top, creating a complete meal that’s bursting with bold flavours. 

Local tip: To experience the full intensity of flavours in Pad Kra Pao, take a bite that includes a piece of Thai chilli pepper. Be warned, though, as they can be quite spicy! If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, you can always remove the chilli or adjust the heat.

Satay (Grilled Skewers with Peanut Sauce)

Satay is the ultimate Thai street food delight. These grilled skewers are packed with tender, marinated chicken or beef that’s been cooked to perfection. 

But wait, there’s more! Dip those skewers into a rich and creamy peanut sauce, and you’re in flavour heaven. The combination of smoky, juicy meat with the nutty, slightly sweet sauce is pure bliss.

Local tip: For tender and juicy Satay, marinate the meat in a mixture of spices, soy sauce, and a touch of fish sauce for at least an hour before grilling. This step helps to infuse the flavours and ensures succulent results.