Thailand is renowned for its rich and diverse culinary heritage influenced by neighbouring countries and local ingredients which has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide.

When it comes to the best Thai food, the choices are wide and packed with incredible flavours. From spicy curries to tangy salads and grilled delights, it’s a culinary adventure. 

Must-try dishes include Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Green Curry, Som Tum, Moo Ping, and Mango Sticky Rice. 

In this post, we will take you on a gastronomic journey through some of the best Thai food dishes you must eat. From iconic classics to lesser-known gems, we will explore the diverse and delightful world of Thai cuisine. 

So, fasten your seatbelts as we guide you through the best Thai food dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

What are the must-try dishes in Thailand? 

Thai Soups and Salads

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Tom Yum Goong is a popular Thai soup known for its bold and spicy flavours. It features a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilli. 

The soup is typically loaded with succulent shrimp, Thai chillies, tomatoes, and sometimes other ingredients like straw mushrooms or cilantro. The combination of tangy, spicy, and aromatic elements makes Tom Yum Goong a refreshing and satisfying choice.

Tom Kha Gai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)

Tom Kha Gai is a comforting soup that combines the richness of coconut milk with the delicate flavours of chicken and herbs. The soup features tender chicken, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and mushrooms in a creamy coconut broth. 

It strikes a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavours, making it a favourite among Thai soup lovers.

Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

Som Tum is a refreshing and zesty Thai salad that features shredded unripe green papaya mixed with a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. 

The salad is traditionally prepared with a dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chilli peppers. It is then tossed with cherry tomatoes, green beans, garlic, and roasted peanuts.

Noodle And Rice-Based Thai Dishes

Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Pad Thai is perhaps one of the most famous Thai dishes worldwide. 

It features stir-fried rice noodles, typically mixed with eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and flavoured with tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and various toppings like bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime wedges. 

Khao Pad (Fried Rice)

Khao Pad is a staple dish in Thai cuisine. It consists of fried rice stir-fried with a medley of ingredients such as eggs, onions, garlic, and a choice of meat or seafood. 

It is typically seasoned with soy sauce and often served with cucumber slices, lime wedges, and a side of fresh vegetables or a fried egg on top. 

Khao Pad is a versatile dish that can be customised with various proteins and vegetables, making it a satisfying and flavorful option.

Pad See Ew (Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles)

Pad See Ew is a popular stir-fried noodle dish that features wide rice noodles cooked with dark soy sauce, and a combination of meats or vegetables. 

The dish often includes ingredients like Chinese broccoli, egg, and your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or tofu). The noodles are stir-fried, resulting in a smoky and slightly sweet flavour profile. 

Grilled Meat Dishes

Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)

Moo Ping refers to grilled pork skewers that are marinated with a flavorful blend of ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, and palm sugar. The marinated pork is then grilled, resulting in tender and juicy skewers with a slightly caramelised exterior. 

It is a popular street food in Thailand and is often enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal.

Satay (Grilled Skewered Meat)

Satay is a beloved Thai dish consisting of skewered and grilled meat, typically chicken or beef, served with a delicious peanut sauce. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices, coconut milk, and soy sauce, then threaded onto skewers and grilled over charcoal. 

It  is known for its smoky flavours, tender meat, and the rich and creamy peanut dipping sauce that matches it perfectly. 

Thai Curries

Green Curry

Green Curry is a vibrant and aromatic Thai curry that is known for its vibrant green colour and spicy flavours. It is made with a paste consisting of green chilli peppers, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, and other herbs and spices. 

The curry is typically cooked with coconut milk, tender meat (such as chicken, beef, or seafood), and an assortment of vegetables like eggplant, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil. 

Red Curry

Red Curry is one of the most popular Thai curries with a slightly spicier profile. The red curry paste is made with red chilli peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and other spices. 

It is simmered with coconut milk, meat (such as chicken, pork, or shrimp), and a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil. 

Red Curry delivers a bold and aromatic experience with its fiery flavours and creamy coconut undertones.

Thai desserts and drinks

Mango Sticky Rice

Mango Sticky Rice, also known as Khao Niao Mamuang, is a beloved Thai dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes and the rich creaminess of sticky rice. 

The dish consists of fragrant sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and served with slices of ripe mango. It is often drizzled with a sweet coconut sauce and garnished with toasted sesame seeds. 

Thai Iced Tea

Thai Iced Tea, also called Cha Yen, is a popular and refreshing beverage in Thailand. It is made from a blend of strongly brewed black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. 

The tea is then poured over a glass filled with ice, resulting in a creamy and slightly sweet iced tea with a vibrant orange colour. 

Thai Iced Tea is loved for its unique flavour profile, combining the richness of the milk with the robustness of the tea, creating a cool and satisfying drink that is perfect for hot weather or as a complement to spicy Thai dishes.

Singha Beer

Quench your thirst with the iconic Singha Beer, a beloved beverage that perfectly complements the bold and spicy flavours of Thai cuisine. 

This refreshing beer boasts a crisp and smooth taste, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. 

Whether you’re enjoying street food or dining at a Thai restaurant, a cold Singha Beer is the perfect accompaniment to enhance your culinary experience.

Seafood Delicacies

Pla Rad Prik (Fried Fish with Chili Sauce)

Pla Rad Prik is a delicious Thai seafood dish that features a whole fish, usually deep-fried until crispy, and served with a tangy and spicy chilli sauce.

The fish is typically topped with a flavorful sauce made from garlic, chilli peppers, fish sauce, lime juice, and sometimes a touch of sweetness from sugar. 

Tom Yum Talay (Spicy Seafood Soup)

Savour the fiery and tangy flavours of Tom Yum Talay, a quintessential Thai soup that combines an array of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, scallop, and mussels, with aromatic herbs, chilli, and lime. 

This hot and sour soup delivers a burst of flavours that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Stir-Fries

Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir-Fry)

Pad Kra Pao, also known as Basil Stir-Fry, is a popular Thai stir-fry dish packed with bold flavours. It typically features a combination of minced meat (such as chicken, pork, or beef) stir-fried with Thai basil leaves, garlic, chilli peppers, and soy sauce. 

The dish is often served over steamed rice and topped with a fried egg. 

Larb (Spicy Minced Meat Salad)

Larb is a vibrant and spicy Thai salad made with minced meat (such as pork, chicken, or beef) mixed with a variety of fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and roasted ground rice. 

It is often served with a side of fresh vegetables and lettuce leaves for wrapping. Larb offers a burst of flavours, combining the tanginess of lime, the heat of chilli peppers, and the fragrant herbs, resulting in a refreshing and aromatic salad-like stir-fry.

Ways to Embark on a Food Adventure in Thailand

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the tantalising world of Thai cuisine?

Discover the local food scene through Thai food tours, where you’ll uncover hidden gems and taste authentic flavours. Or, take your culinary skills to the next level with Thai cooking classes, learning from the experts themselves. 

Explore the local cuisine through food tours

Thai food tours are a fantastic way to explore the culinary delights of Thailand while immersing yourself in the local culture. 

These tours typically take you to popular food markets, street food stalls, and local restaurants, allowing you to sample a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes. 

Here are some highlights and benefits of Thai food tours:

• Local Expertise: Thai food tours are led by knowledgeable guides who have a deep understanding of the local cuisine.
  
  They can provide insights into the history, ingredients, and cooking techniques used in Thai dishes, enriching your culinary experience.

• Discover Hidden Gems: Thai food tours often take you off the beaten path, introducing you to hidden culinary treasures that you may not find on your own.
  
  These can include tucked-away street food stalls or family-run restaurants that offer authentic and delicious Thai food.

• Cultural Immersion: Food is an integral part of Thai culture, and on a food tour, you’ll not only taste the flavours of Thailand but also learn about the customs, traditions, and dining etiquette associated with Thai cuisine.

• Variety of Tastings: Thai food tours offer a wide range of tastings, allowing you to try different regional specialties, street food snacks, and even exotic ingredients.
  
  From savoury curries and spicy salads to sweet desserts and refreshing beverages, you’ll get to experience the diverse flavours of Thai cuisine.

• Insider Tips: During the tour, you’ll receive insider tips and recommendations on the best places to eat, local dishes to try, and unique ingredients to look out for.
  
  This knowledge can be invaluable if you plan to continue exploring Thai cuisine independently.

Learn how to cook Thai dishes from experts

Thai cooking classes provide an interactive and hands-on experience, allowing you to learn how to prepare traditional Thai dishes under the guidance of experienced instructors. 

Here are some benefits of taking Thai cooking classes:

Learn Authentic Recipes: Thai cooking classes teach you the authentic techniques and recipes used in Thai cuisine. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ingredients, flavours, and balance of Thai dishes, enabling you to recreate them at home.

Hands-on Experience: Cooking classes give you the opportunity to actively participate in the preparation of Thai dishes. You’ll learn essential skills such as ingredient selection, proper knife techniques, and cooking methods specific to Thai cuisine.

Personalised Instruction: Instructors can provide personalised attention and guidance, ensuring that you grasp the techniques and flavours of Thai cooking.

They can answer your questions, offer tips, and adjust the recipes based on your skill level and preferences.

Take Home Recipes: Most cooking classes provide recipe cards or booklets, allowing you to recreate the dishes you’ve learned at home. This enables you to continue exploring Thai flavours and share your newfound culinary skills with family and friends.