Joanna James
Planning a visit to the Land of Smiles? Then consider dining like the locals by seeking out these top 05 Thai dishes which can be found in anywhere from bustling restaurants on the popular Sukhumvit Road to streetside kiosks, a culinary adventure awaits!
A moreish dish which is believed to have been brought over to Thailand via its neighbour, Malaysia by Middle Easter traders, Massaman curry certainly distinguishes itself from other quintessential Thai curries. Mainly thanks to featuring a less frequently used arsenal of spices in Thai cuisine such as star anise, cinnamon and cardamom. Coupled with a rich aroma, intensely creamy consistency, and tangy flavour thanks to the rich essence of tamarind paste, foodies can expect a dish that positively packs a punch with its combination of spicy and savoury flavours.
Pad kra prao is that go-to dish for Thai locals who are unsure about what to eat for lunch! A minced pork and rice dish, the pad kra prao is typically served with a bowl of piping hot jasmine rice. A traditionally prepared pad kra proa includes fatty minced pork stir-fried with chopped chilli, fish sauce for added seasoning, and fragrant Thai holy basil. Other variations should you wish to try it include chicken, beef or even seafood.
A slow braised stewed pork leg on a bed of rice, Kao ka moo is a definite crowd-pleaser at night markets. One can find Kao ka moo simmering in large aluminium pots with five spice powder and soy sauce to make the meat succulent enough that it slides off the bone. Preparation includes the braised meat chopped into thin strips and served with rice alongside boiled eggs, pickled vegetables and bok choy.
A quintessentially Thai dish which is popular at home as its aboard, Pla Kapong Neung Manao consists of a whole Asian seabass steamed until misty and fluffy, which is then soaked in lime soup. A classic dish which can be found anywhere in Thailand, including at many a Koh Samui resort such as those found even at resorts like Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Pla Kapong Neung Manao is served with a side of jasmine rice, cilantro, chilis and diced garlic for garnish.
No list of must-try dishes is complete without including a traditional dessert. A final highlight of any authentic Thai meal is a dish of mango sticky rice which comes as a breath of fresh air after feasting on heavily spiced dishes. The preparation of the mango sticky is deceptively simple and is made by paring two seeming unlikely ingredients, sweet glutinous rice and fresh mango slices! When paired together, the tang of the fresh mango is beautifully balanced out with rich coconut milk-infused sticky rice offering the eater mild and creamy flavours quite similar to a rice pudding of the west. Some restaurants and roadside kiosk have their takes on this traditional dessert! Variations include the sticky rice being topped with coconut cream sprinkled with sesame or lightly roasted mung beans.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
