Joanna James
The incomparable Thai cuisine is one of Thailand's best attractions and lures millions of people to visit the land. As tourists looking to sample the best of the best, here are a few places and dishes you ought not to miss!
When in Bangkok, try the original pad Thai! The dish is topped with coriander leaves, red pepper, shrimp, eggs, tofu, peanuts, and of course, the fresh rice noodles, bathed in that tangy, spicy, sweet tamarind sauce.
Roti gluay is a popular sweet treat in Thailand. It is a common sight to see blobs of dough being stretched in food and roti carts around Bangkok - the preparation is quite the treat to watch, as it is to eat it! While banana is the most popular, you have the option of adding other toppings like coconut, condensed milk, chocolate sauce, honey, and even Nutella!
The Thai version of fried rice is made from Thai jasmine rice rather than the usual long-grain variety common in Chinese fried rice dishes. Rice gets tossed together in a hot wok with ingredients like chicken, shrimp, crab, eggs, garlic, onions and tomatoes. It gets flavoured with a variety of seasonings like soya sauce, chilli sauce, fish sauce and brown sugar. This street food staple blends spiciness, sourness and sweetness for a simple and hearty meal.
Thai chicken satay is a common street food delicacy that is copied all over the world. Succulent chunks of chicken on skewers are grilled to perfection and served alongside peanut sauce. Pair it with a bowl of steamed rice for a tasty and filling meal. It is served in many hotels and fancy restaurants as well. The likes of SAii Koh Samui Choengmon can be a great option if you're on the lookout for accommodation.
Also known as raw papaya salad, this Thai delicacy is enjoyed all over the South East Asian region. The salad is made from raw papaya, long beans, Thai Basil, and fish sauce. It is a tangy, spicy and sweet salad that makes for a great accompaniment for rice and meat dishes, and may also be eaten as a snack on its own!
Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sweet seafood soup, typically made with prawns. This incredibly flavoursome soup incorporates a plethora of aromatics like kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and shallots, The coconut milk makes it creamy and sweet. A vegetarian version of this with tofu and veggies is also a popular dish.
Hot tod is a flaky pancake-type omelette, mixed with mussels, oysters and eggs. It gets served with plenty of green onions and green chilli sauce. It is a popular dish on the streets of Bangkok, eaten throughout the day.
The most authentic versions of Thai dishes can be enjoyed on the streets of Bangkok than in fancy restaurants. However, one has the option to try out street food from many places in Bangkok, from food vendors and food trucks to star-class restaurants. Mouthwatering street food dishes are available everywhere on the mainland as well as on the islands. Some of the best restaurants in Koh Samui will also feature these dishes. While in Bangkok, check out for diverse street food options near train stations and outside universities. Travellers should also look out for places in Chinatown (Yaowarat), Bangrak, Ratchawat and Syrian Market, the spot close to Victory Monument, and Nang Loeng Market.
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