Joanna James
As one of the world's most popular cuisines, authentic Thai dishes are best sampled when holidaying in the country, especially on the island of Phuket. Here are some of the must-experience culinary highlights when you are there!
Although the name may not roll off the tongue as easily as some of Thailand's more popular dishes Tom Yam Goong is a must-sample dish. Made using both fish and chicken the dish employs lemongrass, aromatic spices and herbs including kaffir lime leaves and chilli to create a dish that is sour and spicy at the same time. If you are fortunate enough to be vacationing in Thailand one of the best things to do around Phuket is to sample the variations of this dish available at restaurants in Mai Khao Phuket, or the beach stalls and resort in-house restaurants at properties like Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and other dining establishments in the area.
Perhaps the most famous dish originating from Thai cuisine is the humble but delectable Pad Thai. Although nearly every Thai restaurant in the world offers their own take on this staple meal there's nothing quite like digging into an authentic plate in the streets of Bangkok or noodle kiosks across Thailand. Mixing rice noodles, tofu, vegetables, seafood or meat with eggs and a sweet and salty sauce the dish which is garnished with peanuts is a must-have for all visitors touring the country.
Often regarded as the go-to dessert for Thai food fanatics, mango sticky rice is the best way to end a meal or to enjoy a sweet snack in between meals. Made using coconut milk, sticky rice and fresh mango pieces some eateries like to serve the dessert in the form of sticky rice balls dipped in a sweet sauce. Regardless of the variation one comes across the refreshing and delicious dessert is a top favorite among locals and expats alike for a good reason.
Also known as Som Tam the Thai papaya salad is not only one of the tangiest items on Thai menus but also a dish that is easy to prepare, provided the right ingredients are at your disposal. Featuring the unlikely combination of raw papaya shavings with fish sauce, lime juice, chilli, palm sugar and other diverse ingredients this fresh and scrumptious salad is the perfect appetizer any time of the day.
Famously dubbed the Green Curry Geng Kheaw Wan is not only a signature dish in the Thai culinary school but also a veritable master dish which combines all the exotic flavours of Thai cuisine in one scintillating curry. Sweet in taste the curry combines bamboo shoots, eggplants, lemongrass and galangal into a delectable paste which is then infused with coconut milk to provide the perfect texture and flavour to both meat and tofu variants of the curry.
A spicier alternative to those who love Thai red, green or yellow curries the Massaman Curry is rich in both the variety of ingredients used and the flavour achieved. The paste for the curry not only includes staples the likes of cumin, cinnamon and nutmeg but also peppers and other spices originating in the Middle East.
The ideal breakfast dish is not only a well-known snack in Bangkok but also a backpacker staple that is widely available through street vendors in Phuket. Made using a simple batter infused with banana and drizzled with vanilla sauce visitors can also throw in fresh fruits and sauces ranging from chocolate to hazelnut to spice up this crispy Thai offering.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
