Anastasia Smith
Planning a holiday to Thailand? If so, indulging the tastebuds has to be on the itinerary, as Thailand boasts some of the best exotic flavours in the region. But with so many options, where does one start with? Here are seven amazing local dishes – all of which are a must-try, so keep reading!
Starting off strong on the list is the quintessential Thai dish – pad thai. This stir-fried noodle dish combines savoury flavours with a hint of sweetness owing to the tamarind sauce. Mixed with tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and topped with chopped peanuts and lime, pad thai is a delightful and utterly flavourful dish that will have one craving for more.
Prepare one’s tastebuds for a complete flavour explosion with tom yum goong – Thailand’s famously spicy and sour soup. Made with fragrant lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chillies, this dish is tantalising and immediately wakes one’s senses up. The seafood variety is the best enjoyed version and makes a great appetiser before the main meal at any restaurant. Tom yum goong is a classic Thai soup that is a must-try for anyone visiting Thailand for the first time.
Ordering a hearty meal? Don’t forget to add som tum to the table – a refreshing papaya salad that is both tangy and crunchy. Shredded green papaya is mixed with tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and sliced chillies, then tossed in a zesty dressing made of lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The result is a burst of flavours that makes the perfect accompaniment to sticky rice and a red or green chicken curry.
Thai red curry chicken is a delectable dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a creamy, spicy red curry. Infused with fragrant herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, it offers a delightful balance of flavours, from the richness of coconut milk to the kick of red curry paste. Don’t limit a holiday to just a few days with all the food options in Thailand. Consider extending one’s holiday in Thailand by booking a stay with a property such as Jono Bangkok Asok. Spend the day tucking into various local dishes before coming back to a design hotel in Bangkok for a solid night of sleep, before waking up the next day for more foodie adventures!
Why stop at red chicken curry? Treat yourself to the exotic flavours of gaeng keow wan gai – a classic Thai curry that is best paired with hot sticky rice and a papaya salad. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a green curry made with sliced green chillies, Thai basil, and coconut milk, resulting in a dish that is both incredibly creamy and spicy, with just a hint of sweetness.
Embark on a culinary journey to Northern Thailand with khao soi, a hearty and fragrant noodle soup. This dish features egg noodles swimming in a creamy coconut curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles for added texture. Garnished with fresh lime and shallots, khao soi is an absolute must-try for anyone holidaying in Thailand.
No meal is complete without indulging one’s sweet tooth, and this is where mango sticky rice enters the picture. It is a beloved Thai dessert that is both simple and rich. Sweet ripe sliced mangoes are paired with sticky rice drizzled with coconut milk and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. The combination of creamy coconut, fragrant rice, and juicy mangoes creates a dessert that is pure bliss in every bite.
