Joanna James
A culinary sensation worldwide, the scent of lemongrass, paired with red chillies, fish sauce and ginger is recognisable by anybody. Experience this vibrant blend of sweet, salty, sour and spicy, right in the heart of its birthplace. Bangkok offers an unparalleled street food scene to indulge in this culinary adventure, with its famed night markets, riverside dining and acclaimed street food scene. Here's a guide to 6 essential Thai dishes you simply can't miss:
Start your stay in Bangkok with a refreshing bowl of Kao Tom, served fresh off the stove. Dubbed the "Thai sister of Congee", this rice soup is a breakfast staple around the country - the jasmine rice is cooked in a hearty, aromatic meat stock, simmering with herbs, garlic, fish sauce and soy sauce. Grab a serving at The Coffee Club, at the Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18, with sides of stir-fried vegetables, minced meat, and salted egg salad.
This refreshing salad forms the cornerstone of Thailand's northeastern, Isan, cuisine. Shredded green papaya is tossed with a fresh dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, chillies, and crushed peanuts. The result? A symphony of textures and flavours, with the refreshing crunch of the papaya coated in tangy lime and the fiery kick of chillies. Som Tam is often served alongside sticky rice for a perfectly balanced meal. Be sure to customize your spice level – a friendly "mai phet" (not spicy) can be communicated to the vendor if you have a lower tolerance for heat. It is widely available in the capital city, whether at a streetside stall on Khaosan Road or a restaurant in Sukhumvit.
Nam Tok Moo offers a platter of savoury and spicy flavours - thinly sliced, grilled pork shoulder is marinated in a signature mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, and chillies, resulting in a tender and flavorful base. This is then tossed with red onion, chopped peanuts, and fresh herbs, adding an unmistakable aromatic touch. The dish is typically served with lettuce leaves, perfect for scooping up the flavorful salad.
This unique dish gets its name from its origins, back when vendors sold bowls of noodles from their boats along Bangkok's canals. Guay Teow Rhua is a rich and flavorful broth noodle soup, typically made with pork or beef and seasoned with a complex blend of spices and herbs. Thin rice noodles submerged in the broth with bean sprouts and lime wedges offer contrasting textures and freshness. Vendors often have a variety of condiments on hand, allowing you to customize your bowl with chillies, fish sauce, and sugar.
For seafood lovers, this dish is a must-try. A whole white fish, typically a snapper, is steamed to perfection, locking in its delicate flavours. The star of the show, however, is the tangy and spicy sauce poured over the fish. This vibrant, classically Thai concoction is made with lime juice, fish sauce, chillies, and garlic, creating a flavour profile that perfectly complements the sweetness of the fresh fish. Plah Kah Pung Neung Manow is typically served with steamed rice and a side of vegetables, offering a complete and healthy meal.
No Thai food adventure is complete without a sweet ending. Kao Niew Ma Muang, or Mango Sticky Rice, is a simple yet heavenly dessert. Sweet, glutinous rice is cooked in coconut milk, resulting in a soft and slightly chewy texture with a hint of coconut flavor. This is then served with perfectly ripe mango slices, creating a delightful contrast between the warm rice and the cool, sweet fruit. A drizzle of coconut cream adds richness, making this a truly satisfying and refreshing end to a spicy Thai meal.
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.
