Must-Try Dishes in Pattaya - Thai Food You Have to Try

Som Tum, or Papaya Salad, is a beloved Thai dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. Made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and chillies, it’s seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. This salad is a refreshing appetiser served in many hotels near Pattaya Beach that packs a punch, with a crunch that adds texture and depth to every bite. You can find Som Tum at street food stalls as well as city hotels such as Travelodge Pattaya, often served with sticky rice or grilled chicken, making it a light yet satisfying dish to enjoy on a warm day.

Tom Yum Goong, or Spicy Shrimp Soup, is a quintessential Thai dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine in a bowl. This aromatic soup is infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chillies, and fish sauce, creating a flavourful broth that is both spicy and sour. The addition of fresh shrimp gives the soup a delightful seafood flavour, while mushrooms add an earthy undertone. A hint of lime juice and fresh coriander provides the final touch, creating a dish that is warming, tangy, and utterly irresistible. Tom Yum Goong is best enjoyed hot and is often served with steamed jasmine rice.

No list of must-try Thai dishes is complete without mentioning Pad Thai. This world-famous dish consists of stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and a variety of vegetables. The noodles are cooked in a tamarind-based sauce that gives Pad Thai its signature sweet, tangy, and slightly savoury flavour. Topped with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, this dish is both comforting and delicious. Pad Thai is widely available in Pattaya, from bustling street food vendors to upscale restaurants, making it an accessible and essential part of your culinary journey.

Gaeng Keow Wan, or Green Curry, is a Thai staple known for its rich, creamy, and spicy characteristics. This curry is made with a paste of green chillies, garlic, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, blended with coconut milk to create a smooth and aromatic sauce. Typically cooked with chicken, beef, or tofu, the curry is loaded with eggplant, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil. The balance of heat and creaminess makes Green Curry a favourite among locals and tourists alike. It’s best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice or Thai-style roti, allowing you to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

Moo Ping, or Grilled Pork Skewers, is a popular street food in Pattaya that you won’t want to miss. Marinated in a mix of garlic, coriander root, fish sauce, and coconut milk, the pork is skewered and grilled over a charcoal flame until tender and slightly caramelised. The result is a smoky, juicy, and flavourful meat that is perfect for a quick snack or a light meal. Moo Ping is typically served with a side of sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce, adding a burst of flavour to every bite. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that captures the essence of Thai street food culture.