Joanna James
Thailand’s cuisine is legendary, drawing food enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its bold flavours, unique combinations, and enticing aromas. Whether you’re a casual traveller or a dedicated foodie, Thai cuisine offers a sensory explosion with its perfect blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. From street food to fine dining, Thailand's local dishes are a must-try for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the country's rich culinary culture. Here are some mouthwatering Thai dishes that every foodie should sample.
One of Thailand’s most iconic dishes, Pad Thai is the epitome of Thai street food. Made with thin rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, and peanuts, Pad Thai is both delicious and versatile. The dish is served with a side of lime wedges and chilli powder, allowing you to adjust the flavours to your taste. Its tangy tamarind sauce gives the noodles a slightly sweet and sour kick, balanced perfectly with the savoury notes of soy and fish sauce.
For the best experience, enjoy Pad Thai from a street vendor in bustling markets like Bangkok’s Khao San Road or Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street Market.
When you’re craving a simple, comforting meal, Khao Pad (Thai fried rice) is the go-to dish. Stir-fried with fragrant jasmine rice, garlic, onions, and your choice of protein (shrimp, chicken, or crab are popular options), Khao Pad is seasoned with fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. What makes this dish stand out is its balance of subtle flavours, enhanced by the addition of fresh herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Guests staying at hotels and resorts, such as Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, can indulge in this meal along with other tantalising dishes.
Tom Yum Goong is a fragrant and fiery soup that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. This hot and sour soup is packed with ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilli, and lime juice. It’s typically made with shrimp, but variations with chicken or mixed seafood are also popular.
The combination of aromatic herbs with fresh lime and chilli makes Tom Yum Goong an explosion of flavour in every spoonful. The balance between sour, spicy, and a hint of sweetness defines this dish, which is both comforting and bold.
Som Tum is a refreshing and zesty green papaya salad that hails from the northeastern region of Thailand and is served in almost all restaurants in Koh Samui. Shredded raw green papaya is combined with tomatoes, carrots, peanuts, dried shrimp, and long beans, then tossed with a spicy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and fresh chilli.
Som Tum comes in several variations, including Som Tum Thai (with peanuts and dried shrimp) and Som Tum Pu (with salted crab). Its vibrant, crunchy texture and fiery spice level make it an exciting dish to start any Thai meal.
Gaeng Keow Wan, or green curry, is a creamy, spicy dish made from green curry paste, coconut milk, and an assortment of vegetables and proteins such as chicken, pork, or tofu. This rich and flavourful curry is coloured by the fresh green chillies used in the past, which gives it its signature hue and a moderate level of heat.
Infused with the flavour of Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves, green curry offers a fragrant, herby note alongside the smooth richness of the coconut milk. It’s best enjoyed with a side of jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
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.
