If you are planning to visit Thailand, you might be wondering what the best food are to try in this amazing country. Thailand is famous for its diverse and flavourful cuisine, which reflects its rich culture and history. Whether you are looking for spicy, sour, sweet, or savoury dishes, you will find something to suit your taste buds in Thailand. Here are some of the best food to try in Thailand that you should not miss:
The 12 Best Must Try Food in Thailand When You Visit
1. Pad Thai
This is one of the most famous and popular Thai dishes, consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a choice of meat or seafood. The dish is seasoned with tamarind pulp, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes. Pad Thai is a delicious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. You can find Pad Thai at almost any restaurant or street stall in Thailand.
2. Tom Yum Goong
This is also one of the most famous Thai dishes in the world and for good reason. This is a spicy and sour shrimp soup that is rich in aroma and flavour. The soup is made with fresh prawns, mushrooms, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili peppers. Tom Yum Goong is a refreshing and appetizing dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course. It has a refreshing and invigorating flavour that will awaken your senses.
3. Som Tam
This is a spicy green papaya salad that originates from the northeastern region of Thailand. The salad is made with shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, carrots, peanuts, dried shrimp, green beans, palm sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and chilies. The ingredients are pounded together in a mortar and pestle to release their flavours and juices. Som Tam is a crunchy and tangy salad that can be eaten as a snack or a side dish.
4. Khao Soi
This is a creamy coconut curry noodle soup that is popular in northern Thailand. The soup is made with egg noodles, chicken or beef, coconut milk, curry paste, shallots, ginger, turmeric, and spices. The soup is topped with crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, red onions, lime wedges, and chili oil. Khao Soi is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for cold days.
5. Massaman Curry
This is a mild and sweet curry that has influences from Persian and Indian cuisines. The curry is made with coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, palm sugar, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and a choice of meat. Massaman Curry is a rich and flavourful dish that goes well with steamed rice or roti bread.
6. Khai Krata
This is a dish of fried eggs on a small iron pan, usually served with sausages, ham, bacon, or minced pork. The eggs are cooked to your liking, either sunny side up or scrambled. You can also add some vegetables, cheese, or chili sauce to spice it up. Khai Krata is a popular breakfast dish that is often eaten with toast and coffee.
7. Patonggo
This is a Thai-style Chinese doughnut that is deep-fried until golden and crispy. Patonggo is usually eaten as a snack or dessert, dipped in condensed milk, pandan custard, or chocolate sauce. You can also find savoury versions of patonggo with fillings like pork floss, cheese, or sausage.
8. Kanom Krok
This is a coconut-rice pancake that is cooked in a special cast-iron pan with half-spherical molds. The batter is made with rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. The pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with various toppings such as corn, taro, spring onion, or pumpkin.
9. Khao Mun Ghai
This is a Thai chicken rice dish that is influenced by the Chinese Hainanese chicken rice. The rice is cooked with chicken stock and fat, giving it a rich and fragrant flavour. The chicken is boiled or steamed until tender and juicy, and served with a spicy dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili. The dish also comes with a bowl of clear soup and some cucumber slices.
10. Khao Kha Moo
This is a braised pork leg on rice dish that is slow-cooked with soy sauce, sugar, star anise, cinnamon, garlic, and vinegar. The pork leg becomes tender and succulent, falling off the bone easily. The dish is served with rice, pickled mustard greens, boiled eggs, and chili vinegar.
11. Guay Taew
This is a general term for all variations of Thai noodle dishes. You can choose from different types of noodles such as rice noodles, egg noodles, glass noodles, or instant noodles. You can also choose from different soups or sauces such as tom yum, tom kha, curry, or gravy. You can also choose from different meats such as chicken, pork, beef, seafood, or tofu. Guay taew is a versatile and satisfying dish that you can customize to your preference.
12. Suki Haeng
This is a stir-fried version of the Thai sukiyaki hot pot. The dish consists of glass noodles stir-fried with cabbage, celery, spring onion, egg, and a choice of meat or seafood. The dish is seasoned with a special sukiyaki sauce that is sweet and tangy. Suki haeng is a quick and easy dish that is often eaten with chili sauce.
These are just some of the many delicious foods you can find in Thailand. If you want to explore more, you can check out these websites for more recommendations:
The Best Dishes to Eat in Thailand | Culture Trip
This website introduces 21 of the best dishes in Thailand, from soups and salads to curries and noodles. It also provides some information about the history and culture of Thai cuisine.
30 of the Best Thai Foods & Dishes You Absolutely Have to Try
This website features 30 of the most popular and delicious Thai dishes, with photos and descriptions. It also gives some tips on how to order and eat Thai food, as well as some recommendations on where to find them.
15 Best Thai Street Foods to Try in Thailand - BucketListly Blog
This website focuses on the street food scene in Thailand, which is one of the best ways to experience the authentic flavours of the country. It lists 15 of the best street foods to try, from fried eggs and doughnuts to braised pork and sukiyaki.
Food Scene in Thailand
Thailand is a country with a rich and diverse food culture that reflects its history, geography, and people. Thai cuisine is famous for its balance of flavours, aromas, colours, and textures, as well as its use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices. Thai food can be enjoyed in various settings, from street stalls and markets to fine dining restaurants and hotels. Here are some aspects of the food scene in Thailand that you might want to know more about:
Street Food
Street food is an integral part of Thai culture and a popular way to experience the authentic taste of local dishes. Street food vendors can be found everywhere in Thailand, offering a wide range of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, fruits, and drinks at affordable prices. Some of the most common street food items include pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts), som tam (spicy green papaya salad), khao niao mamuang (sticky rice with mango and coconut milk), and satay (grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce). Street food in Thailand is not only delicious but also safe and hygienic, as the vendors prepare the food in front of the customers and use fresh ingredients.
Regional Cuisine
Thailand has four main regions: Central, Northern, Northeastern (Isan), and Southern. Each region has its own distinctive cuisine that reflects its climate, geography, culture, and influences from neighbouring countries. For example, Central Thai cuisine is influenced by Chinese and Indian cuisines and features mild to moderate curries, stir-fries, soups, salads, and desserts. Northern Thai cuisine is influenced by Burmese and Lao cuisines and features sticky rice, spicy dips, grilled meats, and herbal soups. Northeastern Thai cuisine is influenced by Lao and Cambodian cuisines and features fermented fish sauce, grilled chicken, sticky rice, and spicy salads. Southern Thai cuisine is influenced by Malay and Indonesian cuisines and features coconut milk, turmeric, seafood, and fiery curries.
Fine Dining
Thailand has a vibrant fine dining scene that showcases the creativity and innovation of its chefs. Many fine dining restaurants in Thailand offer a fusion of Thai and international cuisines, using local ingredients and modern techniques to create dishes that are both visually stunning and flavourful. Some of the most acclaimed fine dining restaurants in Thailand include Gaggan Anand (a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves progressive Indian cuisine with molecular gastronomy), Le Du (a restaurant that serves seasonal Thai-inspired dishes with French influences), Nahm (a restaurant that serves traditional Thai cuisine with a contemporary twist), Sorn (a restaurant that specializes in Southern Thai cuisine with rare ingredients), and Bo.lan (a restaurant that focuses on sustainable and organic Thai cuisine).
Food Festivals in Thailand
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Bangkok Street Food Festival
This festival celebrates the diverse and delicious street food of Bangkok, which is considered one of the best in the world. You can sample a variety of dishes from different regions and cuisines, such as pad thai, som tam, khao soi, tom yum, and more. The festival also features live music, cultural performances, and cooking demonstrations.
Brewtopia Bangkok
This festival is a paradise for beer lovers, as it showcases hundreds of local and international craft beers, as well as food pairings and entertainment. You can taste different styles and flavours of beer, from lagers and ales to stouts and IPAs. The festival also offers workshops, games, and competitions for beer enthusiasts.
ThaiFex World of Food Asia
This is the largest food and beverage trade show in Asia, attracting thousands of exhibitors and visitors from around the world. The event showcases the latest trends and innovations in the food industry, as well as the rich culinary heritage of Thailand and other Asian countries. You can explore various sectors and segments of the food market, such as organic, halal, frozen, seafood, bakery, coffee, wine, and more.
Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival
This is a unique and quirky festival that honors the monkeys that live in the ancient city of Lopburi. The locals prepare a lavish feast of fruits, vegetables, cakes, and candies for the monkeys to enjoy, as a way of thanking them for bringing tourists and prosperity to the city. The festival also features dances, parades, and contests.
Vegetarian Festival
This is a nine-day festival that coincides with the Chinese lunar calendar. It is observed by many Thai-Chinese people who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet during this period, as a way of cleansing their body and mind. The festival also involves various rituals and ceremonies, such as fire walking, piercing, and processions. The festival is especially famous in Phuket, where it attracts many spectators and participants.
*Do research if the festivals are still being organised or have changed their names before going.
10 Restaurants in Thailand with better than 4.5 rating on Google Review (more than 500 reviews)
THE SIXTH 6th | Thai restaurant
Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
www.the-sixth-6th.business.site
Sühring | German restaurant
10 Soi Yen Akat 3, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
www.restaurantsuhring.com
RONGROS | Thai restaurant
392 16 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
www.rongros.com
B Samcook Home16 | Asian Fusion
5 ถนน Kamphaeng Din 3 Alley, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
www.facebook.com/thebfamilycnx
Botanic Backyard Bar & Restaurant | Lunch Restaurant
หลังวัด 25/1 ตรอก Chana Songkhram Alley, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039440871441
Kor Panit’s Sticky Rice | Dessert restaurant
431 433 Thanon Tanao, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057233149235
Day & Night Of Phuket | Restaurant
Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
www.dayandnight.co.th
Salute - Temple Of Italian Cuisine | Italian restaurant
26 Soi Puongchompoo, Hongyok-U-Tid Road, Talat Yai, Phuket 83000, Thailand
www.facebook.com/ristosalute
The vegan table | Vegan restaurant
108, 1 Ratsada Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
www.facebook.com/thevegantable.co
Kopitiam by Wilai | Cafe
18 Thalang Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
www.facebook.com/kopitiambywilai
*Do check on food and prices before heading down.
These are just some of the best food in Thailand that you should try. There are many more dishes that you can explore and enjoy in this amazing country. Aroy mak!
“Thai food is a feast for the senses Spicy, sour, sweet, and salty
A harmony of flavors and fragrances
That makes every bite a delight
Thai food is a reflection of the culture Diverse, vibrant, and rich
A blend of influences and traditions
That creates a unique cuisine
Thai food is a joy to share with others Family, friends, and strangers
A way of expressing hospitality and generosity
That brings people together”