20 Must Try Foods in Thailand: A Delectable Journey into the Heart of Thai Cuisine

Last updated on June 13th, 2024 at 06:53 am

Are you a food enthusiast seeking a delectable culinary adventure? Look no further than Thailand, a country known for its vibrant street food culture and mouthwatering dishes. From spicy curries to refreshing desserts, Thailand offers an array of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. In this blog, I present my top 20 must try Thai food carefully ranked and described to immerse you in the delightful world of Thai cuisine. Prepare to embark on a delectable journey into the heart of Thailand’s culinary traditions, exploring the best Thai dishes that will leave you craving for more.

1. Spicy Eggplant Basil

Coming in at number 1, is my favorite Thai dish: Spicy Eggplant Basil. This spicy delight features tender pieces of eggplant stir-fried with Thai holy basil, garlic, and chilies, creating a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors. Often enjoyed with steamed rice, this dish offers a unique twist on traditional Thai cuisine, making it a favorite among vegetarians and spice lovers alike. In America they use Japanese eggplant and chicken can be added.

2. Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Basil Pork):

Pad Kra Pow, Thailand’s national dish. Treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of Pad Krapow Moo Saap, the most common version of this dish, featuring minced pork, Thai holy basil, garlic, and chilies. The dish is often topped with a fried egg and served with steamed rice. However, my favorite is Pad Krapow Goong, which uses shrimp instead of pork. Serving up a solid Spicy Krapow Wagyu above, check out Phed Mark in Bangkok.

3. Gai Pad Med Mamuang (Cashew Chicken):

Cashew Chicken, one of my best Thai dishes, is a classic Thai stir-fry featuring tender chicken, cashew nuts, and a medley of vegetables. The dish is cooked to perfection in a savory sauce, combining the sweetness of oyster sauce with the tanginess of soy sauce. The delightful crunch of cashews adds a delightful texture, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

4. Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup):

Tom Kha Gai, a creamy and aromatic soup that combines tender chicken, coconut milk, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. The delicate balance of flavors makes it one of the best Thai dishes and perfect choice for those seeking a comforting and satisfying cuisine. Be sure to eat along with some white jasmine rice.

5. Khao Pad Pu (Thai Crab Fried Rice):

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Crab Fried Rice, a delicious combination of fluffy jasmine rice, succulent crab meat, and a hint of egg. The dish is expertly seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving for more. Be sure to squeeze some lime and add some chilies to enhance the flavors.

6. Gai Tod (Fried Chicken, Shallots, & Sticky Rice)

The crispy, golden-brown chicken skin gives way to tender, juicy meat bursting with flavorful Thai spices, while the caramelized shallots add a sweet and savory twist that perfectly complements the succulent chicken. To complete this heavenly experience, the sticky rice, with its unique texture and subtle coconut aroma, serves as the ideal canvas to enhance the overall dish. This simple culinary masterpiece captures the heart and soul of Thailand, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in this delectable trio. For the best fried chicken in Bangkok, visit Polo Fried Chicken near Lumpini.

7. Larb (Spicy Thai Salad):

Experience the bold flavors of Larb, a spicy Thai salad made with minced meat or mushrooms, mixed with fresh herbs, lime juice, and toasted rice powder. The vibrant and tangy taste of Larb is a celebration of Thai street food. Originated from Issan, this is a top Thai dish in Thailand that you must try. Served with fresh lettuce and white rice or sticky rice.

8. Goong Gratium (Fried Shrimp and Garlic):

Calling all seafood enthusiasts! Fried Shrimp and Garlic is a tantalizing dish that features succulent shrimp stir-fried with aromatic garlic and a touch of pepper. This delightful combination of flavors creates a savory and satisfying seafood delight. Add on a side of jasmine rice to complete this top Thai dish.

9. Khao Soi: A Must Try Thai Food

Originating from Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a must try Thai food. A unique and delicious noodle soup that combines tender chunks of meat, egg noodles, and a creamy coconut curry broth. Topped with crispy noodles and garnished with shallots and lime, this dish is a true explosion of textures and flavors. The chicken is so tender it melts off the bone.

10. Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles):

Pad Kee Mao, also known as “Drunken Noodles,” is a delectable Thai stir-fried dish renowned for its bold flavors and spicy kick. This mouthwatering noodle dish typically consists of wide rice noodles, fresh vegetables, aromatic Thai basil, and tender slices of meat or tofu, all wok-tossed in a fiery blend of chili, garlic, and soy-based sauce. Its name suggests that the dish is best enjoyed with an ice-cold beverage, as its intense flavors evoke the feeling of being intoxicated with culinary delight. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or seeking an adventurous culinary experience, Pad Kee Mao is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand.

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11. Phat Phrik Khing

Another top favorite is Phat Phrik Khing. This dish is a spicy and aromatic Thai stir-fry that features green beans and your choice of protein, such as pork or chicken, cooked in a rich red curry paste. Infused with the flavors of kaffir lime leaves and often garnished with fresh Thai basil, Phat Phrik Khing delivers a delightful combination of heat and fragrant herbs. Served with steamed rice, this dish is perfect for those who love a bit of spice and the crunch of fresh green beans in their meals.

12. Spicy Beef Salad (Yum Nuea):

Prepare your taste buds for a burst of spicy and tangy flavors with Yum Nuea, a classic Thai beef salad. Tender slices of grilled beef are tossed with fresh herbs, lime juice, chili, and fish sauce, creating a zesty and refreshing salad that perfectly balances bold spices. Often served with white rice.

13. Deep Fried Pork (Moo Dad Diao Tod):

Thai deep-fried pork is a culinary delight that reflects the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine. This beloved dish, also known as ‘Moo Tod,’ features thinly sliced pork marinated in a mix of Thai herbs and spices, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. The pork is then deep-fried until crispy and golden, resulting in a mouthwatering texture that perfectly complements the bold flavors. Thai deep-fried pork offers a delightful explosion of tastes, making it a popular street food and a must-try dish for anyone seeking an authentic and delectable Thai dining experience.

14. Pla Pao (Grilled Fish):

Tantalize your taste buds with Pla Pao, a whole fish grilled to perfection and infused with fragrant lemongrass and herbs. The tender and flavorful fish is often served with spicy dipping sauce. My favorite fish is Red Snapper, Be careful of the bones.

15. Massaman Curry:

A fusion of Thai and Indian flavors, Massaman Curry is a rich and aromatic dish that features tender chunks of meat, potatoes, and roasted peanuts bathed in a creamy coconut-based sauce. Its mild and nutty taste will leave you craving more.

16. Penang Curry:

A must-try dish is Panang Curry. This rich and creamy Thai curry features a luscious coconut milk base infused with Panang curry paste, which gives it a slightly sweet and mildly spicy flavor. Typically made with tender pieces of beef or chicken, Panang Curry is accented with kaffir lime leaves and crushed peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Served with steamed rice, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty and aromatic curry. I like the other curries in the following order: yellow, red, green.

17. Rad Na (Thai Noodles in Gravy):

Next up, we have Rad Na, a comforting dish that showcases wide rice noodles smothered in a luscious gravy sauce. The combination of tender meat or seafood with crisp vegetables creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Rad Na is often seasoned with aromatic garlic and soy sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying choice.

18. Satay (Gai Yaang or Moo Ping):

Satay (Chicken), or Moo Ping (Pork), is a popular Thai street food that features skewered and grilled marinated pork or chicken served with a delectable peanut sauce. The succulent and tender meat, coupled with the rich and nutty sauce, makes this dish a delightful snack or appetizer.

19. Pad See Ew:

A beloved classic is Pad See Ew. This Thai stir-fry dish features wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender slices of chicken, beef, or shrimp, along with egg, Chinese broccoli (kai-lan), and a savory sauce made from soy sauce and oyster sauce. The dish is known for its smoky flavor from stir-frying over high heat and is often enjoyed with a sprinkle of chili flakes or vinegar at the table. Pad See Ew offers a comforting and satisfying taste of Thailand’s street food culture.

20. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup):

Prepare your taste buds for a burst of flavors with Tom Yum Goong, Thailand’s famous spicy and sour shrimp soup. This aromatic dish combines lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and plump prawns, creating an explosion of taste that perfectly captures the essence of a top Thai dish.

Best Thai Food Eating Experience: Moo Ka Ta (Thai BBQ Hot Pot):

For a truly interactive dining experience, Moo Ka Ta is a must-try experience. This Thai barbecue hot pot allows you to grill your own selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables at the table. The communal atmosphere and variety of dipping sauces make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Conclusion of What To Eat In Thailand:

Thailand’s culinary wonders are a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and the passion of its people for creating delightful flavors. From what to eat In Thailand, such as the fiery Tom Yum Goong to the sweet indulgence of Mango Sticky Rice, each dish showcases the unique essence of Thai cuisine. I hope you enjoyed my favorite top 20 must try Thai dishes. So Embark on a gastronomic adventure through Thailand’s vibrant food scene, and let your taste buds be mesmerized by the rich array of flavors that the best Thai dishes have to offer.