Thai cuisine is one of the most loved cuisines in the world. Above all, it balances sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours in every meal. Moreover, food is at the heart of daily life in Thailand, from street stalls to family tables. So, eating is one of the best ways to discover the country.
So, this guide covers must-try dishes, key ingredients, street food, regional specialities and dining tips.
Must-Try Dishes of Thai Cuisine
Pad Thai
First, these stir-fried rice noodles come with egg, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts and peanuts. Then, tamarind, fish sauce and lime give them their sweet and sour taste.
Tom Yum Goong
This hot and sour soup combines shrimp with lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves and chillies. In fact, it is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes.
Green Curry
Called gaeng keow wan, this creamy curry is made with green chilli paste and coconut milk. Also, it usually includes chicken, Thai aubergines and sweet basil.
Som Tum
Meanwhile, this green papaya salad is pounded in a mortar with lime, fish sauce, chillies and peanuts. However, it can be very spicy, so ask for “mai phet” if you prefer it mild.
Mango Sticky Rice
For dessert, ripe mango is served with sticky rice cooked in sweet coconut milk. Above all, it is best in the mango season, from March to June.
Key Ingredients in Thai Cuisine
Fresh herbs are the secret of Thai cuisine. For example, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil appear in many dishes. Moreover, coconut milk adds creaminess to curries and desserts. Meanwhile, fish sauce and shrimp paste bring a deep, salty flavour. Finally, fresh and dried chillies give the famous heat.
Street Food: Thai Cuisine on the Go
Thai street food is cheap, fresh and, above all, delicious. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, stalls and night markets serve food all day. For example, try grilled pork skewers, khao man gai (chicken rice) or sweet banana roti. In fact, some street vendors in Bangkok have even received Michelin recognition.
Regional Specialities of Thai Cuisine
- North: Try khao soi, a curry noodle soup, and sai oua, a herby sausage.
- Northeast (Isan): Spicy larb salad, grilled chicken and sticky rice are typical.
- Centre: Bangkok is known for curries, stir-fries and refined royal cuisine.
- South: Here, seafood, turmeric and fiery curries such as gaeng som are popular. Also, the mild massaman curry shows Muslim influences.
Dining Etiquette and Tips
- Use a spoon and fork: Thais push food onto the spoon with the fork. However, chopsticks are used for noodle soups.
- Share your dishes: Also, meals are usually shared family-style.
- Eat sticky rice by hand: In the north and northeast, roll it into small balls.
- Season at the table: Add sugar, chilli flakes, fish sauce or vinegar to taste.
Learn to Cook Thai Food
In addition, cooking classes are a fun way to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine. Usually, they start with a market visit to discover fresh ingredients. Then, you’ll cook several dishes and eat them together. For more food ideas, see the official Tourism Authority of Thailand website.
Final Thoughts on Thai Cuisine
In short, Thai cuisine is a journey through the culture and regions of the country. After a big meal, relax with a Thai massage or watch a Muay Thai fight. Discover all our Thailand travel guides.
