Summary of 12 Must-Try Thai Dishes for Food Lovers:
Whenever I think of Thailand, I get hungry! This is especially the case with all the best Thai food and dishes to try when you visit. Honestly, it’s a country that is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Honesty, there are so many amazing things about Thailand, from places like Bangkok, Phi Phi Islands, to the best beaches that are dotted all across the country.
That being said, there’s always a heap of tasty foodie spots that get my mouth watering in Thailand. Truth be told, one of the things I love most about visiting has to be the best Thai food and dishes To Try.
After all, it’s not every day you can try such a myriad of flavours, dishes, and street food that’s so tasty and unique.
Introduction to Thai Food
I always seem to have a hankering for Thai food and it’s one that I can eat over and over and over again.
This is especially true with all the best Thai food and dishes that are so much more than just Pad Thai.
1.) Tom Yum Goong
Possibly, one of the most famous Thai dishes you can eat, Tom Yum Goong is essentially a spicy shrimp soup with mushrooms, although you can also find beef, chicken, and pork variants that are totally amazing.
This fragrant delicacy contains lemongrass, shallots, chilli, lime leaves, tomatoes, and of course fish sauce. It is light with a spicy and sour taste that will leave you feeling incredibly satisfied after eating a bowl full. It’s easily one of my favourites and best dishes from Thailand, that’s for sure.
2.) Som Tam
This spicy green papaya salad comes from Northeastern Thailand and is absolutely delicious and one of the best dishes from Thailand to have in the country.
It usually contains shredded green papaya, carrots, peanuts, tomatoes, beans, tamarind, fish sauce, lime juice, dried shrimp, and lots of chillies. It’s so tasty and easily one of the best Thai food and dishes to try.
3.) Panang Curry
If you love spicy dishes, you will love a Thai Panang curry. What they do is fry up some red curry paste with succulent pieces of chicken, add some coconut cream and voila! It is usually garnished with kaffir lime leaves that give it a distinct aroma and freshness that you’ll love to eat.
It is best paired with a plate of steamed rice and is easily one of the best Thai food and dishes that are really easy to find in the country.
4.) Pad Thai
Probably one of the most famous and best Thai food and dishes, Pad Thai can be eaten everywhere from restaurants, at home, or on the go. You see, I’ve been told that the best way to eat Pad Thai is always from the foodie street carts and market, but that’s your call to make.
5.) Pad Kra Pow Gai
The deliciousness of this dish lies in its simplicity. It is basically stir-fried chicken with a few ingredients including garlic, onion, soy sauce, chilli, and of course holy basil leaves, which give this dish its magical aroma. It may be simple to make but it’s big on taste and totally yummy to eat!
6.) Khao Pad Sapparot
If you’re a fan of milder flavours, this Thai fried rice cooked in pineapple is perfect for you. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the subtle spices beautifully and the cashews add a nice crunch to it. It’s pretty sweet but one of the best Thai food and dishes to devour.
7.) Gaeng Keow Wan
Gaeng Keow Wan or what is more popularly known as Thai Green Curry is packed with flavour. Made with green curry paste, bamboo shoots, Thai basil, chicken, Thai eggplant, and of course coconut milk, along with the usual lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal, this is an iconic dish that you simply cannot miss.
8.) Yam Nua
If salads are your thing, try this spicy Thai version with onion, lime, dried chilli, coriander, mint, and strips of beef. It’s a zingy and fresh Thai dish with just the right amount of heat and it’s absolutely delicious to eat.
9.) Yam Pla Duk Foo
For an explosion of Thailand’s flavours in your mouth, try this mouthwatering combination of fried catfish with a sweet and tangy green mango salad. It’s crispy, savoury, sweet, and sour all at the same time and is perfect with some Chang beer.
10.) Kai Med Ma Muang
It’s easy to see why people go nuts (pun intended) for this cashew chicken dish. Unlike most Thai dishes, this one is pretty mild in the spice department (so it’s perfect if you prefer to eat milder dishes in Thailand) plus the roasted cashews along with a dash of honey complement the stir-fried chicken perfectly.
11.) Gang Massaman
Massaman is a mild curry that comes from Southern Thailand. Made with curry paste, peanuts, and coconut milk, you will also find a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg in this dish that makes it so yummy to eat. It is usually finished off with some potatoes and it is super delectable with some rice!
12.) Pak Boong
Pak Boong or Morning Glory is a favourite among health freaks! It’s a simple but wholesome dish made with a spinach-like vegetable that is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, soybean paste, chillies, and more. It’s one of those comforting and best Thai food and dishes that you just can’t go wrong with.
