Whether you have visited Thailand or are planning your future travels to the Land of Smiles, chances are you have already fallen in love with Thai food. Many people know the staples when it comes to traditional Thai dishes like Thai curries and Pad Thai, but Thai cuisine has much more to offer beyond the usual dishes you may already know. With fresh ingredients like kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, Thai chilies, galangal, and ginger, Thai food is often an explosion of flavors.
How to Eat Thai Food
When in Thailand, you’ll notice that they eat their rice dishes differently from other Asian countries. Instead of chopsticks, you’ll be given a fork and spoon at your table setting. The spoon is your primary eating utensil while the fork is used to manipulate the food onto your spoon. This technique is more efficient and has been adopted by many at home when enjoying Thai dishes.
There won’t be a knife at your setting when eating in a Thai restaurant; the food will already be cut to order. If you do need to make a cut, simply use the side of your spoon. Importantly, do not put the fork in your mouth—instead, use your spoon while keeping it in your right hand.
Even noodle dishes like Pad Thai or Pad See Ew are eaten with a fork and spoon, while chopsticks are reserved for noodle dishes served in a bowl.
Delicious Thai Dishes
Now that you have the basics of Thai food etiquette, the next time you go to the Land of Smiles, make sure to order these tasty Thai dishes. If you aren’t traveling soon, you can make them all at home too!
1. Thai Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
Thai green chicken curry is a quintessential dish in Thailand. This delicious creamy meal is served over jasmine rice and is one of the most filling and satisfying Thai meals to order. At home, you can make Thai curry with tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. The curry is made with green curry paste and coconut milk.
The curry is mixed with chilis, Thai basil, fish sauce, and a variety of vegetables served over freshly steamed rice. Be sure to visit Thailand to truly explore the best in Thai cuisine.
2. Cashew Nut Chicken (Kai Med Ma Muang)
This dish is a favorite for many travelers. It’s easy to replicate at home and starts with stir-fried chicken mixed in roasted cashews and garlic. For a vegetarian version, simply use mushrooms. The key ingredient is corn starch, which thickens the savory mix of dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and rice vinegar.
3. Panang Curry
Panang curry is milder than green curry but just as flavorful. Made from scratch in Thailand or conveniently with Panang curry paste at home, it’s packed with vegetables in a fragrant coconut cream sauce.
The delicious sauce bursts with flavors from kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, fish sauce, and sugar, and it’s typically served over fragrant jasmine rice.
4. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a staple dish in Thailand, available from street vendors, cafes, and restaurants. As Thailand’s national dish, it is the go-to choice for many tourists. This fried noodle dish is delicious and affordable, prepared using a peanut sauce with your choice of protein, such as chicken or shrimp.
5. Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles)
Pad See Ew features thick rice noodles stir-fried in soy sauce, delivering a savory dish that is also popular street food. Served with protein and vegetables such as cabbage or broccoli, this comforting meal is a must-try in Thailand.
6. Tom Yum Soup (Hot and Sour Soup)
Tom Yum soup appears on nearly every menu. Known for its spicy and sour notes, it often features shrimp, Thai chilies, fish sauce, and lime juice. The coconut milk version, Tom Kha Gai, provides a creamy alternative.
7. Guay Teow (Noodle Soup)
A delightful noodle soup in Thailand, Guay Teow can be crafted using pork, beef, or fish broth with rice noodles. This dish is highly customizable, with an assortment of condiments available to enhance the flavor.
8. Thai Chicken Satay
A popular street food, grilled chicken satay consists of chicken skewers marinated in spices like lemongrass, served with a spicy Thai peanut sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with jasmine rice.
9. Lettuce Wraps (Larb Gai)
These refreshing wraps are simple to prepare. They typically include a delicious marinade that can be stir-fried with chicken and complemented with various fresh vegetables. A personalized touch allows guests to fill their lettuce wraps as they please.
10. Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
As a staple on Thai menus, Khao Pad—or fried rice—is an easy dish to order. It can be customized with your choice of meat or tofu and often comes with fresh-cut lime and condiments for extra flavor.
11. Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam)
This spicy salad features shredded green papaya combined with fish sauce, lime juice, chilies, and other fresh vegetables. A crisp dish, it makes for an excellent appetizer.
12. Green Mango Salad
A favorite snack found at street vendors, green mango salad combines grated mango with shredded coconut, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime dressing, ideal as a refreshing side dish.
13. Mango Sticky Rice (Kao Niew Ma Muang)
This delightful dessert features glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, paired with fresh mango slices for a sweet treat that encapsulates Thai cuisine.
14. Yam Pla Duk Foo (Fried Catfish with Green Mango Salad)
This flavorful dish consists of fried catfish served over fresh mango salad, offering an enticing appetizer or a satisfying bar snack.
15. Laab
A spicy meat salad originating in Northern Thailand, Laab is typically served with sticky rice and incorporates various herbs and flavors such as mint leaves to enhance its refreshing taste.
Why We Love Thai Food
There’s a remarkable variety of Thai food, from soups to grilled meat dishes. Each visit to Thailand uncovers new culinary delights. Recreating these meals at home fosters a connection to the culture, allowing you to share the family-style dining experience.
When planning your next trip to Thailand or ordering from local Thai restaurants, don’t hesitate to explore lesser-known dishes—you may stumble upon your new favorite meal!
