10 typical dishes you must try in Thailand

Traveling to Thailand is an experience that is lived with all the senses, but there is one that marks the memory forever: taste .

Thai cuisine is a fascinating balance between sweet, salty, sour and spicy, a cuisine deeply rooted in the daily life and culture of the country.

From Bangkok's street markets to Chiang Mai 's small family restaurants, Phuket 's beaches or Krabi 's vibrant streets, eating is an essential part of the trip.

Here are 10 typical dishes that every traveler should try in Thailand , a culinary journey that explains flavors, contexts and sensations, designed to inspire you to discover the country bite by bite.

1. Pad Thai, the most famous dish in Thailand

It is undoubtedly the most famous Thai dish in the world , but trying it in its place of origin is another story. Pad Thai consists of stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts , all bound together by a tamarind sauce that balances sweetness and acidity. At street stalls, it is prepared fresh over a high heat and served with lime and dried chili peppers to adjust the flavor to the diner's taste.

2. Tom Yum Goong

This soup is a sensory explosion. Tom Yum Goong combines shrimp, aromatic broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers . The result is an intense, tangy, and spicy broth that awakens the palate from the first spoonful. It's commonly found throughout the country, but in coastal areas, it stands out for the freshness of its seafood.

3. Gaeng Keow Wan, Thailand's green curry

Thai green curry is creamy, fragrant, and deceptively potent. Prepared with coconut milk, green curry paste, Thai basil, and meat (chicken, pork, or fish) , it stands out for its vibrant color and herbal aroma. Although its flavor starts mild, the spiciness slowly emerges. It is one of the most refined dishes in Thai cuisine.

4. Mango Sticky Rice

When it comes to desserts, Thailand also shines . Mango Sticky Rice combines glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk with ripe, juicy mango . The contrast between the creaminess of the rice, the natural sweetness of the fruit, and the salty touch of the coconut sauce makes it a perfect ending to any meal.

5. Som Tam

Green papaya salad is a classic from the northeast of the country, but it has become popular throughout Thailand. Som Tam mixes grated papaya, tomato, green beans, peanuts, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili pepper . It's fresh, crunchy, and very spicy if you like. Ideal for hot days, it reflects the more spontaneous and street-food side of Thai cuisine.

6. Khao Soi

If you visit Chiang Mai , this dish is a must-try. Khao Soi is an egg noodle soup in a coconut milk curry broth , usually served with chicken or beef . It's topped with crispy noodles, red onion, lime, and pickles . Its flavor is rich and comforting, perfect for understanding the influence of northern Thailand and its connections to other Southeast Asian cuisines.

7. Boat Noodles

Originally sold from small boats on the canals, Boat Noodles are now an urban classic. It's a dark and rich noodle soup, made with pork or beef, spices, herbs , and traditionally, a touch of blood to thicken the broth (though milder versions exist today). They're served in small portions, making it easy to try several bowls in one meal.

8. Pad Kra Pao

This dish is a local favorite. Pad Kra Pao consists of stir-fried meat (chicken, pork, or beef) with garlic, chili peppers, and Thai holy basil , served with white rice and a fried egg on top . It's simple, quick, and full of flavor—perfect for an everyday meal. If you want to eat like a Thai, this is the way to go.

9. Satay with peanut sauce

Satay skewers are an irresistible snack. Marinated and grilled meat, served with a creamy, slightly sweet peanut sauce . Although their origins are shared with other Southeast Asian countries, in Thailand they're a staple of street food, especially at night. They're perfect with a cold beer or fresh juice.

10. Fried insects, for the most adventurous in Thailand

For adventurous travelers, fried insects present a cultural and culinary challenge. Crickets, silkworms, or beetles are fried and seasoned as a crunchy snack. Beyond the initial shock, they are part of the local food tradition and offer a unique experience that many are willing to try, even if only once.

Bonus: Cha Yen, Thailand's iced tea

After all that spice, Cha Yen is the perfect relief. This iced black tea, blended with condensed milk and spices , has a vibrant orange color and a sweet, creamy flavor. It's ubiquitous in markets and restaurants and has become an iconic drink that perfectly complements any Thai meal.

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