Tiếng ViệtWith its iconic blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, Thai cuisine has won the hearts of millions of food lovers worldwide. However, with such a vast array of dishes, choosing the best ones to try can be daunting. This article introduces the TOP Thai dishes, from beloved street food to high-end delicacies, that you absolutely must taste.
Pad Thai: The national stir-fried noodle dish everyone loves
Pad Thai is Thailand’s national dish, celebrated not only locally but globally. Originating in the 1930s when the Thai government promoted noodle consumption to boost the economy, Pad Thai has become a symbol of Thai cuisine and a staple in any meal.
Made with stir-fried rice noodles, ingredients like shrimp, chicken, tofu, eggs, bean sprouts, and seasonings such as fish sauce, sugar, lime, chili, and crushed peanuts, Pad Thai offers a perfect balance of flavors. It comes in various versions, like seafood or vegetarian Pad Thai, catering to diverse tastes.
Pad Thai is not only delicious but also approachable, with its harmonious blend of ingredients and spices. Its fame and distinctive taste make it a “must-try” for anyone who loves Thai food.
Tom Yum: Exquisite spicy and sour soup that captivates travelers
Tom Yum is one of Thailand’s most famous soups, combining shrimp, mushrooms, fragrant broth, and signature spices. The dish is defined by its sourness from tamarind, spiciness from chili, and freshness from herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
Each spoonful of Tom Yum delivers a vibrant mix of sour, spicy, and salty flavors. The tanginess from tamarind and lime refreshes the palate, while the chili’s heat warms the senses, delighting spice lovers.
Beyond its taste, Tom Yum is also healthy, with ingredients like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves known to reduce stress, aid digestion, and detoxify the body.
Som Tum: Thai papaya salad
Som Tum, Thailand’s iconic papaya salad, is often prepared fresh in large stone mortars. Green papaya is shredded and mixed with garlic, chili, fish sauce, sugar, tamarind, and lime juice, creating a tantalizing sour, spicy, and sweet salad.
Green papaya is the star, offering a crisp, refreshing texture. Spices like chili, garlic, and fish sauce are essential, giving the dish its unique flavor.
Som Tum is a street food staple in Thailand, prepared right before your eyes at roadside stalls. The fiery spice, crisp papaya, and tangy tamarind and lime make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Green Curry: A flavorful Thai curry masterpiece
Green curry, a Southern Thai specialty, is made with a curry paste of green chilies, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and spices. It typically features chicken, beef, fish, or seafood, offering a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor that’s universally loved.
Unlike heavier Indian curries, Thai green curry is lighter, avoiding intense spices like cinnamon or cloves. It’s often served with rice or noodles, making for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Green curry pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or bread, and side dishes like fresh herbs, cucumber, or fried tofu enhance its appeal.
Mango sticky rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved Thai dessert made with ripe mango slices and fragrant sticky rice. This dish strikes a perfect balance between the mango’s sweetness and the rice’s creamy richness.
A symbol of Thailand’s sweet, light, and refreshing flavors, Mango Sticky Rice is enjoyed year-round, not just during mango season. It’s a must-have at Thai feasts.
You can find Mango Sticky Rice everywhere, from street stalls to upscale restaurants. Night markets are especially popular spots to savor it when the mangoes are at their ripest.
Satay: Fragrant grilled meat skewers, a Thai classic
Satay is Thailand’s famous grilled meat skewers, made with chicken, pork, or beef. The meat is marinated with spices, skewered on bamboo sticks, and grilled over charcoal, resulting in a flavorful, aromatic dish.
Satay’s marinade, featuring garlic, chili, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and other spices, gives it a rich, bold taste. When grilled, the meat turns golden and succulent.
The dish’s hallmark is its creamy peanut sauce, made with roasted peanuts, coconut milk, and spices, adding a sweet-savory depth. This sauce elevates every bite, making Satay a street food favorite, whether paired with rice or enjoyed alone.
Khao Soi: Northern Thailand’s signature curry noodles
Khao Soi is a standout dish from Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai. Influenced by Myanmar and Chinese cuisines, it combines soft noodles in a rich, creamy coconut broth with crispy fried noodles, creating a unique texture and flavor.
Made with egg noodles, a thick coconut milk-based broth, chicken or beef, and spices like lemongrass, turmeric, and chili, Khao Soi is both smooth and crunchy. It’s often garnished with fried shallots, pickled vegetables, and fresh lime, blending spicy, sweet, and savory notes.
Khao Soi embodies Northern Thailand’s culinary heritage and is a must-try in Chiang Mai. Its fusion of flavors and textures makes it an unforgettable dining experience.
Boat Noodles: Thailand’s iconic river dish
Boat Noodles, or “mì thuyền,” are a beloved Thai dish, especially in Bangkok. Originating in the Ayutthaya period when vendors sold noodles from boats along canals, this dish earned its name. Its rich flavor and unique preparation make it a must-try for visitors.
Boat Noodles feature thinly sliced beef or pork cooked in a robust broth flavored with spices, herbs, and fish sauce. Some variations include chicken for added variety. Each meat type brings a distinct character, perfectly complemented by the dish’s seasonings.
Served at small eateries, night markets, or canal-side stalls, Boat Noodles are iconic at places like Bangkok’s Ratchawat Market or Victory Monument, where you can enjoy authentic flavors in a traditional setting.
Khanom Jeen: Simple yet captivating Thai rice noodles
Khanom Jeen is a famous Thai noodle dish made from fresh rice flour, resulting in long, delicate strands. It’s typically served with rich curries like chicken, beef, or fish curry, each offering unique flavors from spicy to mildly sweet. The creamy curry, made with fresh ingredients like coconut milk, chili, and herbs, pairs perfectly with the soft noodles.
The noodles’ fresh, tender texture sets Khanom Jeen apart, offering a perfect balance with the curry’s richness. Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, pickled vegetables, or a dash of fish sauce and lime enhance its freshness.
Khanom Jeen is versatile, customizable to suit different tastes, but the classic way is with curry, a touch of chili, and fresh herbs for that signature Thai spice.
Irresistible Thai street food snacks: Stir-fried glass noodles, fried dough, fried pastries
Thai street food is vibrant and varied, offering a range of snacks that travelers can’t resist. From stir-fried glass noodles with egg and herbs to crispy fried dough or savory fried pastries, each dish has a distinct flavor. These snacks are not only delicious but also widely available across Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Their bold flavors and fresh ingredients make them essential to any culinary journey in Thailand.
- Stir-Fried Glass Noodles: A simple dish of glass noodles stir-fried with egg, vegetables, and spices, often served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Fried Dough: Crispy fried dough paired with meat, vegetables, or sauce for a satisfying snack.
- Fried Pastries: From crispy fried bread to meat-filled steamed buns, these are irresistible street treats.
We hope this list inspires you to dive into Thailand’s incredible cuisine. Come with an empty stomach and get ready to explore these unforgettable flavors! Your Thai food adventure awaits.
