Thai cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and masterful balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty notes. From bustling street food stalls to elegant restaurants, every meal in Thailand is an adventure.
For tourists, diving into the local food scene is an essential part of the travel experience. To help you navigate this delicious world, here are 10 must-try local dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
The Flavors of Thailand: A Culinary Journey
Thai food is a symphony of contrasting flavors and textures, often incorporating fresh ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and coconut milk. Don’t be afraid to try new things – most vendors are happy to adjust the spice level to your preference.
1. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย): The Iconic Noodle Dish
You simply cannot visit Thailand without trying Pad Thai. This stir-fried rice noodle dish is a national icon and a perfect introduction to Thai cuisine’s balanced flavors. Typically made with flat rice noodles, eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, and a choice of protein (often shrimp, chicken, or pork), it’s tossed in a savory-sweet tamarind-based sauce. It’s usually garnished with crushed peanuts, a lime wedge, and chili flakes on the side, allowing you to customize the flavor.
Where to find it: Everywhere! From street food carts to high-end restaurants. Look for a busy stall – that’s often a sign of a good one.
Read more on this dish, plus a recipe:
Pad Thai: History and Classic Recipe
2. Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง): The Classic Hot and Sour Soup
Tom Yum Goong is an aromatic, hot, and sour soup that perfectly embodies the essence of Thai flavors. “Goong” means shrimp, which is the most popular protein in this dish. The broth is infused with fragrant lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, fresh chilies, and lime juice, often with a hint of roasted chili paste for depth. It’s invigorating, spicy, and incredibly addictive.
Read more on this dish, plus a recipe:
Tom Yum Goong: Thailand’s Quintessential Spicy and Sour Soup
Pro Tip: You can often choose the spiciness level (mai pet for non-spicy, pet nit noi for a little spicy, pet mak for very spicy).
3. Som Tum (ส้มตำ): The Refreshing Green Papaya Salad
Hailing from the Isaan region of Northeast Thailand, Som Tum is a vibrant and zesty salad that packs a punch. Shredded unripe green papaya is pounded in a mortar and pestle with chilies, garlic, long beans, tomatoes, peanuts, fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice. The result is a crunchy, spicy, tangy, and sweet explosion of flavors.
Variations: You’ll find many versions, including som tum boo plara (with fermented crab and fish sauce) which is very popular with locals but might be an acquired taste for some tourists. Som tum Thai (without crab/fish sauce) is a great starting point.
4. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (แกงเขียวหวานไก่): Green Curry Perfection
Thai curries are famous, and Green Curry is one of the most beloved. Made with a rich, creamy coconut milk base, the vibrant green color comes from fresh green chilies and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. “Gai” means chicken, but you can find it with various meats or tofu. It’s often accompanied by bamboo shoots, Thai eggplant, and fresh basil leaves, served with steamed jasmine rice.
Spice Level: Green curry is typically one of the spicier curries, but restaurants can often adjust the heat.
5. Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย): Northern Thailand’s Comfort Bowl
If you’re heading to Northern Thailand (especially Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai), Khao Soi is an absolute must-try. This rich and creamy coconut curry noodle soup features a base of savory curry broth, often with chicken or beef, and both soft egg noodles and crispy fried egg noodles as a topping. It’s typically served with pickled mustard greens, raw shallots, lime, and chili oil on the side for added flavor.
Why it’s unique: It’s a delightful blend of textures and deeply complex flavors, showcasing Burmese and Chinese culinary influences.
6. Pad Krapow Moo Saap (ผัดกะเพราหมูสับ): Holy Basil Stir-Fry with Pork
A staple of Thai street food, Pad Krapow Moo Saap is a quick, flavorful, and fiery stir-fry. Minced pork (moo saap) or chicken (gai) is stir-fried with pungent Thai holy basil, garlic, and plenty of chilies. It’s usually served over steamed jasmine rice, often topped with a crispy fried egg (kai dao) – highly recommended!
Flavor Profile: Spicy, savory, and incredibly aromatic from the holy basil. It’s a true comfort food for many Thais.
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7. Massaman Curry (แกงมัสมั่น): Aromatic and Mild
Massaman Curry stands out from other Thai curries due to its unique blend of indigenous Thai spices and influences from Persian and Indian cuisine. It’s a milder, sweeter, and incredibly fragrant curry made with coconut milk, roasted peanuts, potatoes, and your choice of meat (often chicken or beef). The spice paste typically includes ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and star anise.
Great for: Those who enjoy a rich, aromatic curry with less intense heat.
Read more on this dish, plus a recipe:
A Taste of History: The Story Behind Massaman Curry
8. Gai Yang / Moo Ping (ไก่ย่าง / หมูย่าง): Grilled Meats on a Stick
You’ll find these sizzling delights everywhere, especially at night markets. Gai Yang refers to marinated grilled chicken, while Moo Ping are delicious grilled pork skewers. The meats are typically marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, coriander root, and palm sugar, then grilled over charcoal until tender and slightly charred. They are perfect as a snack or a light meal, often served with sticky rice.
Perfect for: A quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful street food experience.
Read more on this dish, plus a recipe: Moo Ping: Thailand’s Charcoal-Grilled Street Food Icon
9. Khao Mun Gai (ข้าวมันไก่): Hainanese Chicken Rice
Simple yet incredibly satisfying, Khao Mun Gai is Thailand’s take on Hainanese chicken rice. Poached chicken is served atop fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, often with a slice of cucumber and a small bowl of chicken soup. The star of the show is often the dipping sauce, a savory and spicy blend of fermented soybeans, ginger, garlic, and chili.
Why it’s a favorite: A comforting, well-balanced meal that’s popular for breakfast or lunch.
10. Khao Niao Mamuang (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง): Mango Sticky Rice
End your culinary journey with the quintessential Thai dessert, Mango Sticky Rice. This seasonal delight features perfectly ripe, sweet mango slices served alongside warm, sticky glutinous rice that has been sweetened with coconut milk. A drizzle of additional coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crispy mung beans complete this heavenly treat.
When to find it: Primarily during mango season (roughly March to May), but some places may offer it year-round.
Read more on this dish, plus a recipe:
Mango Sticky Rice: Thailand’s Sweetest Simplicity
Tips for Eating Like a Local
- Embrace Street Food: Don’t be afraid! It’s fresh, delicious, and incredibly affordable. Look for stalls with a high turnover of customers – that indicates freshness.
- Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, say “mai pet” (not spicy) or “pet nit noi” (a little spicy). If you love heat, ask for “pet mak mak” (very, very spicy!).
- Eat with a Spoon and Fork: Thais typically eat with a spoon and fork. Use the fork to push food onto your spoon, then eat with the spoon. Chopsticks are common for noodle dishes.
- Share Dishes: When dining with others, order several dishes to share, allowing everyone to sample a wider variety of flavors.
- Stay Hydrated: The food can be spicy, and the climate is hot. Drink plenty of water or try a refreshing Thai iced tea (Cha Yen).
Exploring Thailand through its food is an unforgettable experience. From the fiery curries to the refreshing salads and sweet desserts, each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and passion. So, open your mind and your palate, and prepare to embark on a truly delicious adventure!
Read our whole Thailand guide:
The Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
