Thailand is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re looking to try street food or have a sit-down meal at a local restaurant, there’s no shortage of incredible flavors to discover. From spicy curries to flavorful noodles, the Thai food scene is diverse and exciting. Here are some must-try local dishes and my favorite restaurants to experience authentic Thai cuisine.
1. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is the quintessential Thai dish. It’s made with stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp, tamarind, fish sauce, and peanuts. You can find it at almost any street food stall, and it’s the perfect introduction to Thai cuisine.
For the best Pad Thai in Bangkok, visit “Thip Samai”. It has been serving up Pad Thai since 1966, and their “Superb Pad Thai” cooked with shrimp oil is legendary. If you’re visiting Chiang Mai, check out “Pad Thai Hia Wan” for another great version of the dish.
2. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
Som Tum is a spicy green papaya salad and is a must-try for anyone looking for a bold and refreshing dish. Made from shredded green papaya, chilies, lime, fish sauce, and roasted peanuts, it offers a perfect balance of spicy, salty, sour, and sweet flavors.
Head to “Som Tam Jay So” in Bangkok for an authentic taste. It’s slightly off the beaten path but well worth the trip. In the northern city of Chiang Mai, “Somtam Lung Auan” is another place to get a fantastic version of this dish.
3. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour soup that combines lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai chilies, galangal, and shrimp. The soup is fragrant, spicy, and is sure to wake up your taste buds.
One iconic spot for Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok is “P’Aor”. They’ve perfected a rich and creamy version of this soup, and it’s absolutely delicious. If you happen to be in Phuket, “Kaab Gluay” is another excellent place to enjoy this dish.
4. Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a Northern Thai specialty that you can’t miss. It is a curry noodle soup made with crispy egg noodles, coconut milk, and chicken or beef. The richness from the coconut milk balances perfectly with the spices, making it a unique dish.
For the best Khao Soi, go straight to “Khao Soi Khun Yai” in Chiang Mai. This hidden gem is a local favorite. Another great option is “Khao Soi Mae Sai”, which also serves a fantastic version of this dish.
5. Gaeng Keow Wan (Thai Green Curry)
Thai Green Curry, or Gaeng Keow Wan, is a creamy and spicy coconut-based curry. It’s usually made with green chilies, coconut milk, eggplant, chicken or beef, and fresh Thai basil. Served with jasmine rice, it’s a comforting meal full of flavor.
“Baan Khanitha” is one of the best places in Bangkok to try this dish. Their green curry is rich and aromatic. In Chiang Mai, “Huen Phen” makes an equally delicious version of it.
6. Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir-Fry)
Pad Kra Pao is a simple yet flavorful dish made with stir-fried minced pork or chicken, Thai holy basil, garlic, chilies, and fish sauce. It’s often served over rice and topped with a fried egg. The strong basil flavor combined with the heat from the chilies makes this an addictive dish.
For an authentic Pad Kra Pao in Bangkok, visit “Krua Apsorn”. Their version with minced pork is fantastic. Another favorite stop for this dish is “Jay Fai” (home of the Michelin-starred street food vendor) – her Pad Kra Pao is spicy and full of flavor.
7. Street Food: Grilled Skewers and Fried Insects
Thai street food culture is second to none. If you want a quick snack, grab a grilled meat skewer or try deep-fried insects! Grilled chicken and pork skewers (known as “Moo Ping”) are everywhere and they offer smoky, juicy bites.
Night markets like “Soi 38” in Bangkok or the “Suan Plu Market” are great places to try street foods. If you’re adventurous, don’t miss the fried insects sold at many night markets. They might surprise you with how crunchy and savory they are!
8. Mango Sticky Rice
For a sweet ending to your Thai food journey, try Mango Sticky Rice. This iconic dessert combines sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and fresh slices of mango. It’s simple but incredibly delicious, with the sweetness of the mango balancing the creamy rice.
The best place to get this in Bangkok is “Kor Panich”. The sticky rice here is perfectly cooked and the mango is always fresh. If you’re in Chiang Mai, don’t miss “Mango Tango” for another great version.
Top Restaurants in Thailand
1. Thip Samai (Bangkok)
This iconic place is home to possibly the best Pad Thai in the world. Their famous Pad Thai cooked with shrimp oil is served with fresh ingredients and a twist of lime. If you want to experience the true essence of Pad Thai, this is the place to be.
2. Som Tam Jay So (Bangkok)
A hidden gem that serves the most refreshing Som Tum (green papaya salad) in town. It’s a bit spicy and tangy—just what you need on a hot day. The portions are generous and the price is very affordable.
3. Krua Apsorn (Bangkok)
Krua Apsorn is one of my favorite places to get Pad Kra Pao and other traditional Thai dishes. They do simple, home-style cooking at its best, and every dish comes packed with flavor. Make sure to try their crab omelet too!
4. Khao Soi Khun Yai (Chiang Mai)
If you’re headed to Chiang Mai, Khao Soi is a must-try. Khao Soi Khun Yai serves a perfectly spiced and creamy version of the dish. Their chicken Khao Soi is especially popular.
5. Baan Khanitha (Bangkok)
For classic Thai dishes with top-quality ingredients, “Baan Khanitha” is a perfect choice. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is superb. Try their green curry—it’s one of the best you’ll find in the city.
6. Jay Fai (Bangkok)
Jay Fai is well-known for her Michelin-star street food. Her signature crab omelet gets all the attention, but the Pad Kra Pao here is equally stunning. It’s a bit spicy but worth the heat!
7. Kaab Gluay (Phuket)
If you’re in Phuket, stop by Kaab Gluay for Tom Yum Goong and other Thai classics. Their food is always fresh and flavorful, and it’s a great break from the more tourist-focused restaurants in the area.
8. Kor Panich (Bangkok)
For the best Mango Sticky Rice in Bangkok, head to Kor Panich. They have been serving this beloved dessert for more than 80 years. Just one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s so popular.
Pro Tips for Eating in Thailand
If you’re exploring street foods, don’t be afraid to try new things. Thailand’s night markets are packed with delicious options, so you might discover a new favorite dish. Just look for places that are busy with locals for the best and freshest offerings.
Another useful tip: don’t always go to the first restaurant you pass. Often, the best places are tucked away in small alleys or less obvious locations. Ask locals where they eat. They’ll always point you in the right direction.
And lastly, don’t forget to make use of Thailand’s delicious condiments like nam pla prik (fish sauce with chilies) or fresh limes. These can really elevate your meal.
If you’re ready to enjoy the culinary delights of Thailand, dive into these dishes at some of the best local spots. You won’t be disappointed!
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