Thailand is a dream destination for food lovers. Whether you’re eating at street food stalls, local markets, or fine-dining restaurants, the flavors here burst to life. From spicy curries to tangy salads, every bite is an explosion of taste.
Here’s your guide to what you have to eat in Thailand. I’ll break down some must-try dishes, street food staples, regional specialties, and where to find them. Your mouth will be watering by the end of this!
Must-Try Thai Dishes
Pad Thai
No trip to Thailand is complete without eating Pad Thai. This stir-fried noodle dish is made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp, and peanuts. It’s sweet, salty, and a little bit tangy thanks to the use of tamarind sauce. You can find it almost everywhere—from street vendors to restaurants. For a great version of it, head to Thip Samai in Bangkok.
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Khao Pad is the typical fried rice dish. It’s packed with veggies and your choice of meat or seafood, all stir-fried together in a hot wok. What makes Thai fried rice special is the seasoning. Soy sauce, fish sauce, chili, sugar, and lime blend into perfect harmony. Look out for local stalls selling this.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Som Tum is a dish made with shredded green papaya, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and peanuts. It’s got this bold mix of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. This dish hails from the northeast of Thailand, but you can find it everywhere. Whether you want it spicy or not, it’s best eaten at street stalls in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Tom Yum Goong is one of the most famous soups in Thailand. It’s a hot and sour soup loaded with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves. The broth has a perfect balance of spicy and sour. It’s refreshing, bold, and incredibly aromatic. Try it at a local eatery in Bangkok or grab a bowl at Sawasdee in Chiang Rai.
Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is a dish with Muslim influences, and it’s quite different from other Thai curries. It’s slow-cooked with beef or chicken, potatoes, peanuts, and a spiced coconut milk-based sauce. The flavors are milder, more sweet, and nutty compared to other curries. It’s iconic and comforting, perfect when you’re craving something rich and hearty. Southern Thailand knows how to make this well.
Street Food in Thailand
Grilled Meat Skewers (Moo Ping)
Moo Ping is Thai-style grilled pork skewers. They’re incredibly popular on the streets and are cooked to order. The pork is marinated in a mix of fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic, then grilled to perfection with a smoky char. Pair them with sticky rice for a yummy on-the-go snack. You can find vendors in markets across Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Khanom Krok
Khanom Krok are little coconut pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re slightly sweet and very addictive. Made with coconut milk, sugar, and rice flour, you can usually find these in morning markets or night markets. Their texture and flavor are the perfect treats to snack on as you wander the stalls.
Khao Niew Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice)
If you have a sweet tooth, you need to try Mango Sticky Rice. This dessert is made with glutinous rice soaked in sweet coconut milk and served with a ripe mango. It’s creamy, sweet, and fresh, offering a tropical taste that’s perfect for cooling down in Thailand’s heat. You’ll come across it at almost any market or restaurant in tourist towns like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Satay
Satay is a favorite of both locals and tourists. These skewers of grilled meat (usually chicken or beef) are served with a delicious peanut dipping sauce. It’s best eaten straight off the grill at a street stall. You can find good satay at night markets all across the country, especially in places like Phuket and Chiang Mai.
Regional Specialties
Northern Thailand
Khao Soi
If you’re heading to northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a must. This curry noodle soup combines crispy fried noodles with soft boiled ones, all soaked in a creamy curry sauce. It’s loaded with chicken or beef, and garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and chili oil. Chiang Mai is the birthplace of this dish, and is where you’ll find some of the best bowls around.
Sai Oua
Sai Oua is northern Thailand’s answer to sausage. It’s a spicy sausage made with ground pork and seasoned with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and other herbs. The flavor is bold and rich, and it’s especially popular in Chiang Mai. Head to the local market and pick up a few for snacks or pair them with sticky rice for a meal.
Central Thailand
Boat Noodles
Boat noodles, or Kuaytiaw Reua, are a central Thai specialty you need to try. Originally sold by vendors on boats, these noodles come in a thick broth made out of pork, herbs, and a splash of boat-cooked blood. It’s rich, flavorful, and slightly spicy. Bangkok is known for its boat noodle shops, particularly around the Victory Monument area.
Kaeng Khiao Wan (Green Curry)
The central region is famous for its green curry. This Thai curry is made with green curry paste and coconut milk, resulting in a thick, soup-like dish that’s both spicy and creamy. Mixed with eggplant, chicken, or fish balls, you’ll be dipping spoonfuls into hot jasmine rice. Find excellent examples of green curry at local Bangkok restaurants like Krua Apsorn.
Southern Thailand
Gaeng Tai Pla
Southern Thailand is home to Gaeng Tai Pla, a thick and super spicy curry that’s not for the faint-hearted. This curry is unique because it uses fermented fish innards for its base, giving it a very strong umami flavor. Popular in places like Krabi or Surat Thani, the dish is usually served with rice and fresh vegetables to cool down the heat.
Kua Kling
Kua Kling is another famous southern dish. It’s a dry fried meat dish, typically made with ground pork or beef and coated in a fiery spice mixture that doesn’t involve much coconut milk—making it quite different from northern or central-style curries. If you like it spicy, seek this out in Surat Thani or Phuket.
Where to Eat: From Street Food to Fine Dining
Street Food Stalls
If you’re in Thailand and want a true taste of the culture, start at the street food stalls. You’ll not only save money but also get some of the freshest, most exciting dishes. Most cities have designated street food areas—Silom Road in Bangkok, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, and Bangla Road in Phuket are just a few hotspots.
Local Markets
Markets are where chefs and locals shop for fresh ingredients, and it’s also where you can find the best ready-made dishes. If you’re in Bangkok, visit Or Tor Kor Market for some of the best produce and prepared meals. In Chiang Mai, Warorot Market is a favorite for local specialty dishes like Khao Soi. Phuket has its famous Naka Weekend Market where you can find great street eats like satay and fried seafood.
Mid-Range Restaurants
Looking for a sit-down meal at a reasonable price? Head to Khaosan Road in Bangkok, which is filled with middle-range restaurants serving Thai fusion. In Chiang Mai, Nimmanhaemin Road has a good mix of casual places offering both Thai and international flavors. Phuket’s Kata Beach area also has small restaurants where you can find southern Thai curries and seafood at affordable prices.
Fine Dining
Thailand also has a growing fine dining scene and world-class establishments. Gaggan in Bangkok is a must-try for modern Thai food with a twist, while Nahm, another Bangkok restaurant, consistently ranks as one of the best places in Asia to dine and experience Thai tastes in a luxurious setting. In Chiang Mai, David’s Kitchen has earned a reputation for fine-dining with a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
From street food to fine dining, Thailand gives you an unforgettable culinary experience at every level. Try new dishes, embrace bold flavors, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You won’t find this kind of variety and depth in many places around the world. So grab a plate—and don’t forget to leave room for dessert!
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