A Culinary Journey Through Thailand’s Most Iconic Dishes

  1. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย) :
  • Thailand’s most famous stir-fried rice noodle dish
  • Key ingredients: Rice noodles, tofu, dried shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, chives
  • Garnished with ground peanuts, lime, and chili flakes

Best Places to Try:

  • Thip Samai (Bangkok) – Historic pad thai restaurant
  • Pad Thai Ekkamai (Bangkok)
  • Street vendors at Chinatown (Yaowarat)
  • Price Range: 60-150 THB
  1. Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง) :
  • Hot and sour shrimp soup
  • Key ingredients: Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies
  • Balance of spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors

Best Places to Try:

  • P’Aor (Bangkok)
  • Ruen Mallika (Bangkok)
  • Som Tam Nua (Bangkok)
  • Price Range: 150-300 THB
  1. Green Curry (แกงเขียวหวาน) :
  • Rich, coconut-based curry
  • Key ingredients: Green chilies, coconut milk, Thai eggplants, bamboo shoots
  • Usually served with chicken or beef

Best Places to Try:

  • Krua Apsorn (Bangkok)
  • Blue Elephant (Bangkok)
  • Ruen Urai (Bangkok)
  • Price Range: 150-400 THB
Green Chicken Curry,Thai cuisine
  1. Som Tam (ส้มตำ) :
  • Spicy green papaya salad
  • Key ingredients: Shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, long beans, peanuts
  • Various versions including som tam thai and som tam poo (with crab)

Best Places to Try:

  • Som Tam Nua (Bangkok)
  • Hai Som Tam (Chiang Mai)
  • Any Isaan restaurant
  • Price Range: 40-100 THB
  1. Massaman Curry (แกงมัสมั่น) :
  • Rich, mild curry with Persian influences
  • Key ingredients: Coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, tender meat
  • CNN voted it as the world’s best food

Best Places to Try:

  • Phuket Town’s old district restaurants
  • Raya Restaurant (Phuket)
  • Blue Elephant (Bangkok) Price Range: 200-400 THB
  1. Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย) :
  • Northern Thai curry noodle soup
  • Key ingredients: Egg noodles, coconut curry soup, chicken/beef
  • Topped with crispy noodles

Best Places to Try:

  • Khao Soi Khun Yai (Chiang Mai)
  • Khao Soi Mae Sai (Chiang Mai)
  • Khao Soi Islam (Chiang Mai)
  • Price Range: 50-100 THB
  1. Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง) :
  • Popular dessert
  • Key ingredients: Sweet sticky rice, fresh mango, coconut cream
  • Best during mango season (April-June)

Best Places to Try:

  • Mango Tango (various locations)
  • Mae Varee (Bangkok)
  • Or Tor Kor Market (Bangkok)
  • Price Range: 80-150 THB
  1. Boat Noodles (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) :
  • Small bowls of noodle soup
  • Key ingredients: Pork/beef, rice noodles, dark soy sauce
  • Rich, flavorful broth

Best Places to Try:

  • Victory Monument Boat Noodle Alley (Bangkok)
  • Doy Kuay Teow Reua (Ayutthaya)
  • Boat Noodle Street (Rangsit) Price Range: 12-20 THB per bowl
  1. Pad Kra Pao (ผัดกระเพรา) :
  • Stir-fried holy basil with meat
  • Key ingredients: Holy basil, chilies, garlic, meat of choice
  • Usually served with rice and fried egg

Best Places to Try:

  • Raan Gaeng Pai Nai Naa (Bangkok)
  • Som Tam Jay So (Bangkok)
  • Local street food vendors
  • Price Range: 50-120 THB
  1. Tom Kha Gai (ต้มข่าไก่) :
  • Coconut chicken soup
  • Key ingredients: Coconut milk, galangal, chicken, mushrooms
  • Milder alternative to Tom Yum

Best Places to Try:

  • Err Restaurant (Bangkok)
  • Paste Bangkok
  • Supanniga Eating Room
  • Price Range: 150-300 THB

Essential Tips for Thai Food Experience:

  1. Spice Levels
  • Thai spicy is different from Western spicy
  • Always specify your preferred spice level
  • “Mai pet” means not spicy
  • “Pet nit noy” means a little spicy
  1. Street Food Safety
  • Look for busy stalls with high turnover
  • Observe cleanliness and food handling
  • Fresh ingredients should look fresh
  • Watch for proper cooking temperatures
  1. Dining Etiquette
  • Use fork and spoon (fork pushes food onto spoon)
  • Share dishes family-style
  • Rice is essential with most meals
  • Finish your rice (considered polite)
  1. Best Times to Eat
  • Street food markets are busiest 5-10 PM
  • Lunch crowds 12-1 PM
  • Some famous places have long queues
  • Early dining recommended for popular spots
  1. Additional Tips
  • Carry cash for street food
  • Don’t be afraid to try local spots
  • Ask locals for recommendations
  • Be adventurous but know your limits
  • Stay hydrated
  • Consider food tours for first-timers

Remember that regional variations exist, and each area has its own specialties. Don’t hesitate to explore beyond these ten dishes, as Thai cuisine offers countless other delicious options waiting to be discovered.