What to Eat in Thailand: Must-Try Thai Dishes

What to eat in Thailand is one of the main questions for travelers visiting the country for the first time. Thai cuisine offers a wide range of choices, from spicy soups and rice noodles to curries, street food and tropical desserts.

Thai dishes are generally built around a balance of spicy, sour, sweet and salty flavors. Lemongrass, fish sauce, coconut milk, chili, fresh herbs, rice noodles and seafood are among the common ingredients used in many meals.

A Brief Look at Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is not limited to spicy food. The country offers many different options, including light noodle dishes, coconut milk soups, fried rice and seafood salads.

Sauces and spices can change the taste of the same dish depending on the region and restaurant. Travelers who are sensitive to spicy food may prefer to ask for milder versions when ordering.

Must-Try Dishes in Thailand

Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s best-known dishes. It is made with rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts and peanuts, and is usually served with shrimp or chicken.

Because its spice level is often balanced, it can be a good starting point for those trying Thai food for the first time. It is widely available at street stalls and restaurants.

Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong is a shrimp soup known for its spicy and sour flavor. It is prepared with lemongrass, chili, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice and fish sauce.

The soup is enriched with shrimp and mushrooms, making it a strong choice for those who want to experience the bold aromas of Thai food. Some creamy versions may also include coconut cream.

Som Tam

Som Tam is a spicy salad made with shredded green papaya. It can include tomato, carrot, peanuts, dried shrimp, green beans, palm sugar and fish sauce.

Its spice level can be high, so travelers with sensitive tastes may want to choose carefully. With its sour, sweet and spicy flavors, Som Tam is among the famous dishes of Thailand.

Khao Soi

Khao Soi is a curry noodle soup especially associated with Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai. It is made with a coconut milk curry base and served with crispy fried noodles on top.

The dish is commonly served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime and fried chili. It is a notable option for travelers who want to try regional flavors in Thailand.

Pad Krapow

Pad Krapow is a filling dish made with minced meat or chicken stir-fried with Thai basil and plenty of chili. It is usually served over white rice with a runny fried egg.

It is a practical choice for those looking for a quick meal with strong flavors. It is often preferred by people who enjoy spicy dishes.

Gaeng Keow Wan

Gaeng Keow Wan is known as green curry and stands out among Thai curries for its spicy flavor. It is made with coconut milk, green chili, eggplant and ginger.

This dish combines spicy and sweet notes and is usually served with steamed rice.

Panang

Panang is one of the milder curries in Thai cuisine. It is flavored with coconut milk and is often served with shrimp.

It can be a suitable alternative for those who want a rich curry that is not too intense in spice.

Mango Sticky Rice

Mango Sticky Rice is one of Thailand’s best-known desserts. It is made with sticky rice, fresh mango slices and condensed milk.

Prepared with simple ingredients, this dessert is a light and filling option for travelers who enjoy tropical fruit.

What to Eat in Thailand If You Do Not Like Spicy Food

Although Thai food is often known for spice, there are many options for those who do not like spicy meals. Tom Kha Gai, Pad Thai, Pad See Eiw, Khao Pad, Kai Jeow and Kai Med Ma Muang are among the choices for milder tastes.

Tom Kha Gai is a chicken soup made with coconut milk. Compared with Tom Yum, it is creamier and usually less spicy.

Pad See Eiw is made by stir-frying wide rice noodles with dark soy sauce. It can be served with chicken, pork or beef and has a simpler flavor than Pad Thai.

Khao Pad is fried rice prepared with egg and onion. It is served with cucumber slices and is one of the easier Thai dishes to eat because of its plain style.

Kai Jeow is known as Thai omelet. It is served with rice, and vegetable versions may also be preferred.

Thai Street Food

Thai street food is an important part of the country’s food culture. Guay Teow, Gai Tod, Pad Krapow, Pad Thai and Khao Pad are among the options commonly found on the street.

Guay Teow is a noodle soup that can be prepared with chicken, pork or beef. It may be made with rice noodles or egg noodles and can be enriched with broth, wontons or meatballs.

Gai Tod is made by deep-frying chicken wings or drumsticks marinated with spices and rice flour. It is usually eaten with spicy sauce and sticky rice.

Pad Krapow and Pad Thai are also frequently seen at street stalls. They are often chosen for daily meals because they are quick to prepare and filling.

Thai Dishes for Seafood Lovers

Thai cuisine offers several choices for seafood lovers. Tom Yum Goong, Yam Talay and Yam Pla Dook Foo stand out in this category.

Yam Talay is a spicy seafood salad that may include squid, shrimp, mussels, scallops or crab meat. It is usually served with tomato, onion and glass noodles.

Yam Pla Dook Foo combines fried catfish with green mango salad. The crispy texture of the fish is served with sweet, sour and spicy salad flavors on the same plate.

What Vegetarians Can Eat in Thailand

Vegetarians can choose vegetable-based dishes such as Pad Phuk Tong, Pad Phak and Pak Boong. However, some dishes may include fish sauce or oyster sauce, so ingredients should be checked when ordering.

Pad Phuk Tong is a stir-fried pumpkin dish that can become more filling when served with brown rice.

Pad Phak is made by stir-frying different vegetables with a balance of sugar, salt and spices. It can be both light and filling.

Pak Boong is prepared by stir-frying a spinach-like vegetable with soy sauce, garlic and chili. Since it may be made with oyster sauce, a vegetarian version may need to be requested.

What to Eat for Dessert in Thailand

Among Thai desserts, Mango Sticky Rice is the most widely known option. Made with fresh mango, sticky rice and condensed milk, it offers a simple tropical flavor.

For travelers looking for dessert in Thailand, Mango Sticky Rice is one of the best-known options, especially for those who prefer fruity and lighter sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Food

What Is Thailand’s Most Famous Dish?

Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Som Tam, Khao Soi and Mango Sticky Rice are among Thailand’s most famous dishes. For first-time visitors, Pad Thai is often one of the easiest dishes to start with.

Is Thai Food Very Spicy?

Some Thai dishes can be very spicy. Som Tam, Tom Yum Goong and Gaeng Keow Wan are among the spicier options. For milder flavors, Tom Kha Gai, Khao Pad, Pad See Eiw and Kai Jeow can be preferred.

Can Vegetarians Find Food in Thailand?

Vegetable-based dishes are available in Thailand. Pad Phuk Tong, Pad Phak and Pak Boong may be suitable for vegetarians. However, fish sauce and oyster sauce may be used, so this should be clearly mentioned when ordering.

Which Thai Dishes Should First-Time Visitors Try?

First-time visitors to Thailand can start with Pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai, Khao Pad, Khao Soi, Pad Krapow and Mango Sticky Rice. Those who want to try spicy flavors can also add Tom Yum Goong and Som Tam to the list.