Exploring Thai cuisine: Must-try delicious dishes on your trip

Thailand is known for its diverse cuisine and distinctive flavors. Thai cuisine captivates food lovers with a perfect balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty tastes. Dishes like pad Thai, tom yum, green curry, and mango sticky rice are not only delicious but also showcase the art of cooking. Each dish offers a delightful experience, making your trip even more memorable. Join Hanoi Voyages to explore these amazing flavors and enjoy an unforgettable culinary journey!

The unique flavors of Thai cuisine

Thai cuisine is built on a delicate balance of flavors - spicy, sour, sweet, and salty - created using fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques. Dishes vary by region, with central Thailand offering well-balanced flavors, the north specializing in creamy and mild curries, the south featuring intensely spicy and coconut-based dishes, and the northeast known for its tangy and herb-infused specialties.

Food is an important part of Thai food culture, with meals often shared family-style. Whether eating at a street food stall or a fine-dining restaurant, every dish reflects Thailand’s deep culinary traditions. Each meal is an opportunity to experience the country’s rich flavors, carefully crafted through generations of tradition.

Top 10 must-try Thai cuisine you can’t miss

Thailand is famous for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, offering a wide range of dishes that highlight bold flavors and fresh ingredients. From aromatic curries to flavorful stir-fries, each dish reflects the essence of Thai cuisine. Below are 10 must-try Thai dishes that will give you an authentic taste of traditional Thai food during your trip.

Tom Yum (Lemongrass and shrimp soup)

Tom Yum is one of the most iconic dishes in Thai cuisine, loved for its strong, tangy, and aromatic flavors. The soup is made with a base of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bird’s eye chilies, creating a fragrant and spicy broth. Fresh shrimp, mushrooms, and tomatoes are added, along with fish sauce and lime juice, giving the soup a perfect balance of savory and sour notes. Some variations include coconut milk for a creamier texture. Served hot, this dish is a perfect appetizer or main course that showcases the bold flavors of traditional Thai food.

It is easy to find at local restaurants and street food stalls around Thailand or some larger cities like Bangkok and Ayutthaya, making it a favorite dish for many Thai people.

Pad Thai (Thai-style stir-fried noodles)

Pad Thai is a staple of Thai food culture, widely available in restaurants and street food stalls across the country. The dish consists of stir-fried rice noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar, giving it a combination of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors. Tofu, eggs, and either shrimp or chicken are commonly added, along with bean sprouts and chives for freshness. The dish is served with lime wedges and crushed peanuts, allowing diners to adjust the flavors to their liking. As one of the best Thai dishes, Pad Thai is a must for first-time visitors to Thailand.

Gaeng Kaew Wan Gai (Green chicken curry)

A classic in Thai dishes, Green Curry is a rich and aromatic dish made with a paste of green chilies, lemongrass, garlic, and kaffir lime leaves. Chicken is simmered in coconut milk, allowing the meat to absorb the flavors of the curry paste. Thai eggplants, bamboo shoots, and fresh basil leaves add texture and fragrance to the dish. Despite its creamy consistency, this curry has a bold spiciness that lingers on the palate. It is traditionally served with steamed jasmine rice, which helps balance the intense flavors.

Som Tum (Green papaya salad)

Som Tum is a refreshing and tangy salad, perfect for those looking to experience the fresh and zesty side of Thai cuisine. Shredded green papaya is mixed with long beans, tomatoes, and peanuts, then pounded in a mortar with garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and dried shrimp. The dressing, made from lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar, creates a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. In Chiang Mai, many street vendors offer regional variations, including Som Tum with crispy pork or salted egg, adding extra layers of flavor.

Khao Phat (Thai fried rice with chicken)

Khao Phat is a comforting and satisfying dish commonly found in homes and street food stalls across Thailand. It is made with jasmine rice stir-fried with eggs, onions, and garlic, then combined with tender pieces of chicken. Fish sauce and soy sauce add depth of flavor, while chopped spring onions and cucumber slices provide freshness. This dish is often served with a wedge of lime and a side of spicy chili fish sauce. While it may seem simple compared to other dishes in Thai cuisine, the secret lies in the perfect balance of seasoning and the use of high-quality ingredients.

Massaman Curry (Chicken massaman curry)

Massaman Curry is a unique dish in Thai cuisine, influenced by Persian and Indian culinary traditions. Unlike other Thai curries, it uses warming spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, creating a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Chicken is slow-cooked in coconut milk with potatoes, onions, and roasted peanuts, making the dish creamy and rich. The mild heat of the curry is balanced by the natural sweetness of the coconut milk, making it one of the best Thai dishes for those who prefer milder flavors.

Phuket is well known for its southern-style Massaman Curry, often featuring local spices and fresh coconut milk from nearby plantations. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice or roti.

Pad Krapow Moo (Stir-fried pork with holy basil leaves)

A popular street food dish, Pad Krapow Moo is known for its bold and aromatic flavors. Ground pork is stir-fried with garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and holy basil, creating a fragrant and slightly spicy dish. The sauce, made from fish sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce, adds a savory depth of flavor. It is typically served over steamed jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, making it a satisfying and filling meal. This dish is an excellent example of how simple ingredients can create a powerful taste experience in Thai cuisine.

Tom Kha Gai (Thai chicken soup)

Tom Kha Gai is a milder and creamier version of Tom Yum, featuring a rich coconut milk broth infused with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Tender chicken is simmered in the broth, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Mushrooms and onions add texture, while lime juice and fish sauce bring a balance of tangy and savory notes. This dish is a great introduction to traditional Thai food, especially for those who prefer less spicy dishes.

Khao Soi (Curry noodle soup)

Khao Soi is a northern Thai specialty that combines soft egg noodles with a creamy coconut curry broth. The broth is mildly spicy and deeply flavorful, featuring slow-cooked beef or chicken. The dish is topped with crispy fried noodles, adding a crunchy texture. Pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime wedges are served on the side, allowing diners to customize the flavor. This dish is a must-try for those exploring Thai cuisine beyond the usual street food options.

Khao Niew Mamuang (Mango sticky rice)

This classic Thai dessert pairs sweet mango slices with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk. The rice absorbs the creamy coconut flavor, creating a slightly chewy and rich texture. A drizzle of coconut cream and a sprinkle of sesame seeds complete the dish. This dessert is a perfect way to end a meal, showcasing the natural sweetness of tropical Thai fruits.

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Where to experience the best of Thai cuisine?

Thailand is famous for its bustling streets, lively markets, and food stalls where visitors can enjoy authentic Thai food. Below are some of the best places to try the country’s most famous dishes:

• Khao San road (Bangkok):

This lively street in Bangkok is a top destination for travelers looking for exciting nightlife and delicious street food. Here, you can find dishes like Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled skewers. The energy of the area makes dining a unique experience.

• Yaowarat (Bangkok Chinatown):

Yaowarat is one of the best places to experience Thai dishes through a mix of street food stalls and traditional restaurants. Popular dishes here include crispy pork belly, dim sum, and seafood stir-fries.

• Walking street (Pattaya):

Known for its nightlife, Walking street in Pattaya is also packed with food stalls offering a variety of specialties. You can enjoy spicy grilled seafood, papaya salad, and coconut-based desserts while taking in the lively surroundings.

• Night bazaar (Chiang Mai):

The Night bazaar in Chiang Mai is a must-visit for food lovers. Besides shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs, visitors can try specialties like Khao Soi, northern-style sausages, and sticky rice with grilled meats.

• Phuket old town (Phuket):

Phuket’s old town is home to a variety of restaurants and food stalls where you can experience the unique flavors of southern dishes. Signature options include Massaman curry, Hokkien noodles, and grilled seafood.

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Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse ingredients. Each dish brings a perfect balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and savory tastes. The aromatic spices in Massaman Curry, the fresh and zesty flavors of Som Tum, and the comforting taste of Khao Soi all highlight the richness of Thai cooking. Every meal offers a delicious and memorable experience.

Ready to experience authentic Thai flavors? Let Hanoi Voyages craft a personalized culinary journey just for you!