Thailand is one of the world’s best food destinations. From spicy curries to sweet desserts, Thai cuisine is full of flavor, color, and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re exploring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or the islands, here are the must-try Thai dishes every traveler should taste.
🍜 1. Pad Thai
One of Thailand’s most famous dishes.
Stir-fried noodles with shrimp or chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime.
Simple, tasty, and perfect for beginners.
🥘 2. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
A hot and sour soup made with lemongrass, lime, chili, and fresh shrimp.
Bold, fragrant, and full of Thai flavors.
🍛 3. Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
Creamy coconut milk curry with chicken or beef, eggplant, basil, and green chilies.
Rich, aromatic, and slightly spicy.
🍢 4. Chicken Satay
Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce and cucumber salad.
A great snack or starter for anyone who loves smoky flavors.
🥗 5. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
A fresh, crunchy, spicy salad made from shredded papaya, tomatoes, long beans, lime, and chili.
Perfect for travelers who enjoy spicy food.
🍚 6. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
A sweet dessert made from sticky rice, ripe mango, and coconut milk.
Simple but extremely delicious. Best eaten in summer (March–June).
🍲 7. Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup)
Milder than Tom Yum.
Made with coconut milk, galangal, mushrooms, and tender chicken.
Creamy, fragrant, and comforting.
🥩 8. Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir-Fry)
Minced chicken or pork stir-fried with Thai basil, chili, and garlic.
Usually served with rice and a fried egg.
A favorite dish for locals—fast, spicy, and satisfying.
🦀 9. Thai Crab Curry (Gaeng Pu Bai Cha Plu)
Special from southern Thailand.
Rich yellow curry with crab meat and herbs.
Amazing if you’re visiting Phuket or Krabi.
🥥 10. Coconut Ice Cream
Fresh coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell, often with peanuts or sticky rice.
Perfect for hot days while exploring Thailand.
⭐ Tips for Enjoying Thai Food
- If you can’t eat spicy food, say “mai phet” (not spicy)
- Street food is safe and delicious—choose stalls with many customers
- Try new dishes; Thai food is more than just Pad Thai and curry
- Northern, Southern, and Northeastern regions all offer unique flavors
Summary
Thai food is fresh, flavorful, and unforgettable. Whether you love spicy dishes, sweet desserts, or mild coconut flavors, Thailand has something for every traveler.
These 10 dishes are the perfect start to your Thai food adventure.