10 Best Thai Food Dishes You Must Eat

Thai cuisine is globally renowned for its unique blend of flavors. From the spiciest curries to the sweetest desserts, Thai food is a culinary adventure that everyone should embark upon.

Here are ten Thai dishes that you must try, each offering a unique taste of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. These dishes are not just popular in Thailand, but have gained worldwide recognition for their delightful taste and unique preparation methods.

1. Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Pad Thai is a globally recognized dish from Thailand. This famous dish is a stir-fry that primarily includes rice noodles. The other main components are eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, peanuts, lime, and chili pepper.

What sets Pad Thai apart and makes it a popular choice is its unique balance of flavors. It expertly combines the sweet, sour, and salty tastes to create a delightful culinary experience.

2. Tom Yum Goong (Hot & Sour Shrimp Soup)

Tom Yum Goong, a spicy shrimp soup, holds an essential place in the realm of Thai cuisine. This hot and sour soup is a delightful blend of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and crushed chili peppers.

It brings comfort to the palate while also offering a delicious taste. The soup's unique aroma and distinctive flavor are truly captivating. It's absolutely a dish that all food enthusiasts should give a try.

3. Kaeng Lueang (Yellow Curry)

Kaeng Lueang, also known as yellow curry, obtains its bright color from turmeric, giving it a rich and creamy appearance. This dish typically incorporates potatoes and chicken, forming a robust, flavorful meal. It can be enjoyed at any point throughout the day, thanks to its savory nature.

Unlike many Thai curries, this curry isn't overly spicy. As a result, it is an excellent option for individuals who are exploring Thai food for the first time.

4. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)

Red curry, also known as Gaeng Daeng, is a renowned dish from Thailand. The dish owes its vibrant color and spicy taste to red chili peppers. These peppers are crushed together with a range of distinct spices to produce a spicy and flavorful curry paste.

Usually, this curry is prepared with a variety of meats like chicken or beef. Additionally, vegetables are often incorporated into this popular dish.

5. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry)

The Thai dish known as Gaeng Keow Wan Gai, also referred to as green curry, is recognized for its striking green hue and hot taste. Its unique color and spiciness come from fresh green chilies used in its preparation. This curry typically incorporates proteins like chicken, beef, or fish.

Eggplants and sweet basil are other common ingredients added to the dish. Thus, it's the blend of these ingredients that contributes to its popularity.

6. Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)

Khao Soi, originating from northern Thailand, is a unique combination of various flavors and textures. This dish primarily includes egg noodles submerged in a creamy and rich coconut curry broth.

Added to this are crispy fried noodles which provide a pleasant crunch. The recipe often incorporates chicken or beef for added taste and texture.

Finally, it's garnished with lime, shallots, and pickled mustard greens, enhancing its overall flavor.

7. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)

Khao Pad, also known as Thai fried rice, is a beloved dish in Thailand, renowned for its simplicity and rich flavor. The primary ingredient in this dish is jasmine rice. Essential add-ons in this recipe include egg, onions, and a selection of meats like chicken, pork, or shrimp.

Frequently, a slice of lime and cucumber are included when serving this dish. These additions provide an element of freshness to the overall taste.

8. Pad Kra Pao Moo (Stir-Fried Thai Basil & Pork)

Pad Kra Pao Moo is a traditional dish originating from Thailand, featuring stir-fried pork and Thai basil as its main ingredients. This dish is celebrated for its robust taste profile. The sweet notes of the basil perfectly balance the savory element brought by the pork.

Typically, it is presented on a bed of rice. Additionally, a fried egg is frequently added to the top, enhancing the flavor complexity.

9. Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

Som Tam is another name for the spicy green papaya salad, an ideal dish for a warm day. This salad is an invigorating blend of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, chili, lime, fish sauce, and peanuts.

It offers a spicy yet refreshing taste profile. The papaya and peanuts contribute a delightful crunch to the overall texture of the dish.

Therefore, it's both a tasty and rejuvenating dish that fits perfectly on a hot day.

10. Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)

Mango sticky rice, also known as Khao Niao Mamuang, is a classic dessert from Thailand. It's a delightful sweet dish that leaves you feeling satisfied. This dessert is made from sticky rice that's cooked in coconut milk sweetened to perfection.

It is then served with a side of ripe, tangy mango. The combination of the sweet, creamy rice and the tangy mango makes it an irresistible dessert.