Exploring the Delicious World of Popular Food in Thailand

Thailand is a food lover’s paradise, known for its rich and diverse flavors. If you’re wondering what to eat in Thailand for the first time, I’ve got you covered with a delicious guide to popular Thai dishes you simply can’t miss. I have been to Thailand 11 times and eaten my way up and down the country in search of the best food in Thailand.

Thailand is a tantalizing world of flavours where every bite is a taste sensation and a journey through rich culinary traditions.

When I think about the wide range of fresh Thai ingredients you see at the markets and the spices used in Thai food my taste buds start to tingle and then my stomach rumbles. There is something addictive about good Thai food that has me hooked. Once you have tasted the best Thai food, I am sure you will find it just as mouthwatering as I do and you will be back for more.

I have done a couple of cooking classes to learn how to make many of the popular Thai dishes as well as foodie tours and with each one, my understanding of the complexities of classic Thai food grows. I have noticed that Thai dishes prepared in restaurants outside Thailand are often watered-down versions and not the best examples of Thai food. I am not saying this is always the case, but I have tried many Thai restaurants around the world and been disappointed.

What is Thai food?

Thailand is bordered by Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia and has combined influences from all of those countries in the different types of Thai cuisines.  You may eat a dish in Bangkok then try the same thing in Chiang Mai and notice that it differs. This is because regional influences come into play. The seasons also play a significant role in Thai recipes and one of the mainstays of the cuisine is the use of the freshest ingredients available.

I was told on a food tour in Vietnam, that people can go to the local market twice a day to shop for ingredients for their meals. That’s just how important freshness is in everyday Thai cooking.

There are also different types of Thai food that are considered Royal Cuisine. They originated in the Ayutthaya kingdom to serve in the royal palaces between 1351 and 1767. Some examples of Classic Royal Thai Cuisine that are still around today are de-boned honey-roasted duck; crispy deep-fried boneless duck with spicy basil sauce and sliced marinated eye fillet beef with sesame oil.

What are the most popular Thai dishes?

Obviously, this is going to be subjective, but I have not only my favourites but some of the traditional Thai foods that fall into the popular Thai cuisine category. Hopefully, these dishes that I have selected as my top Thai dishes will tick all your boxes as well so that you will be able to enjoy some of the best Thai food around.

1. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Soup with shrimp)

Tom Yum Goong, one of Thailand’s must-try soups, is a world-famous dish with hot and sour flavors. It’s packed with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies, making it an essential part of any authentic Thai food experience. Whether you’re enjoying it from a street stall or a fancy restaurant, this soup will tantalize your taste buds.

My husband can’t get enough of this soup. When it comes to famous food in Thailand this has to be top of the list. We had a particularly good bowl of tom yum goong at a street food stall at Asiatique in Bangkok. If you make your way to the street food section you can’t miss the stall which is always packed with locals. You will find all the essential Thai ingredients in the bowl of spicy deliciousness.

Here’s a recipe for you to try at home from the Blue Elephant School where I first learnt to make this dish.

Top tip – the heat of the chillies builds slowly so if you don’t want it too hot ask for a mild or medium version.

🤩 Recommended: If you would like to do the same class I did in Bangkok which I highly recommend, here is the link to book.

2. Tom Kha Gai or Tom Kha Kai – Thai coconut soup or literally translated as chicken galangal soup

This is another hot and spicy soup so you may be wondering what is the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Kha. Many of the ingredients are the same but it is sourer and a lot more galangal used. Coconut milk is added to finish resulting in a creamier texture than Tom Yum.

This is a quick and easy recipe that I use and is one of the best Thai food recipes around for Tom Kha Gai. Give it a try and it will soon become one of your go-to recipes.

3. Kway Teow ( Noodle soup)

This is undoubtedly one of the popular Thai noodle dishes. and can be eaten at any time. The word comes from a Hokkien Chinese word which means noodles. I have eaten Kway Teow noodles in Singapore and Penang but the only similarity to the Thai food version is the noodles. The soup comes with 1 or 2 different types of meat or meatballs and a variety of toppings like bean sprouts, garlic, spring onion and coriander (cilantro).

4. Laab / Larb (Spicy Salad)

Larb is another one of those dishes that you will find in Laos, Cambodia and in Vietnam. It has its roots in the northern part of the Land of Smiles and normally is made from minced pork although I have seen versions made with chicken or mushrooms. It is spicy with a hefty kick and is one of the famous Thai dishes that you can find everywhere. It is delicious with layers of flavours so think twice before you order this.

5. Pad Pak Boong Fai Daeng (Morning Glory)

This is another popular vegetable that is eaten throughout south-east Asia. I have rarely seen it outside of Asia but was delighted to find it on a menu in Soho London recently. It is one of the first dishes I order. It is, in fact, a type of water spinach that is well known for its medicinal properties. The morning glory is quickly stir-fried and seasoned with soybean paste, garlic and chilli. Sometimes oyster sauce is added at the end, but it can easily be left out if you ask for a vegetarian version.

6. Panang  / Phanaeng Curry

Panang curry is a type of red curry that is probably one of the most popular dishes in Thailand amongst the curries. The paste is made using peanuts, shrimp paste, shallots, chillies, lemongrass, kaffir lime, coriander root and galangal as a base. I always think that peanuts add richness and creaminess to this curry that you don’t find in any other Thai curries. This is one of the few dishes in Thai cuisine that is not generally hot and spicy but remember to check the level of heat when you order.

7. Kaeng Khiao Wan (Green Thai Curry)

I often make this at home when I long for an authentic Thai dish. The name translates as sweet green curry. The curry originated in central Thailand and the paste is made using many of the quintessential Thai ingredients with a hefty addition of green chillies. Don’t be fooled by the light colour. This is one of the hottest curries around, but you can order a milder version.

 8. Massaman Curry

Another of the popular Thai dishes is Massaman Curry. It is a mild and aromatic curry with influences from Persian and Indian cuisine. It’s made with a magical blend of ingredients like coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and a hint of cinnamon and cloves. It might sound unusual, but trust me, it works like a charm. Made with tender chunks of beef or chicken, potatoes, onions, and roasted peanuts, it’s not to be missed when exploring Thai dishes.

Tips for How to Eat Thai Curry

When it comes to traditional Thai dishes the curries have to be top of the list of Thai cuisines to try.  The generic term in Thai for what we call Thai curry is kaeng or gaeng.

If you are not sure how to eat Thai curry and yes, there is an etiquette to it, then this is what to do:

• Don’t expect to get chopsticks. You use chopsticks for Thai noodle dishes and not Thai curry.
• You will always be given a spoon and a fork so don’t look for a knife.
• Use the spoon in your right hand and the fork in your left hand.
• Use the fork to scoop the food onto your spoon.
• The sauce is often a soupy consistency so using the spoon makes it easier to enjoy every last morsel of the curry.

9. Pad Thai (Thai Fried Noodles)

What is Pad Thai? This iconic dish is Thailand’s most famous stir-fried noodle recipe, loved by locals and tourists alike. With its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty, you can find this dish everywhere, from Bangkok’s streets to upscale restaurants. If you’re looking for the best Thai street food dishes, Pad Thai should top your list!”

If you have never eaten Thai food before then this is a good place to start. The dish is made using rice noodles as a base which are stir-fried and flavoured with garlic and shallots, chilli, fish sauce and tamarind pulp.

I love the “extras” which really means that you can make the dish your own by topping the noodles with your favourite ingredients. These include beans sprouts, lime wedges, chilli, coriander (cilantro), Thai basil and roasted peanuts. Be prepared for a taste sensation with your first bite. Yum!

10. Khao  (Fried rice)

This is one of the really popular Thai foods that are fairly basic, but delicious which is why it is one of the famous foods inThailand. The rice is stir-fried quickly with a bit of shrimp paste or sometimes fish sauce. It has a bit of egg, some spring onion, a touch of garlic and not much else. There are also fancier versions that have strips of chicken or shrimp added that you can try. The rice is usually topped with some slices of cucumber. It’s super simple and really tasty for a quick snack.

11. Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)

Som Tam is the ultimate Thai salad—spicy, tangy, and utterly refreshing. Made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and chili, this dish is perfect for those wanting to try something light yet full of flavor. If you’re on a quest for authentic Thai food to try in Thailand, Som Tam offers an explosion of tastes that will leave you craving more.

It originated in the Isaan Province in the North East of Thailand and is one of the best dishes in Thailand. You really must try this!

There seem to be slight regional differences but green papaya is shredded as a base. It is then dressed and delicious toppings are added. Tomato, peanuts, small dried shrimp, palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and garlic, green beans and tamarind are tossed together for a flavour bomb that’s totally addictive. I have also seen green mango used, but this is not normal.

It comes as no surprise that som tam, a traditional food in Thailand, made it onto the world’s 50 most delicious foods last year along with a couple of the other dishes on my list.

12. Kao Niew Ma Muang (Mango and sticky rice)

Mango and sticky rice is another of the best examples of common Thai dishes that I can eat at any time of the day or night.  The peak mango season is in summer in Thailand during the months of April and May, but mango is available all year round. The main ingredients are glutinous rice, coconut milk, palm sugar and fresh mango.

The rice is soaked in water overnight and then steamed and sweetened. It is best eaten warm topped with a drizzle of coconut milk.

13. Pla Rad Prik (Fried Fish with Chili Sauce)

Imagine this: Pla Rad Prik, a crispy fried fish, glistening with a fiery chili sauce made with garlic, chili peppers, fish sauce, and lime juice that’s both sweet and tangy. With every bite, you’ll experience the crunch of the perfectly fried exterior giving way to succulent, flaky fish inside, all coated in that addictive sauce. It’s a dish that is a feast for the eyes and it is mouthwateringly delicious, making it a must-try for any foodie exploring popular food in Thailand. It’s a flavour bomb that will leave you wanting more.

14. Yam Nua (Spicy Beef Salad )

Spicy Beef Salad is a vibrant and zesty Thai dish that packs a punch in the flavour department. Featuring thinly sliced grilled beef as its star ingredient, this dish offers a delightful smoky aroma Combined with crunchy onions, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs such as coriander and mint, each mouthful is a mix of textures and fresh flavours.

When it comes to famous food of Thailand Yam Nua special tangy dressing and blend of lime juice, fish sauce, and chilli flakes are one of the best Thai dishes to start your tasting journey with.. It is the perfect on a hot summer’s day.

15. Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Basil Pork)

Next up on my list of the best foods in Thailand is Pad Krapow Moo Saap, or as I like to call it, Basil Pork – the ultimate flavour fiesta! Imagine tender minced pork, sizzling away in a hot wok with fragrant Thai basil, garlic, and chillies. It’s a stir-fry that hits all the right notes – savoury, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.

I must tell you about the secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level: holy basil. Yep, you heard it right – holy basil! It’s got this amazing peppery flavour that adds a whole new dimension to the dish. Plus, it’s said to bring good luck, so you can’t go wrong there, can you when you try this traditional Thai dish?

Thai Foods – top tips

What’s the difference between Thai fried rice and Chinese fried rice?

The first difference comes in the type of rice that is used. In Thailand, they use Jasmine rice which is highly perfumed, but Chinese fried rice uses medium or long-grained rice. Chinese fried rice has more vegetables in it than its Thai cousin.

Whenever I make Chinese fried rice, I prepare the rice the day before and leave it in the fridge with a loose cover. Once cooled much of the moisture in the rice evaporates allowing the oil to coat each of the grains preventing them from forming a soggy clump of inedible rice.

What are the Classic Thai condiments?

You will always be given these condiments to adjust the flavours of your meal. You will not find salt and pepper on the table. Lime juice is the sour backbone of Thai food and fish sauce is used instead of salt. The fish sauce will often have freshly chopped chillies added to it.  Don’t be put off by the funky smell because it tastes good when you add it to a dish. Thai food is all about balance so the other items are sugar and dried chilli flakes.

What are the most popular street food dishes in Thailand?

Popular street foods include Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers). These famous Thai street food dishes can be found throughout the country and are must-eats for anyone visiting Thailand.

What is the best Thai dish for beginners?

If you’re new to Thai food, Pad Thai or Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) are great starting points. Both dishes offer unique flavors without being overwhelmingly spicy.

How can I avoid getting sick from Thai street food?

Stick to stalls that are busy, as high turnover usually means the food is fresh. Opt for cooked dishes over raw ones and drink bottled water to stay safe.

What should I eat in Thailand if I love spicy food?

Som Tam (green papaya salad) and Gaeng Daeng (red curry) are great choices for those who love spice. Be sure to ask for extra chilies if you’re feeling brave!

As you start your culinary journey through Thailand, remember to explore the bustling street food markets, simple eateries, and fine dining establishments to savour the authentic flavours of the famous foods in Thailand.

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