15 Most Popular Thai Dishes: Best Things to Eat In Thailand
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand or simply looking to explore the rich culinary traditions of this vibrant Southeast Asian country, you’re in for a treat. I have been to Thailand four times and have eaten my way up and down the country. So, it’s only fitting that I put this guide together with a list of the fifteen most popular Thai dishes for you to try during your time in the country.
Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide for its bold flavors, aromatic herbs, and intricate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. It is a blend of different tastes and textures, often achieved through the use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices. Some of the staple ingredients in Thai cooking include lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, and an array of chilies. Fish sauce, soy sauce, shrimp paste, and palm sugar are commonly used to enhance the flavors of the dishes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into some of the most popular Thai dishes, highlighting both well-known and lesser-known dishes. Whether you’re new to Thai food, seeking traditional food in Thailand, or the best Thai dishes for beginners, this guide provides you with the best foods to eat in Thailand.
Disclaimer: Please note some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links earns us a small commission at no extra charge to you.
15 Most Popular Thai Dishes: Best Things to Eat in Thailand
Thai cuisine is regarded as some of the finest in the world. Whether you indulge in street foods, local restaurants, or fine-dining establishments, don’t miss these 10 popular Thai dishes that will take you on a culinary journey and give you a taste of authentic Thai cuisine. Some of the best Thai dishes include stir fries, noodles, curries, soups, and salads. Explore the flavors of the Land of Smiles and eat your way through this list of the most popular Thai dishes.
1. Pad Thai
This dish is arguably the most famous Thai dish internationally. Pad Thai is a street food staple and a great introduction to Thai cuisine for beginners.
This dish features stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and is flavored with tamarind paste, fish sauce, garlic, and chili. It’s usually garnished with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime wedges, providing a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
You can find Pad Thai on almost every restaurant menu in the country. If you have the time, take a cooking class that teaches you to make Pad Thai. It’s actually really easy and means that when you return from your travels and miss the delicious Thai cuisine, you’ll be able to whip it up yourself.
2. Tom Yum Goong
This quintessential Thai soup is known for its hot and sour flavors. It’s a must-try when exploring traditional Thai food.
The bold and aromatic flavors of this soup are derived from quintessential Thai ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves. Mushrooms, prawns, and tomatoes are added to the spicy broth flavored with fish sauce and lime juice. The addition of Thai chilies gives it a distinctive heat. It’s one of my favorite soups to have especially during the cold winter months.
Although shrimp (Goong) is most commonly used in this soup, other variations include chicken, fish, or mixed seafood.
Tom Yum Goong is widely available across Thailand, from high-end restaurants to local street vendors. Check out local eateries in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket for an authentic experience.
3. Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry)
Green curry, or “Gaeng Keow Wan,” is one of my favorite Thai dishes and thanks to the cooking class we took in Chiang Mai, I can now make this on a regular basis at home.
The base with the green chillis makes this curry the spiciest of them all. It is perfect for those who love rich, creamy curries with a spicy kick. The green curry paste is made from pounding ingredients such as garlic, lemongrass, galangal, spices, and of course green chillis, to a fine paste. It’s cooked with coconut milk, meat (usually chicken), Thai eggplant, and sweet basil leaves. The result is a spicy, slightly sweet curry with a vibrant green color.
You can find excellent green curry in most Thai restaurants. For a unique experience, visit local restaurants in Chiang Mai or the floating markets in Bangkok. You can always request a milder version of the curry. Most restaurants are very accommodating.
Other curries to try are the yellow curry and red curry.
4. Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
Green Papaya Salad or Som Tam is one of the best salads you will have. It’s light, refreshing, crunchy, spicy, and packed with flavour.
This salad combines shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, and chilies, all pounded together with a mortar and pestle. It’s dressed with lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. It certainly is an explosion of flavor and brightness.
Som Tam is a staple in street food markets but you can also find this in some restaurants. Look for vendors in Bangkok, especially in areas like Chatuchak Market, for a truly local experience.
5. Massaman Curry
This fragrant curry is a milder, slightly sweet curry that’s influenced by Indian and Malay cuisines. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer less spicy dishes. Our kids loved Massaman Curry and ordered it at least once a day during our time in Thailand.
This curry is made with meat (often beef or chicken), potatoes, peanuts, and onions, all simmered in a rich coconut milk-based sauce. The curry paste includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, giving it a unique and aromatic flavor.
Massaman curry is well known in Southern Thailand, particularly in areas like Krabi and Phuket. It’s not to be missed when exploring the most popular Thai dishes.
6. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a quick meal. Khao Pad, or Thai fried rice, consists of jasmine rice stir-fried with eggs, onions, garlic, and a choice of protein such as chicken, beef, seafood, or tofu. It’s flavored with soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice, and served with a side of cucumber slices and cilantro.
Khao Pad is available in virtually every Thai restaurant and street vendor in Thailand. This simple dish is a go-to favorite for locals during lunchtime.
Another version of Khao Pad includes the spicy condiment known as Nam Prik, a combination of fish sauce and ground Thai chillis. Khao Pad Saporot is another popular version that adds pineapple and meat to the fried rice.
7. Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Thai Basil Minced Pork)
Next up on this list of most popular Thai dishes is Pad Krapow Moo Saap, also known as Thai Basil minced pork. This stir-fried dish is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s quick, flavorful, and typically served over rice and topped with a fried egg.
Ground pork is stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and holy basil. It’s seasoned with soy sauce, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar. Holy basil is the secret ingredient that gives this stir fry a distinctive aroma and flavor.
Street food stalls in Bangkok, especially around Silom and Sukhumvit, are great places to find this dish. This dish is on the spicier side so if you can’t handle heat ask them to keep it low on the chillis.
8. Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice )
Who doesn’t love Mango sticky rice? This beloved Thai dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, especially after a spicy meal and is arguably the most popular dessert in Thailand.
The dish features sweet ripe mango slices that are served with sweet sticky rice which is cooked in coconut milk and topped with a drizzle of coconut cream. Some vendors sprinkle crunchy dried mung beans on top.
Mango sticky rice is widely available in Thailand at street food stalls and markets.
9. Tom Kha Gai
If you find the Tom Kha Goong too spicy, you can opt for Thai chicken coconut soup, which is milder, sweeter, and a delicious alternative. Tom Kha Gai is a mild, creamy soup that’s perfect for those who prefer less spicy dishes.
This soup combines chicken with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and mushrooms. It’s flavored with fish sauce and lime juice, creating a blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
This dish is commonly found in both street food markets and restaurants. Look for it in Chiang Mai, where the cooler climate makes it particularly enjoyable.
10. Thai Fish Cakes
This is a popular snack or appetizer, known for its unique texture and flavor.
Thai fish cakes are made from minced fish mixed with red curry paste, green beans, and kaffir lime leaves, these fish cakes are deep-fried until crispy. They’re often served with a sweet and tangy cucumber dipping sauce.
You’ll find them commonly amongst street food stalls. We had some of the best Thai fish cakes at a night market in Chiang Mai.
11. Laab
Laab, a northeastern Thai dish, is a spicy salad that features minced meat and is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. The dish is made with minced meat, mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, toasted ground rice, shallots, and a variety of fresh herbs like mint, Thai basil, and cilantro. It’s spicy, tangy, slightly salty, and an overall explosion of flavors.
It is served as either an appetizer or a main course. Most Thai restaurants will ask you for your preferred spice level when you order this dish.
12. Panang Curry
This thick curry is creamy and slightly milder than other Thai curries, making it a good Thai dish for beginners.
The curry is made with a Panang curry paste, usually made using peanuts, shrimp paste, shallots, chilies, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and coriander root. Coconut milk and meat are then added to the curry paste. It is sometimes topped with a dollop of coconut cream. The flavor is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet.
Panang curry is widely available in Thai restaurants and is probably one of the most popular Thai dishes.
13. Sate Gai (Satay)
Chicken satay is a popular appetizer that’s made a name for itself across the world. This is one of the most recognizable appetizers in Thailand and can be found in restaurants as well as many street food stalls.
Thai chicken satay is a delicious and flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. The marinade, typically made with coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, and lemongrass, infuses the chicken with a rich and aromatic taste. These skewers are often served with a creamy and slightly spicy peanut sauce, which adds a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
Thai chicken satay captures the essence of Thai cuisine with its vibrant flavors and enticing aroma.
14. Pla Rad Prik (Fried Fish with Chilli Sauce)
Pla Rad Prik is a tantalizing Thai dish that features crispy fried fish topped with a spicy and tangy sauce. The fish, often snapper, is deep-fried until golden and crunchy, then smothered in a vibrant sauce made from a blend of garlic, chili, tamarind, and fish sauce.
This sauce perfectly balances sweetness, heat, and sourness, enhancing the fish’s natural flavors. Often garnished with fresh herbs and served with steamed rice, Pla Rad Prik offers a delightful explosion of textures and tastes that epitomize Thai culinary artistry.
15. Khao Soi
Last but not least is my all-time favorite Thai dish, Khao Soi. I could eat this dish every single day. Khao Soi is a northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup that’s rich and flavorful. It’s one of the most popular Thai dishes in the Northern region and is a must-try for visitors to the region.
This dish features egg noodles and protein (either chicken, beef or tofu) in a coconut milk-based curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles. It’s served with chicken or beef and garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and chili oil. The dish is sweet, spicy, fragrant, creamy, and an explosion of flavor.
Chiang Mai is the best place to try Khao Soi. Khao Soi Mae Sai and Khao Soi Khun Yai are popular spots to try this dish. Khao Soi should be on every travelers must – eat list in northern Thailand.
Thai food is now one of the most popular cuisines around the world. And for good reason. With mind-blowing flavors and aromas and a multitude of dishes to try, there’s something on this list of the most popular Thai dishes to suit everyone’s palate.
Tips for eating street food in Thailand
Thai street food is a food lover’s dream come true. It’s a vibrant and delicious experience, offering a tantalizing array of flavors, textures, and aromas. From noodles to curries, soups to salads, satay chicken to spring rolls, and sticky mango rice, you could spend weeks sampling food in Thailand.
However, for the inexperienced, navigating the bustling markets and roadside stalls can be a bit daunting. Here are some tips to ensure you enjoy this culinary adventure to the fullest while staying safe and healthy.
1. Choose Busy Stalls
Be smart about where you eat. If the place is busy, chances are the food is being freshly cooked. One of the simplest yet most effective tips is to opt for stalls that are popular with locals. High turnover means the ingredients are likely to be fresher, and the food is cooked regularly. Repeat customers usually indicate reliable food hygiene.
2. Observe Food Preparation
Watching how food is prepared can give you insight into the stall’s cleanliness. Look for vendors who handle food with care, using gloves or utensils rather than bare hands. Check if raw and cooked foods are kept separate to avoid cross-contamination. Be cautious of food that’s been stored uncovered, is not properly refrigerated, or has been sitting out for a while.
3. Stay Hydrated, but watch the Ice
Staying hydrated is essential, especially in Thailand’s hot and humid climate. While drinking bottled water is generally safe, be cautious with ice in drinks. Ice from commercial suppliers is usually safe, but ice made from tap water can carry risks. When in doubt, still to cold bottled water or cold bottled/ canned drinks.
4. Know Your Limits
It’s easy to overindulge, especially with the variety of tempting dishes available. Pace yourself and share dishes with friends or family to sample a wider variety without overeating. Overeating can make you uncomfortable and more susceptible to digestive issues.
5. Mind the Timing
Timing can be crucial when eating street food. Food sold early in the day is likely to be fresher, while food that has been sitting out all day can pose a higher risk of contamination. Lunch and dinner rush hours are usually good times to find fresh, hot food.
6. Trust Your Instincts
Freshness is key in street food, and if something doesn’t look or smell right, avoid it at all costs. Avoid raw seafood and salad/vegetables because you don’t know how well it has been washed and prepared. (unless you are eating at a fine establishment)
7. Pack a Travel Health Kit
Carry sanitizer with you wherever you go and use it before eating to avoid the risk of illness. Have a basic travel health kit with items such as wipes, anti-nausea, and anti-diarrhea medication ready to go. You can buy these from the pharmacies across Thailand.
Street food is an integral part of Thailand’s culture, offering a unique window into the local way of life. Approach your culinary adventure with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Trying new and unfamiliar dishes can be one of the most rewarding parts of your trip.
By following these tips, you can savor the diverse and delicious offerings of Thai street food safely and confidently. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, the friendly interactions with vendors, and most importantly, the incredible flavors that make Thailand’s street food scene renowned worldwide.
Other Thailand Posts You May Like
- 3 Day Chiang Mai Travel Itinerary
- Best Places To Visit In Phuket
- 5-Day Bangkok Itinerary
- Krabi Travel Itinerary
