12 irresistible Thai dishes you can't miss when visiting the land of temples.

1. Tom Yum Goong (Sour Shrimp Soup)

This is one of Thailand's most famous dishes, and it's the first thing any tourist seeks out when visiting the country. Tom Yum Goong is essentially a spicy and sour shrimp soup with mushrooms (in some places, there are variations where mushrooms are replaced with beef, chicken, or pork). The soup contains lemongrass, shallots, chili peppers, lime leaves, tomatoes, fish sauce, and of course, a touch of mild sourness and spiciness.

2. Som Tam (Thai-style papaya salad)

This spicy green papaya salad originates from northeastern Thailand and is a salad made with fresh vegetables, giving it a distinctive Thai flavor. Som Tam contains chopped green papaya, carrots, peanuts, tomatoes, beans, tamarind, fish sauce, lime juice, dried shrimp, and plenty of chili peppers. You certainly won't find a more authentic version of Som Tam anywhere else than in Thailand itself!

3. Panang Curry (Thai Curry)

If you love spicy food, you'll definitely fall in love with Thailand's Panang curry! This dish features a stir-fry of red curry paste with juicy pieces of chicken and a drizzle of coconut cream. It's often garnished with kaffir lime leaves, which add a delicate aroma and a unique freshness that stimulates the taste buds. The perfect accompaniment to this curry is a bowl of white rice.

4. Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles)

Pad Thai is a delicious dish, considered the "king of street food," and can be found everywhere in food carts along the streets of Thailand. You can choose your favorite noodles and meat (shrimp, chicken, beef, or pork), which are then stir-fried in a pan with onions, peanuts, bean sprouts, fish sauce, and egg. The final step to complete Pad Thai is to squeeze some lime juice or sprinkle some chili powder on top to enhance the flavor.

5. Pad Kra Pow Gai (Basil Rice)

The deliciousness of this dish lies in its simplicity of preparation and ingredients. Essentially, it's stir-fried beef with a few other ingredients including garlic, onions, soy sauce, chili peppers, and of course, holy basil, which gives the dish its wonderful aroma.

6. Khao Pad Sapparot (Pineapple Fried Rice)

If you're a fan of delicate flavors like pineapple, this signature Thai fried rice dish served inside a pineapple is definitely the perfect choice for you! The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the beautifully presented and subtle spices, plus the crunchy cashews sprinkled on top, makes Khao Pad even more appealing and wonderful to enjoy.

7. Gaeng Keow Wan (Chicken in Green Curry)

Gaeng Keow Wan, also known as Thai green curry, is a dish packed with flavor! Made with green curry powder, bamboo shoots, Thai basil, chicken, Thai eggplant, coconut milk, along with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, this is an iconic Thai dish that you simply can't miss. Of course, the perfect accompaniment to curry is always a plate of white rice!

8. Yam Nua (Spicy Beef Salad)

If you're looking for a dish to cleanse your body, then try Thai-style spicy salad. This mixed salad includes onions, lime, dried chilies, cilantro, mint, and strips of beef unlike any salad you've ever tasted. It's a fresh Thai dish with a moderate level of spiciness and is quite easy to eat.

9. Yam Pla Duk Foo (catfish & green mango salad)

Yam Pla Duk Foo is a fragrant fried catfish dish served with a sweet and aromatic green mango salad. The dish offers a crispy texture and a unique blend of salty, sweet, and sour flavors. It's even better when paired with a glass of Chang beer.

10. Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken stir-fried with cashews)

It's hard to resist the allure of this cashew chicken dish. Unlike most other Thai dishes, Kai Med Ma Muang has relatively mild seasonings, and the roasted cashews with a touch of honey perfectly complement the stir-fried chicken. Simple yet incredibly delicious!

11. Gang Massaman (massaman curry)

Massaman is a mild curry dish from southern Thailand. Made with curry powder, peanuts, and coconut milk, it's very easy to eat, especially with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. It can also be served with french fries and some rice.

12. Pak Boong (stir-fried spinach)

Pak Boong, or Morning Glory, is a favorite dish among health-conscious eaters! It's a simple, healthy, high-fiber dish made from spinach marinated in soy sauce, garlic, soybean powder, chili peppers, and various other seasonings.

Quynh Anh