1. Tom Yum Goong (Sour Shrimp Soup)
This is one of the most famous Thai dishes that any tourist will look for first when visiting this country. Tom Yum Goong is essentially a spicy and sour shrimp soup with mushrooms (in some places there will be some variations instead of mushrooms such as beef, chicken or pork). This soup contains lemongrass, chives, chili, kaffir lime leaves, tomatoes, fish sauce, and of course a little bit of sour and spicy.
2. Som Tam (Thai papaya salad)
This spicy green papaya salad comes from the northeastern region of Thailand and is a combination of fresh vegetables with a distinct Thai flavor. Som Tam contains shredded green papaya, carrots, peanuts, tomatoes, beans, tamarind, fish sauce, lime juice, dried shrimp, and lots of chili. You won’t find a more authentic Som Tam anywhere else in Thailand!
3. Panang Curry (Thai Curry)
If you love hot and spicy food, you will definitely love Thailand’s Panang curry! This dish is fried in a red curry paste with juicy chicken pieces and topped with coconut cream. It is often garnished with kaffir lime leaves which give it a distinct aroma and freshness that will tantalize your taste buds. The best accompaniment to curry is nothing more than a bowl of steamed rice.
4. Pad Thai (fried noodles)
Pad Thai is a delicious dish, considered the "king of street food" and appears everywhere in pushcarts along the streets of Thailand. You can choose your favorite noodles and meat (shrimp, chicken, beef or pork) then they will be stir-fried in a pan with onions, peanuts, bean sprouts, fish sauce and eggs to eat. The final step to complete Pad Thai is to squeeze lemon or sprinkle some chili powder on top of the dish to enhance the flavor.
5. Pad Kra Pow Gai (Basil Rice)
The deliciousness of this dish lies in its simplicity and ingredients. It is basically stir-fried beef with a few other ingredients including garlic, onions, soy sauce, chili, and of course holy basil leaves, which give this dish its magical aroma.
6. Khao Pad Sapparot (Pineapple Fried Rice)
If you are a fan of light, fragrant flavors like pineapple, this Thai fried rice served in a very special pineapple is definitely the perfect choice for you! The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the delicate spices beautifully, plus the crunchy cashew nuts sprinkled on top make Khao Pad more attractive and wonderful to enjoy.
7. Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry Chicken)
Gaeng Keow Wan or Thai green curry is a dish that packs a punch! Made with green curry paste, bamboo shoots, Thai basil, chicken, Thai eggplant, coconut milk, along with the usual lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and galangal, this is an iconic Thai dish that you simply cannot miss. Of course, the perfect accompaniment to curry is always a plate of white rice!
8. Yam Nua (spicy beef salad)
If you are looking for a detox dish, then try the Thai version of the spicy salad. This mix of onions, lime, dried chilies, coriander, mint and strips of beef is unlike any salad you have ever had before. It is a fresh Thai dish with just the right amount of spice and is quite easy to eat.
9. Yam Pla Duk Foo (Catfish & Green Mango Salad)
Yam Pla Duk Foo is a fragrant fried catfish served with a sweet and fragrant green mango salad. The dish will bring a crunchy feeling and a strange combination of salty, sweet and sour flavors. The dish is perfect when combined with a little Chang beer.
10. Kai Med Ma Muang (Stir-fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts)
It’s hard to resist the appeal of this cashew chicken dish. Unlike most Thai dishes, Kai Med Ma Muang is light on the flavor, and the roasted cashews with a touch of honey complement the stir-fried chicken perfectly. Simple yet delicious!
11. Gang Massaman (massaman curry)
Massaman is a mild curry from southern Thailand. Made with curry powder, peanuts and coconut milk, it is made more palatable with the addition of cinnamon and nutmeg. Served with fries and some rice.
12. Pak Boong (Stir-fried spinach)
Pak Boong or Morning Glory is a favorite of healthy eaters! It is a simple, healthy, high-fiber dish made from spinach marinated in soy sauce, garlic, soybean powder, chili, and other ingredients.
