Thailand, a paradise for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts, is also a haven for foodies. The country’s cuisine is known for its bold flavours, aromatic herbs, and perfect sweet, sour, and spicy taste balance. With various options from street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, the best Thai dishes in Thailand are sure to leave you craving more.
Read on to learn more about some popular Thai dishes.
Why you must try the food in Thailand?
Thai cuisine is a reflection of the country’s rich culture and history. Here’s why it stands out:
- Diverse flavours: Thai food is known for its harmonious blend of flavours, making every bite an explosion of taste.
- Fresh ingredients: Thai dishes are made with high-quality fresh ingredients, from fragrant herbs to fresh seafood and vegetables.
- Affordable and accessible: Thai food is delicious and budget-friendly whether you’re dining at a street food stall or a high-end restaurant.
Top 10 most popular Thai dishes
Here’s a list of the 10 most popular Thai dishes that you must try on your visit:
- Pad Thai
Pad Thai is Thailand’s most iconic dish, with stir-fried rice noodles topped with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a hint of tangy tamarind sauce. It provides a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours topped with crushed peanuts, fresh lime, and chilli flakes.
- Tom Yum Goong
This hot and tangy shrimp soup is a traditional Thai favourite. Made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilli, it’s a flavour-packed dish.
- Green curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
Green curry is a creamy, aromatic dish made with green chilli paste, coconut milk, and your choice of meat or vegetables. It pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice.
- Som Tum
Som Tum, known as green papaya salad, is a refreshing spicy dish made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and fish sauce.
- Massaman curry
Massaman curry is a rich, mildly spicy curry with Indian influences. It’s typically made with beef, potatoes, and peanuts, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
- Pad Kra Pao
This is a simple yet flavourful stir-fry made with minced meat (usually chicken or pork), holy basil, and chilli.
- Khao Pad
This Thai-style fried rice is a versatile dish made with eggs, onions and your choice of meat or seafood. It’s often flavoured with fish sauce, soy sauce and a touch of sugar.
- Mango Sticky Rice
This beloved Thai dessert features sweet sticky rice with a drizzle of coconut milk and ripe mangoes.
- Satay
Satay consists of grilled meat skewers (usually chicken or pork) served with a creamy peanut sauce.
- Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai, a coconut milk-based soup is made with chicken, galangal, lemongrass and mushrooms. It’s milder than Tom Yum Goong but equally flavourful.
These popular Thai dishes to order are widely available across the country and are a great introduction to the country’s culinary delights.
Importance of travel insurance
When exploring the popular food in Thailand, it’s essential to prioritise safety. Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. You can also opt for single trip travel insurance that provides coverage for a single journey from the start to the end date of the trip.
FAQs
1. What is the most famous dish in Thailand?
Pad Thai is arguably the most popular food in Thailand. This flavourful noodle dish is widely available and loved by locals and tourists alike.
2. Are Thai dishes very spicy?
While many Thai dishes are spicy, the level of heat can be adjusted as per your preference.
3. Can you safely enjoy street food in Thailand?
Street food in Thailand is usually safe to eat. However, it’s advisable to choose busy stalls to ensure freshness.
4. What are some must-try desserts in Thailand?
Mango Sticky Rice and Khanom Chan (layered coconut pudding) are two of the most popular Thai dishes for dessert lovers.
Conclusion
Thailand’s cuisine is as rich and varied as its culture. From the tangy flavours of Tom Yum Goong to desserts like Mango Sticky Rice, these are considered the best Thai dishes in Thailand, offering something for every palate.
Before you embark on your gastronomic journey, don’t forget to secure travel insurance for Thailand to ensure you can savour every moment of your trip without any worries.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.