Traditional Dishes and The Very Best Of Thailand Food

There is a huge mix of places to eat in Thailand, from fine dining restaurants to street vendors offering quick meals and snacks. There are plenty of desserts to choose from if you have a sweet tooth, and you’ll definitely want to grab some mango sticky rice during your stay. It is undoubtedly the most popular dessert.

There is also sweet Thai crepe, which is available fresh off the grill just about anywhere. If you want a nice, cool break from Thailand’s heat, get yourself some coconut ice cream. Thailand food is interesting mix of cultures, so let’s dig in:

What about the actual meals? Here’s a quick look at some delicious dishes to try.

Tom Kha Gai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)

Anybody who enjoys creamy chicken soup will love the Thailads traditional version. It comes with a rich coconut milk base and is available as a gluten-free meal. Some common ingredients include lemongrass, lime juice, fresh ginger, fish sauce, and basil. Tofu can be used as a substitute for those who don’t want chicken.

Tom Yum Gung

Shrimp lovers will love this soup. Tom Yum Gung / Goong is loaded with shrimp, lemongrass, mushrooms, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and tomatoes. You can order it with or without coconut milk, depending on your taste. The great thing about this soup is that it unifies a variety of popular, traditional Thai tastes (sweet, spicy, salty, and sour) all in one bowl.

Gaeng Keow Wan – Thai Green Curry

You’ll find curry in every variety in Thailand (green, red, coconut, chicken, etc…). Green curry, which originated in Central Thailand, is particularly a popular dish – especially for those who love the spiciness. In addition to the green curry paste and Thai eggplant, a number of other ingredients can be thrown into the mix. Many recipes call for chicken but if you’re a veggie, you can opt for veggies like fresh asparagus, lime juice, carrots, and other spring vegetables.

Moo Ping – Grilled Pork Skewers

Who says you have to go indoors to enjoy food in Thailand? As mentioned above, there are plenty of street vendors and as well as stalls with outdoor seating. Some of the yummiest food you can enjoy right off the grill is pork skewers. Moo Ping can be found all over Thailand 24/7, often with a ball of rice. Dipping sauces vary from vendor to vendor, although the pork itself is tasty enough without any sauce.

Som Tam – Papaya Salad

Salad lovers will want to try Thai Papaya Salad, which has a zesty mix of papaya, lime juice, tomatoes, peanuts, and more. Dried shrimp and fish sauce are often included, so if you’re a vegetarian, be sure to request that these be left out. Som Tam is often served alongside a portion of sticky rice, grilled chicken, or barbecue. Thailand food is a work of art, you have to agree!