10 Must-Try Thai Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind
4 min read
1. Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)
Khao Niao Mamuang, also known as Mango Sticky Rice, is a traditional Thai dessert that combines sweet, ripe mangoes with sticky rice and coconut milk. The rice is cooked with coconut milk and sugar, resulting in a creamy, slightly sweet base that complements the juicy mango slices. This popular dish is often garnished with a drizzle of coconut cream and toasted sesame seeds for added flavour and texture.
2. Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
Som Tam, also known as spicy green papaya salad, is a popular Thai dish that combines shredded green papaya with chili, lime, fish sauce, and other fresh ingredients. It’s known for its bold, tangy, and spicy flavours, offering a refreshing and satisfying taste. Often served with sticky rice and grilled meats, Som Tam is a staple in Thai cuisine.
3. Pad Kra Pao Moo (Stir-Fried Thai Basil & Pork)
Pad Kra Pao Moo is a flavorful Thai dish made with stir-fried minced pork, fresh basil leaves, garlic, and chilli peppers. It’s known for its bold, spicy, and aromatic flavours, and it’s typically served over steamed jasmine rice. The dish is often topped with a fried egg for added richness and is a popular street food and home-cooked meal in Thailand.
4. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
Khao Pad, or Thai fried rice, is a flavorful dish made with jasmine rice stir-fried with vegetables, protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu), and a mix of seasonings like soy sauce and fish sauce. It is often garnished with cilantro and served with lime wedges and cucumber slices. Khao Pad is a popular and versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
5. Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)
Khao Soi is a traditional Northern Thai dish consisting of a fragrant coconut curry broth served over soft egg noodles and topped with crispy fried noodles. It is typically garnished with fresh herbs, pickled mustard greens, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavour. This delicious and comforting soup often includes chicken, beef, or tofu as protein and is known for its rich, creamy taste.
6. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry)
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai, or Thai green curry with chicken, is a popular and aromatic Thai dish known for its vibrant green color and rich, creamy coconut milk base. It is made with a blend of green curry paste, chicken, vegetables, and fresh herbs like basil and lime leaves, creating a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavours. Served with steamed rice, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal that showcases the complex and bold tastes of Thai cuisine.
7. Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles)
Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish featuring stir-fried rice noodles, typically combined with shrimp, chicken, tofu, or vegetables. It is seasoned with a flavorful sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar, and garnished with peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Known for its balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavours, Pad Thai is a staple of Thai cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide.
8. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Gaeng Daeng, also known as red curry, is a popular Thai dish known for its vibrant red color and rich, aromatic flavors. It features a creamy coconut milk base, red curry paste, and a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, or protein like chicken, beef, or shrimp. The dish is often served with steamed rice and garnished with Thai basil and red chillies for added freshness and spice.
9. Kaeng Luang (Yellow Curry)
Kaeng Lueang, also known as yellow curry, is a vibrant and flavorful Thai curry characterized by its rich, aromatic spices and herbs. Unlike other Thai curries, Kaeng Luang is typically made without coconut milk, resulting in a lighter, brothy consistency. It features ingredients like turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and fish sauce, and often includes vegetables and seafood for a zesty and refreshing flavour.
10. Tom Yum Goong (Hot & Sour Shrimp Soup)
Tom Yum Goong is a popular Thai soup known for its vibrant and complex flavours
