When you travel and wonder what to eat in Thailand and how to order it, this item is like having a local friend by your side. Let’s make sure you never miss out on the tastiest Thai food around!
PS, if you’re already daydreaming about your next foodie trip to the land of smiles, check out these easy Thai recipes for cooking at home – no passport required!
The best things to eat in Thailand
Let’s jump right in! I’ve traveled through different regions of Thailand and have listed the best dishes (with recipes) from each area for you, complete with translations and Thai characters.
Eating in Bangkok (classic Thai dishes)
Bangkok is probably the starting point of your trip, and luckily, it’s where you’ll find the best Thai street food you’ve ever tasted!
I recommend starting with some of the classic Thai dishes here. Later, as you continue your journey, you will be able to try some of the local specialties that we will explore shortly.
1. Pad Thai (Pad Thai) – Stir-fried Thai noodles
One of the must-try dishes in central Thailand is, of course, pad thai – no trip to central Thailand is complete without it! This stir-fried noodle dish is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that make each bite better than the last.
2. Tom yum kung: Spicy and sour shrimp soup
My second recommendation is Tom Yuma tourist favorite and often called the best soup in Thailand. It’s deliciously spicy and packed with herbs and spices like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and galangal.
During your trip, you must take the opportunity to try the authentic local flavors of this soup!
3. Gaeng keow wan (green curry) – green curry
Thai green curry is a rich, creamy dish with a spicy kick perfectly balanced by the sweet coconut milk. It has a little bit of everything: heat, sweetness, and tons of flavor.
4. Som tum Thai (Thai papaya salad) – Thai papaya salad
Som tum Thai is a favorite among tourists and locals alike and never disappoints. This delicious papaya salad is made with chopped green papaya, chili peppers, lime, peanuts and lots of fresh ingredients. Just make sure you let the chef know how spicy you like it!
5. Khao man gai (chicken rice) – chicken and rice
Khao man gai is incredibly simple yet surprisingly delicious Thai comfort food. Imagine tender chicken served over fragrant rice cooked in a rich chicken broth. If this sounds good to you, then you will love this dish!
It’s served with a spicy sauce that adds just the right kick, along with a light, clear soup and crunchy cucumber slices to complete the meal.
6. Pad kra pao moo sap (minced pork stir-fried with holy basil) – minced pork stir-fried with holy basil
Pad kra pao is Thailand’s favorite street food, loved for its bold flavors and the speed with which it is prepared. It’s a spicy stir-fried dish with ground beef, chilies, garlic and Thai holy basil, all simmered in a flavorful sauce.
And believe me, you will want to order this dish like a local, with a crispy fried egg (kai dao) on top!
Southern Thai food
Southern Thailand is where the locals eat hot and spicy dishes, and the beaches are as stunning as the food.
Don’t miss your chance to try some of the freshest seafood and spiciest dishes around. Explore all the dishes in my Southern Thai Cuisine section.
1. Gaeng som (sour curry) – sour curry
Kaeng som is a water-based curry from Southern Thailand that is spicy, bold and full of flavour. I love it with shrimp, but you can also try it with fish (kaeng som pla) for a tasty twist. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the bolder side of Thai cuisine.
2. Khua kling – dry fried curry
Khua kling is a spicy dry curry prepared with minced meat, typically pork or beef, and a fragrant blend of southern Thai spices, offering an intense, spicy flavor. Be sure to order it with a serving of steamed jasmine rice to sweeten the heat!
3. Roti (Thai Roti) – flatbread
A popular street food in southern Thailand, Thai roti is a pan-fried flatbread often served with sweet condensed milk or as a side dish with curry. For me it’s a delicious treat that I can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, snack or even dinner!
Isan dishes (Northeast)
Isan dishes are known for their fresh ingredients, bold flavors and love of tangy, healthy salads and grilled meats. The cornerstone of Isan cuisine is Thai sticky rice, which goes perfectly with every dish and is almost a must at every meal!
1. Gaiyang (grilled chicken) – grilled chicken
Gai yang is a street food staple in Isan, found on almost every corner! Grilled over charcoal, it’s tender, smoky and super delicious – absolutely one of the foods you must try in Thailand.
For an equally authentic taste, my Thai chicken wings recipe is perfect.
2. Larb neua (larb neua) – beef lard
Beef Larb is one of my favorite salads because it is the perfect side dish with almost any Thai dish! It’s also quick and easy to prepare, combining fresh flavors with a perfect balance of heat and flavor.
3. Sai krok Isan (Isan sausage) – Isan style fermented sausage
Sai krok Isan, tasty and slightly sour fermented sausages, are usually grilled right on the side of the road and served with fresh chillies and vegetables. This unique bite is a must try for anyone wanting an authentic taste of Isan street food!
Northern Thai specialty
What makes Northern Thai food truly special to me? Those amazing dipping sauces! Pair them with fresh vegetables and grilled meats and you have a meal the whole family will love.
1. Nam prik ong (nam prik ong)
This Northern Thai Pork and Tomato Sauce is a tangy, meaty mix of tomatoes and pork that’s impossible to resist. Grab some fresh veggies + pork rinds and eat!
2. Khao soi (khao soi)
The translation of “khao soi” is “sliced rice”. However, the name refers to the dish itself, which is a Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup, rather than the literal translation.
Khao soi is one of my favorite curries you’ll find in all of Thailand, but it’s hands down the best and most authentic when you try it in Chiang Mai!
3. Nam prik noom (nam prik noom) – Northern Thai green chili sauce
Nam prik noom is a vegan sauce full of smoky and spicy flavors. It is perfect to accompany with fresh vegetables for a light and tasty snack at any time of the day.
Want more? Try these!
Conclusion
These Thai dishes are just the beginning of the food you should try in Thailand! From street food to regional specialities, there is something for all tastes. Be sure to share your favorite dish in the comments and follow me on social media for even more tasty content! Facebook, InstagramAND Pinterest.
