A Taste Of Thailand: 10 Local Dishes You Don’t Want To Miss
Thai food has earned its global reputation for being bold, colourful, and deeply satisfying. But within Thailand itself, it’s more than just cuisine; culinary traditions are tied in with everyday life. Every meal is a balancing act of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
Whether you’re walking through the neon-lit street stalls of Bangkok or wandering through Chiang Mai’s morning markets, every area of Thailand offers a chance to sample flavours that have been perfected over generations. Here are 10 local Thai dishes that you won’t want to miss when in Thailand:
Pad Thai
No list of Thai cuisine would be complete without the country’s most iconic street food. Pad Thai is a combination of rice noodles, tangy tamarind sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and crushed peanuts, often with eggs, bean sprouts, tofu, and your choice of protein, from shrimp to chicken.
For a taste that has become legendary, head to Thip Samai in Bangkok, where this dish has been perfected since 1966, and don’t miss their indulgent crab variation.
Pad See Ew
Often mistaken for Pad Thai, Pad See Ew is a savoury-sweet stir-fried noodle dish featuring wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, eggs, and your choice of protein, all enhanced by dark soy and oyster sauce.
Grand Sanyod, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, masters the perfect smoky char, making every bite irresistible.
Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)
No Thai food journey should be complete without this quintessential dessert. Creamy coconut-drizzled sticky rice is served alongside ripe, fragrant mango slices, full of sweet, salty, and silky textures.
Mae Varee, a Bangkok institution for over 20 years, is the go-to spot, though it operates on takeaway and delivery only.
Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir-Fry)
Found in nearly every Thai eatery, Pad Kra Pao is comfort food at its finest. Minced meat stir-fried with basil creates a fragrant, flavour-packed dish, usually served over rice and topped with a fried egg.
Phed Mark, co-founded by YouTuber Mark Wiens, delivers a dish that locals and travellers rave about.
Tom Yum Goong
Renowned for its fiery, aromatic profile, Tom Yum Goong is a soothing soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chilies.
At Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle in Bangkok, you’ll find this dish in its purest form, alongside variations featuring mixed seafood or chicken.
Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry)
An authentic Thai classic, green curry is a creamy, fragrant mixture of fresh chilies, Thai eggplants, bamboo shoots, basil, and tender meat.
Krua Apsorn in Bangkok is famed for a curry that strikes the perfect balance - rich, aromatic, and gently mild thanks to the coconut milk.
Kuay Teow Reua (Boat Noodles)
Historically sold by vendors navigating Bangkok’s canals, boat noodles feature tender meat, fresh herbs, and a rich, slightly thickened broth.
For an unforgettable experience, visit Doy Kuay Teow Reua.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
A vibrant explosion of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours, Som Tum combines shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, chilies, lime, and fish sauce.
Regional variations swap papaya for mango, but for a classic, Somtum Der in Bangkok serves a perfectly balanced plate, often crowned with dried shrimp for an umami crunch.
Laab
Coming from northeastern Thailand, Laab is a zesty minced meat salad, bursting with chillies, lime, mint, and coriander.
This flavour-packed dish, with roots in Laos, is perfectly executed at Phed Phed, a top destination for authentic Isan cuisine.
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