Thailand Food Guide
Thailand is a food lover's paradise, with a cuisine that is as diverse as it is delicious. From spicy curries to sweet desserts, there is something for everyone in Thai cuisine. The food is also incredibly affordable, with street vendors and local restaurants offering some of the best and most authentic dishes in the country.
Food destinations in Thailand
Food knowledge
Thailand food culture
Thai cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation. The cuisine is a mix of Chinese and Indian influences, with a unique Thai twist. Thai food is known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, which are often combined in a single dish. The food is also characterized by its use of fresh herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, basil, and coriander, which give the dishes their distinctive aroma and flavor.
What are authentic and traditional Thai ingredients?
Explore the essence of Thailand through its key ingredients. Central to Thai cuisine are rice, coconut milk, lemongrass. Each plays a crucial role in defining the country's distinct culinary landscape. Discover the flavors of Thailand with our city guides.
- Thai cooking styles
- stir-fry, grilling, deep-frying
- Thai specialities
- pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup
Best food to eat in Thailand
This is a list of the must have dishes in Thailand. Ranked on best food score.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai soup that is famous for its bold and spicy flavors. This hot and sour soup is made with shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both tangy and refreshing. Tom Yum Goong is a must-try dish for those who enjoy spicy and zesty flavors. The soup is usually served with steamed rice, providing a satisfying and filling meal.
Thai Coconut Water
One of the most refreshing drinks to enjoy in Bangkok is Thai Coconut Water. This natural and hydrating beverage is made by extracting the water from young coconuts. It is known for its subtle sweetness and delicate flavor, which perfectly complements the heat of the city. Freshly cut coconuts are often served with a straw, allowing you to sip the water directly from the fruit. Not only is Thai Coconut Water delicious, but it is also packed with electrolytes and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a popular Thai dessert that is a must-try when visiting Ayutthaya, Thailand. This sweet and creamy dessert is made with glutinous rice, fresh mango slices, and coconut milk. The rice is cooked with coconut milk and sugar, giving it a rich and fragrant flavor. It is then served with ripe mango slices and a drizzle of sweet coconut sauce. The combination of the sweet mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Mango Sticky Rice is a refreshing and indulgent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Mango Sticky Rice Smoothie
A delicious fusion of two iconic Thai treats, the Mango Sticky Rice Smoothie is a must-try drink in Bangkok. This unique smoothie combines the flavors of ripe mangoes and sticky rice, creating a sweet and creamy beverage that is both refreshing and satisfying. Made with fresh mangoes, coconut milk, and a hint of palm sugar, this smoothie captures the essence of traditional Thai desserts in a cool and drinkable form. Served over ice, it is the perfect treat to cool down on a hot day.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is an iconic Thai dish that perfectly encapsulates the bold and tangy flavors of Thai cuisine. This hot and sour soup is made with a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili. The dish is completed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Tom Yum Goong is a must-try when visiting Phuket, as it showcases the vibrant and aromatic flavors that the region is known for.
Thai Iced Tea
No visit to Phuket is complete without indulging in the local favorite, Thai Iced Tea. This iconic drink is a blend of strong black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of aromatic spices like star anise and cardamom. The result is a rich and creamy beverage that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you're sipping it by the beach or enjoying it with a spicy Thai curry, Thai Iced Tea is a must-try drink that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Phuket.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice, also known as Khao Niao Mamuang, is a beloved Thai dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the creamy and sticky texture of glutinous rice. The dish is made by steaming the rice, which is then mixed with coconut milk and sugar before being served alongside fresh slices of mango. The combination of flavors and textures in Mango Sticky Rice make it a delightful treat that is best enjoyed during the mango season in Phuket, typically from April to June.
Pineapple Mojito
Add a tropical twist to the classic cocktail with a Pineapple Mojito. This refreshing drink combines the flavors of juicy pineapples, tangy lime, fresh mint leaves, and a splash of rum. Served over crushed ice, it's a perfect blend of sweetness, citrusy tartness, and a hint of minty freshness. Whether you're sipping it at a beachfront bar or enjoying it by the pool, a Pineapple Mojito is a must-try drink in Phuket for those who love a refreshing and zesty flavor profile.
Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a popular and delicious noodle dish that originated in northern Thailand. It is a combination of both a curry and a soup, featuring egg noodles in a rich and aromatic coconut milk-based broth. The dish is typically topped with crispy fried noodles, tender slices of chicken or beef, and garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime. The flavors of Khao Soi are complex and well-balanced, with hints of spice, sweetness, and tanginess. It is a must-try dish for any visitor to Chiang Mai.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the most well-known Thai dishes and a popular street food in Ayutthaya, Thailand. This stir-fried noodle dish is made with rice noodles, tofu, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, and eggs. The dish is flavored with a tangy sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar, giving it a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors. Pad Thai is typically served with lime wedges, crushed peanuts, and fresh herbs. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.