10 Best Thai Food Dishes You Should Try

Welcome to the exciting world of Thai cuisine! While many of us might commonly associate Thai food with popular dishes like creamy curries and tangy Pad Thai, there’s a whole treasure trove of authentic flavors and unique dishes waiting to be explored. If you’re ready to venture beyond the usual favorites, here are ten delightful Thai food dishes you absolutely must try on your culinary journey.

1. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

A staple in Thai street food, Som Tum is a refreshing salad made from green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a zesty dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. This dish embodies the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, making it an invigorating start to any meal. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it frequently; its addictive qualities are hard to resist!

2. Khao Soi (Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodles)

A rich and aromatic dish, Khao Soi features egg noodles immersed in a curry soup made from coconut milk and a mix of spices. Originating from Northern Thailand, this comforting dish is usually garnished with crispy noodles, pickled mustard greens, and lime, heightening its complex flavors. Whether you like it spicy or mild, Khao Soi is a must-try for any adventurous foodie.

3. Larb (Spicy Meat Salad)

If you enjoy spicy dishes, Larb will surely entice you. This northeastern Thai salad, commonly made with minced meat (chicken, pork, or beef), is flavored with fresh herbs, lime juice, and roasted rice powder, resulting in a flavor explosion that’s both fragrant and invigorating. Served with sticky rice, Larb is a favorite among locals and should not be skipped.

4. Massaman Curry

This unique Thai curry reflects the influence of Indian and Malay cuisine, combining tender chunks of meat (usually beef or chicken) with potatoes, peanuts, and a rich, aromatic sauce made from coconut milk and a blend of spices. Massaman Curry is slightly sweeter and less spicy than other Thai curries, making it a perfect introduction to Thai flavors for those new to the cuisine.

5. Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)

Contrary to what the name might suggest, Pad Kee Mao isn’t about indulging in a boozy feast; rather, it’s a flavorful stir-fried noodle dish featuring wide rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and meat or seafood, all tossed in a deliciously spicy sauce. The dish is often tempered with fragrant basil, giving it a delightful freshness. It’s the perfect late-night snack for those exploring Thailand’s vibrant nightlife!

6. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Considered a national treasure, Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour soup that will invigorate your taste buds. This aromatic broth is typically made with shrimp, lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal, delivering a sensational balance of flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings or simply when you crave something warming and wholesome, it’s one dish you won’t want to miss.

7. Nam Tok (Waterfall Salad)

Often hailed as a meat lover’s dream, Nam Tok is a grilled beef salad that’s marinated in fish sauce and lime juice, then tossed with herbs, shallots, and toasted rice powder. Known for its bold, zingy flavor, Nam Tok is often enjoyed with sticky rice and is an excellent dish to bring to gatherings, showcasing the communal aspect of Thai dining.

8. Moo Pad Krapow (Stir-fried Basil Pork)

A beloved street food dish, Moo Pad Krapow involves stir-frying minced pork with Thai basil, garlic, and chili. The combination of fragrant basil and savory pork offered over rice, typically topped with a fried egg, creates an irresistible comfort food experience. Every bite encapsulates the spirited essence of Thai cooking!

9. Gang Phed (Red Curry)

Red curry may not be as underrated as some other dishes, but its rich and intricate flavors deserve a spotlight. Made with coconut milk, red curry paste, and a choice of meat or tofu, this dish is characterized by its creamy texture and depth of flavor, enhanced by fresh bamboo shoots and Thai eggplants. Enjoying Gang Phed is like embarking on a delicious flavor journey!

10. Khanom Jeen Nam Yah (Rice Noodles with Fish Curry)

For those looking to explore more regional specialties, Khanom Jeen is an exceptional choice. This dish features soft, thin rice noodles served with a rich and spicy fish curry, along with an array of fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, cucumber, and green mango. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish truly unforgettable.