Our Top Tips For Eating In Thailand

Photo by A Cruising Couple

Before we lived in Asia, our version of Thai food consisted solely of pad thai and papaya salad. But now that we’ve had the chance to go off-the-beaten-path in Thailand and sample the local fare, we can adamantly say that you’re missing out if you haven’t experienced the rich and diverse flavors of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re planning a trip to the country or you just want to look like a savvy foodie the next time you hit up your neighborhood Thai restaurant, here’s what you need to know about eating in Thailand:

Thai cuisine varies depending on where you are in the country. There are primarily four different regions known for their unique flavors and dishes: Southern, Central, Northeastern and Northern Thailand.

When traveling through the south, the dishes tend to be extremely spicy, with coconut and fish taking center stage. Central Thai cuisine most closely resembles the food you’ll find at Thai restaurants around the world. Northeast Thailand is where Thailand’s iconic papaya salad originates. Finally, Northern Thailand (which is more mountainous) tends to have lots of pork, vegetables and sticky rice.

For more detail on the various flavors that influence the different Thai regions, don’t miss this excellent interview with Chef Andy Ricker.

Must-Try Dishes In Thailand

Now that you’re a bit more savvy to which dishes you’ll find where here are our top picks for must-eats throughout the country:

1. Kôw soy

This delicious noodle soup is best sampled in Chiang Mai. Egg noodles, pickled vegetables, shallots, chilis and lime combine in a rich curry broth. Try it at Suthatsinee Kitchen, one of the oldest kôw soy vendors in Chiang Mai.

2. Khanom jeen nam ngiaw

It’s a mouthful to say, but this meaty noodle dish is well worth the effort to order. It’s a specialty of the north and often found alongside kôw soy. The hearty meal typically includes rice noodles, chunks of beef or pork, tomatoes, spices and garlic.

3. Massaman curry

One of our favorite curries, Massaman is traditionally a southern Thai recipe. The hearty curry features coconut milk, cashews, potatoes and cinnamon. It’s commonly ordered with chicken and a side of rice.

4. Tom yum gung

This hot and sour Thai soup isn’t for everyone—we found that even when we ordered it ‘not spicy,’ we were guzzling water to keep from crying. But the seafood soup is undeniably delicious, with shrimp, lemongrass, lime and chili.

5. Jim jum

This Thai style hot-pot is best enjoyed with a group of friends. Spices and broth are simmered in a small clay pot over a charcoal fire. Drop your meat and vegetables into the pot, then when ready, devour with one of the accompanying spicy peanut sauces.

6. Pad ga pow moo kai dow

If you’re craving vibrant and flavorful stir fried meat and veggies, then this is the dish for you. Enjoy it with rice and a fried egg at any restaurant that is busy with local patrons.

Of course, you won’t want to miss the classic green papaya salad, pad thai, mango sticky rice and spring rolls while you’re in Thailand, either. But add a few of these dishes to your culinary repertoire for the ultimate Thai taste-testing adventure.

For more inspiration on Thai cuisine, don’t miss this epic list of 40 Bangkok foods.

Note that most Thai dishes contain fish sauce, oyster sauce and/or MSG for flavoring. The first ingredient can make it difficult to get pure vegetarian or vegan cuisine, though we will say it’s not impossible. As to the MSG, we won’t go into the studies on whether or not it’s actually bad for you, but do know that it’s there.

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