TranslateSavor the Flavors of Thailand
From sizzling street food stalls to royal palace recipes, Thai cuisine is a symphony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Explore over 30 iconic dishes that make Thailand a food lover's paradise.
All Thai Dishes
34 delicious dishes to discover
Pad Thai
ผัดไทย
Thailand's most famous stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, bean sprouts, and peanuts in a tangy tamarind sauce. A perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory.
Where to try: Thip Samai in Bangkok, street vendors in Khao San Road
Som Tam
ส้มตำ
Spicy green papaya salad pounded in a mortar with chili, lime, fish sauce, tomatoes, and peanuts. Refreshing, tangy, and explosively flavorful.
Where to try: Isaan restaurants, Chatuchak Market, anywhere in Northeast Thailand
Satay
สะเต๊ะ
Grilled skewered meat marinated in turmeric and spices, served with rich peanut sauce and cucumber relish. Popular as appetizer or snack.
Where to try: Night markets throughout Thailand, Satay vendors in Bangkok
Moo Ping
หมูปิ้ง
Sweet grilled pork skewers marinated in garlic, coriander root, and coconut milk. A beloved breakfast street food served with sticky rice.
Where to try: Morning markets, street vendors near BTS stations in Bangkok
Gai Tod
ไก่ทอด
Thai-style fried chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat, marinated in fish sauce, garlic, and pepper. Often served with sweet chili sauce.
Where to try: Soi Polo Fried Chicken in Bangkok, street vendors everywhere
Khao Man Gai
ข้าวมันไก่
Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice with poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and flavorful dipping sauces.
Where to try: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice in Bangkok
Green Curry
แกงเขียวหวาน
Aromatic curry made with green chilies, coconut milk, Thai basil, and your choice of meat. Sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced.
Where to try: Local restaurants throughout Thailand, cooking classes in Chiang Mai
Red Curry
แกงเผ็ด
Rich curry with red chilies, bamboo shoots, and coconut milk. More robust than green curry with deeper, earthy flavors.
Where to try: Thai restaurants nationwide, home-cooking experiences
Massaman Curry
แกงมัสมั่น
Muslim-influenced curry with potatoes, peanuts, and warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise. Rich, mild, and slightly sweet.
Where to try: Southern Thai restaurants, Muslim communities in Bangkok
Panang Curry
แกงพะแนง
Thick, creamy curry with kaffir lime leaves and peanuts. Less soupy than other curries with an intense, concentrated flavor.
Where to try: Thai restaurants throughout the country
Yellow Curry
แกงกะหรี่
Mild curry with turmeric, potatoes, and onions. Indian-influenced with a gentler, aromatic profile suitable for all spice levels.
Where to try: Street food stalls, family restaurants
Jungle Curry
แกงป่า
Fiery curry without coconut milk, packed with herbs, vegetables, and intense heat. Traditional countryside recipe.
Where to try: Northern Thai restaurants, Chiang Mai local eateries
Tom Yum Goong
ต้มยำกุ้ง
Thailand's iconic hot and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and chilies. A perfect balance of flavors.
Where to try: P'Aor Restaurant in Bangkok, seafood restaurants nationwide
Tom Kha Gai
ต้มข่าไก่
Creamy coconut soup with chicken, galangal, lemongrass, and mushrooms. Milder than Tom Yum with rich, comforting flavors.
Where to try: Thai restaurants throughout the country
Khao Soi
ข้าวซอย
Northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles, coconut curry broth, and crispy noodle topping. Rich, aromatic, and uniquely Chiang Mai.
Where to try: Khao Soi Khun Yai in Chiang Mai, Northern Thai restaurants
Pad See Ew
ผัดซีอิ๊ว
Stir-fried wide rice noodles with Chinese broccoli, egg, and sweet soy sauce. Smoky, savory, and satisfying comfort food.
Where to try: Street food stalls, local restaurants throughout Thailand
Pad Kra Pao
ผัดกระเพรา
Stir-fried holy basil with minced meat, garlic, and chilies. Thailand's favorite fast food, served over rice with fried egg.
Where to try: Every street food stall and local restaurant in Thailand
Khao Pad
ข้าวผัด
Classic Thai fried rice with egg, vegetables, and your choice of protein. Simple, flavorful, and universally loved.
Where to try: Street vendors, restaurants everywhere
Boat Noodles
ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ
Rich, dark broth noodle soup originally sold from boats. Intense flavors with pork blood, herbs, and tender meat.
Where to try: Victory Monument area in Bangkok, boat noodle alleys
Guay Teow
ก๋วยเตี๋ยว
Thai noodle soup with various broths, noodle types, and toppings. Customize with fish balls, wontons, or roast duck.
Where to try: Noodle shops throughout Thailand
Laab
ลาบ
Isaan minced meat salad with lime, fish sauce, roasted rice powder, and fresh herbs. Intensely flavored and refreshing.
Where to try: Isaan restaurants, Northeastern Thailand villages
Sai Oua
ไส้อั่ว
Northern Thai grilled sausage stuffed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and herbs. Aromatic and bursting with flavor.
Where to try: Chiang Mai night markets, Northern Thai restaurants
Gaeng Tai Pla
แกงไตปลา
Southern Thai curry with fermented fish innards, fiery and pungent. An acquired taste beloved by locals.
Where to try: Southern Thai restaurants, Phuket and Krabi local eateries
Nam Prik Ong
น้ำพริกอ่อง
Northern Thai tomato and minced pork dip served with fresh vegetables and crispy pork rinds. A Lanna favorite.
Where to try: Northern Thai restaurants, Chiang Mai cooking classes
Khantoke Dinner
ขันโตก
Traditional Lanna dining experience with multiple Northern dishes served on a raised tray. Includes sticky rice, dips, and curries.
Where to try: Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, Khum Khantoke
Pla Pao
ปลาเผา
Salt-crusted grilled fish, whole fish coated in sea salt and grilled over charcoal. Served with spicy seafood sauce.
Where to try: Seafood restaurants in Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket
Hoy Tod
หอยทอด
Crispy mussel or oyster pancake with egg and bean sprouts. Crunchy edges and tender center, served with chili sauce.
Where to try: Yaowarat (Chinatown) in Bangkok, night markets
Goong Ob Woonsen
กุ้งอบวุ้นเส้น
Prawns baked in a clay pot with glass noodles, ginger, and black pepper. Aromatic and incredibly flavorful.
Where to try: Seafood restaurants in Bangkok and coastal areas
Mango Sticky Rice
ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง
Thailand's most beloved dessert - sweet sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut cream. Best during mango season (April-June).
Where to try: Mae Varee near BTS Thong Lo, dessert stalls everywhere
Thai Iced Tea
ชาเย็น
Bright orange iced tea made with Ceylon tea, spices, and sweetened condensed milk. Refreshing and uniquely Thai.
Where to try: Available everywhere from street stalls to restaurants
Tub Tim Krob
ทับทิมกรอบ
Red ruby dessert - water chestnuts coated in red tapioca served in sweetened coconut milk with crushed ice.
Where to try: Dessert shops, food courts throughout Thailand
Khanom Buang
ขนมเบื้อง
Thai crispy crepes filled with meringue and foi thong (sweet egg threads). Crunchy, sweet, and addictive street snack.
Where to try: Street vendors near temples and markets
Coconut Ice Cream
ไอศกรีมกะทิ
Creamy coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell with peanuts, corn, and sticky rice toppings.
Where to try: Chatuchak Market, floating markets, street vendors
Thai Roti
โรตี
Crispy fried flatbread with various toppings - banana, egg, Nutella, or condensed milk. Muslim-influenced street dessert.
Where to try: Night markets, Muslim neighborhoods in Bangkok and Southern Thailand
Thai Food Facts
Thais traditionally eat with a spoon and fork - the fork pushes food onto the spoon. Chopsticks are mainly used for noodle soups.
Thai cuisine balances five fundamental flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy - a philosophy that makes every dish a harmonious experience.
Chilies were introduced to Thailand by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. Before that, Thai cuisine relied on peppercorns for heat.
