Foods to Try in Thailand

Authentic Dishes to Sample on Your Thailand Vacation

People choose Thailand as their vacation destination for a host of reasons: the beautiful white sand beaches; lush, exotic jungles; the sightseeing excursions to places like the Phi Phi Islands and the Grand Palace; and of course, we must not forget the food. Thailand has graced the world with its delectable culinary inventions and although you can go almost anywhere in the world and find yummy Thai dishes, there is no better place to experience authentic Thai cuisine than in the mother country. If you are planning a trip to Thailand sometime in the near future, here are a few dishes you are definitely going to want to try.

Tom Yum Goong

If you like shrimp, spice, and soup, you are going to love this classic Thai dish. Tom Yum Goong, Thai for spicy shrimp soup, is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. It is typically created with a variety of fresh ingredients including fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, chili, shallots, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s filled with delicious prawns and mushrooms and finished off with a dollop of coconut cream. This Thai dish can be found in just about every part of Thailand, from the Southern islands to the major cities like Bangkok.

Yam Pla Dook Foo

You are going to be in seventh heaven if you love seafood since Thailand is known for mouthwatering fresh fish dishes. One you must try is Yam Pla Dook Foo. This dish, translated to English means fried catfish with green mango salad, is an explosion of flavor that’s routinely described as having a simultaneously crispy and fluffy texture. The fish is chopped into tiny pieces before being fried, thus giving it a light, yet crispy texture. Next, it is seasoned with ingredients that are both sweet and sour with a hint of spice. Paired with a green mango salad, this Thai favorite makes for a scrumptious, filling meal for lunch or dinner and is even more enjoyable with an ice-cold, local Thai beer.

Kae Jeow

There are omelets and then there are Thai omelets, and when in Thailand, you simply must try Kae Jeow, a Thai omelet. The Thais serve their omelets over a bed of rice and topped with a sweet chili sauce. For a little more flavor, order a kai jeow pak to enjoy your Thai omelet with a variety of colorful vegetables.

Khao Soi

The Thais love creating spicy dishes, but they’re also known for sweet creations like Khao Soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup. Though inspired by the Burmese, this dish can be found throughout the northern regions of Thailand. You can choose a chicken, pork, beef, or vegetarian option. Egg noodles are added to the coconut curry sauce along with shallots, chilies, lime, and pickled mustard greens. If you want to try a fantastic Khao Soi, a visit Chiang Mai is a must.