What To Eat in Thailand – Best Popular Food Guide Must Try

We’re diving headfirst into the glorious, mouth-watering abyss of Thai cuisine. Forget your local takeout place, because I’m about to spill the tea (or should I say, the tom yum goong!) on the 20 best dishes to try when you hit up the Land of Smiles. As someone who’s practically had my passport stamped in every street food stall from Chiang Mai to Southern Thailand, trust me, I’ve got the inside scoop on how to get those taste buds doing a happy dance. Get ready, because this is going to be an authentic, upbeat, and utterly delicious ride!

The magic of Thai food culture lies in its perfect balance. It’s not just about heat; it’s about a symphony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, often with a hint of bitter to keep things interesting. The main ingredients are always fresh – think vibrant fresh herbs like Thai basil, lemongrass, galangal, and those fragrant kaffir lime leaves. And of course, the ever-present fish sauce and bright lime juice are the backbone of so many incredible flavors. Forget bland, embrace bold!

Let’s kick things off with the heavy hitters, the most popular Thai dishes that have earned their legendary status:

What To Eat in Thailand

Okay, I know, I know. It’s the one everyone talks about, but there’s a reason this national dish is so beloved! A true Pad Thai from a bustling street vendor is a revelation. I’m talking perfectly stir-fried rice noodles with plump shrimp or tender chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, chives, and a scrambled egg, all coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory tamarind-based sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts? Absolute perfection. It’s the ultimate introduction to Thai cuisine, a harmonious blend that sets the stage for everything else.

If Pad Thai is the welcoming hug, Tom Yum Goong is the fiery kiss! This intensely aromatic and spicy sour soup with succulent shrimp is an absolute masterpiece. Imagine a steaming bowl of broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and a generous amount of red chili peppers. The vibrant spices, the tang of lime, and the umami of fish sauce create a truly invigorating experience. Seriously, one spoonful and you’ll feel alive! It’s undoubtedly one of the best Thai dishes, especially if you love spicy food.

Get ready for a textural and flavor explosion! This spicy green papaya salad is a crunchy, zesty, and often fiery delight. Shredded unripe papaya, green beans, tomatoes, peanuts, and sometimes dried shrimp are pounded with garlic, fresh chilli peppers, fish sauce, lime juice, and a touch of palm sugar in a mortar and pestle. It’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly addictive, especially on a hot day. I’ve seen Thai people eat this at every meal, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Ah, the iconic Green Curry! This vibrant, creamy, and undeniably spicy curry is a staple for a reason. Made with a rich coconut milk base and a paste of fresh green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and shrimp paste, it’s typically served with tender chicken (gai), bamboo shoots, and Thai eggplant. It’s a comforting yet exhilarating main course that perfectly showcases the complexity of Thai curries. Pair it with a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of that glorious sauce.

If you find yourself in Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, drop everything and find some Khao Soi! This is hands down one of my personal favorite noodle soup dishes. It’s a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy coconut curry noodle soup, usually with tender chicken or beef, served over soft egg noodles, and topped with a nest of crispy fried egg noodles. The contrast in textures and the depth of flavor are simply incredible. It’s a dish unique to Northern Thailand and a truly unforgettable Thai meal.

For those who love the aromatics of Tom Yum but prefer a milder heat, Tom Kha Gai is your go-to. This luscious soup features tender chicken and mushrooms simmered in a creamy coconut milk base infused with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s still got that tangy kick from lime juice but is much more mellow and soothing than its spicier cousin. Perfect for a comforting Thai meal.