Summary
- Experience the unique and flavorful Northern Thai cuisine, filled with spicy dips and hearty vegetables. Don’t miss out on the mouthwatering Nam phrik num.
- Get a taste of Southern Thailand’s spice with dishes like Goong Pad Makham, a sweet and sour shrimp dish bursting with flavors of tamarind and ginger.
- Indulge in Bangkok’s street food scene, where customizable treats like Roti Gluay and spicy salads like Som Tam will leave your taste buds wanting more.
From the booming big cities to UNESCO World Heritage sites and smaller, idyllic, lesser-known islands, Thailand is a paradise that one needs to visit to fully explore. After strolling through white-sand beaches, enjoying the balmy weather of this Southeast Asian gem, or soaking in all of the culture, one does tend to build up an appetite.
Fortunately, Thailand is a fabulous place to enjoy some unique food. No matter what region of the country one finds themselves in, there’s something delicious to munch on, and in Thailand, there is tons of street food to enjoy.
Experience Northern Thai Food
Silver Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand
With fantastic architecture, lovely mountains, great hospitality, and amazing food, Northern Thailand is a wonderful spot to discover a whole new side of Thai cuisine. Whether one is sitting down in a great restaurant or exploring some of Chiang Mai’s epic markets, one will not go hungry in the northern part of the country.
Nam phrik num
This mouthwatering dish is a fantastic combination of a spicy garlicky dip, rice, and vegetables. It’s hearty and healthy, and one can experience a whole plethora of Thai flavors in every bite. Although one can find tasty phrik num in places like Bangkok, it’s even better when enjoyed where it comes from.
- Top Flavor Perk: It’s got all of the flavor but comparably fewer calories
- Best Pairing: Fried chicken, which goes amazingly with the sauce and healthier veggies
Khao Soi
This delicious, velvety curry is one of the essential dishes of the north. One of the top-selling points is that one will find a combination of textures, like melt-in-the-mouth chicken and crisp noodles. Enjoy with some sharp red onion and prepare to go straight to heaven.
- Top Flavor Perk: The combination of textures and flavors is next-level
- Best Pairing: A plate of mango sticky rice to hit the sweet spot after a savory meal
Savor The Dishes Of South Thailand
If one is looking for spice, Southern Thailand definitely has them more than covered. Borrowing a bit from Malay food, these dishes are flavor-heavy and full of nuanced curries. Plus, with so much to do in places like Phuket, one can more than work up a solid appetite before digging into a delicious dish on the beach.
Goong Pad Makham
This is the Thai answer to sweet and sour shrimp, with massive hits of tasty tamarind and some of the largest shrimp one has ever seen. Like most Thai dishes, Goong Pad Makham takes things to the next level with plenty of hints of ginger and garlic. It’s a great example of the beautiful balance that defines Thai cooking, and it will definitely take one’s tastebuds on a rollercoaster.
- Top Flavor Perk: The spice is balanced perfectly with the sweet
- Best Pairing: An ice-cold Chang beer on the beach
Khao Mok Gai
This famous dish is full of humble ingredients paired in the absolute best possible way. One will find perfectly cooked yellow rice studded with chicken and vegetables. The best Khao Mok Gai has some fresh veggies, like cucumber and tomato, thrown in for a bit of tasty contrast. Ask for extra dipping sauce for more spice.
- Top Flavor Perk: The interplay of cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and seasoned rice is a winner
- Best Pairing: Thai iced tea for a sweet kick
Bangkok Street Food Is Next-Level
Grand palace and Wat phra keaw at sunset Bangkok, Thailand
The bustling city of Bangkok is full of unique things to buy and tons of great things to do. One will never be bored in the Thai City of Angels, and it’s really hard to go hungry there as well. One will find street food on virtually every corner of this town, but there are a few key dishes that exceed the standard and will really make one’s mouth water.
Roti Gluay
This is Bangkok’s answer to a sweet treat. Roti Gluay is made right before one’s eyes and can be customized with a whole host of different yummy ingredients, like chocolate and bananas. Every vendor is different, so it’s a clever play to check them all out for a thorough and yummy research expedition in the city.
- Top Flavor Perk: They’re customizable, fried treats that are perfect for eating on the street
- Best Pairing: A bowl of slurpable and delicious noodles will round off the meal
Som Tam
This epic Thai salad is a spicy, salty, and unique treat. Made with unripe papaya, shrimp, peanuts, and plenty of chilis, it’s one of the most memorable dishes one is likely to eat. Although one can find it in all corners of Thailand, Bangkok has some of the best in both sit-down restaurants and street food stalls. Plus, plenty of places let one dictate the ideal spice level for a personalized and scrumptious dish.
- Top Flavor Perk: It’s literally got everything, including crunchy peanuts, sour tamarind, and devilishly delicious chilis
- Best Pairing: Sticky rice to eat in between fiery bites of Som Tam
You can’t go wrong with street food in Thailand, so don’t be afraid to try something new. It just might be delicious.
