20 Must-Try Thai Dishes Worth The Hype

Thai cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, renowned for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Each dish is a culinary journey, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and diverse regional influences. From bustling street markets to family-run restaurants, these 20 dishes are celebrated for their unique tastes and textures, making them a must-try for any food enthusiast.

1. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)

In the world of Thai cuisine, Pad Thai stands as a quintessential dish that encapsulates the essence of street food culture. This stir-fried noodle dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, combining soft rice noodles with the crunch of fresh bean sprouts and peanuts. A squeeze of lime adds a citrusy brightness, while the sauce, a blend of tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar, offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Often cooked in a sizzling hot wok, Pad Thai is not just a meal but an experience, capturing the vibrant spirit of Thai cooking.

2. Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง)

Known for its aromatic spices and bold flavors, Tom Yum Goong is a traditional Thai soup that invigorates the senses. The broth is a tantalizing mix of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, creating a fragrant base that is both soothing and vibrant. Plump shrimp swim in this amber liquid, absorbing the spicy and sour notes that make the dish legendary. A staple in Thai households, this soup not only warms the body but also showcases the art of balancing flavors—a hallmark of Thai culinary tradition.

3. Green Curry (แกงเขียวหวาน)

Green Curry is a celebrated dish in Thai cuisine, cherished for its rich, aromatic flavors and vibrant color. The curry’s base is a fragrant paste made from green chilies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime, combined with creamy coconut milk to create a luscious sauce. This curry is often paired with tender pieces of chicken or tofu, along with eggplant and Thai basil, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Each spoonful is a delightful journey through Thailand’s culinary landscape, offering both warmth and a gentle kick of spice.

4. Som Tum (ส้มตำ)

Som Tum, or green papaya salad, is a dish that embodies the vibrant and zesty flavors of Thailand. Originating from the northeastern region, this salad features shredded green papaya as its main ingredient, providing a refreshing crunch. Fish sauce, lime juice, and a hint of sugar create a dressing that is both tangy and spicy. Chilies add a fiery kick, while peanuts offer a nutty contrast. Each bite of Som Tum is an explosion of flavors, a testament to the dynamic and diverse palate of Thai cuisine.

5. Massaman Curry (มัสมั่น)

Massaman Curry, with its roots in Persian cuisine, is a unique Thai dish that offers a rich tapestry of flavors. Characterized by its mellow, creamy texture, this curry combines spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg with coconut milk to create a sauce that is both fragrant and deeply flavorful. Tender chunks of beef or chicken are slow-cooked with potatoes and peanuts, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and comforting. Massaman Curry is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace of Thailand’s multicultural culinary history.

6. Pad Kra Pao (ผัดกะเพรา)

Pad Kra Pao, a staple in Thai cuisine, is a dish that packs a punch with its bold and spicy flavors. The star of this dish is Thai holy basil, which infuses the stir-fried minced meat—usually pork or chicken—with a unique, peppery aroma. Chilies and garlic add heat and depth, while soy and fish sauces bring a savory richness. Topped with a crispy fried egg, Pad Kra Pao is often enjoyed over a bed of steaming rice, offering a delicious harmony of spicy, savory, and aromatic notes that awaken the senses.

7. Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย)

Hailing from Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a dish celebrated for its unique blend of textures and flavors. This coconut curry noodle soup features soft egg noodles submerged in a rich, creamy curry, topped with a garnish of crispy noodles. Tender pieces of chicken or beef add substance, while pickled mustard greens and shallots provide a tangy contrast. A squeeze of lime adds brightness, making every spoonful a delightful exploration of Northern Thai culinary artistry. Khao Soi is not just a dish; it’s a comforting journey into the heart of Thai tradition.

8. Larb (ลาบ)

Larb, often referred to as the ‘unofficial salad’ of Thailand, is a dish that delights with its freshness and zest. Originating from the northeastern Isan region, this minced meat salad is seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, and toasted rice powder, creating a savory, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor profile. Fresh mint and cilantro add a herbal brightness, while chili flakes offer a punch of heat. Larb is traditionally enjoyed with sticky rice, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

9. Pad See Ew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว)

Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai noodle dish that offers a delicious balance of savory flavors and hearty textures. Wide, flat rice noodles are stir-fried with dark soy sauce, giving them a distinctive smoky and slightly sweet taste. Crisp Chinese broccoli and slices of tender beef or chicken add contrast and substance, while a touch of garlic enhances the dish’s rich aroma. With its comforting flavors and satisfying chew, Pad See Ew is a classic example of Thai street food that’s both filling and full of character.

10. Gaeng Daeng (แกงเผ็ด)

Gaeng Daeng, or red curry, is a dish that captivates with its bold flavors and striking color. The curry’s base is a rich paste made from red chilies, garlic, and spices, blended with creamy coconut milk to create a sauce that’s both fiery and smooth. Tender pieces of chicken or beef, along with bamboo shoots and Thai basil, are simmered in this aromatic mixture, absorbing its complex flavors. Each bite of Gaeng Daeng offers a delightful warmth and spice, reflecting the vibrant and diverse nature of Thai cuisine.

11. Khao Pad (ข้าวผัด)

Khao Pad, or Thai fried rice, is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the art of balancing ingredients. Fragrant jasmine rice is stir-fried with garlic, onions, and a choice of protein, such as chicken or shrimp, creating a dish that’s both aromatic and satisfying. Vegetables add color and texture, while a splash of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime enhance the flavors. Khao Pad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day, offering a comforting taste of Thai home cooking.

12. Moo Ping (หมูปิ้ง)

Moo Ping, or grilled pork skewers, is a popular Thai street food that delights with its smoky and sweet flavors. Marinated in a blend of garlic, coriander roots, and soy sauce, the pork is grilled to perfection, creating a juicy and flavorful treat. The caramelization on the outside adds a delightful sweetness, complemented by the savory marinade. Often served with sticky rice, Moo Ping offers a taste of Thailand’s street food culture, capturing the essence of outdoor cooking and communal dining.

13. Yum Woon Sen (ยำวุ้นเส้น)

Yum Woon Sen is a refreshing Thai salad that combines the lightness of glass noodles with bold, tangy flavors. The noodles are tossed with shrimp, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime dressing, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Red onions and cilantro add a burst of freshness, while peanuts provide a crunchy contrast. Ideal for those seeking a lighter meal, Yum Woon Sen is a delightful exploration of Thai cuisine’s ability to balance flavors and textures, offering a taste that’s both refreshing and vibrant.

14. Gaeng Hung Lay (แกงฮังเล)

Gaeng Hung Lay is a unique Northern Thai curry known for its robust flavors and tender meat. This dish features pork belly cooked slowly in a blend of spices, ginger, and pickled garlic, resulting in a curry that’s both savory and slightly tangy. The influence of Burmese cuisine is evident in the use of spices like turmeric and tamarind, creating a rich and complex flavor profile. Often enjoyed with jasmine rice, Gaeng Hung Lay is a comforting and hearty dish that showcases the diversity of Thai culinary traditions.

15. Kanom Jeen Nam Ya (ขนมจีนน้ำยา)

Kanom Jeen Nam Ya is a dish that offers a taste of Southern Thailand’s spicy and aromatic cuisine. The dish features delicate fermented rice noodles topped with a robust fish curry sauce, creating a flavor combination that’s both bold and complex. Fresh herbs and vegetables add a refreshing contrast, enhancing the dish’s vibrant flavors. As a staple in Southern Thai cuisine, Kanom Jeen Nam Ya reflects the region’s love for bold spices and fresh ingredients, offering a culinary experience that’s both unique and satisfying.

16. Thai Omelet (ไข่เจียว)

Thai Omelet, or Khai Jiao, is a dish that elevates the humble egg into a flavorful delight. Beaten eggs are fried in hot oil until golden and crispy on the edges, creating a fluffy and savory omelet. Served over a bed of steaming rice, this dish is often accompanied by a side of chili sauce for an added kick. With its simplicity and delightful texture, the Thai Omelet is a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor, embodying the essence of Thai home cooking.

17. Satay (สะเต๊ะ)

Satay is a dish that captures the heart of Thai street food with its flavorful grilled skewers and rich dipping sauce. Marinated in a blend of spices and coconut milk, the chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy and aromatic skewers. The accompanying peanut sauce is creamy and slightly sweet, complementing the savory flavors of the meat. Served with a side of tangy cucumber salad, Satay offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, making it a beloved dish among locals and visitors alike.

18. Hor Mok (ห่อหมก)

Hor Mok is a delightful Thai dish that showcases the art of steaming fish with aromatic spices. This Thai fish custard is made with a blend of red curry paste, coconut milk, and fish, all steamed together in banana leaf cups. The result is a soft and savory custard with a complex flavor profile that’s both spicy and aromatic. Often garnished with fresh herbs, Hor Mok is a testament to Thai culinary creativity, offering a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

19. Khanom Buang (ขนมเบื้อง)

Khanom Buang, or Thai crepes, is a beloved street dessert known for its crisp texture and delightful fillings. The crepes are made from rice flour and cooked until golden and crispy, then filled with sweet or savory toppings. Common fillings include coconut cream and shredded coconut, which add a rich sweetness, while savory options might include shrimp or pork floss. Each bite of Khanom Buang is a playful contrast of textures and flavors, offering a taste of Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.

20. Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง)

Mango Sticky Rice is a classic Thai dessert that perfectly balances sweet and creamy textures. This dish features sticky rice cooked with coconut milk until tender and creamy, served alongside slices of ripe, juicy mango. A drizzle of coconut cream and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add an extra layer of flavor and texture. This dessert is a celebration of Thailand’s tropical bounty, offering a refreshing and satisfying end to any meal. Mango Sticky Rice is not just a dessert; it’s a taste of Thai comfort and tradition.