5 Must Try Dishes from Thailand

Thailand is well known for its stunning beaches, ancient temples and delicious cuisine.

Most people will have tried a Thai Green Curry or Pad Thai at some point, but there’s nothing like eating authentic dishes in their own country of origin.

Whether you go to a luxury restaurant or sample some of the equally tasty street food, Thailand has many tempting dishes to try.

While dishes like Pad Thai are very tasty, why not branch out and try one of the five traditional dishes below. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

• Som Tam
• Khao Phat
• Tom Yam
• Thong Yot
• Gang Massaman

Thought to have originated in Laos, this spicy green papaya salad is eaten throughout Southeast Asia, and is also known as bok l’hong or tam som. The slightly spicy and sour flavours are the heart of this dish, making it delicious and refreshingly crunchy.

Made from strips of shredded papaya, bird’s eye chillies, peanuts, garlic, tomatoes and french beans. Some versions add freshly cooked prawns, and it’s all mixed with a dressing of fish sauce, palm sugar and lime juice.

This dish is most simply described as ‘Thai fried rice’ but there are many delicious variations to whet your appetite.

Unlike the Chinese version, which uses long-grain rice, Khao Phat uses aromatic Thai jasmine rice instead. It’s a very popular dish and served in nearly every restaurant, or you can pick some up from one of the many street food carts.

Khao Phat can be made with chicken, shrimp or any other meat or protein you fancy, along with garlic, bok choi, chillies, onion, soy sauce, and those Thai staples, fish sauce and lime juice.

Arguably one of the most recognisable dishes, this hot and sour soup is made with shrimp, fish or chicken stock, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, tom yam paste and various garnishes including chillies, coriander and spring onions.

‘Tom’ refers to the boiling process and the ‘yam’ part is named after a Lao and Thai hot and spicy salad.

Some versions include rice or noodles to create a more substantial dish, similar to a Vietnamese pho.

Also known as ‘golden egg drops’, this traditional sweet is one of Thailand’s nine auspicious desserts - culinary delicacies served at special occasions such as weddings, births or ordination.

They are made from egg yolks, flour and sugar, and represent the blessing of wealth from one person to another. Delicious.

One of the milder and most famous Thai curries, gang massaman is made with curry paste, coconut milk, peanuts, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Massaman is usually made with chicken or beef, along with chunks of potato to absorb all the delicious rich flavours.

Now you know what to order, how about sampling some delicious Thai food first hand?

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