Top Must-Try Foods in Thailand for First-Time Visitors
Discover the must-try Thai dishes for first-time visitors — from Pad Thai to Som Tum. Learn how to enjoy them and explore the flavors of Thai cuisine.
I often get questions like, 'What do you eat when you're in Thailand?' or 'Where do you find all that amazing food you have every day in Thailand?' So I thought I’d write a blog to walk you through the basics of Thai cuisine —what to enjoy and how to enjoy it.
Let’s get started!
First things first, food in Thailand reflects its cultural diversity and deep love for fresh ingredients. Whether you're exploring street markets or sitting down for a traditional meal, the food in Thailand is bound to captivate your palate.
If you're a foodie and interested in understanding the flavors of Thai cuisine, I’d recommend starting with a cooking class. These classes are now one of the top-rated tourist activities, especially in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Koh Samui. I took one in Chiang Mai and absolutely loved it.
In this blog we are going to cover the following topics
- Traditional Ingredients and Flavors in Thai Food Cuisine
Core Seasonings & Sauces, Herbs & Aromatics, Other Staples, Flavor Profiles of Thai Cuisine - Popular Thai Foods and How to Eat Them
Traditional Ingredients and Flavors in Thai Food Cuisine
Before we move to naming the types of food in Thailand, let's get to know the ingredients and flavours. Thai cuisine is all about balance — sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and umami — often all in a single dish. That complexity comes from its core traditional ingredients and regional variations. Here's a breakdown:
🧂 Core Seasonings & Sauces
| Ingredient | Purpose / Flavor |
|---|---|
| Fish Sauce (Nam Pla) | Salty, umami-rich — essential in nearly every savory dish |
| Oyster Sauce | Slightly sweet and savory — used in stir-fries |
| Soy Sauce | Adds saltiness, especially in Chinese-influenced dishes |
| Palm Sugar | Sweetener with a caramel-like depth |
| Tamarind Paste | Tangy and sour — used in Pad Thai and soups |
| Shrimp Paste (Kapi) | Strong umami, often in curries and chili pastes |
| Lime Juice | Adds fresh acidity to salads, soups, and curries |
🌶️ Herbs & Aromatics
| Ingredient | Usage |
|---|---|
| Lemongrass | Sliced or bruised in soups and curry pastes |
| Galangal | Like ginger but more peppery — essential in Tom Yum |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | Fragrant citrus leaves used in soups and curries |
| Thai Basil | Slightly spicy and anise-like flavor |
| Holy Basil | Peppery — used in Pad Krapow |
| Cilantro (Coriander) | Used fresh as garnish or root in curry pastes |
| Garlic & Shallots | Foundational in most curry pastes and stir-fries |
| Chilies | Fresh, dried, roasted — key to heat and flavor layering |
🥥 Other Staples
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Coconut Milk/Cream | Found in curries, soups, and desserts — adds richness |
| Rice (Jasmine, Sticky) | Base for most meals; sticky rice in the North & Isaan |
| Rice Noodles | Used in Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and soups |
| Tofu & Eggs | Common in stir-fries and soups — also vegetarian options |
| Peanuts & Cashews | Used in sauces (e.g., peanut sauce) or as toppings |
🎯 Flavor Profiles of Thai Cuisine
| Flavor | Achieved Through | Sample Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy | Fresh chilies, chili flakes, curry pastes | Tom Yum, Pad Krapow, Som Tum |
| Sour | Lime juice, tamarind, vinegar | Tom Yum, Yum Nua (beef salad) |
| Salty | Fish sauce, soy sauce, shrimp paste | Pad Thai, Green Curry |
| Sweet | Palm sugar, coconut milk | Massaman Curry, Thai Iced Tea |
| Umami | Fish sauce, oyster sauce, shrimp paste | Everything from soups to stir-fries |
The food in Thailand is a reflection of the country’s love for vibrant and bold flavors.
Regional Variations in Thai Food Cuisine
Thailand’s regional cuisines offer distinct takes on traditional dishes:
| Region | Signature Traits | Common Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Central | Balanced flavors | Coconut milk, palm sugar, fish sauce |
| Northern (Chiang Mai) | Milder spice, herbal | Turmeric, garlic, sticky rice |
| Northeastern (Isaan) | Bold, spicy, sour | Fermented fish (pla ra), lime, chili |
| Southern | Fiery heat, Muslim influence | Turmeric, fresh herbs, seafood |
Typically, you can find regional dishes in touristy cities across Thailand, but the best versions are usually found in the regions they originated from. For example, the best Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย) I've had was in Chiang Mai, where the dish originally comes from.
Popular Thai Foods and How to Eat Them
Thai cuisine is celebrated for its iconic dishes, many of which have gained international fame. Here are the must-try foods in Thailand:
1. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)
Sweet, sour, and savory stir-fried rice noodle dish made with tamarind, egg, tofu or shrimp, and topped with crushed peanuts and lime.
📍 Region: Central (Bangkok)
🧂 Flavor: Sweet, sour, salty, umami
🥢 Ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- Tamarind paste
- Fish sauce, palm sugar
- Egg, tofu, shrimp or chicken
- Bean sprouts, peanuts, lime
🍽 How to Eat:
Squeeze lime, mix in crushed peanuts and chili flakes, eat with chopsticks or fork + spoon combo (not knife!).
2. Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง)
Hot and sour soup made with prawns, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili paste, known for its bold, aromatic flavors.
📍 Region: Central
🧂 Flavor: Spicy, sour, aromatic
🥢 Ingredients:
- Prawns
- Lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves
- Chili paste, lime juice, fish sauce
- Mushrooms
🍽 How to Eat:
Served hot — spoon the broth and eat prawns and mushrooms with rice on the side.
3. Som Tum aka papaya salad (ส้มตำ)
Spicy green papaya salad pounded with garlic, chilies, lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar, often served with sticky rice and grilled meats.
📍 Region: Northeastern (Isaan)
🧂 Flavor: Spicy, sour, salty
🥢 Ingredients:
- Shredded green papaya
- Tomatoes, long beans
- Lime juice, fish sauce, chili
- Garlic, palm sugar, peanuts
🍽 How to Eat:
Eat with sticky rice and grilled chicken (gai yang). Use your fingers for the rice — totally normal in Isaan!
4. Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย)
Creamy and spicy northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles, lime, and pickled mustard greens.
📍 Region: Northern (Chiang Mai)
🧂 Flavor: Creamy, spicy, fragrant
🥢 Ingredients:
- Egg noodles in curry coconut soup
- Chicken or beef
- Pickled mustard greens
- Shallots, lime, chili oil
🍽 How to Eat:
Mix crunchy and soft noodles before eating. Add a squeeze of lime and pickled greens for perfect balance.
5. Massaman Curry (มัสมั่น)
Rich, mildly spicy curry with tender beef or chicken, potatoes, peanuts, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
📍 Region: Southern (Muslim influence)
🧂 Flavor: Mild, sweet, nutty
🥢 Ingredients:
- Beef or chicken
- Potatoes, onions, peanuts
- Coconut milk
- Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, tamarind
🍽 How to Eat:
Spoon it over jasmine rice. Slow-cooked, so it melts in your mouth.
6. Pad Kra Pao (ผัดกะเพรา)
Spicy stir-fry made with holy basil, minced meat, garlic, and chilies, typically served over rice with a crispy fried egg on top.
📍 Region: Central
🧂 Flavor: Salty, spicy, garlicky
🥢 Ingredients:
- Minced pork or chicken
- Holy basil
- Garlic, chili
- Soy sauce, fish sauce
- Fried egg on top (optional but iconic!)
🍽 How to Eat:
Mix the runny egg yolk into the rice — locals often ask for “kai dao” (fried egg) on top.
7. Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry - แกงเขียวหวาน)
Fragrant coconut-based curry with green chili paste, chicken or fish balls, Thai eggplant, and sweet basil.
📍 Region: Central
🧂 Flavor: Spicy, creamy, herbal
🥢 Ingredients:
- Chicken, eggplant
- Coconut milk
- Green curry paste (green chilies, basil, kaffir lime)
- Palm sugar, fish sauce
🍽 How to Eat:
Served with jasmine rice. Use spoon to scoop curry and rice together.
8. Laab (ลาบ)
Spicy and tangy minced meat salad from the Northeast, made with toasted rice powder, lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh herbs like mint.
📍 Region: Isaan (Northeast)
🧂 Flavor: Spicy, tangy, herby
🥢 Ingredients:
- Minced pork or chicken
- Toasted rice powder
- Fish sauce, lime juice, chili
- Mint, shallots
🍽 How to Eat:
Scoop with sticky rice or fresh cabbage leaves. Eaten with hands in rural areas.
9. Gai Yang (ไก่ย่าง)
Marinated and grilled Thai-style chicken dish, often served with sticky rice, som tum, and a side of sweet chili dipping sauce.
📍 Region: Isaan (Northeast)
🧂 Flavor: Smoky, sweet, savory
🥢 Ingredients:
- Grilled chicken
- Marinated in garlic, cilantro root, soy sauce, fish sauce
- Served with sweet chili sauce
🍽 How to Eat:
Always eaten with som tum and sticky rice. Tear apart with your hands!
9. Red Curry with Chicken (แกงเผ็ดไก่)
Bold, aromatic red curry made with red chili paste, coconut milk, chicken, and Thai basil — spicy, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.
📍 Region: Central Thailand
🧂 Flavor: Spicy, creamy, slightly sweet
🥢 Ingredients:
- Chicken (or tofu/shrimp)
- Red curry paste (dried red chilies, lemongrass, garlic, galangal, kaffir lime)
- Coconut milk
- Bamboo shoots or bell peppers
- Fish sauce, palm sugar, Thai basil
🍽 How to Eat:
Spoon generously over hot jasmine rice and enjoy with a side of fresh vegetables or fried egg if available.
✨ Bonus Tips:
- Spice levels vary — if you're sensitive, say “mai phet” (not spicy) or “phet nit noi” (a little spicy).
- Thai people usually use spoon + fork (not chopsticks) for rice dishes.
Embracing the Foods of Thailand
Thailand’s vibrant cuisine offers a symphony of flavors that reflect its culture, diversity, and love for fresh ingredients. From iconic street foods to refined dishes in restaurants, the food of Thailand is a culinary adventure that everyone should experience.
Ready to explore the best foods in Thailand? Share your favorite dishes and experiences in the comments, and start planning your next gastronomic journey through this incredible country!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most popular Thai dishes to try for first-time visitors?
Some of the most beloved Thai dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Som Tum, Green Curry, and Massaman Curry — each offering a unique flavor experience.
2. Is Thai food always spicy? Can I ask for less heat?
Not all Thai dishes are spicy, and yes — you can ask for milder versions. Use phrases like “mai phet” (not spicy) or “phet nit noi” (a little spicy) when ordering.
3. What is the best way to experience authentic Thai food?
Visit local markets and street food stalls, and consider joining a cooking class — especially in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or Koh Samui — to learn hands-on.
4. Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Thai cuisine?
Yes! Many dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Laab can be made vegetarian or vegan — just ask for tofu and check that the sauces don’t contain shrimp paste or fish sauce.
5. Where can I find the best regional dishes in Thailand?
While regional dishes are available across Thailand, the best versions are found in their places of origin — like Khao Soi in Chiang Mai or Som Tum in Isaan.
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