So, you are going to Thailand and you still don’t know what to expect about food? Expect spicy! That being said, each region has its own specialties. To make the best trip to Thailand, you should know that Thailand is renowned for its vibrant street food scene and diverse regional cuisine, which can be found all over the country. Each region has its unique flavors, cooking techniques, and local ingredients that make their cuisine distinct. Here are some must-try foods from different regions of Thailand:
Northern Thailand: Khao Soi – a flavorful curry noodle soup with chicken or beef, crispy noodles, and a squeeze of lime. Another popular dish is sai ua, a spicy sausage made with ground pork and herbs.
Check this one live on our Phuket Sunday Night Market Episode on YouTube
Northeastern Thailand: Som Tum – a spicy green papaya salad mixed with fish sauce, lime juice, tomatoes, and peanuts. Also, try larb, a minced meat salad with fresh herbs and spices.
Central Thailand: Tom Yum Goong – a hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, chili, and kaffir lime leaves. Another favorite is Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish with eggs, bean sprouts, and peanuts. But Pad Thai is not a traditional dish, more like a snack that changed to appeal American palates. That’s why it’s so popular among tourists and in tourist spots.
Southern Thailand: Massaman Curry, hands down our favourite! – a mild and creamy curry with potatoes, peanuts, and tender meat, usually beef or chicken. Massaman contains pungent spices like cinnamon and cloves. Also, try Gaeng Som, a sour and spicy soup made with seafood, vegetables, and tamarind.
Apart from these regional dishes, some other popular Thai food that you should try include mango sticky rice, green curry, and chicken satay.
Special mention: Thai Milk Tea. This is our favourite drink in Thailand. Made with black tea, brown sugar, condensed milk and evaporated milk. A sweet and refreshing (if you have it with ice) that puts a smile on your face!
Thailand offers a vast array of flavors and dishes that cater to every taste. Exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing Thailand’s culture, and these regional dishes are just the tip of the iceberg. So, the next time you visit Thailand, make sure to indulge in the local cuisine and experience the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Have you tried them all? Which one would be your favourite? Join the conversation leaving a comment!
