Exploring Thai cuisine: Top Thai Dishes You Can’t Miss
Planning a trip to Thailand and wondering which Thai dishes you absolutely must try? Thai cuisine is one of the most exciting food cultures in the world. From sizzling street food stalls in Bangkok’s bustling markets to cozy family-run restaurants on quiet islands, every corner of the country seems to offer something delicious. Thai food is famous for its bold flavors, fragrant herbs, and the perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in almost every bite.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular Thai dishes you must try on your travels. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer to Thailand, these classics are essential to truly experience the country’s food culture. You’ll also find practical travel tips along the way—how to order, what to expect, and where you’re most likely to find the tastiest versions of each dish.
From iconic noodle plates like Pad Thai to refreshing salads, rich curries, and even the famous Thai iced tea, this list will help you build your own food itinerary. Come hungry—because by the end of this article, you’ll be ready to eat your way through Thailand like a local.
1. Pad Thai
Description: If there’s one dish that has become the global ambassador of Thai food, it’s Pad Thai. This famous stir-fried noodle dish is usually made with thin rice noodles tossed in a hot wok with egg, tofu or meat, crunchy bean sprouts, garlic chives, and a tangy-sweet sauce. The flavor typically comes from tamarind, fish sauce, palm sugar, and a touch of chili, creating that signature balance of sweet, sour, and savory.
The plate is usually finished with a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts, a wedge of lime for squeezing over the top, and sometimes a small pile of chili flakes on the side so you can adjust the heat yourself. You’ll find Pad Thai everywhere—from street carts with tiny seating areas to more upscale restaurants in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands.
Why Try It: Pad Thai is the perfect starting point for anyone new to Thai food. It’s flavorful but not too spicy, and the familiar noodle base makes it very approachable even for picky eaters. At the same time, the complex sauce and fresh garnishes give it a uniquely Thai character.
Travel Tip: For a more authentic experience, look for stalls where you can see the noodles being stir-fried to order in a blazing-hot wok. If you prefer seafood, order Pad Thai Goong (Pad Thai with shrimp). Vegetarians can ask for no fish sauce and extra tofu—many vendors will happily adapt the dish for you.
2. Tom Yum Goong
Description: Tom Yum Goong is Thailand’s iconic hot and sour soup, usually starring plump shrimp. The broth is aromatic and lively, built with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, shallots, and fiery chili. A splash of lime juice and fish sauce adds brightness and depth, while mushrooms and other vegetables provide extra texture.
There are two main styles: a clear version that’s lighter and sharper, and a creamy version enriched with evaporated milk or coconut milk, which softens the heat and gives the soup a slightly richer body.
Why Try It: Tom Yum Goong is a must-eat Thai dish if you love bold, tangy flavors. It perfectly captures the essence of Thai cuisine—spicy, sour, fragrant, and full of personality. One spoonful and you’ll understand why it’s so loved both in Thailand and around the world.
Travel Tip: When ordering, you can ask the vendor to adjust the spice level. If you’re not used to spicy food, say “phet noi” (a little spicy). This soup is often shared family-style, so it’s a great dish to order when you’re exploring Thai food with friends.
3. Green Curry (Gang Kiew Wan)
Description: Green Curry, or Gang Kiew Wan, is one of Thailand’s most beloved curries. It gets its striking green color from fresh green chilies blended into the curry paste along with garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, coriander root, and other herbs. This paste is simmered with creamy coconut milk until the flavors meld into a smooth, aromatic sauce.
The curry usually includes tender pieces of chicken or beef, small round Thai eggplants, bamboo shoots, and fragrant Thai basil leaves. Served with steamed jasmine rice or sometimes with rice noodles, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.
Why Try It: Green Curry is a fantastic introduction to Thai curries. It combines a mild to medium heat with a rich, slightly sweet coconut base and plenty of herbal notes. If you enjoy dishes that are both creamy and spicy, this is a must-try.
Travel Tip: In many local restaurants, you can choose your preferred protein—chicken, pork, beef, or even seafood. If you love vegetables, ask for extra eggplant or mixed veggies. Don’t forget to spoon some curry over your rice; that’s where the magic happens.
4. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
Description: Som Tum is a vibrant green papaya salad that originally comes from Thailand’s northeastern Isaan region but is now popular all over the country. Unripe papaya is shredded into thin strips and pounded in a mortar with cherry tomatoes, long beans, garlic, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. Peanuts are often added for extra crunch, and sometimes dried shrimp or fermented crab for even more intense flavor.
The result is a refreshing, crunchy salad that’s at once spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet. It’s usually served with sticky rice and grilled meats, making it a staple at many local eateries and street food stalls.
Why Try It: Som Tum is perfect if you’re looking for something lighter than fried dishes or curries but still packed with flavor. It’s also a great way to experience the bolder, spicier side of Thai food—many locals enjoy it very spicy, but you can always ask to tone it down.
Travel Tip: There are several variations of Som Tum. If you prefer a milder style, try Som Tum Thai (the standard version with peanuts and dried shrimp). For an adventurous twist, look for Isaan-style versions that include fermented fish or crab. Remember, you can ask for “mai phet” (not spicy) or “phet noi” (a little spicy) depending on your comfort level.
5. Massaman Curry
Description: Massaman Curry is a unique Thai curry with influences from Indian and Persian cuisines. Unlike the sharper green and red curries, Massaman is mild, warm, and deeply aromatic. The curry paste often includes spices not commonly seen in other Thai dishes, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, blended with traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass and galangal.
It’s usually cooked with coconut milk, tender chunks of beef or chicken, potatoes, onions, and roasted peanuts. The sauce is rich and slightly sweet, with a gentle tanginess that keeps it from feeling too heavy.
Why Try It: Massaman Curry is ideal for travelers who prefer milder dishes but still want a full-flavored Thai experience. The combination of soft potatoes, tender meat, and creamy coconut sauce makes it incredibly comforting—like a Thai hug in a bowl.
Travel Tip: Massaman is often served with steamed jasmine rice, but in some places you may also find it paired with roti (Thai-style flatbread), which is fantastic for dipping into the sauce. If you’re not a fan of beef, most restaurants can prepare a chicken or vegetarian version on request.
6. Moo Pad Krapow (Basil Pork Stir-Fry)
Description: Moo Pad Krapow is one of Thailand’s ultimate comfort foods and a lunchtime favorite for many locals. It’s a stir-fry made with minced pork (moo), garlic, chilies, and plenty of holy basil leaves, cooked quickly over high heat. The sauce is usually a mix of soy sauce, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar, giving the dish a savory, slightly salty kick with herbal fragrance from the basil.
Traditionally, the stir-fry is served over steamed rice with a crispy fried egg on top (kai dao). The runny yolk mixes into the rice and sauce, creating an incredibly satisfying combination.
Why Try It: If you want to eat like a local, Moo Pad Krapow is essential. It’s simple, affordable, and available almost everywhere, yet full of flavor. The heat from the chilies and the aroma of holy basil make every bite addictive.
Travel Tip: You can also find Pad Krapow made with chicken (gai), beef (neua), or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If you’re sensitive to spice, make sure to ask the cook to cut back on the chilies—this dish can get seriously fiery in its authentic form.
7. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
Description: Khao Pad is Thailand’s take on fried rice and a reliable choice when you want something filling and familiar. It’s typically made with fragrant jasmine rice stir-fried with egg, onions, and sometimes carrots, peas, or other vegetables. You can choose your preferred protein—chicken, pork, shrimp, crab, or just vegetables.
The seasoning is straightforward: a bit of fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar, sometimes with a squeeze of lime on top. It’s usually served with slices of cucumber and tomato on the side, plus chili and fish sauce in a small dish so you can customize the flavor.
Why Try It: Khao Pad is perfect when you want a break from very spicy dishes without sacrificing taste. It’s also a great “safe” option for kids or anyone who might be intimidated by stronger flavors. Despite its simplicity, a good plate of Thai fried rice is incredibly satisfying.
Travel Tip: Look out for regional variations like pineapple fried rice in touristy beach areas, or crab fried rice in coastal towns. These versions highlight local ingredients and are often unbelievably good, especially when eaten with a sea view.
8. Panang Curry
Description: Panang Curry is a rich, slightly sweeter style of Thai curry that’s usually less spicy than green or red curry. The curry paste is made from dried chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and other aromatics, often with ground peanuts added for extra body and flavor. Combined with coconut milk, it creates a thick, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to meat and vegetables.
Panang is often cooked with beef, chicken, or pork, along with strips of kaffir lime leaves that release a citrusy aroma as the curry simmers. The sauce is typically a deep reddish-orange and pairs perfectly with hot steamed rice.
Why Try It: This is one of the best Thai dishes to try if you like your curries rich and creamy with just a gentle heat. The flavor is bold but not overwhelming, and the subtle nuttiness from the peanuts makes it particularly memorable.
Travel Tip: For an extra treat, ask for Panang with a sunny-side-up egg on the side and mix the runny yolk into your rice. Also, if you’re a fan of stronger citrus notes, look for versions with plenty of sliced kaffir lime leaf on top—you’ll smell it before the plate even hits your table.
9. Pad See Ew
Description: Pad See Ew is another beloved Thai noodle dish, made with wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried with egg, Chinese broccoli (kai lan), and your choice of meat—often chicken, pork, or beef. The flavor comes mainly from dark soy sauce, which gives the noodles a slightly smoky, caramelized taste when cooked over high heat.
The noodles are soft and chewy, the vegetables stay slightly crisp, and the sauce is savory with a hint of sweetness. Compared to Pad Thai, Pad See Ew is less tangy and more soy-forward, making it a fantastic option if you prefer a deeper, stir-fry-style flavor profile.
Why Try It: Pad See Ew is ideal for noodle lovers who aren’t necessarily looking for spice but want something hearty and satisfying. It’s also a great dish to compare across different street food vendors—you’ll quickly discover that each cook has their own style and balance of flavors.
Travel Tip: If you like spicy food, you can add chili flakes or pickled chilies in vinegar at the table. Many street stalls provide a small set of condiments—sugar, chili, fish sauce, and vinegar—so you can tweak the dish to your taste, just like locals do.
10. Thai Iced Tea
Description: No list of popular Thai dishes would be complete without mentioning Thai iced tea, or cha yen. This iconic drink is made from strong black tea (often with spices like star anise), sweetened generously with sugar and condensed milk, and then poured over a tall glass of ice. A float of evaporated milk or more condensed milk on top creates a beautiful layered effect and adds extra creaminess.
The result is a sweet, creamy, and slightly tannic drink that’s incredibly refreshing in Thailand’s tropical heat. You’ll see it served everywhere—from humble street carts in plastic cups to stylish cafés in Bangkok and beyond.
Why Try It: Thai iced tea is the perfect partner to spicy Thai dishes. The sweetness and richness help cool down your mouth after a fiery curry or salad, and it doubles as a dessert-like treat. It’s also extremely photogenic—perfect for your travel blog or Instagram feed.
Travel Tip: If you prefer your drinks less sweet, you can ask for “wahn noi” (less sweet) when you order. You’ll also find variations like Thai iced coffee made in a similar style, which is another great option for caffeine lovers.
Conclusion
Thai cuisine is a delicious adventure that goes far beyond just one or two famous dishes. From the balanced flavors of Pad Thai and the fiery punch of Tom Yum Goong to the comforting richness of Massaman and Panang curries, each plate tells a story about Thailand’s history, culture, and regional diversity. Whether you’re exploring the street food alleys of Bangkok, the night markets of Chiang Mai, or the beachside restaurants of the southern islands, you’ll quickly realize that food is at the heart of everyday life in Thailand.
As a traveler, tasting these most popular Thai dishes you must try is one of the best ways to connect with the country. Don’t be afraid to experiment, ask locals for recommendations, or point at what looks good on your neighbor’s table. Many of the most memorable meals in Thailand are the spontaneous ones—at a small stall you stumbled upon or a family-run place you found by following the delicious smells.
Use this guide as a starting point for your own Thai food journey. Try the classics like Pad Thai, Som Tum, and Green Curry, then branch out into regional specialties and lesser-known dishes as your confidence grows. With every bowl of curry, plate of noodles, or glass of Thai iced tea, you’ll not only satisfy your hunger—you’ll also get a deeper taste of Thailand’s warm, welcoming culture.
So come hungry, keep an open mind, and let your taste buds lead the way. Your next favorite dish might be waiting at the very next street corner.
