Thailand is known for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine. Here’s a list of local delicacies you shouldn’t miss when visiting Thailand:
- Pad Thai:
- Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, or chicken, flavored with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and topped with peanuts, lime, and chili.
- Tom Yum Goong:
- A hot and sour shrimp soup, usually with lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, and chili.
- Green Curry (Kaeng Khiao Wan):
- A fragrant and spicy Thai curry made with green chili, coconut milk, and various herbs, often with chicken or beef.
- Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad):
- Shredded green papaya mixed with lime, chili, fish sauce, sugar, and peanuts, creating a refreshing and spicy salad.
- Massaman Curry:
- A rich and mild Thai curry with Muslim origins, typically made with beef, potatoes, peanuts, and aromatic spices.
- Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Basil Pork):
- Stir-fried minced pork with Thai basil, garlic, and chili, often served with rice and a fried egg.
- Khao Soi:
- A Northern Thai noodle soup with a coconut-based curry broth, usually served with egg noodles and your choice of meat.
- Tom Kha Gai:
- A chicken soup with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, creating a mild and creamy flavor.
- Yam Nua (Spicy Beef Salad):
- A Thai beef salad with grilled or boiled beef, mixed with onions, mint, cilantro, and a spicy lime dressing.
- Kai Med Ma Muang (Cashew Chicken):
- Stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts, vegetables, and a savory sauce.
- Pad See Ew:
- Stir-fried wide rice noodles with soy sauce, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of meat.
- Hoy Tod (Oyster Omelette):
- Crispy omelette with fresh oysters, often accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce.
- Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang):
- Sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango slices and topped with coconut milk and sesame seeds.
- Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken):
- Marinated and grilled chicken, often served with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
- Kluay Tod (Fried Bananas):
- Deep-fried bananas, a popular Thai street food snack.
- Tom Som (Spicy Orange Soup):
- A sour and spicy soup with a tamarind base, often with shrimp or fish.
Exploring street markets, local eateries, and trying street food will give you an authentic taste of the diverse and delicious Thai cuisine.