Famous Food in Thailand: 5 Dishes to Try

What to eat in Thailand, and what each dish is.

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Quick answer

The food to try in Thailand includes Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Mango Sticky Rice and 2 more.

Best time to visit Thailand: November – February.

Pad Thai

Thailand's most famous dish needs no introduction — rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu or shrimp, tamarind, fish sauce and lime, topped with crushed peanuts and bean sprouts. The version from a Bangkok street cart (especially Jay Fai's, with a Michelin star) is wildly different from what you've had at home.

Tom Yum Goong

Thailand's iconic hot-and-sour prawn soup — a broth electric with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and bird's-eye chilli that clears sinuses and deepens flavour simultaneously. The version with coconut milk (Tom Kha) is gentler but equally addictive.

Mango Sticky Rice

Thailand's greatest dessert — glutinous rice steamed in coconut cream, served warm beside chilled ripe mango and drizzled with salted coconut sauce. Found at street carts throughout Thailand, it's best in April when the mangoes peak.

Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

Shredded green papaya pounded in a mortar with palm sugar, fish sauce, lime, dried shrimp and bird's-eye chillies — punchy, crunchy, sweet, sour and numbingly hot all at once. Order 'pet nit noi' (a little spicy) unless you're ready for the real heat.

Khao Man Gai (Thai Chicken Rice)

Poached chicken over rice cooked in chicken fat and broth, served with ginger-chilli sauce and a bowl of broth — Thailand's answer to Hainanese chicken rice and arguably the more comforting version. A Bangkok breakfast institution at places like Kuay Jab Nai Ek.

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Thailand food questions

What is the most famous food in Thailand?

Pad Thai is the dish most travellers start with. Thailand's most famous dish needs no introduction — rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu or shrimp, tamarind, fish sauce and lime, topped with crushed peanuts and bean sprouts.

What should I eat in Thailand?

Try Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Mango Sticky Rice, Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad), Khao Man Gai (Thai Chicken Rice).

Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Thailand?

Tell us about dietary needs when you book. Trripah plans meals and restaurant stops around vegetarian, Jain and other requirements.

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