I never knew I loved Thai food until I came to Thailand. I’d been to a couple of Thai restaurants in the UK & once in Australia, but of course the best way to experience Thai food and to find out the best Thai food in Thailand is to taste the real thing right here in Thailand!
I still remember the first time I had ‘Pla Sam Rot’ – Three-Flavoured Fish, and thought I’d just died and gone to heaven. It was the same the first time I tried Chicken & Cashew Nuts, and trying my first Panang Curry.
I’m making myself hungry as I write this!
With good reason, Thailand is known across the world for its vibrant Thai food culture. But what is the best Thai food in Thailand?
That’s what I’m about to explore with you. Eat your way through my selection of the best Thai food in Thailand to discover the flavors of the Land of Smiles.
My Absolute Top Favourites
- Kao Soi: A Northern Thai delight, Kao Soi combines soft egg noodles in a rich, fragrant coconut curry broth, topped with crispy noodles.
- Chicken & Cashew Nuts: Tender chicken stir-fried with crunchy cashews & vegetables in a tasty savory sauce.
- Panang Curry: A thick, peanutty flavor, enveloping meat or veggies in a creamy, aromatic and spicy sauce.
- Som Tum: A spicy green papaya salad with a tangy, sweet and sour dressing.
- Pla Sam Rot: Deep-fried fish in a vibrant, sweet, sour, and spicy sauce, an irresistible trio of Thai flavors.
- Stir Fried Morning Glory: The clue is in the title; stir-fried morning glory greens, in tasty garlic and soy sauce.
Best Thai Food in Thailand – Appetizers and Snacks
1. Por Pia Tod
Indulge in the delightful crispiness of Por Pia Tod, renowned as one of the best Thai appetizers. These Thai spring rolls are brimming with a blend of vegetables, occasionally featuring meat or seafood. Enjoyed as a popular Thai street food, they are enjoyed for their crunchy texture and are typically accompanied by a tangy sauce.
- Main Ingredients: Vegetables, meat or seafood (optional), rice paper, tangy dipping sauce
Hot Tip: To enjoy the freshest rolls, choose a street food stall that prepares them on the spot.
2. Tod Mun Pla
Tod Mun Pla is a tantalizing Thai fish cake, infused with red curry paste and fragrant kaffir lime leaves, served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
- Main Ingredients: Fish, red curry paste, fine green beans
Hot Tip: Elevate your Tod Mun Pla experience by pairing it with a crisp local beer.
3. Satay Gai
Satay Gai, a delectable Thai appetizer, features succulent chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut milk and bold spices. Grilled and served with a luscious and sometimes spicy, peanut sauce, it’s a hit with the kids (and me)!
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, coconut milk, bold spices
Hot Tip: To elevate your Satay Gai experience, squeeze fresh lime over the grilled skewers for an added zing.
4. Khanom Jeeb
Khanom Jeeb, or Thai steamed dumplings, are delicate parcels filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp and water chestnuts, elegantly pleated and served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. Khanom Jeeb is a must-try Thai delicacy.
- Main Ingredients: Pork, shrimp, water chestnuts
Hot Tip: For an authentic experience, savor Khanom Jeeb at a local dim sum restaurant where they are handcrafted and steamed to order.
Best Thai Food in Thailand – Soups
Here are some of the best soups of Thailand:
5. Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a vibrant and zesty Thai soup, made with fresh shrimp, fragrant lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bird’s eye chilies, mushrooms, and a splash of lime juice, creating a hot and sour symphony of flavors.
- Main Ingredients: Seafood, lemongrass, galangal, fish sauce
Hot Tip: For an authentic experience, savor Tom Yum Goong at local eateries where it is freshly prepared using regional shrimps and aromatic herbs, ensuring an unparalleled taste sensation.
6. Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a creamy Thai co