Thai cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors and fragrances, and it's no wonder that it has become one of the most beloved cuisines in the world. From the spicy Tom Yum Goong soup to the sweet and savory Pad Thai, there are a variety of dishes that make up the traditional Thai menu. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular Thai dishes, their origins, and how to make them. The 7 most popular Thai foods are: Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Som Tum (spicy green papaya salad), Tom Kha Kai (chicken in coconut soup), Gaeng Daeng (red curry), Pad Thai (fried Thai-style noodles), Khao Pad (fried rice), and Gaeng Keow Wan Gai.
Each dish has its own unique flavor profile and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Thai cuisine.
Tom Yum Goong
, or spicy shrimp soup, is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand. It is a tangy and spicy soup made with boiled shrimp heads and a soup base made with nam prik pao or toasted chili paste. The broth has a shrimp scent and is known for its characteristic bittersweet notes, with a variety of spices and aromatic herbs infused into the broth.Som Tum, or spicy green papaya salad, is another popular dish in Thailand. Originally from Laos, it is now a staple dish in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is made with green papaya, tomatoes, garlic, chilies, peanuts, and lime juice. The dish is known for its sweet and sour flavor profile and is often served as an accompaniment to other dishes.
Tom Kha Kai, or chicken in coconut soup, is a creamy and flavorful soup made with chicken, coconut milk, galangal, shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil. It is a milder version of Tom Yum Goong but still packs a flavorful punch.
Gaeng Daeng
, or red curry, is one of the spiciest dishes in the Thai “sacred trilogy”. It is simmered with coconut milk and incorporates ingredients similar to those of many Thai curries (galangal, shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil).The dish gets its distinctive red hue from red chilies which give it its intense flavor. It also includes mini-eggplants, potatoes, bamboo shoots and pieces of chicken breast.
Pad Thai
, or fried Thai-style noodles, is one of the most popular dishes in the United States. It is made with stir-fried rice noodles combined with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a variety of sauces.The dish has a sweet and savory flavor profile that makes it an instant hit with diners.
Khao Pad
, or fried rice, is another popular dish in Thailand. It is made with jasmine rice stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and seasonings such as fish sauce or soy sauce. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course.Gaeng Keow Wan Gai, or green curry chicken, is ranked third on the list of the 5 best Thai foods. This aromatic dish focuses on fragrant green chilies which give it its distinctive green hue and intense flavor. It also includes coconut milk which softens things a bit and creates a rich and sweet nuance. The dish also includes mini-eggplants, potatoes, bamboo shoots and pieces of chicken breast. These are just some of the most popular dishes in Thailand but there are many more to explore! From Oh Eaw (a stuffed omelet) to Luk Chub (a marzipan-like dessert), there are plenty of delicious dishes to try when visiting Thailand.
If you're looking for an authentic experience then why not join a food tour or take a cooking class? You'll get to learn about the history behind each dish as well as how to make them yourself!.
