What to eat in Thailand: 50 dishes you absolutely must try

The question of what to eat in Thailand is a huge topic and, with increasing research, leads to an endless labyrinth. Food is an integral part of life in this country, and the people are incredibly resourceful. They conjure up creative, colorful, and fiery dishes from fresh, local ingredients and whatever protein they can find. When you sit down to lunch or dinner with locals, the plates pile up on the table – a true feast!

That's because Thai food is quite affordable, and going hungry simply isn't an option. Cam, whose wife is Thai, can attest to that – he knows what a hungry Thai person looks like and that a good meal pretty much makes up for everything. All joking aside, Thais are incredibly friendly and hospitable, and sharing a meal with them is one of the best experiences of traveling here.

Classics like Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, and Tom Yum Goong are ideal for first-time visitors to Thailand, but adventurous travelers seek something more authentic – that's why we've compiled this guide with 50 must-try dishes. From the seafood masterpieces of the south to the delicacies of the north, food lovers have so much to look forward to in Thailand.

50 of the best dishes to try in Thailand

Thai curries

1. Green Curry (Gaeng Khiao Wan)

Green curry in Thailand differs somewhat from the watered-down versions you might be familiar with from home. Instead of green beans, zucchini, and other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, it's usually served with Thai eggplant, pea eggplant, and bamboo shoots. The bamboo shoots might taste a bit earthy at first, but you'll grow to love them.

Green Curry (Gaeng Khiao Wan)

2. Khao Soi

Khao Soi is widespread throughout northern Thailand and, despite its popularity with tourists, remains highly sought after by locals. Thais typically eat it only at lunchtime and enhance it with various ingredients: raw shallots, pickled mustard greens, a squeeze of lime, and a large spoonful of roasted chili paste.

Affordable Khao Soi in Chiang Mai

3. Massaman Curry

You can't go wrong with Massaman curry; it's a mild dish packed with flavor. It's typically served with ingredients like beef, potatoes, and peanuts, along with the essential roti. If you're in Phuket, be sure to try it at Roti Chaofa. And if you're ever in Chanthaburi, you absolutely must try the Massaman durian curry (yes, you read that right: durian!) at Chantorn Pochana.

Massaman durian curry in Chanthaburi

4. Panang Curry

Many first-time visitors to Thailand appreciate Panang curry for its mild, slightly sweet, and creamy flavor. It's a red curry made with ground peanuts and either beef or chicken. This dish is very popular in central Thailand, but you can find it throughout the country. Traditionally, cooks slow-cook the meat in coconut cream, which makes it especially tender and flavorful.

5. Fish curry with rice noodles (Kanom Jeen Nam Ya)

For something a bit more authentic, try Kanom Jeen Nam Ya – a Thai noodle dish with shredded white fish, rice noodles, krachai root, and coconut milk, seasoned with all sorts of herbs and spices. This curry is only for those who love spicy food. Cam once saw Kat order it at a local market in Trang, and it looked incredibly hot even from a distance.

Fish curry with rice noodles (Kanom Jeen Nam Ya)

6. Sour Curry with Fish Roe (Gaeng Som Kai Pla)

Gaeng Som, or sour curry, comes in many different variations in Thailand. Perhaps the most unusual is the one with fish roe. Fish roe is rich in vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids—all healthy nutrients. For flavor, the curry is enhanced with fresh lime or tamarind juice and mixed with vegetables into the spicy curry paste. Kat loves this dish and orders it often, but we know it's not for everyone.

Thai noodle dishes

7. Pad Thai

Pad Thai has become a true classic, but when it's well-prepared, it still tastes fantastic. You can find it in restaurants and at food stalls all over the country, whether you want to sit down and eat or just grab a quick snack. It's packed with delicious ingredients (noodles, tofu, egg, garlic chives, and tamarind paste) and can easily be enjoyed without any spice. In fact, we think noodle dishes like this taste even better without chili. The best Pad Thai we've ever had? At Mallika City in Kanchanaburi.

Pad Thai in Mallika City, Kanchanaburi

8. Wheel Na

Rad Na is a comforting Chinese dish made with flat rice noodles (or crispy egg noodles) mixed with vegetables, chicken, or seafood and smothered in a thick sauce. The crispy noodles combined with the sauce are simply delicious. You can enjoy it mild or add some chili flakes to the sauce for a kick. Either way, it's the perfect dish for a rainy day or as a hangover cure.

9. Pad See Ew

Don't let the name fool you: Pad See Ew is anything but disgusting. It consists of flat rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, egg, and dark soy sauce, all stir-fried together in a wok to develop a delicious smoky flavor. Most people choose pork as the protein source, but chicken is a common alternative. The meat is sliced ​​thinly and mixed with the other ingredients in the wok. If you've ever been to Bali and enjoyed Kwetiau Goreng, this is a similar dish that you'll likely love.

10. Thai Suki

When you hear the word "sukiyaki," you think of Japan, because that's where it originated. However, Thailand has its own version of this dish, simply called suki. It can be prepared in a variety of ways—as a stir-fry or a noodle soup—but typically consists of glass noodles, water spinach, a fermented tofu sauce, and your choice of meat. Often, a generous amount of red sauce is added to the broth to enhance its color and flavor.

11. Ayutthaya Boat Noodles (Guay Tiew Ruea)

If you're in Ayutthaya, do as the locals do and try the boat noodles. Order three or four portions, as they're served in small bowls. This noodle soup is incredibly flavorful thanks to the herbal broth, rice noodles, and a dash of beef or pork blood. Blood is added to many soups in Thailand, and although it sounds unusual, it acts as a natural thickener.

12. Sukhothai Tom Yum Noodles (Guay Tiew Sukhothai)

Sukhothai is one of the coolest places we visited in Thailand and offers so much more than just the ancient ruins of the historical park, such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum. An absolute must-do in the city itself is enjoying Sukhothai noodles, especially the Tom Yum variety. It's made with noodles, slices of grilled pork, crushed peanuts, and long beans, and can be ordered dry or as a soup. Every evening, we sat outside on plastic chairs at small restaurants and enjoyed this dish amidst the lively atmosphere of the locals.

Read more: Sukhothai travel guide: Best itinerary, temples & hotels

Sukhothai Tom Yum Noodles (Guay Tiew Sukhothai)

13. Tom Kha Kai

If you're feeling a bit run down or have a cold, Tom Kha Gai can perk you up in no time. This soup contains coconut milk, lime, mushrooms, chicken, and the superfoods lemongrass and galangal (a type of ginger). It pairs perfectly with spicy dishes, as the rich fat of the coconut milk naturally refreshes the palate. But be careful: the lemongrass stalks and galangal slices are only for flavoring and should not be eaten.

14. Pork Rib Soup (Tom Saap)

This is probably Cam's favorite soup – it always gives him a boost when he's feeling sluggish. Tom Saap's broth is a real treat, whether drunk straight or drizzled over a plate of rice, a blend of sour and spicy. It contains lime juice, toasted rice flour, coriander, and plenty of chili. And let's not forget the pork ribs, which are simply incredibly delicious straight from the bone.

15. Tom Yum Soup

Anyone traveling to Thailand should definitely try Tom Yum soup – another spicy and sour combination, often prepared with shrimp (goong). Lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime give it its famous flavor – the so-called "holy trinity" of ingredients. Tom Yum is so iconic and quintessentially Thai that in some places you can even find chips, instant noodles, and pizza with this flavor.

Thai rice dishes

16. Fried Rice with Pineapple (Khao Pad Sapparod)

Cam's friend from England regularly travels with us to Thailand and is absolutely crazy about Khao Pad Sapparod. It's funny to watch him order this dish again and again, which at first glance seems like a typical tourist trap or trendy dish. But once you try it yourself, you realize he was absolutely right. This stir-fry dish is served in a pineapple shell and contains pineapple chunks, shrimp or chicken, curry powder, and fluffy pork flakes as a topping. And believe us: it's something completely different from having pineapple on your pizza in Italy.

Pineapple Fried Rice (Khao Pad Sapparod)

17. Fried Basil (Pad Kra Pao)

Pad Kra Pao sounds amazing, doesn't it? It's one of Thailand's best and cheapest dishes: fried basil leaves with minced meat, garlic, and chili, topped with a crispy egg on rice. If you're in a hurry, you can grab it in five minutes from a street vendor or enjoy it with a few beers. But be careful of the spice – the locals can make it quite fiery.

18. Hainanese Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai)

Khao Man Gai is a typical street food dish consisting of poached chicken and jasmine rice cooked in chicken fat. It was brought to Thailand by Hainanese immigrants who replaced their ginger dipping sauce with a fermented soybean and chili sauce to suit local tastes. This dish is a popular breakfast, and its spicy sauce provides a real energy boost in the morning.

Thai salads

19. Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Som tum originates from the Isaan region and consists of green papaya, fermented fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. Variations also include carrots, green beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, and crab (for flavor). It's spicy, sour, and has a crunchy texture, which makes it especially delicious, particularly when served with sticky rice and fried chicken. The best som tum we've ever had was at Noochy Seafood on Koh Kood, accompanied by the freshest raw blue crab in the world.

The fermented fish sauce might take some getting used to for Westerners at first, but you'll adapt. If you're going out to eat with friends, you absolutely must try the dish Som Tum Tad: a huge platter of papaya salad served on a tray, along with fried chicken, pork cracklings, eggs, rice noodles, water spinach, and sticky rice. Kat often orders it all for herself and then devours it in no time.

Som Tum with raw blue crab in Koh Kood

20. Spicy minced meat salad (Larb)

Larb, also spelled "Laab," is another dish from the Isaan region of Laos, Southeast Asia. The salad is made with minced pork or chicken, red onions, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, chili, and the main ingredient: toasted rice flour (khao khua). The khao khua gives it a nutty and slightly crispy texture that blends perfectly with the minced pork or chicken.

21. Glass noodle salad (Yum Woon Sen)

Glass noodle salad is a super nutritious and light dish, ideal for hot and humid days. It's packed with healthy ingredients like celery, shallots, shrimp, a little ground meat, and mung bean glass noodles – finished with lime and fish sauce. Whether as a light lunch or a snack at the market, Yum Woon Sen is always a good choice.

Thai sharing dishes & stews

22. Thai BBQ (Mookata)

Mookata, or "Mu Kratha," is undoubtedly one of the best dishes you can share in Thailand. The centerpiece is a griddle with a deep cooking well where slices of pork, chicken, and beef are seared on top, their juices seeping into a broth containing glass noodles, egg, and vegetables. The dipping sauces are especially delicious—a richer version for meat and a spicier, more flavorful one for seafood. Kat even cooks this dish for us here in New Zealand—the perfect lunch or dinner for cold winter days.

Thai BBQ (Mookata) in Chiang Mai

23. Thai Hot Pot (Jim Jum)

Thai hot pot is similar to mookata, but with some differences. It's cooked in a clay pot over a charcoal fire (rather than a gas grill), and the broth is flavored with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves before the meat, noodles, and vegetables are added. Sitting outside on plastic stools, warming yourself with the hot pot, enjoying a few cold beers, and watching the world go by is a typical Thailand travel experience.

Thai hot pot (Jim Jum) in Bangkok

24. Grilled fish in a salt crust (Pla Pao)

Another fantastic experience in Thailand is Pla Pao – a whole fish rolled in rock salt, stuffed with lemongrass, and then grilled. You'll see countless Pla Pao stalls at street vendors and night markets all over the country. Preparing it requires some skill, as you have to remove the skin and bones, but Kat, for example, does it brilliantly. Eating it properly is also an art: you stuff the fish into lettuce leaves, serve it with rice noodles and chili sauce, and enjoy it with your hands. Most restaurants also offer Pla Neung Manao, a similarly delicious steamed fish.

Salt-crusted grilled fish (Pla Pao) in Phuket

Thai meat dishes

25. Spicy Grilled Beef Salad (Nam Tok Neua)

"Nam Tok" means "waterfall" in Thai and describes how the juices drip from the grilled meat before it rests, is sliced, and added to the salad. This dish from Northeast Thailand is seasoned with shallots, mint, lime, chilies, and toasted rice flour (similar to Larb). Nam Tok is one of Cam's favorite dishes in Thailand, especially when made with high-quality beef.

26. Khon Kaen Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang)

Khon Kaen is famous for its grilled chicken, especially the Khao Suan Kwang district north of the city. There, you can find Gai Yang: small, free-range chickens that are sliced ​​open, skewered on bamboo sticks, and then grilled until the skin is golden brown. Once the outside is crispy and the inside tender, it pairs perfectly with papaya salad and sticky rice.

27. Grilled Pork Neck (Kor Moo Yang)

Grilled pork neck goes so well with beer it's almost a crime. The meat is cut into small pieces and served with a dipping sauce called Nam Jim Jaew. The flavor is hard to describe, but just imagine the perfect combination of sour and spicy. As you can imagine, this little dish is suitable both as a restaurant appetizer and for a quick street food bite.

Grilled pork neck (Kor Moo Yang)

Thai seafood dishes

28. Marinated raw shrimp (Goong Chae Nam Pla)

One thing to keep in mind is Goong Chae Nam Pla: it can be quite heavy on the stomach. The shrimp are raw, and anyone who eats too many should expect strong bowel movements the next morning. Nevertheless, it's an extremely popular dish in the seafood restaurants of Bangkok and the coastal regions. Only the freshest shrimp are used, which are then marinated in a citrus marinade of lime, mint, garlic, chili, and fish sauce – this softens the raw texture of the seafood.

Marinated raw shrimp (Goong Chae Nam Pla)

29. Ayutthaya Giant River Prawns

Our day trip to Ayutthaya was full of surprises, especially when Kat unexpectedly ordered a giant river prawn at our riverside restaurant. It was enormous and looked intimidating, but the Thais love them and consider them a delicacy. The prawn is grilled and served with a spicy lime and garlic sauce. Kat raved about the head fat (tomalley), which turns into a buttery sauce when grilled and can then be mixed with rice, sauce, and meat.

Read more: Ayutthaya in a day: The complete travel guide from Bangkok

Giant river prawns from Ayutthaya

30. Crab dishes

Crabs are ubiquitous in Thailand, and not just in the coastal regions. In fact, there are so many incredible recipes that we couldn't limit ourselves to just one for our list of 50 must-try dishes. From fried crab in yellow curry (Pu Pad Pong Garee) to Chanthaburi crab noodles (Sen Chan Pad Pu) and steamed crab (Pu Nung) with Nam Jim seafood sauce, it's all there.

Steamed crab (Pu Nung) in Koh Kood

Unique Thai dishes to try

31. Chicken feet (Teen Gai)

Chicken feet are quite popular in Thailand, but let's be honest, not exactly with tourists. Cam still finds it a bit odd to watch Kat eating chicken feet; it just seems strange to her to eat that part of the animal. Kat, on the other hand, finds them delicious and rich in collagen (which offers numerous health benefits). If you want to try teen gai, you should know that the feet are always cleaned and trimmed before being used in soups or salads, such as super teen gai.

32. Grilled bee larvae (Aep Pheung)

We tried grilled bee larvae together in Chiang Mai, and we both really enjoyed them. You can find them in local restaurants or at the city's night markets. The larvae are wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, which melts the honey over them, forming a sticky glaze. They taste slightly sweet, but mostly buttery and smoky.

Grilled bee larvae (Aep Pheung) in Chiang Mai

33. Gaeng Pak Wan Sai Kai Mod Dang

This dish is essentially a kind of soup with vegetable leaves and red ant eggs – an unusual combination, but one that is highly valued in northern Thailand. It's made with pak wan leaves (which taste similar to peas), wild mushrooms, red ant eggs, and a light fish sauce broth. The ant eggs absorb the soup, releasing a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor in the mouth.

34. Frog dishes from Chiang Rai

We visited Chiang Rai with our friend, who is from the provinces, and told her we wanted to try the most authentic cuisine. That was perhaps a mistake, because when we arrived at our first meal, the entire table was covered with frog dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and even crispy frog skin. We don't remember the names of the dishes, but just ask for "kob" (frog) at a local restaurant, and you can try it.

Crispy frog skin in Chiang Rai

Thai vegetarian and vegan dishes

35. Fried Water Spinach (Pak Boong Fai Dang)

Pak Boong Fai Dang consists of water spinach, garlic, chilies, and fermented soybean paste—a simple yet sophisticated side dish. Although vegetarian, it's not suitable for vegans due to the oysters and fish sauce. However, you can order it "jay" (vegan), and most local restaurants will understand and prepare it with mushroom sauce.

36. Tofu with mixed vegetables (Tao Hoo Song Kreung)

This is another vegetarian option that you can easily order throughout Thailand. It consists of a delicious sauce and a stir-fry with tofu, sweetcorn, carrots, mushrooms, and peas. Vegans should remember the word "Jay" so the kitchen can prepare their dish with soy tofu (not egg tofu) and mushroom sauce (not oyster or fish sauce).

37. Vegan Papaya Salad (Som Tum Jay)

Som Tum Jay is the vegan version of this famous Thai salad and is simply delicious. Cam preferred this version when he first arrived in Thailand, as he found the fermented fish sauce too spicy at the time. The salad is served with green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts, along with a squeeze of lime, chili, and soy sauce. Vegans should simply pay attention to how the salad is prepared in the clay mortars. Ask your server if the mortar can be cleaned to ensure there are no traces of crab or fish sauce.

Vegan Papaya Salad (Som Tum Jay)

Thai street food

38. Grilled squid (Pla Muek Yang)

Pla Muek Yang can be found in almost every food hotspot and night market in the country – from Bangkok's Chinatown to the Walking Street Market in Phuket's old town. You can choose your own skewers, usually tentacles rather than whole squid, and then wait until they are briefly grilled. It's served in a small plastic cup with garlic-lime dressing and nam jim sauce.

Grilled squid (Pla Muek Yang) in Chinatown

39. Grilled pork skewers (Moo Ping)

Moo Ping is certainly one of the most popular dishes in all of Thailand, or at least one of the most consumed. The pork is marinated before grilling, giving it its characteristic roasted flavor. You can order it as an appetizer in a restaurant or as a quick snack at temple gates. The best part is how inexpensive these grilled pork skewers are: you pay no more than 10–20 THB per piece.

40. Northern Thai Sausage (Sai ​​Oua)

Sai oua is unlike any other sausage you've probably ever tried. While it tastes like pork, what makes it special is the blend of herbs and curry paste inside: lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies. Some varieties are very spicy, so don't eat too much in one evening. You should definitely try it if you visit Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.

41. Isaan sour sausage (Sai ​​Krok Isaan)

Sai Krok Isaan has an unusual flavor for a sausage, but one you learn to love over time. Incredibly, it's sour, thanks to a unique fermentation process. Each small, plump ball contains minced meat, sticky rice, garlic, and plenty of salt. These balls are strung together like a necklace and then sold individually. The sausage is packaged in small plastic bags along with ginger, cabbage leaves, and chili peppers. After each bite of this fatty sausage, you're supposed to eat some ginger to cleanse your palate, similar to how you would eat sushi.

Isaan sour sausage (Sai ​​Krok Isaan)

42. Roti (Thai street pancake)

Now we come to the sweet part of our list, and a word of caution is advised in Thailand. As delicious as a roti with banana, Nutella, or butter and sugar is, it's easy to overdo it and gain a few pounds while traveling. Eating a roti with Thai milk tea every evening won't cost you anything, but it can affect your figure. Sometimes they're simply irresistible, so we won't blame you, and the gym isn't going anywhere when you get home.

Roti (Thai street pancake)

43. Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is so popular for good reason. The fruit in Thailand is so fresh that you can almost always find a good mango, and the coconut cream drizzled over the sticky rice is simply divine. It's one of those street food dishes you could easily eat at any market you visit. But you have to watch how much you eat. Cam believes this when he says that foreigners gain weight very easily here. He himself once gained seven to eight kilos in two months, even though he was active every day.

44. Fried Banana (Kluay Tod)

These little treats are addictive! Local vendors typically use small, firm bananas, which are dipped in a coconut and sesame seed batter and then deep-fried until golden brown. Portions cost between 20 and 40 baht, depending on the location, and are usually quite generous. Similar dishes to Kluay Tod include fried sweet potatoes and fried taro, which are also coated in coconut batter.

45. Khanom Tokyo

Khanom Tokyo is primarily intended for children, and street vendors are often found outside schools and markets. However, adults are welcome to try this snack as well. It's essentially a thin pancake with a choice of filling – both sweet and savory options like pandan pudding or sausage are available. Don't let the name fool you: Khanom was invented in Bangkok, not Tokyo.

Thai desserts

46. ​​Thai Shaved Ice Dessert (Waan Yen)

Waan Yen means something like "sweet cold," and that's exactly what you need on hot days: something sweet and something cold. First, you choose your base from toppings like grass jelly, red beans, corn, water chestnuts, and bread cubes that soak up the sweet milk. Then, the whole thing is covered with crushed ice and drizzled with syrup and condensed milk.

Thai ice cream dessert (Waan Yen) in Chiang Rai

47. Coconut Rice Pancakes (Khanom Krok)

Kat is absolutely crazy about Khanom Krok and her face lights up every time she finds them. They're small pancakes made from rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk, cooked in a textured iron pan. They're crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside and can be ordered with various toppings. Popular local toppings include taro cubes, sweetcorn, and spring onions.

Coconut rice pancakes (Khanom Krok) in Bangkok

48. Layered Coconut Pudding (Khanom Tako)

Khanom Tako is a popular Thai dish found in almost every local market across the country. This dessert, with its "hidden layer," is always white on top, thanks to the rich coconut cream, but colorful underneath—with a translucent mung bean starch jelly filled with ingredients like water chestnuts, corn, coconut, and taro. Because the dessert is served upside down, it's always a surprise when you eat it with a spoon.

Layered coconut pudding (Khanom Tako) in Chanthaburi

49. Thai crispy crepes (Khanom Buang)

These small, crispy crepes are heavenly, like mini tacos filled with Thai meringue and sweet egg yolk strands (foi thong). You can buy them in a box, which usually contains a mix of sweet and savory varieties. The savory version is garnished with chopped shrimp, coriander root, and shredded coconut. A box is delicious, but they taste even better when piping hot straight from the grill.

50. Coconut ice cream

Our list of 50 must-try dishes in Thailand concludes with the ever-popular street food dessert: coconut ice cream. Made entirely from coconuts, without cream or milk, it's the ultimate vegan dessert. But it's not just the ice cream that's added – you can also enhance it with peanuts, corn, and shredded coconut. Vegans should simply ask the vendor not to add any condensed milk at the end.

Thai fruits and snacks to try

Thai drinks to try

Tips and etiquette for Thai food

Eating together with friends

Rice soup (Khao Tom) for breakfast