Thailand is world renowned for its vibrant cuisine and it’s easy to understand why. Not only does the country boast a wealth of traditional dishes, but also a plethora of interesting fusion foods inspired by Thailand’s diverse heritage. From spicy curries to creamy noodles, there is something for everyone. With so many culinary options, it can be hard to choose what to try first.
Here are just some of the traditional dishes and fusion foods you need to try when you visit Thailand.
Pad Thai
No list of Thai dishes would be complete without the beloved Pad Thai. This famous dish is most commonly served stir-fried, with a combination of noodles, eggs, flavourful sauces and a range of vegetables and other ingredients like peanuts, shrimps or tofu. A prime example of Thai fusion cooking, Pad Thai is a great way to get a taste of Thailand’s unique culinary history.
Tom Yum Goong
If you love a fiery dish, Tom Yum Goong is right up your alley. This classic Thai soup is fragrantly flavoured with a plethora of herbs, chilli and lemongrass. You’ll find this dish in almost every restaurant in Thailand and it’s a must-try item if you’re looking for a bit of a kick.
Khao Pad
As the Thai’s have a tendency to deep-fry, Khao Pad is the nation’s go-to dish for a satisfying meal. This fragrant fried rice is usually served with extra accompaniments such as eggs, spring onions, fresh chilis or even a sprinkle of cashew nuts. However, feel free to get creative and add whatever ingredient you want to make your own unique version of Khao Pad.
Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a classic Northern Thailand dish that is gaining popularity all around the world. This delicious soup is made from egg noodles, boiled in a coconut-based broth with a choice of spicy and non-spicy versions. A great source of protein, Khao Soi can be garnished with chicken, beef, pork or tofu for a complete meal.
Thai-style Mango Sticky Rice
No trip to Thailand would be complete without trying some type of sweet treat. Mango Sticky Rice is one of the most popular desserts in the country. This classic Thai dish is made with boiled glutinous rice that is combined with a sweet and fragrant coconut-milk sauce and topped with pieces of fresh, ripe mango.
Crispy Pork Belly
This succulent pork dish has become a signature dish of Thai cuisine. Using a mixture of marinades, the pork belly is slow-roasted to crispy perfection. You’ll often see this dish served with a side of sticky rice and a dipping sauce. Crispy Pork Belly is a popular accompaniment to many Thai dishes and makes a great snack when you’re on the go.
Fusion Dishes
Thai fusion cooking brings together classic Thai flavours with some Western influences. These hybrid dishes usually feature Thai staples like noodles with toppings that are typically associated with Western cuisine such as cheese, bacon, or mayonnaise. The result is a unique and delicious dish that creatively combines the best of both worlds. Popular Thai-Fusion dishes include Thai-style tacos, noodle salads with French dressings, Thai-style pizza and more.
Thai Burgers
Thai Burgers have become increasingly popular over the last few years. These fusion-style burgers usually consist of either pork, beef, chicken or tofu, and are flavoured with classic Thai ingredients such as lemongrass, chilli and ginger. Toppings can include anything from fruits or vegetables to cheese or even a fried egg.
Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Bites
At first this may seem like a strange fusion dish, but it is surprisingly delicious. Chocolate-dipped coconut bites are a great way to cool off in hotter climates and make a wonderful accompaniment to your Thai meal. These bite sized snacks consist of fresh coconut pieces that are dipped in melted chocolate and often topped off with a sprinkle of nuts or coconut flakes.
Thai-Style Fried Chicken
This is a classic Thai dish that has been modified to appeal more to Western tastes. Thai-style fried chicken is usually marinated in a traditional sweet and spicy chili sauce before being fried to crispy perfection. It is often served with a side of sticky rice and dipping sauce for a truly delicious meal.
Banana in Coconut Milk
This traditional dessert is incredibly simple, but incredibly delicious. It is made with thinly sliced bananas that are cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce. The flavour and texture of the bananas transforms from crunchy to sweet and syrupy. This dish is usually served with a generous sprinkle of coconut flakes or shredded coconut for added texture and sweetness.
With so many traditional dishes and fusion foods to try in Thailand, it’s difficult to know where to begin. From Pad Thai to Khao Soi and even fusion dishes like Thai Burgers, the country has something to offer everyone. So the next time you’re in Thailand, be sure to try as many of these delicious dishes as you can!