Top 10 Local Dishes to Try in Thailand
Thai cuisine is one of the most exotic in the world. The combination of four different tastes – sweet, sour, spicy and salty – leaves no one indifferent, and has millions worldwide regarding it as their favourite cuisine! This list of the top 10 local dishes to try in Thailand will name your new favourite food options and disclose its ingredients.
1. Tom Yam Goong
Tom Yam Goong is the national Thai soup made from the jumbo shrimp and mushroom. Lemongrass, shallots, and lime leaves give the unforgettable aroma and flavor. The combination of two tastes – spicy and sour – can be sometimes too strong for those not accustomed that is why it is recommended to pair it with the plain white rice. Spicy-lovers unite for this dish.
2. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a Thai variation of noodles dressed up with chopped peanuts, tofu, bean sprouts, and onion. This typical dish can be tasted in any local warung or Thai restaurant. A favourite!
3. Khao Niao Mamuang or Mango Sticky Rice
Khao Niao Mamuang or sticky rice with mango is a typical Thai dessert, usually served in the morning. The rice is cooked in a salty-sweet coconut milk, which makes it sticky. Augmented with tender slices of ripe mango, it tastes delicious, If we do say so ourselves.
4. Som Tam
Som Tam or spicy papaya salad was included as one of the World’s 50 Best Foods according to global broadcaster CNN. Like any other food in Thailand, it has many different variations. However, shredded papaya and a considerable amount of hot chili pepper are common to all.
5. Chicken with Roasted Cashew Nuts
Gai Med Ma Moung or Chicken Cashew Nuts contains seemingly unusual or even incompatible ingredients: roasted cashew nuts, chicken, sweet soy sauce, garlic, and honey. Nevertheless, the result of this incredible combination is more than decent.
6. Green Curry Chicken
Curry chicken is not a Thai food originally but is famous in Thailand and has its individuality. Thai chefs use green curry – the spiciest – to cook the dish.
7. Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a chicken soup cooked with coconut milk, lemongrass, and ginger (or galangal). It will remind you of the taste of Tom Yam Goong but without spices.
8. Kao Pad
Kao Pad is a name of the fried rice with chicken or seafood for choice. Also, it includes an egg, garlic, tomatoes, and onion. One of the favorite dishes among locals.
9. Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is a typical dish in the Muslim community, although you may find it in Thai cuisine as well. The main ingredients of the original curry are the meat of choice (chicken or beef in Muslim version), coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon, tamarind sauce, roasted peanuts, and potatoes.
10. Khao Man Gai or Chicken Rice
The chicken rice has nothing in common with Kao Pad as it may sounds. Khao Man Gai is simple to cook, and it is not fried. The chicken is boiled until it becomes soft, and then the rice is cooked in the same water. Two sauces – sweet and spicy – served with the dish, perfectly complement the tender meat.
Among all the world’s cuisines, Thai is one of the most extraordinary. Courageous and sometimes unusual flavor combinations are a result of centuries of cooking masterpieces that amaze and delight many people even to today.
