18 Thai Foods You Have to Try: Must-Eat Dishes in Thailand

Thailand is one of the top foodie destinations in the world, and for good reason. Thai cuisine is a masterful symphony of complex flavours, striking a perfect balance between spicy, salty, sour, and sweet. Most dishes incorporate at least two of these elements, and many feature all four. This harmony is what makes Thai food so addictive and unforgettable.With thousands of dishes and regional specialities across the country, deciding what to eat can be overwhelming. Here are my top recommendations for must-try Thai foods – ranked in order of my personal favourites. From creamy curries to refreshing salads and iconic street snacks, these dishes capture the essence of Thailand’s incredible culinary diversity.

Best food in Thailand

Khao Soi Noodle Soup
Pad Thai Noodles
Tom Kha Gai
Massaman Curry
Green Curry
Pad Krapow (Holy Basil Stir-Fry)
Yum Nua (Thai Beef Salad)
Jungle Curry
Penang Curry
Yellow Curry
Prawn Fried Rice
Khao Man Gai – Thai Chicken Rice
Duck Salad
Gai Tod (Crispy Chicken Wings)
Poh Pia Tod (Spring Rolls)
Thai Chicken Satay
Pad See Ew (Flat noodle)
Mango Sticky Rice

Khao Soi: Best Northern Thai Noodle Soup

From Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai region), this is my all time favourite Thai Dish. A rich coconut curry noodle soup which fragrant, and mildly spiced topped with crispy noodles.
Main ingredients: Egg noodles, chicken or beef, coconut milk curry broth, crispy noodle topping, pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Zong Peep Khao Soi Sukhumvit or Yai or Ong Tong Khao Soi.
This dish is easy to make at home – try this authentic recipe.

Authentic Khao Soi noodle soup – creamy coconut curry with egg noodles, chicken, and crispy topping, a must-try Thai food in Chiang Mai — Irresistible Khao Soi – Northern Thailand’s iconic coconut curry noodle soup, topped with crispy noodles and fresh herbs!

Pad Thai Noodles – the most popular dish in Thailand

A central Thai classic and Thailand’s most famous export – stir-fried rice noodles with a perfect sweet-sour balance.
Main ingredients: Rice noodles, prawns or chicken, egg, bean sprouts, tofu, tamarind sauce, peanuts, lime.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Thipsamai (the original and legendary). See Google Maps → https://maps.app.goo.gl/35VXFLARzeT9QvvH6
Make it at home with this simple recipe.

Authentic Pad Thai noodles stir-fried with prawns, egg, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime – iconic must-try Thai street food — Classic Pad Thai – stir-fried rice noodles loaded with prawns, crunchy peanuts, fresh lime, and tangy tamarind sauce, a true Thai food essential!

Tom Kha Gai – Coconut Chicken Soup

A creamy central/southern Thai coconut soup that’s aromatic and gently spiced.
Main ingredients: Chicken, coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Nahm or local spots like Supanniga Eating Room. See Google Maps Nahm → https://maps.app.goo.gl/KqQMZhdvwp8oyC1b6
Recreate the magic at home with this recipe.

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Thai coconut chicken soup with galangal, lemongrass, mushrooms, and creamy broth – a must-try Thai dish — Steaming bowl of Tom Kha Gai – creamy coconut milk soup infused with galangal, lemongrass, tender chicken, and fresh herbs, one of Thailand’s most beloved dishes!

Massaman Curry – kaeng matsaman – Southern Thai Style food

A rich, mild southern Thai curry influenced by Muslim traders – often voted one of the world’s best dishes. The best is served with beef which has been slow cooked for hours. Also often served with chicken, lamb or duck.
Main ingredients: Beef or chicken, potatoes, peanuts, coconut milk, cinnamon, cardamom.
Famous spot in Bangkok: The House of Smooth Curry or Blue Elephant. See Google Maps Blue Elephant → https://maps.app.goo.gl/eT92Y5B9utb5LC9f9
Try making it at home – authentic recipe here.

Authentic Massaman Curry with beef, potatoes, and peanuts – a must-try Thai dish in Bangkok — Rich and aromatic Massaman Curry, often hailed as one of the world’s best dishes – don’t miss this flavorful Thai classic on your Bangkok food adventure!

Green Curry – Gaeng Keow Wan – the classic

The spiciest classic from central Thailand – vibrant, herbaceous, and intensely flavourful.
Main ingredients: Chicken, Thai eggplant, bamboo shoots, green chillies, basil, coconut milk.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Paste Bangkok Siam or street stalls in Chatuchak. Google Maps Paste → https://maps.app.goo.gl/UN7afvWtWv5fY1RHA
Home recipe: Hot Thai Kitchen’s version.

Pad Krapow (Holy Basil Stir-Fry) the National dish of Thailand

Thailand’s ultimate comfort food – found everywhere, from street carts to restaurants.
Main ingredients: Minced pork/chicken/beef, holy basil, chillies, garlic, fish sauce.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Phed Mark (specialises in variations). Google Maps → https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bk1B7CfTshcJPh3N9
Quick home recipe: Serious Eats.

Yum Nua (Thai Beef Salad) – grill that beef on the BBQ

A refreshing, spicy central Thai salad that’s light yet packed with flavour.
Main ingredients: Grilled beef, lime juice, fish sauce, chillies, herbs, cucumber, tomatoes.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Somtam Nua Siam or street vendors. Google Maps Somtam → https://maps.app.goo.gl/pfNgU7P6dh2Appqu5
Make it at home: Bon Appetit recipe.

Authentic Yum Nua Thai beef salad with grilled beef, fresh herbs, lime dressing, tomatoes, and cucumber – spicy must-try Thai dish — Zesty Yum Nua – Thailand’s iconic spicy grilled beef salad bursting with fresh herbs, chili, lime, and crunchy vegetables!

Jungle Curry – Gaeng Pa – spicy

A fiery, water-based curry from northern/central Thailand – no coconut milk, maximum spice.
Main ingredients: Pork/chicken/frog, vegetables, herbs, chillies.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Ran Gaeng Pa Sriyan.

Spicy Thai Jungle Curry (Gaeng Pa) with vegetables and herbs – a fiery must-try dish in Thailand — Jungle Curry (Gaeng Pa) – one of Thailand’s spiciest curries, packed with fresh herbs, bamboo shoots, and bold flavors. Not for the faint-hearted!

Penang Curry – Phanaeng – Sothern Thai dish

Thick, peanutty curry from southern/central Thailand.Main ingredients: Chicken/beef, peanuts, coconut milk.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Prik Yuak.

Yellow Curry – Kaeng Kari – mild curry

Mild, turmeric-heavy curry influenced by Indian flavours – southern Thailand.Main ingredients: Chicken, potatoes, onion.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Market Cafe by Khao.

Creamy Thai Chicken Yellow Curry with potatoes and spices – mild must-try curry in Bangkok Thailand — Thai Chicken Yellow Curry (Gaeng Kari Gai) – a gentle, aromatic curry with Indian influences, featuring tender chicken and potatoes in a rich turmeric-coconut sauce. A comforting classic in Bangkok!

Prawn Fried Rice (Khao Pad Kung) simple but delicious

Simple yet delicious fried rice, elevated with plump prawns.
Main ingredients: Rice, prawns, egg, onion, garlic.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Here Hai (crab version is legendary).

Authentic Thai Prawn Fried Rice (Khao Pad Kung) with plump shrimp – must-try street food in Bangkok Thailand — Prawn Fried Rice (Khao Pad Kung) – simple, savory, and loaded with fresh prawns. A comforting Thai staple found everywhere in Bangkok!

Khao Man Gai – Hainanese or Singapore Chicken Rice in Thailand

Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice – comfort in a bowl.
Main ingredients: Poached chicken, fragrant rice, cucumber.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Im Chan Soi 37 Sukhumvit – cheap eats institution in Bangkok.
See the best Khao Man Gai in Sukhumvit Bangkok

Crispy fried chicken Khao Man Gai plate at legendary Im Chan restaurant on Soi 37 Sukhumvit Bangkok — My all-time favourite – Im Chan’s fried Khao Man Gai perfection for 60 THB.

Duck Salad (Larb Ped)

Spicy Isaan-style minced duck salad.
Main ingredients: Shredded duck, lime, chillies, toasted rice.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Larb Ped Yasothon.

Gai Tod (Crispy Chicken Wings) best beer drinking food

Crispy fried chicken wings – perfect beer snack.
Main ingredients: Chicken wings, salt, chilli oil.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Soi Polo Fried Chicken.

Authentic Gai Tod crispy Thai fried chicken wings with golden skin and spicy dipping sauce – must-try street food in Thailand — Perfectly crispy Gai Tod fried chicken wings – juicy, flavorful, and paired with a cold beer, a true Thai street food favorite!

Poh Pia Tod (Spring Rolls)

Crispy fried rolls, filled with veggies/meat.
Main ingredients: Glass noodles, cabbage, carrots.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Street vendors or Nara Thai.

Authentic Poh Pia Tod Thai fried spring rolls – crispy golden rolls with vegetable filling and sweet dipping sauce, a must-try street food in Thailand — Golden and crunchy Poh Pia Tod – Thailand’s beloved fried spring rolls, packed with fresh veggies and glass noodles, perfect as a snack or starter!

Thai Chicken Satay – Gai Satay

Grilled skewers with peanut sauce.
Main ingredients: Chicken, turmeric marinade, peanut dipping sauce.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Chong Kee.

Grilled Thai Chicken Satay skewers with peanut sauce – iconic street food you have to try in Bangkok Thailand — Thai Chicken Satay – juicy marinated chicken grilled over charcoal and served with creamy peanut sauce. A classic Bangkok street food staple you can’t miss!

Pad See Ew – Char Kway Teow in Singapore

Wide rice noodles stir-fried in soy sauce.
Main ingredients: Flat rice noodles, pork/chicken, Chinese broccoli.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Street carts or Thip Samai.

Authentic Pad See Ew Thai stir-fried wide rice noodles with beef, Chinese broccoli, egg, and dark soy sauce – must-try street food in Thailand — Glossy and flavorful Pad See Ew – wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender meat, crisp greens, and rich soy sauce, a comforting Thai street food classic!

Mango Sticky Rice – Khao Niao Mamuang

The ultimate Thai dessert – sweet, creamy, and refreshing.
Main ingredients: Sticky rice, ripe mango, coconut milk.
Famous spot in Bangkok: Krua Khun Puk Sukhumvit or Mae Varee.
Home recipe: Hot Thai Kitchen.

Thailand’s food scene is endless – these are just the essentials. Whether you’re wandering Bangkok’s street markets or dining at a riverside restaurant, every bite is an adventure. Safe travels and happy eating!

Food You Have To Try In Thailand