Top 5 Best Thai Specialties
Thai cuisine is world-famous for its rich, spicy, and balanced flavors. It is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, spices, herbs and unique sauces that create dishes that are both simple and refined. If you have the chance to discover Thailand or just want to know more about its cuisine, here are the 5 best Thai specialties that you absolutely must try.
1. Pad Thai
A. An emblematic dish of Thailand
Pad Thai is one of the most famous and popular dishes in Thai cuisine. This stir-fried noodle dish is a staple that can be found in almost every restaurant in Thailand. It is made with rice noodles, tofu or shrimp, eggs, roasted peanuts, bean sprouts, and a sweet and savory sauce made from tamarind and fish sauce.
Flavours : It combines sweet, salty, spicy , and sour flavours, making it a perfectly balanced dish.
Tip : Pad Thai is often eaten with lime slices, chili powder , and fresh herbs to add crunch and freshness.
2. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
A. An aromatic and spicy soup
Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and acidic Thai soup that is ideal for lovers of strong flavors. This dish is made with shrimp, fresh herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, galangal, and fish sauce. The soup is served piping hot and is often accompanied by white rice.
Flavours: This dish is an intense blend of acidic, spicy and salty flavours, with an aromatic aftertaste.
Tip : If you want to try an authentic dish, ask for a Tom Yum Goong made with fresh shrimp and local ingredients.
3. Green Curry
A. A creamy and fragrant curry
Green curry is one of the most popular Thai dishes. It is prepared with a green curry paste made of green chilies, coriander, basil, limes, and coconut milk. This curry is often accompanied by chicken, beef or fish, and served with rice.
Flavours : It is creamy, spicy and fragrant at the same time, with a rich and slightly sweet taste thanks to coconut milk.
Tip : If you prefer less spicy curries, ask the waiter to reduce the amount of chili peppers in the preparation.
4. Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
A. A fresh and spicy salad
Som Tam is a very popular Thai salad made with shredded green papaya, long beans, peanuts, tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic cloves, and a sauce made from lime juice and fish sauce. This dish is often served with slices of grilled meat or sticky rice.
Flavours : Som Tam is a perfect blend of crunchy, spicy, salty , and sour, making for an extremely refreshing and tangy salad.
Tip : If you’re not used to spices, you can ask for the dish to be prepared with less chili.
5. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
A. The Classic Thai Stir-Fried Rice
Khao Pad is a very popular stir-fried rice dish in Thailand. It is prepared with cooked rice, eggs, vegetables (such as onions, carrots, and peas), fresh herbs, and fish sauce. Khao Pad is often served with shrimp, chicken or beef, and accompanied by cucumber and lime slices.
Flavors : This dish is relatively simple but delicious, with a combination of salty, slightly sweet flavors and a hint of umami thanks to the fish sauce.
Tip : Khao Pad is often served in generous portions, ideal for those who are hungry or want a simple and tasty dish.
Conclusion: A culinary journey through Thailand
Thai cuisine is a feast for the senses, offering an incredible variety of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a lover of spicy food or prefer milder tastes, Thailand has something for every palate. Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Green Curry, Som Tam and Khao Pad are some of the most popular and delicious dishes in the country and should not be missed during your visit.
Don’t forget to try these specialties on your next trip to Thailand, or even at a Thai restaurant near you. Enjoy your meal!
