10 Best Thai Dishes To Try On Your First Trip To Thailand

Top 10 Best Thai Dishes To Try

Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodle)

No list of Thai dishes is complete without Pad Thai—a true staple of Thai street food. This classic stir-fry has captured hearts around the world with its perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Pad Thai features soft rice noodles tossed in a savory-sweet tamarind sauce, layered with fish sauce, a hint of palm sugar, a splash of lime juice, and topped with crushed peanuts. It’s often cooked with tofu, egg, and bean sprouts, then finished with your choice of shrimp, chicken, or even a vegetarian twist. The magic lies in its balance—sweet, sour, salty, and umami all in one bite. Fresh lime wedges and crunchy peanuts add texture and zing, while the lightness of the sprouts keeps things refreshing.

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

One of the most beloved dishes in Thai cuisine, Tom Yum Goong is a bold, fragrant, hot and sour soup that showcases the heart of Thai flavor. Unlike in the West, soups in Thailand are often served alongside the main course or even as the main meal itself. Tom Yum Goong—also known as spicy shrimp soup—features a light, aromatic broth simmered with classic Thai herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

The broth is enhanced with a perfect mix of fish sauce, palm sugar, and fresh lime juice, creating a harmony of salty, sour, and sweet flavors. Juicy shrimp are the star of the dish, joined by mushrooms, scallions, and cilantro for added earthiness and freshness.

Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

Som Tum, also called green papaya salad, is a fiery, flavor-packed dish that’s deeply rooted in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Though widely associated with Thailand, you’ll also find variations of this salad in Laotian, Cambodian, and Burmese kitchens, each with their own regional twist.

At its core, Som Tum uses shredded unripe papaya as the base. It’s then tossed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, crushed peanuts, and fresh chili peppers. The result? A vibrant salad that’s spicy, sour, salty, and just a touch sweet—all at once.

Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry with Chicken)

Gaeng Keow Wan Gai, or Green Curry with Chicken, is one of Thailand’s boldest and most popular dishes. Known for its signature green hue and intense spice level, this curry gets its vibrant color and heat from a generous dose of fresh green chilies.

The curry base is a fragrant mix of green chili paste, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, and galangal, all simmered in rich, creamy coconut milk. This creates a balance between fiery spice and subtle sweetness. Tender chicken breast is the protein of choice, though other variations use tofu, beef, or seafood. Vegetables like Thai eggplant, potatoes, and bamboo shoots add body and texture to the dish, while fresh Thai basil brings a sweet, peppery finish. Served hot with a side of steamed jasmine rice, green curry delivers a complex flavor punch—spicy, creamy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. It's a dish that Thai food lovers come back to again and again.

Khao Soi (Creamy Curry Noodle Soup)

A beloved specialty from Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a rich and comforting curry noodle soup that stands out for its bold flavors and unique texture. The base is a creamy blend of coconut milk and fragrant Thai curry paste, made with chili, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, and warming spices. This aromatic mixture is then simmered with a hearty chicken or beef broth, deepening the flavor and adding savory richness.

What makes Khao Soi truly special is its mix of textures. Inside the soup, you’ll find soft, slurpable egg noodles, while a generous handful of crispy fried noodles is piled on top for that perfect crunch. The dish is typically served with tender chicken or beef, slow-cooked in the curry until it melts in your mouth. Traditionally influenced by Muslim culinary roots, pork is rarely used, making this a flavorful yet culturally respectful meal that reflects the heritage of the region.

Pad Kra Pao Moo (Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry)

Pad Kra Pao Moo, also known as Thai Basil Stir-Fry, is a beloved street food dish found on nearly every corner in Thailand. Quick to cook and packed with bold flavors, it’s a go-to comfort food for locals and visitors alike. This dish features minced pork stir-fried in a blazing hot wok with garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and a savory mix of fish sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar for balance. What sets it apart is the generous handful of holy basil—called krapow in Thai—which infuses the dish with its signature peppery aroma and a hint of anise. Served over a mound of steamed jasmine rice, Pad Kra Pao Moo is often crowned with a crispy fried egg (kai dao), its runny yolk adding rich, creamy depth to every bite.

Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)

Mango Sticky Rice, or Khao Niew Mamuang, is Thailand’s most famous dessert—and for good reason. This sweet, tropical treat is a perfect blend of warm, creamy glutinous rice and cool, juicy ripe mangoes. The rice is slowly cooked with coconut milk and palm sugar until it turns rich, sticky, and slightly sweet. Once ready, it's topped with slices of golden-yellow mango, creating a balance of textures and temperatures—warm, fragrant rice meets cool, refreshing fruit.

Kluay Bua Chi (Banana in Coconut Milk)

Kluay Bua Chi, or Banana in Coconut Milk, is a soothing and simple Thai dessert that’s beloved for its creamy texture and natural sweetness. Ripe bananas are simmered gently in a rich, sweetened coconut milk sauce, creating a smooth, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness, while a dash of cardamom or vanilla adds an aromatic depth of flavor. This dessert is often enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a versatile treat, whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day or enjoy a cozy bowl of comfort in cooler weather.

Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)

Thai Iced Tea, or Cha Yen, is the ultimate refreshing beverage for beating the heat while indulging in a sweet treat. This iconic Thai street food drink blends strong black tea with a generous amount of sugar and milk (often coconut milk or evaporated milk), creating a creamy, rich flavor. Served over ice, Thai Iced Tea offers the perfect balance of sweetness and caffeine, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon or winding down after a meal, this iced tea is sure to cool you off and satisfy your cravings.

Khanom Krok (Thai Coconut Rice Pancakes)

Thai Coconut Rice Pancakes, or Khanom Krok, are a popular street food treat found at markets across Thailand. These small, bite-sized pancakes are made from a mixture of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, giving them a delightful contrast of textures. Crispy on the outside, they are soft, creamy, and slightly sweet on the inside. These pancakes are often topped with a variety of ingredients, such as corn, green onions, or even pumpkin. The result is a versatile, flavorful snack that embodies the balance of flavors that Thai cuisine is known for—sweet, savory, and aromatic.