The best and worst Thai food for your health

Thailand is a country that offers a culinary journey like no other. From vibrant Thai street food to upscale dining, the city’s food scene presents a dichotomy of healthy food and indulgent treats. In this article, we’ll explore the dishes that cater to the wellness-conscious and those that tempt the most disciplined of palates.

5 best Thai food for your health

Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)

Dig into Som Tam, a simple yet vibrant Thai salad from Isaan that’s both tasty and good for you. This dish is a favorite in Thailand, mixing crunchy green papaya, carrots, and sweet tomatoes. A zesty dressing made with lime, fish sauce, and a sprinkle of chili gives it a kick. Som Tam is great if you want something that’s full of flavor but still keeps things light and healthy. It’s a great example of how Thai food can be really yummy and good for you at the same time. This salad isn’t just nice to eat; it’s also full of good stuff like vitamins and it’s low in calories, which is great if you’re trying to eat well and stay fit.

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Dive into the essence of Thai cuisine with Tom Yum Goong, a spicy shrimp soup that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Packed with medicinal herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, this piquant broth is a testament to Thailand’s rich flavours. Each spoonful delivers a kick of spice and a burst of sour, tantalising your taste buds and potentially bolstering your immune system. Ideal for those chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, Tom Yum Goong is not just a dish; it’s a vibrant, nourishing experience that’s quintessentially Thai.

Yam Woon Sen (Glass Noodle Salad)

Yam Woon Sen is a Thai noodle salad that’s really good for you. It’s full of crunchy vegetables and meat like chicken or shrimp, which are great for your body. The noodles are light and the lime dressing adds a tasty, tangy kick. It’s a super choice for a healthy meal because it doesn’t have many calories but is still full of important stuff your body needs, like vitamins. Plus, the protein from the meat helps build strong muscles. Eating Yam Woon Sen is a fun way to keep healthy without giving up on great flavor.

Gai Pad King (Stir-Fried Chicken with Ginger)

Gai Pad King is a top pick for a healthy dinner. It’s great for anyone trying to eat well because it’s full of goodness without being heavy. It’s all about the ingredients. The chicken gives you lean protein, which is important for your muscles. Ginger is known for settling your stomach and can help fight off colds. The veggies add fibre and vitamins, making it a balanced meal. Plus, it’s not cooked with a lot of oil, so it’s lower in fat. Eating Gai Pad King is a tasty way to look after your health without missing out on flavour.

Pla Pao (Grilled Fish)

Pla Pao is a health superstar because it’s cooked in a way that keeps it lean and mean. Grilling the fish over charcoal locks in flavour without needing much oil, so it’s lower in calories. Plus, fish is full of good stuff like omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. The spicy sauce isn’t just for kicks – it often has chillies and herbs that can boost your metabolism. So, Pla Pao isn’t just scrumptious; it’s also kind to your body, making it a smart choice for a healthy meal.

5 worst Thai food for your health

For those moments when cravings take over, the less healthy Thai food dishes provide an irresistible escape. Here’s a list of some decadent delights

Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Pad Thai is usually cooked with quite a bit of oil and sugar, which means it’s not the healthiest choice if you eat it all the time. It’s better to enjoy this dish now and then, so you can have that awesome taste without overdoing it. Despite that, Pad Thai has some good stuff going for it – it’s got protein from the tofu and egg, and the peanuts add a nice bit of healthy fat. So, it’s a tasty treat that’s got some benefits, as long as you don’t go overboard. It’s one of those dishes that you’ve just got to try when you’re wandering around the lively streets of Thailand.

Khao Pad (Fried Rice)

Can Khao Pad not be the best for our health? It’s often cooked with a good amount of oil and can have more salt and sugar than you might expect. This can add up in terms of calories and isn’t ideal if you’re watching your weight or trying to eat clean. But on the flip side, Khao Pad has its good points. It’s a source of energy and can be made with lots of veggies and lean protein like chicken or shrimp, making it a more balanced meal. Plus, it’s super filling, which means you’re less likely to snack on other things later on.

Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)

Moo Ping, a local’s favourite Thai food. These skewers of pork are grilled to perfection and soaked in a mix of sweet and tangy sauces that make your mouth water. You’ll find them everywhere, tempting you with their irresistible smell. But, be careful – Moo Ping is quite high in sugar and fat, which means they’re not the best for your health if you eat too many.

Roti Gluay (Banana Pancake)

Roti Gluay, while scrumptious, isn’t the healthiest choice. The pancake is often cooked in a lot of oil and the condensed milk which adds a heap of sugar. This means it’s high in calories and can be tough on your waistline if you have too much. It’s also not the best for keeping your energy levels steady, as the sugar can lead to a quick sugar rush and then a huge drop.

Khanom Buang (Thai Crispy Pancake)

Khanom Buang might not be the best choice for your health because it’s usually packed with sugar. The sweet cream and candied egg yolk toppings are high in calories and can give you a sugar rush, which might lead to a crash later on. Eating too many of these pancakes can add up in sugar and calories, which isn’t great if you’re watching your weight or trying to eat healthily.

Whether you’re seeking health-conscious meals or looking to indulge in culinary sins, these Thai food can satisfy every craving. Remember, moderation is key, and with the vast array of dishes available, you can enjoy a balanced taste of Thailand diverse food scene.

Considering how close Thailand and India are, they have a lot of shared history between each other. This is further seen on certain aspects of culture like cuisine as seen in our article about Thai food that have an Indian twist.

Stay healthy with the right diet and coverage

Understanding which Thai foods are best and worst for your health is just one part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Another crucial aspect is having a health insurance plan that supports not only medical treatments but also preventive care, including nutritional counseling.

Cigna Global Health Insurance offers comprehensive plans that cover a wide range of health needs, tailored to support both expats and locals in Thailand:

• Silver Plan: This plan includes essential coverage for outpatient services, which can cover consultations with nutritionists. With an annual benefit limit of approximately 36,150,000 THB, it’s a solid option for those looking to balance cost with comprehensive care.
• Gold Plan: Offering a higher annual limit of about 72,300,000 THB, the Gold Plan extends its coverage to include more detailed nutritional and preventive care, ideal for those committed to a long-term healthy lifestyle.
• Platinum Plan: For the most extensive coverage, the Platinum Plan provides unlimited benefits, covering all eligible health and nutritional counseling fully. It’s perfect for those who want top-tier medical advice and treatments at their fingertips.

All plans are customizable with additional modules like Health and Wellbeing, ensuring that you can tailor your insurance to include specific benefits like dietary consultations, which are invaluable when trying to eat healthily.

Get a Free Quote from Cigna Global today. Ensure your diet and your health are in the best hands with coverage that meets your needs and helps you enjoy the best of Thai cuisine in the healthiest way possible.