Thai food cuisine guide for travellers in Thailand
Explore the wonderful world of Thai food, a mix of dishes from different parts of Thailand. Enjoy the spicy curries from the south and the tasty, hearty meals from the north. Thai food has lots of flavours that will make your taste buds happy.
This guide will take you on a gastronomic tour, region by region, showcasing the unique dishes and local specialities that define each area.
Understanding regional influence on Thai cuisine
Musing over the difference between a bowl of Khao soi in the north and a tangy Som Tum in the northeast, it’s easy to see that Thailand’s varied landscapes and exchange of cultures have a considerable influence on its cuisine. Now, let’s cast the net wider and explore the gastronomic wonders in other parts of this food lover’s paradise.
Northern region
Drawing on its cooler, mountainous climate and cultural interactions with Myanmar, Laos, and China, northern region Thai cuisine touts an exciting blend of bitter, and sour tastes, heightened by the liberal use of fresh fish, herbs, and vegetables. An essential ingredient almost synonymous with northern Thai food, sticky rice, graces many dishes from this region. Coconut milk, a household staple in other Thai regions, secures a lesser spot here, as does seafood. Some dishes that exemplify the Northern Region’s flavours include Khao soi, larb, gaang hang lair, and sai ua.
Northeastern region (Isaan)
A leap Eastwards brings us to Isaan, a region painted with arid landscapes and remote living conditions. The Isaan cuisine, with heavy influences from Laos and a slight nod to Khmer culinary styles, plays host to a diverse mix of ingredients. Sticky rice rules the roost here, accompanied by grilled meats, fermented fish sauce, and fresh vegetables. Despite the remoteness, Isan has carved a niche for itself in the Thai food landscape.
Central region
Under this spotlight, we explore Thai cuisine’s central region – its urban heartland. Infused heavily with royal court influences, Bangkok’s food landscape features a blend of Thai favourites with a twist. Central Thai cuisine is celebrated for its variety and balance of flavours – sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty. Rice and curries, not forgetting the plethora of street food, dominate the culinary scene.
Southern region
The southern region, comprising islands and coastal areas, relies heavily on the sea’s bounties for its distinct taste. As a result, Southern Thai cuisine features an audacious mix of spicy seafood curries and soups, slow-cooked stews, and a variety of fresh salads. Satay, Massaman curry, and Tom Yum soup are signature dishes of this region and act as gateways to the realm of Southern Thai flavours.
Famous dishes of Thai Cuisine
In the northern region, the fusion of diverse cultural influences shapes the culinary scene. Intensely flavoursome dishes exemplify this region’s cuisine.
Dishes of the Northern Region
Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a famous dish from the region. It’s a soup with curry, noodles, chilli, coconut milk, and yummy spices. What makes it special are the crunchy noodles on top. It also comes with pickled cabbage, small onions, lime, and crushed chillies. All these different tastes work together to make every bite delicious and exciting.
Sai Oua
Sai Ua, or northern Thai sausage, is a much-loved food. It is made by stuffing spicy ground pork and herbs into sausage covers. These are then cooked on a grill until they’re just right. It’s common to eat Sai Ua with sticky rice as street food, and it’s a big favourite all across the region.
Nam Prik Noom
Nam Prik Noom is a spicy green chilli dip that is popular in certain regions. This dip is made by roasting green chillies, garlic, and small onions, and then mashing them together. It has a smoky flavour and is quite spicy. You can enjoy this dip with fresh, crisp vegetables or with steamed sticky rice. It’s perfect for adding a kick to your meal.
Gaeng Hang Lay
Gaeng Hang Lay, a northern Thai curry, features pork, ginger, and tamarind. This dish, known for its rich, tangy flavours, is a staple in Thai cuisine. The pork, tender and juicy, is the heart of the curry. Ginger, with its refreshing spice, adds depth to the flavour profile. Tamarind, the final key ingredient, brings a tart sweetness that ties the dish together. In short, Gaeng Hang Lay is a harmony of taste, an authentic Thai experience not to be missed.
Crossing over to the northeastern region, better known as Isaan, the cuisine becomes bolder, with fiery chillies and robust flavours.
Dishes of the northeastern region
Khai Yang and Sticky Rice
If you’re trying out Isaan food, you must try Khai Yang. It’s a yummy grilled chicken dish. The chicken is soaked in garlic, pepper, and coriander roots, and then cooked over a coal fire. This gives it a tasty smoky flavour. A common side dish with this is sticky rice. It’s a popular food in Isaan cuisine. This combo of grilled chicken and sticky rice is a must-try. Add a refreshing drink that perfectly balances the bold flavours and spices of the cuisine.
Som Tam
Som Tam is a popular dish often found at street food stands. It’s a salad made from shredded green papaya and has a unique mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. There are different ways to make it, so you can find the one that suits your taste best. This dish is a must-try if you want to experience authentic Thai cuisine.
Khai Yang
Khai Yang is a type of grilled chicken that you can often find being sold on the street. It’s famous for its special garlic flavour that soaks into the chicken. This tasty dish is usually served with a hot sauce that gives it some extra kick. If you love meat, this dish is something you should try.
Laab
As the national dish, Laab exemplifies Isaan cuisine, forte in spicy, tangy flavours mixed with minced meat. You’ll find this dish, enhanced with plenty of chillies, lime juice, and torn mint leaves for an aromatic punch.
Unique delicacies of central region
Gaeng Keow Wan
The Green Curry, also known as Gaeng Keow Wan, is a popular dish from the heart of Thailand. It’s like a dance of flavours on your tongue, with sweetness, sourness, and spiciness all playing their part. The curry is creamy and has a lovely, bright colour. It’s a true representation of Thai cuisine, balancing different flavours to create a delicious dish. It’s a must-try for anyone interested in exploring international foods.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is, indeed, a colourful Thai dish that takes you on a culinary adventure. First off, the juicy shrimp steals the limelight, setting the stage for a flavourful experience. Following closely, the lemongrass enters, infusing a refreshing, citrusy twist. Subsequently, the aromatic kaffir lime leaves step up, their tangy zest playing a delightful tune on your taste buds.
Panang Curry
Panang Curry, a signature Thai dish, boasts a thick, creamy red curry with a distinctive nutty flavour. Often cooked with tender chunks of beef or succulent chicken, it’s a curry that truly delights the senses. Infused with aromatic spices, Panang Curry offers a culinary experience that’s both rich and satisfying. So, don’t hesitate, to indulge in the creamy goodness of Panang Curry today!
Kaeng Keow Wan
If you’re a fan of spicy and creamy flavours, you should try Kaeng Keow Wan. This popular dish from the heart of Thailand has a light, creamy soup. It’s made by mixing strong herbs, coconut milk, and hot chillies. This blend gives the dish a unique, tasty flavour.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular Thai food you can often find on the streets. It’s a yummy dish made by stir-frying noodles with eggs and tofu. It gets its unique taste from tamarind paste and is topped with crushed peanuts. It’s a perfect mix of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours.
Traditional recipes of the southern region
Gaeng Kua Kling
Gaeng Kua Kling, a fiery dry curry dish, comes from Thailand’s vibrant culinary scene. The key ingredient is minced meat, which is expertly blended with aromatic herbs creating a tantalising mix of flavours. It’s a dish that truly brings the heat, making it a favourite among spice lovers. Experience the punchy delight of Gaeng Kua Kling today!
Khao Mok Khai
Khao Mok Khai, a renowned Thai dish, showcases a vibrant blend of yellow rice and chicken. The spices, particularly turmeric, give it an unmistakable hue and taste. Lastly, a sweet-sour chilli dipping sauce accompanies the dish, enriching its overall flavour profile. This delectable combination makes Khao Mok Khai a must-try for every food lover.
Gaeng Som
Gaeng Som or sour curry is a spicy, tangy dish that showcases the region’s love for robust flavours. Southern Thailand’s ubiquitous sour curry. This thin, fiery curry, often cooked with fish or prawns and a bounty of vegetables, tantalises with its unique sour-spicy flavour profile.
Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is a tasty dish from South Thailand. It’s a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. It has meat, potatoes, and peanuts in a yummy sauce. It gets its flavour from tamarind paste, peanuts, and local spices. If you love meat, you’ll love Massaman Curry!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Thai street food shape their regional cuisine?
A celebrated dish, Pad Thai, often graces the bustling Thai street food stalls. This stir-fry, brimming with noodles, eggs, tofu, and a unique tamarind paste, has garnered global recognition. Lime wedges served on the side further enhance its zest. This Thai signature dish emulates the nation’s culinary prowess and is a must-try for food enthusiasts.
What makes the food from southern Thailand, particularly in Phuket, so special?
In Phuket, a city in southern Thailand, the food is a delightful mix. It’s all about balance. The dishes perfectly blend hot, sour, salty, and sweet tastes. You can try special dishes like Mee Hoon Pa Chang, a type of noodle soup, and Kaeng Khua Saparot, a curry with pineapple. This is what makes the food in this region unique.
What are the common flavour profiles in Thai dishes from the southern region?
Southern Thai dishes often highlight the richness of coconut and pronounced spiciness. A classic example is Gaeng Tai Pla, a spicy curry known for its intense flavours.
How does the location and environment of places like Phuket influence Thai food?
Geographic diversity introduces unique ingredients and cooking methods, crafting exclusive regional dishes. Coastal areas like Phuket leverage abundant seafood and local produce, creating a unique gastronomic adventure for food enthusiasts.
