Thai food is known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. If you’re new to Thai cuisine and want to try some classic dishes, here are five must-try meals that show off the best of Thai cooking.
1. Pad Thai
This famous stir-fried noodle dish is a great place to start. It usually has rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, eggs, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a tangy sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and lime. It’s flavorful but not too spicy, making it a favorite for many.
2. Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum is a hot and sour soup with shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili peppers. It’s refreshing and has a bright, zesty taste that awakens your senses.
3. Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
This creamy curry is made with green chili, coconut milk, chicken or tofu, eggplants, and fresh basil. It’s spicy but balanced by the sweetness of the coconut milk, perfect for those who like a little heat.
4. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
Som Tum is a crunchy and spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and fresh lime juice. It’s tangy, sweet, and spicy all at once—a great side dish or light meal.
5. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
For dessert, try mango sticky rice. It’s sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango slices and drizzled with coconut milk. It’s simple, delicious, and a perfect way to end a Thai meal.
These dishes offer a great introduction to the exciting flavors of Thai food. Whether you like spicy, sweet, or savory, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Give them a try and discover why Thai cuisine is loved all over the world!