If you’re looking to try Thai cuisine and don’t know where to start, this article lists the top 10 Thai food dishes perfect for beginners. We’ll cover popular dishes like Thai curries, pad Thai, and more, including soups, appetizers, mains, and a dessert. Whether you want to cook at home or dine at a Thai restaurant, these dishes are highly recommended. Let’s explore the best of traditional Thai food and some healthy Thai food options.
Top 10 Thai Food Dishes
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the most famous dishes in Thai cuisine, offering a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This stir-fried noodle dish typically features rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, and peanuts, all tossed together with a tangy tamarind sauce. It’s a must-try for anyone new to Thai food, as it’s widely available in both local Thai restaurants and street food stalls.
Many versions of Pad Thai exist, including healthier or vegan options for those looking for a twist on the traditional recipe. Whether you’re making it at home or ordering it from a Thai cuisine menu, Pad Thai is an excellent introduction to the variety of flavors Thai cuisine has to offer.
Green Curry
Green curry is a favorite among curry lovers, known for its vibrant color and rich, creamy texture. Made with green chili paste, coconut milk, and a mix of vegetables and proteins like chicken or tofu, this dish is both spicy and flavorful. It’s perfect for those wanting to experience the depth of Thai cuisine. You’ll find this dish in nearly every Thai restaurant and it’s a great pick if you’re exploring traditional Thai curry dishes.
For a healthy twist, you can opt for a vegan Thai curry recipe or even a lighter version that focuses on vegetables. The aromatic blend of herbs and spices makes this curry an unforgettable meal for anyone trying to get a taste of Thai food.
Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup is a hot and sour Thai soup that perfectly represents the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. Infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, it offers a zesty and spicy taste that pairs well with seafood, especially shrimp. Tom Yum Soup is a popular choice at Thai restaurants, and it’s easy to see why—it delivers intense flavors in every spoonful.
This dish is not only delicious but also known for its health benefits, thanks to its herbal ingredients. For those looking for healthy Thai food options, Tom Yum Soup is a lighter dish that’s still full of flavor, making it a must-try for beginners.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Som Tum, or Papaya Salad, is a refreshing and spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and lime. This dish is both light and full of tangy, spicy flavors, making it a great starter for those new to Thai cuisine. It’s a popular street food item that can be found in most Thai restaurants.
If you’re looking for a healthier dish, Som Tum is an excellent choice. It’s also available in different variations, including a vegan version, which uses plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or trying to recreate Thai cuisine recipes at home, this salad is a flavorful and healthy option.
Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is a rich and mildly spicy curry, known for its unique blend of Thai and Indian flavors. With ingredients like coconut milk, peanuts, and a variety of spices, this dish has a distinct sweet and savory profile. Massaman Curry is typically made with beef or chicken and pairs perfectly with steamed rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
For those seeking a milder alternative to the spicier Thai curries, Massaman Curry is ideal. It’s a great option for those who want to explore traditional Thai food but prefer a dish that’s not too overwhelming in spice.
Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow)
Pad Krapow, or Thai Basil Chicken, is a popular street food dish that combines stir-fried chicken with garlic, chili, and Thai basil leaves. It’s a spicy and aromatic meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a staple in Thai cuisine. This dish is often served with jasmine rice and topped with a fried egg for an extra layer of flavor.
The key ingredient, Thai basil, gives this dish a unique and fragrant taste, setting it apart from other stir-fry dishes. Whether you’re trying it at home using Thai cuisine recipes or ordering it at a restaurant, Pad Krapow is a must-try for anyone exploring traditional Thai food.
Panang Curry
Panang Curry is a thick, flavorful curry made with coconut milk, red curry paste, and your choice of protein, usually chicken or beef. This dish is slightly milder compared to other Thai curries, but it’s packed with rich, creamy flavors. The addition of ground peanuts sets it apart, adding a distinct nutty taste that complements the aromatic spices.
Whether you’re dining at a Thai restaurant or cooking it yourself, Panang Curry is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit different spice levels. It’s a great introduction to Thai curry for those who prefer something rich without too much heat.
Thai Spring Rolls
Thai Spring Rolls are a popular appetizer in Thai cuisine, filled with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, glass noodles, and sometimes shrimp or chicken. They are typically served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, making them the perfect start to any Thai meal. These crispy rolls are light yet satisfying, ideal for those looking to try a classic Thai dish that isn’t too spicy.
For those looking for a healthier option, fresh Thai spring rolls are also available, using rice paper wrappers instead of frying. Whether fresh or fried, they are a versatile and delicious option for both beginners and regulars of Thai food.
Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
Khao Pad, or Thai Fried Rice, is a comforting dish made with jasmine rice, eggs, and a variety of proteins like shrimp, chicken, or pork. This dish is seasoned with fish sauce and soy sauce, giving it a savory taste that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s one of the easiest and most satisfying dishes in Thai cuisine, perfect for a quick meal.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a local Thai restaurant or making it at home, Khao Pad is a dish that offers a simple yet delicious introduction to traditional Thai food. It’s also easy to customize with healthy or vegan options, making it a versatile choice.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved Thai dessert made from glutinous rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk. It’s a sweet and creamy dish that perfectly balances the tropical flavors of ripe mango with the rich texture of the sticky rice. This dish is a popular choice at Thai restaurants, especially during mango season.
For those with a sweet tooth, Mango Sticky Rice offers a refreshing end to any Thai meal. It’s also a gluten-free and vegan-friendly dessert, making it a great option for anyone looking for a healthy yet indulgent treat in Thai cuisine.
Popular Thai Street Food
Khanom Buang
Also known as Thai crispy pancakes, this sweet and savory street snack is made from rice flour and filled with coconut cream, egg yolks, and other ingredients like shredded coconut or chopped green onions. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a unique taste of traditional Thai street food.
Sai Krok Isan
This popular street food consists of fermented sausage from the northeastern region of Thailand, often served with fresh chilies, cabbage, and slices of ginger. Its bold and tangy flavors make it one of the must-try street foods in Thailand.
Moo Ping
Grilled pork skewers marinated in a mix of herbs and spices, usually served with sticky rice. The smoky aroma and tender meat make this a common choice for street food lovers in Thailand.
Is Thai Food Really Spicy?
Thai people love to eat spicy food, and chili peppers are a common ingredient in their dishes. However, not all Thai food is spicy. Many dishes can be adjusted to suit your taste, offering a balance of flavors that appeal to everyone. So, whether you like your food mild or with a bit of heat, there are plenty of options to try.
If you enjoy spicy food, popular dishes like Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) and Som Tum (papaya salad) are great choices. For those who prefer milder flavors, dishes like Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles) and Khao Man Gai (chicken rice) are perfect. Thai cuisine offers something for everyone, with both spicy and non-spicy options available.
Vegan Thai Food Dishes
Many traditional Thai dishes can easily be adapted for a vegan diet, thanks to the abundance of fresh vegetables, herbs, and plant-based ingredients used in Thai cuisine. For vegan adaptations, simply replace meat with tofu or mushrooms and use plant-based alternatives for sauces. Avoid dishes with fish sauce or shrimp paste by asking for soy sauce or tamari as a substitute. This makes Thai food a great choice for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Popular vegan-friendly Thai dishes include Pad Pak Ruam Mit (stir-fried mixed vegetables) and Gaeng Om (northern-style vegetable curry). You can also enjoy Vegan Pad Thai by using plant-based pasta alternatives and removing eggs. For a fresh and light option, try Som Tum Jay (vegan papaya salad), which skips the fish sauce and uses soy sauce instead, making it a perfect balance of flavors without compromising on authenticity.
Thai Food CookBook for Beginners
If you’re new to Thai cooking and eager to explore the rich flavors of this cuisine, this cookbook is the perfect starting point. With easy-to-follow recipes and simple techniques, you’ll learn how to create authentic Thai dishes in your own kitchen.
Thailand: The Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to Thai cuisine, featuring over 500 authentic recipes from all regions of Thailand. Jean-Pierre Gabriel brings the true essence of Thai cooking to life, making this cookbook an excellent resource for beginners and experienced cooks alike. From street food favorites to traditional family dishes, this book covers a wide range of flavors and techniques.
Maenam: A Fresh Approach to Thai Cooking by Angus An offers a modern twist on Thai cuisine, combining traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. Perfect for those looking to explore fresh and innovative Thai dishes, this cookbook provides detailed instructions and inspiring recipes that are ideal for home cooks who want to elevate their Thai cooking skills.
Pad Thai Food Recipes
Ingredients:
- 200g rice noodles
- 150g tofu (or shrimp for non-vegan)
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (optional for non-vegan)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish
Procedure:
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add tofu (or shrimp) and cook until lightly browned. If using egg, scramble it in the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste, soy sauce, and sugar, then pour the mixture into the pan.
- Toss in the cooked noodles and bean sprouts, stirring to coat them well with the sauce.
- Stir-fry for a few more minutes, then serve hot with chopped peanuts, lime wedges, and cilantro for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is famous food in Thailand?
Famous foods in Thailand include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), and Som Tum (papaya salad), all of which are popular for their rich flavors and balanced ingredients.
What is a typical Thai meal?
A typical Thai meal consists of a mix of dishes, usually including rice, a curry, a stir-fry, and a soup, all shared among the group, creating a flavorful and communal dining experience.
What are common ingredients in Thai cooking?
Common ingredients in Thai cooking include lemongrass, lime, fish sauce, chili, garlic, and coconut milk, which all contribute to the signature flavors of Thai cuisine.
What makes Thai food spicy?
Thai food is known for its spiciness, thanks to the use of fresh and dried chilies. Dishes like Tom Yum and Green Curry are popular for their bold heat, but spice levels can often be adjusted to suit individual tastes, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Thai cuisine is known for its vibrant blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, with signature dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, Tom Yum Soup, and Som Tum that showcase its rich history and influences from neighboring countries. While Thai food is famous for its bold use of spices, there are plenty of options for vegan and paleo diets, making it accessible to everyone. This is our top 10 Thai food list, and we hope you find it helpful in exploring the amazing world of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re new to Thai food or a long-time fan, there’s always something delicious to try. Enjoy discovering these popular dishes!
