.png)
Not only the gleaming temples, golden Buddhas, and dreamy coastlines root for Thailand but also the mélange of its cuisine. With an array of spices and piquant flavors, Thai food at street stalls or fine dining reflects the true lament of its culture. Thai cuisine can’t be classified solely as one but as a combination of five different flavors – salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. In short, they balance the five fundamental taste senses. Available all across the globe, but there are “10 Authentic Thai Dishes To Be Tried In Thailand Itself”. Roll On!
10/10 Khao Phat
A national dish of Thailand, Khao Phat translates to “Thai Fried Rice,” which uses Jasmine Rice, marking its difference. Unlike Chinese fried rice, this does not have ample vegetables but sliced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and peppers with meat or eggs. Seasoned with sauces like fish sauce, chili, and soy sauce, it comes in many variants. Be it Khao Phat Maphrao(Coconut Fried Rice), Khao Phat Mu (pork fried rice), and Khao Khluk Kapi (fried rice with shrimp paste) can be eaten alone without any curry.
9/10 Som Tam
Som Tam is nothing but a “spicy papaya salad” that hails from the North Eastern Part of Thailand. Infusing myriad flavors such as the spiciness of red chili pepper, the sourness of tamarind, and the sweetness of palm sugar, along with ripened green papaya, dried shrimp, peanuts, and also crab. The salad can also be made vegetarian if the meat is removed. The salad tastes best with Thai sticky rice, which soaks up the spicy juices of the salad.
8/10 Chim Chum
Call it a “Hotpot Of Meat & Vegetables,” Chim Chum is the famous street food of Thailand. Especially in Southeast Asia, the term “Chim” refers to dipping, while “Chum” refers to dripping something in broth. Chim Chum is cooked in earthenware placed over a traditional charcoal stove. Its broth comprises galangal, lemongrass, and Thai basil with vegetables, tofu, marinated pork, or chicken. Chim Chum is to be eaten with a dipping sauce having ingredients such as garlic, chili peppers, shallots, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Again, it balances all the flavors together impeccably in this food item.
7/10 Khao Niew Ma Muang
Khao Niew Moo Yang is simply “Thai sticky rice and pork.” The main ingredient of it is pork marinated in coconut milk, fish sauce, garlic, lemongrass, and palm sugar which is later grilled. The meat has a mild taste and thus is infused with Nam Jim Jaew sauce. This appetizer is served along with sticky rice on the side and is found all across Thailand. Also, the sticky rice is soaked in coconut syrup and garnished with slices of sweet mango.
6/10 Khao Soi
Not only found across Northern Thailand, the dish but Khao Soi is served across Myanmar and Laos as well. It’s a “curry recipe” made with egg noodles infused with coconut milk and curry paste which comprises chilies, cilantro, and garlic. This dish also resembles the Burmese dish, “Ohn No Khao Swe,” quite a bit which is a spicy broth with coconut milk and red curry paste. The choice of meat, be it chicken, pork, or beef, is also included in it.
5/10 Massaman Curry
An infusion of Indian and Thai flavors due to the extravagant mixture of spices, Massaman Curry, is mostly found in authentic Thai restaurants. With its influence from Indian and Malaysian cuisine, Massaman paste is a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, chili peppers, bay leaves, lemongrass, nutmeg, and white peppers. Later, the paste is stirred over coconut cream to lend it an exquisite essence. The paste mostly comprises pork but also has several meat options. Voted among “World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods”, this food item is worth a shot.
4/10 Pla Pao
Pla Pao is simply “Thai grilled fish” served along with sticky rice. Tilapia, Catfish, or Snakehead fish are usually three types of fish used in Pla Pao. The fishes are stuffed with lemongrass and pandanus leaves which are coated with flour and rock salt. With the dip of fish sauce, lime and chili, this dish is easily available across the streets of Thailand and also in restaurants.
3/10 Roti Gluay
The term “Roti Gulay” may sound Greek, but it simply means “fried banana pancakes.” One of the most popular desserts across street food of Thailand, this dish is made up of bananas, water, sugar, plain flour, ghee, salt, and eggs. Topped with condensed milk, this is one of the easiest Thai dishes to experiment with oneself.
2/10 Pad Phuk Tong
If one loves pumpkin, this fried delicacy, Pad Phuk Tong, is all about it. Ingredients such as garlic, green onion, peeled pumpkin, egg oyster, soy sauce, golden mountain seasoning sauce, and vegetable or chicken stock are required. It can be tweaked as veg or non veg accordingly. Served with fresh jasmine rice, this dish has its Thai element in taste.
1/10 Laab Jay
Laab Jay is nothing but a “spicy meat salad” that has its roots in the North of Thailand and is also quite popular in Laos. Even though it’s a salad, it’s pretty spicy. For vegetarians, the meat is replaced with tofu, and for non-spicy lovers, the spices are toned down and served with pumpkin and onions. The salad is seasoned with lime juice and dried chili pepper. Also, the most crucial ingredient is “Khao Khua,” which means finely ground toasted sticky rice. Binding all the ingredients together gives crunchiness to the salad.
