For travellers visiting Thailand, the food alone can feel like a journey in itself. From the lively night markets of Bangkok to the laid-back beach stalls in the south, all of these places offer mouth-watering Thai cuisine. With a multitude of dishes offering an explosion of bold flavours, rich aromas, and colourful presentations that leave a lasting impression, it’s something you can’t miss. It’s not just about eating, it’s about experiencing the heart of Thai culture with every bite. Here is a list of ten must-try Thai dishes that highlight the best of what the country has to offer.
1. Pad Kra Pao
Pad Kra Pao is one of Thailand’s most iconic and satisfying street food dishes. It’s a spicy stir-fry made with minced meat, such as chicken or beef. Cooked with holy basil, garlic, and bird’s-eye chilli, then served over rice and often topped with a crispy fried egg. While the classic version is simple and fiery, you’ll also find variations with crispy meat belly, seafood, or even century eggs. It’s bold, fragrant, and the ultimate quick comfort food for locals and travellers alike.
Course: Main Course
Type: Savoury
2. Panang Curry
Creamy, rich, and slightly sweet, Panang Curry is a Thai favourite that stands out from the rest. Made with coconut milk, red curry paste, crushed peanuts, and fragrant kaffir lime leaves, it’s often served with tender beef or chicken, though seafood and veggie versions are also popular. The bold, nutty flavour and creamy texture make it a comforting yet vibrant dish—especially loved in Southern Thailand. If you’re only trying one curry on your trip, this one might steal your heart.
Course: Main Course
Type: Savoury
3. Khao Soi
A northern Thai speciality, Khao Soi is a rich, flavorful curry noodle soup that’s as comforting as it is bold. It features egg noodles in a creamy coconut curry broth, usually with chicken or beef, and is topped with crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots, and a squeeze of lime. The mix of textures and layers of flavour, spicy, tangy, and creamy, makes it a must-try dish, especially if you’re exploring Chiang Mai or northern Thailand.
Course: Main Course
Type: Savoury
4. Pad Thai
No Thai food list is complete without Pad Thai. This iconic stir-fried noodle dish combines rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, garlic, and crushed peanuts, all tossed in a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce. Often served with a wedge of lime and chilli flakes on the side, Pad Thai is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy—making it a favourite for locals and travellers alike. Enjoy it from a street cart or a restaurant, it’s the dish you cannot miss on any trip to Thailand.
Course: Main Course
Type: Savoury
5. Tom Yum Soup
If there’s one dish that captures the bold, punchy soul of Thai food, it’s Tom Yum. This hot and sour soup hits you with a burst of flavour—spicy, tangy, and full of citrusy zing. It’s the kind of soup that wakes up your taste buds and leaves you wanting more with every spoonful. Made with prawns, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilli, and lime juice, it’s like a flavour bomb in every spoonful. If you’re battling jet lag or just craving something bold to wake up your taste buds, Tom Yum is the tangy kick you didn’t know you needed.
Course: Appetiser
Type: Savoury
Also Read: Ganeshotsav 2025: 10 Best Spots In Dubai To Savour Authentic Modaks
6. Tom Kha Gai
For those in the mood for something comforting but still packed with Thai flavour, Tom Kha Gai is the dish for you. This creamy coconut milk soup balances the richness of coconut with the bright tang of lime juice, the heat of fresh chillies, and the aromatic punch of galangal and lemongrass. Add tender chicken, mushrooms, and a handful of herbs, and you’ve got a bowl that’s equal parts soothing and zesty.
Course: Appetiser
Type: Savoury
7. Thai Chicken Satay
Grilled to perfection and packed with bold Thai flavours, Chicken Satay is a classic snack or appetiser that’s as satisfying and easy to eat. Tender, marinated chicken skewers are cooked over charcoal for a slightly smoky edge, then served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce and a refreshing cucumber relish. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for sharing, easy to grab on the go, and just filling enough to kick off your meal without spoiling your appetite.
Course: Appetiser
Type: Savoury
8. Thai Meat Skewers
Juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavour, Thai meat skewers are a street food favourite for good reason. The meat is marinated in a savoury-sweet blend of garlic, coriander root, fish sauce, and palm sugar, then grilled over hot coals until slightly charred and caramelised. These skewers make an ideal snack or appetiser—they’re quick to grab, easy to eat, and full of bold, addictive flavours.
Course: Appetiser
Type: Savoury
9. Mango Sticky Rice
Sweet, creamy, and irresistibly satisfying, Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) is Thailand’s most beloved dessert and for good reason. It’s made with glutinous rice soaked in rich coconut milk and paired with slices of ripe, juicy mango. Then, it’s finished with a drizzle of coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted mung beans or sesame seeds for added crunch. It’s the kind of dessert that feels light yet luxurious—ideal after a spicy Thai meal or as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
Course: Dessert
Type: Sweet
10. Thai Coconut Crepes
As you wander through a Thai street market, you might spot little golden crepes sizzling on a griddle—don’t skip them. These are Khanom Buang, or Thai coconut crepes, and they’re as delicious as they look. Light, crispy, and filled with sweet coconut cream, they’re the kind of snack you try once and immediately want another. The base is made from rice flour, then topped with sweet or savoury fillings, such as coconut cream, golden egg yolk threads, or even a hint of shrimp. They’re light, snackable, and totally addictive—ideal as a sweet treat or a fun appetiser while you explore.
Course: Dessert
Type: Sweet
Next time you’re at a night market or beachside eatery, keep this list of must-try Thai dishes in mind for a truly exceptional food experience.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Raul Ortiz de Lejarazu Machin
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.