37 Best Foods to Try in Thailand on Your Next Trip

There’s a reason why Thai cuisine is eaten and beloved in every corner of the world—it’s just 👏🏼 that 👏🏼 good. But, trust me, the best foods to try in Thailand go way beyond pad thai and fried spring rolls.

Don’t get me wrong—pad thai and spring rolls are bomb—but Thai cuisine is so much deeper, more regional, and more exciting than what you’ve probably ordered from your local takeout spot. My goal is to move you past the basics and introduce you to dishes you may have never even heard of before.

I first visited Thailand in 2019, spending two weeks bopping around Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. I fell hard for the stunning scenery—golden temples, turquoise water, lush jungles—but from the first bite, it was the food that had me hooked.

I loved it so much that I came back in 2022 for two months, this time setting up a home base in Patong Beach. By my second trip, I had one mission: eat my way through as many Thai dishes as humanly possible.

From world-famous pad thai and fried rice (because let’s be real, that shit is delicious) to dishes most tourists skip right over—like hor mok ma prow awn and som tam, this guide will get you out of your comfort zone and into the heart of Thai cuisine.

Grab a fork and spoon (spoiler: Thai food is actually not eaten with chopsticks) and let’s dig into the best flavors Thailand has to offer.

The Best Foods to Try in Thailand

When most people think of Thai food, their minds immediately go to pad thai, fried rice, or maybe a plate of crispy spring rolls. No shade to those classics (I love a greasy spring roll as much as the next girl), but Thailand’s food culture is so much more than the “greatest hits” you’ve seen on American takeout menus.

What makes Thai cuisine so special is the balance—sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and umami flavors all combining flawlessly together in one bite.

And the best part? Each region of Thailand has its own unique specialties, which means eating in Chiang Mai can feel completely different than eating in Phuket or Bangkok.

Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best dishes to try in Thailand—based on my own two months (and two weeks) of eating my way across the country. Some you’ll recognize, others you’ve probably never heard of. But trust me, every single one is worth ordering at least once.

1. Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

I’ll be honest—I didn’t try spicy papaya salad until my second trip to Thailand.

The name threw me off at first because I pictured some kind of weird, mushy, spicy fruit salad. Didn’t sound appetizing to me. But when I finally gave som tam a chance, I realized it’s nothing like the name suggests.

Instead of ripe, sweet papaya, this dish uses unripe papaya that’s still white and pale green inside. The texture is crunchy—almost like cabbage—and it’s tossed together with garlic, carrot, cherry tomatoes, bird’s eye chilis, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and peanuts.

Sometimes you’ll also find extras like green beans, Thai eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, or protein—like chicken or shrimp.

Personally, I like mine extra spicy. When I was living in Patong Beach, I ate som tam all the time because it’s light, relatively healthy, and the perfect thing to cool down (or at least try to) on a hot and humid Thai afternoon.

This particular som tam dish is from one of my favorite restaurants in Patong Beach—a cute little spot called Dang Restaurant that I’d recommend to anyone passing through.

2. Gai Satay (Chicken Satay) 

Chicken satay is not only a favorite in Thailand, but all over the world. This famous Thai food is very popular among tourists because it’s cheap, familiar, and super tasty. 

Although I normally like to be a bit more adventurous while trying new restaurants in Southeast Asia, I couldn’t resist eating plenty of chicken satay during my trip to Phuket.

This staple of Thai cuisine is usually served with a couple pieces of toast and ridiculously delicious peanut sauce (seriously—just give me a spoon).

3. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) 

I first discovered tom yum during my very first trip to Thailand, when my friends and I booked a cooking class on our weekend trip to Chiang Mai.

One of the dishes on the menu was tom yum soup, and learning how to make it from scratch instantly turned it into one of my favorite Thai starters.

If you aren’t familiar, tom yum goong is most commonly made with prawns, but you’ll sometimes find it made with chicken as well. The ingredients typically include mushrooms, lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, shallots, chilis, tomato, coriander, spring onion, sugar, fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version), lime juice, and sometimes coconut milk.

This particular bowl of tom yum (pictured below) was enjoyed at Sairee Cottage Restaurant during my trip to Koh Tao—complete with a gorgeous view of the beach.

4. Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)

Sometimes it’s hard to rally for a bowl of fiery chili-laced soup when it’s 95°F outside. If you’re someone who gets extra sweaty and overheated when eating spicy food (like me 😬), tom kha gai is the perfect alternative to tom yum.

This coconut chicken soup has the same fragrant aromatics—lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves—but instead of spice, it leans on a light, cooling coconut milk base.

The flavor is milder and more refreshing, with just a subtle tang of lime. Unless you add chili sauce, it’s not spicy at all, which makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy Thai flavors without setting their mouth on fire.

I enjoyed this delicious bowl with my friend at one of our favorite restaurants in Patong Beach—No. 6 Restaurant.

5. Poh Pia Tod (Deep Fried Spring Rolls) 

Unless you’ve been living in a bubble, you’ve definitely heard of crispy Thai spring rolls.

Personally, I lean more toward the Vietnamese version—the fresh kind wrapped in chewy rice paper—but let’s be honest…anything is delicious when it’s deep-fried (which is why I tried Rocky Mountain Oysters in Denver).

Just because a dish is popular doesn’t mean it’s overrated. Sometimes it has the hype because it deserves the hype, and poh pia tod fall squarely in that category.

Crispy, golden, and usually served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, they’re simple, but ridiculously satisfying. Even if you’re a picky eater, you can order plates and plates of poh pia tod and still be able to say you ate traditional Thai food!

6. Pad Thai 

An oldie but a goodie…there’s nothing like a gorgeous dish piled high with pad thai to get the stomach growling.

The beginning of this post might make it seem like I’m shitting on the popular dishes, but like I said with spring rolls—just because something’s popular doesn’t mean it’s overhyped. And pad thai, in my opinion, is one of the most delicious noodle dishes on the planet.

You can trust me on this—I lived in Italy.

With the right amount of spice, a sprinkle of crumbled peanuts, and a fresh wedge of lime squeezed over the top, nothing hits the spot quite like it.

If you’re new to Thai food, pad thai is made with stir-fried rice noodles, egg, tofu, bean sprouts, and your choice of meat or seafood. It’s tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made from tamarind paste, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and palm sugar, then finished with peanuts, lime, and chili flakes for a kick.

On our two-month trip through Thailand in 2022, we ate pad thai almost daily—in Koh Tao, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi, Bangkok, and beyond.

I even learned how to make it during a cooking class at Mama Noi Cooking School in Chiang Mai back in 2019, which made me appreciate just how much love and balance of flavors goes into this seemingly simple dish.

7. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice) 

Honestly, when I have the choice between noodles or rice, I’m almost always going to pick noodles—unless we’re talking sushi. But when fried rice is this good, it’s hard to say no.

Khao pad (or Thai fried rice) is one of my favorite authentic Thailand foods because even though it’s such a simple dish, when it’s done right, it’s seriously delicious.

Khao pad is usually made with rice, egg, a few veggies, and your choice of protein—chicken and shrimp are the most common, but you can also keep it vegetarian. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that hit the hardest.

Plus, fried rice is the perfect pre-game meal before a night of drinking in Thailand. It’s filling, comforting, and it has your back when you need something solid before a few too many Chang beers. No hangover? You’re welcome.

8. Khao Pad Sapparod (Pineapple Fried Rice) 

Although I typically prefer my pineapple blended up with coconut milk and white rum, serving fried rice in it is a close second.

Khao pad sapparod, or pineapple fried rice, is one of those dishes that might seem like it was created for tourists—but it’s actually a typical Thailand food that locals enjoy too.

The tropical sweetness of pineapple pairs perfectly with stir-fried rice, veggies, and chicken or tofu, all seasoned with a mix of Thai spices. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little tangy all at once.

It’s often, but not always, served inside a hollowed-out pineapple, making it just as Insta-friendly as it is delicious.

9. Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

Pad see ew—or stir-fried noodles—was one of my go-to orders in Thailand.

It’s made with wide rice noodles (called sen yai in Thai) that are perfect for soaking up all the flavor from the sauce. Toss in some Chinese broccoli, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce, and you’ve got the perfect plate of Thai comfort food.

Oh, and don’t forget the chili sauce 🌶️

I ate Pad See Ew constantly while living in Thailand—it’s kind of like the Thai version of chicken fingers. Impossible to get wrong, and it slaps every time.

10. Pad Woon Sen (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles) 

If pad see ew is the heavy-hitter, pad woon sen is the lighter, more delicate sibling. Instead of wide rice noodles, this fried noodle dish is made with chewy glass noodles (aka mung bean noodles).

The sauce is lighter and a little sweeter—usually stir-fried with garlic, carrots, cabbage, onions, and whatever protein you’re in the mood for.

This Thai dish is super versatile—it’s mild enough that kids love it, but you can always toss in a few chili peppers if you want to kick up the heat.

11. Hor Mok Ma Prow Awn (Seafood Coconut Curry) 

The first time I ever tried hor mok ma prow awn was in Ao Nang, at a little spot called Tom Ma Yom during my trip to Krabi. Seriously—I cannot recommend this spot enough, it’s highly regarded as one of the best restaurants in Ao Nang.

It turned out to be one of the best dishes I’ve ever had in Thailand—so rich and fresh that let’s just say I was grateful to be wearing the $3 stretchy elephant pants I’d picked up on the side of the road in Phuket.

Hor mok ma prow awn is a creamy, slightly spicy curry usually served in a coconut shell. It’s made with a mix of seafood, coconut milk, and Thai herbs and spices, and it’s typically paired with jasmine rice to soak up all that flavor.

Pro tip: if you visit Tom Ma Yom, order the green curry, fried minced pork with basil, and spicy papaya salad alongside your seafood coconut curry.

12. Khao Soi (Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)

While we’re on the topic of coconuts, I’d be remiss not to mention another of the most popular Thai dishes—Khao Soi, or coconut curry noodle soup.

This dish is especially beloved in Northern Thailand, so if you’re heading to spots like Chiang Mai (which I highly recommend) or Pai (which I really want to visit), it’s a must-try.

Think of it as curry…but with noodles. The broth is creamy and coconut-based, spiced just right, and it comes loaded with soft, chewy egg noodles that soak up all that flavor. It’s one of those dishes you’ll desperately try to Doordash after you get home (but it won’t be the same 😭).

13. Pad Krapow Moo (Holy Basil Stir-Fry with Pork)

I first tried Pad Kra Pao Moo back in 2019 at the most adorable little outdoor café in Chiang Mai called Tikky Cafe. My plate even came with rice shaped like a bear—an extra touch that made an already phenomenal dish even better!

Pad kra pao moo translates to holy basil stir-fry with pork, and it’s one of the most nationally beloved dishes in Thailand.

The key ingredient is holy basil, which isn’t the same as the basil you’ll find in Italian cooking. It has a more intense, peppery, almost clove-like flavor that gives the dish its distinct taste.

Typically, it’s made with minced pork stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and soy sauce, then tossed with holy basil leaves and served over rice. Simple, quick, usually pretty cheap, and not to be missed on a trip to Thailand.

14. Kai Jeow (Thai Omelette) 

Have you ever had a Kai Jeow Thai omelette for breakfast in Thailand? If not, you’re missing out on an egg-cellent treat! 😜 Sorry, couldn’t resist.

When I lived in the heart of Patong Beach—just two blocks from Bangla Road, the most chaotic street in Phuket (basically Phuket’s version of Khaosan Road in Bangkok)—I used to meander across the street most mornings to a little Thai restaurant near my apartment and order a kai jeow.

It’s such a simple and tasty dish, especially if you’re a savory breakfast person.

The omelette is made with eggs, fish sauce, and soy sauce, then usually served over a bed of rice. Sometimes you’ll find veggies like onions, tomatoes, or chili peppers mixed in, but in my experience it’s most often served plain.

Compared to other Thai dishes, kai jeow is a little more subtle in the flavor department, but it’s filling, budget-friendly, and the perfect way to start a busy day exploring Thailand.

15. Gaeng Panang (Panang Curry)

Of all the delicious Thai foods on this list, panang curry is my personal favorite food to eat in Thailand!

Traditionally, panang curry comes from northern Thailand, so it’s not as common in the south. But since it’s my favorite Thai dish, I still hunted it down regularly in Patong Beach (the dish below was from Savoey Seafood Restaurant).

Panang curry is thick, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s made with panang curry paste (which gives it that peanuty flavor), coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, and some sort of protein.

This is my go-to Thai dish while eating at Thai restaurants in the U.S.—and honestly, it’s still pretty good. Not Thailand level of course, but can I really expect it to be?

16. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)

You better love curry if you’re going to Thailand, because it’s around every corner.

Personally, Thai curry is my favorite in the world. No shade to Indian curry (I’ll happily demolish some butter chicken any day), but I prefer the slightly milder, creamier flavors of Thai curry.

Gaeng daeng, or red curry, is another of the classic Thai curries. It’s rich, a little spicy, and full of those tasty Thai flavors that come from the red curry paste. Mix that with coconut milk, your choice of protein (chicken, beef, tofu—take your pick), some veggies, and rice, and you’ve got your new fav Thai meal.

And babe—you’re on vacation. Order seconds. 😉

17. Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry) 

If I’m ranking Thai curries, green curry is a close second after my beloved gaeng panang.

Thai green curry hails from central Thailand and gets its color (and its famous kick) from green curry paste, which is made with herbs and spices like lemongrass, green chilies, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal.

Mix that with coconut milk (not healthy, but there’s really no other choice when it comes to Thai curry) and your choice of protein or veggies, and you’ve got your new fav Thai comfort food.

The bowl of green curry in the photo below was from one of Bangkok’s most charming themed restaurants—Cabbages & Condoms. Seriously – look it up. It’s hilarious.

18. Kaeng Kari (Yellow Curry) 

More curry! 🥳 More curry! 🥳

Next on our list of delectable Thai curries, is kaeng kari—or yellow curry.

This curry, also from central Thailand, is the mildest of the Thai curries, so you can rest assured that it won’t set your mouth on fire if you order it.

It’s made with turmeric (probably why it’s yellow), cumin, and coriander and some sort of protein or potatoes. It typically comes with a side of cucumber and pickled shallots.

I loooooove spicy food, so I’ll be honest, this one wasn’t my personal favorite.

19. Gaeng Massaman (Massaman Curry)

If you love Indian curry, you need to order Massaman curry the second you get to Thailand. This curry actually has roots in Indian cooking, which is why it’s especially popular in central and southern Thailand.

It’s delicious, but a little different from the other Thai curries you’ll find on menus.

The paste is made with a mix of red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, blue ginger, shallots, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, cumin, and cinnamon. Add in coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves, then toss in potatoes and peanuts, and you’ve got a bowl of curry that’s basically Thai/Indian fusion.

If you’re a curry lover, don’t skip this one—it’s a little less spicy than green or red curry, but every bit as yummy.

20. Khao Niew Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice) 

Moving on to the section we’re all most excited about—desserts! 🧁

Before my first trip to Thailand, one of my friends kept telling me, “You have to try mango sticky rice, you have to try mango sticky rice—it was my favorite thing I ate in the entire country.”

Being a die-hard chocolate lover, I was skeptical. Fruity desserts aren’t usually my thing. But I tried it my very first day after landing in Phuket, and I absolutely fell head over heels.

Mango sticky rice (khao niew ma muang) is Thailand’s most famous dessert, and you can find it basically everywhere. We used to order it on Grab all the time to our apartment (food delivery in Thailand is so cheap it’s dangerous).

It’s made with warm sticky rice soaked in sweet coconut milk, then topped with juicy slices of fresh mango. Sometimes you’ll also get a drizzle of coconut cream, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even roasted cashews.

One of the prettiest versions I had was at Tikky Café in Chiang Mai, where they served it with edible flowers and colorful rice.

21. Banana Roti (Banana Pancake) 

To be honest, I don’t get that excited about roti. I’m just not much of a pancake person 🤷🏽‍♀️ (Unless we’re talking martabak in Indonesia—then I’ll write you a blank check).

However, since you can find banana roti (along with countless other variations) at street food markets all over the country, I’d be remiss not to include it on my list of the best foods to try in Thailand.

It’s basically a thin, stretchy dough fried on a hot griddle, stuffed with slices of banana, then drizzled with condensed milk, chocolate sauce, or whatever other topping you’re in the mood for.

Most roti stands offer way more than just banana—you’ll usually see options like Nutella, peanut butter, coconut, or even cheese. It’s cheap, sweet, and easy to find.

22. Cha Yen (Thai Tea) 

You can hate me if you want, but I’m one of those people who’s perfectly fine with a plain black coffee.

I don’t feel the need to spend $8+ at Starbucks every day for something with more whipped cream than actual caffeine. But Thai tea might just be my exception to the sweet drink rule.

I first tried cha yen on my very first trip to Thailand, and even though it’s considered more of an everyday drink, it’s so sweet that I’d personally put it in the dessert category.

It’s made with strong black tea, spices, and sweetened condensed milk, which gives it that creamy texture and signature orange color. The condensed milk also softens the natural bitterness of the tea, so what you’re left with is basically liquid candy.

Delicious? Absolutely. But careful—more than one in a day might just throw you straight into a sugar coma.

Street Food in Thailand 

You can’t experience authentic Thai cuisine without hitting the street food markets.

And don’t worry about finding them—they’re everywhere. From massive night bazaars in Bangkok to tiny beachside stalls in the islands—and they’re an essential part of everyday life in Thailand.

Vendors sling all the classics: pad thai fresh off the wok, grilled meat skewers, steaming bowls of noodle soup, sweet banana roti, and fresh fruit smoothies that cost less than your morning coffee back home.

Whether you’re traveling through a big city or a laid-back town, street food markets are hands down one of the best (and cheapest) ways to eat your way through Thailand.

Is it Safe to Eat Street Food in Thailand?

Yes! You can’t really experience Thailand without eating street food, and honestly, it’s very unlikely you’ll get sick from it.

I’ve eaten more meals from Thai street food vendors than I can count and never once had an issue. The only exception I’ve seen was one time in 2019 when my bestie ate a popsicle from a street vendor that was probably made with unfiltered water, and consequently projectile vomited in the airport.

If you stay away from water-based snacks and don’t get dared into eating a scorpion on Khaosan Road—you’ll be fine.

If you’re really worried about food poisoning, you’ve got options. I highly recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance—it’s saved my butt more than once in Thailand (not from food poisoning, but from other emergencies).

You can also pack a Jase Case, which is a small medical kit tailored to your needs and stocked with general preventative meds, including treatment for traveler’s diarrhea. Both are great backups, but truthfully, street food in Thailand is no less safe than street food in the U.S.

Must-Try Street Food Favorites

• Mookata Thai BBQ (BBQ pork)
• Khaw niew moo yang (grilled pork skewers)
• Seafood skewers
• Itim kati (Thai coconut ice cream)
• Takoyaki—seafood grilled in wheat batter (this is technically Japanese, but you can find it in street food markets all over Thailand)
• Khanom khrok khai nok krata (fried quail eggs on a stick)
• Stir-fried noodle dishes like pad thai
• Fried rice dishes
• Fresh and fried Thai spring rolls
• Fried squid eggs and octopus
• Khanom khai nok kratha (deep fried potato dough balls)
• Fresh fruit smoothies
• Rolled ice cream
• Durian
• Assorted Thai-style sushi

Street Food Markets to Add to Your Thailand Itinerary

• The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok
• Bangkok Ratchada Train Night Market in Bangkok
• Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar Market
• The Chino Market in Patong Beach (Phuket)
• The Banzaan Fresh Market in Patong Beach
• Naka Market in Phuket Town

Thai Cooking Classes in Thailand

If you’re a foodie (like me! 🙋🏽‍♀️) who’s looking to elevate your culinary skills, then you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to take a Thai cooking class in Thailand.

I believe that food is one of the best ways to get a sense of a new culture, so I’ve taken cooking classes all over the world! I learned how to make authentic polish pierogies in Poland, chicken in homemade coconut milk in Honduras, and caramel pork and fried spring rolls in Vietnam.

My friends and I took a cooking class at Mama Noi’s Cookery School during our 2019 trip to Chiang Mai and learning to make traditional food from a Thai chef, like panang curry, pad thai, and thai tea, really made me feel closer to the local culture.

Now, some are you aren’t the cooking-on-vacation type. If that’s you, consider booking a street food tour instead to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture. (I just took the best street food tour in Cartagena, Colombia!)

If you’re in Chiang Mai, I highly recommend going with Mama Noi’s class, but if not—browse some of Viator’s most highly-rated options below!

• Cooking Class with Organic Farm in Chiang Mai at Mama Noi—I took this class in 2019 and LOVED every second of it (⭐️ 5/5)
• Phuket Thai Cooking Class (⭐️ 5/5)
• Pink Chili – Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Bangkok (⭐️ 5/5)
• The 10 Tastings of Chiang Mai With Locals: Private Street Food Tour (⭐️ 5/5)
• Bangkok Street Food Tour By Night (⭐️ 5/5)

After the Last Bite

Whether you’re chowing down at a rooftop bar in Bangkok or grabbing a $1 plate from a night market, eating your way through the best foods to try in Thailand is an experience you’ll never forget.

After spending months living and eating my way through the country, I can confidently say Thai food really does live up to the hype.

From spicy soups like tom yum and tom kha, to noodle dishes I could eat every single day (looking at you, pad see ew and pad thai), to my all-time favorite panang curry, Thai cuisine has something for everyone.

Even desserts like mango sticky rice turned this strict chocolate lover into a fruit dessert convert (well—in this one specific instance). And don’t even get me started on Thai street food—it’s cheap, authentic, and honestly some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life.

So if you’re planning a trip to Thailand, come hungry. Be adventurous. And don’t just stop at pad thai or spring rolls—this list is only the beginning. The food here is as much a part of the culture as the temples and beaches, and savoring it bite by bite is one of the best ways to experience Thailand.

If you enjoyed this guide to Thai food in Thailand, you may enjoy my related Thailand travel guides below. And be sure to follow along for the adventure on Instagram @madisonsfootsteps. Happy travels!

The Best Thai Restaurants to Try in Patong Beach

Where to Find the Best Food in Ao Nang (Plus Krabi Itinerary)

How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Phuket

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