The 10 Most Popular Thai Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss!

Thailand is renowned not only for its unique and beautiful culture but also for its world-famous cuisine. The rich, flavorful, and spicy dishes, often incorporating a perfect blend of herbs and spices, make Thai food a favorite among locals and foreigners alike. This article will introduce you to 10 popular Thai dishes in Thailand that are so delicious you’ll want to share them with everyone!

10 Popular Thai Dishes You Must Try at Least Once in Your Life

1. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

A popular Thai dish that originated in the northeastern region of Thailand, Som Tum has gained popularity nationwide and globally. It’s similar to a salad, made from shredded raw papaya mixed with tomatoes, long beans, garlic, chili, fish sauce, lime, and palm sugar, all pounded together in a mortar. The result is a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, sweet, and salty flavors. There are various types of Som Tum, such as Thai Som Tum, Som Tum with fermented crab, and deep-fried Som Tum, each with its unique taste and characteristics.

2. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

One of Thailand’s most popular Thai dishes worldwide is Tom Yum Goong, famous for its intense, hot, and fragrant flavors from Thai herbs. It’s not just a favorite among Thais but also captivates many foreigners. The soup is made from a broth boiled with various Thai herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, and then chili, mushrooms, and tomatoes are added. It’s seasoned with fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh chilies, resulting in a complex yet balanced flavor—spice from the chilies, sourness from the lime, and aromatic flavors from the herbs. Large, firm shrimp complete this dish, making Tom Yum Goong an instant hit with anyone who tries it.

3. Larb (Spicy Minced Meat Salad)

Larb is a traditional dish from Northern and Northeastern Thailand, made from finely chopped meat like pork, chicken, or beef mixed with herbs and spices such as shallots, green onions, mint leaves, toasted rice powder, and chili powder. It’s seasoned with fish sauce and lime juice, and sometimes fermented fish sauce is added. The taste is spicy and salty, with the fragrance of herbs and toasted rice powder, making it a flavorful and distinctive dish often served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice.

4. Pad Thai (Thai-Style Fried Noodles)

Pad Thai is one of the most popular Thai dishes, made from stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, dried shrimp, and your choice of meat. It’s seasoned with fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind paste, and garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh vegetables, and lime. The special appeal of Pad Thai lies in its combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, with noodles that are soft yet chewy and the crunchy texture of bean sprouts and peanuts, creating a dish that’s well-rounded in flavor.

5. Khao Pad (Fried Rice)

Though a seemingly simple dish, Khao Pad is just as delicious as other popular Thai dishes. Fried rice is made by stir-frying cooked rice with eggs, vegetables, and meats such as pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, or crab, then intensifying the flavor with seasoning sauce, fish sauce, and pepper. It’s served with cucumber, tomatoes, and lime. The special thing about Khao Pad is how the rice is fried until dry and non-sticky, combined with the rich flavor of the seasonings, making it a dish that can be enjoyed at any meal and loved by people of all ages.

6. Pad Pak Bung (Stir-Fried Morning Glory)

A popular Thai vegetable dish made with morning glory, a green leafy vegetable common in Thailand, stir-fried with garlic, chili, and seasonings like oyster sauce and soy sauce. It’s usually served as a side dish or an accompaniment. The appeal of Pad Pak Bung lies in the crispiness of the morning glory, stir-fried to perfection without becoming mushy, combined with the salty-sweet flavor of the seasonings and the spiciness of the chili, making it a widely loved vegetable dish in Thailand.

7. Honey-Glazed Pork Ribs

Originally influenced by Chinese cuisine, honey-glazed pork ribs have been adapted to suit Thai tastes by marinating the ribs with spices and honey, then roasting them until tender with a sweet and aromatic flavor. The combination of the sweetness from the honey and the saltiness from the spices creates a harmonious and enticing taste that captivates from the first bite.

8. Khai Jiao (Thai Omelette)

Though it may seem like an ordinary dish, the Thai omelette is a staple in Thai cuisine. The key to a delicious Khai Jiao lies in its crispy exterior and soft interior with a balanced flavor. It can be enjoyed with various other Thai dishes like sour curry, chili paste, and Tom Yum Goong.

9. Moo Satay (Grilled Pork Skewers)

Moo Satay is influenced by Muslim cuisine but is very popular in Thailand. Small pieces of pork are marinated with spices such as turmeric, curry powder, and sugar, then skewered and grilled until aromatic and golden. It’s served with a rich, nutty dipping sauce and a slightly sweet-sour cucumber relish.

10. Khao Niew Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)

After talking about savory dishes, let’s end with a popular Thai dish that cannot be overlooked: Mango Sticky Rice. This dessert features sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and sugar, topped with juicy slices of ripe mango and drizzled with sweet, thick coconut cream. It’s sweet, creamy, and well-balanced, representing the diversity of Thai culinary culture.

These are just a few examples of popular Thai dishes. Thailand offers many more delectable options that you will never tire of. Come and experience flavorful Thai cuisine at MercuryVille @ Chidlom. We are home to numerous restaurants near Chidlom station, including Have a Zeed, a home-style Thai-Isan restaurant, and many more. Whether it’s a family meal or a gathering with friends, you’ll be left with an unforgettable impression of Thai food at these restaurants in Chidlom.