thai food travel

33 Best Thai Dishes: A Culinary Journey Through Thailand’s Flavors

Thai cuisine offers an impressive variety of flavors and textures, often characterized by its spicy, sweet, sour, and savory elements. It’s a culinary tradition that reflects the culture and geography of Thailand , bringing together a diverse range of ingredients and cooking techniques. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket, each dish tells a story of the country’s rich heritage and culinary innovation.

Exploring the 33 best Thai dishes is a journey through myriad tastes and aromas. Each dish is meticulously prepared, often balancing the four fundamental taste sensations: sour, sweet, salty, and bitter.

Thai food enthusiasts can look forward to savoring iconic meals like Pad Thai, with its delightful mix of noodles and fresh flavors, or the fiery zest of Tom Yum Goong, a spicy shrimp soup that tingles the palate.

Sampling these dishes allows one to appreciate the complexity and refinement of Thai cooking. Whether it’s the comforting coconut curry of a Massaman Curry or the freshness of a Papaya Salad, the array of dishes showcases the skills of Thai chefs who masterfully blend tradition and modernity in their cuisine.

Iconic Soups and Broths

Thai cuisine offers a variety of aromatic soups and broths, each with a distinct blend of spicy, sour, savory, and sometimes creamy flavors.

Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong is a spicy shrimp soup that is a quintessential Thai dish enjoyed worldwide. It’s characterized by its use of fresh ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers, creating a hot and sour flavor profile. Commonly, mushrooms and fresh shrimp are added, making it a hearty choice for seafood lovers.

Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai , or Thai coconut chicken soup, offers a rich and creamy texture derived from coconut milk. Seasoned with similar aromatic herbs like lemongrass and galangal, it’s a less spicy alternative to Tom Yum Goong. This soup often contains pieces of tender chicken, providing a satisfying protein component.

Gaeng Jued is a mild and clear soup, serving as a soothing option for those desiring a less intense flavor experience. It features a variety of ingredients such as minced pork, tofu, and an assortment of vegetables like carrots and cabbage. This clear broth might include glass noodles and is subtly seasoned, allowing the fresh flavors of the ingredients to shine through.

Spicy Salads

Spicy salads are a cornerstone of Thai cuisine, offering bursts of flavor with a mix of fresh herbs, chilli, and lime juice. They’re a perfect combination of heat, sweetness, tanginess, and savory flavors.

Som Tam, or green papaya salad, is a blend of shredded unripe papaya, carrots, tomatoes, peanuts, and green beans, tossed in a zesty dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and plenty of chillies. Often served with sticky rice, it is both refreshing and fiery.

• Main Ingredients: Green Papaya, Carrots, Tomatoes, Peanuts, Green Beans
• Dressing: Lime Juice, Fish Sauce, Garlic, Chillies
• Typical Sides: Sticky Rice

Larb Gai is a spicy minced chicken salad hailed from Northeastern Thailand. It combines ground chicken with toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime juice, and a mix of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, accented by a generous addition of dried chillies.

• Main Protein: Minced Chicken
• Unique Element: Toasted Rice Powder
• Herbs Used: Mint, Cilantro
• Heat Level: Adjustable with Dried Chillies

Yum Woon Sen

Yum Woon Sen is a glass noodle salad with an intricate balance of flavors and textures. The dish consists of strands of transparent noodles, minced pork or seafood, and crisp vegetables, tossed in a dressing made of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and crushed peanuts, with a kick from fresh chillies.

• Base: Glass Noodles
• Protein Options: Minced Pork, Seafood
• Crunch: Peanuts, Crisp Vegetables
• Dressing Highlights: Lime Juice, Fish Sauce, Sugar

Stir-Fried Classics

Stir-fried dishes are a cornerstone of Thai cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of hearty flavors and textures. They are typically fast-paced cooked over high heat to retain the freshness and nutrients of the ingredients.

Pad Thai stands as one of Thailand’s signature stir-fries, known for its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It consists of rice noodles shimmering in a tamarind-based sauce, mingled with eggs, tofu, and a choice of shrimp or chicken, all topped with crushed peanuts and a wedge of lime.

• Main ingredients : Rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken
• Key flavors : Sweet, tangy, savory

Pad Krapow Moo Saap

A beloved street food, Pad Krapow Moo Saap is cherished for its bold flavors. It features finely minced pork stir-fried with holy basil and fiery chilies, served over rice, often crowned with a crispy fried egg.

• Main ingredients : Minced pork, holy basil, chilies
• Key flavors : Spicy, aromatic, umami

Pad See Ew is a comfort dish with wide rice noodles coated in a savory soy sauce blend, coupled with Chinese broccoli and a choice of pork, chicken, or beef. The stir-fry is known for its pleasant char, imparted by the high-heat wok cooking.

• Main ingredients : Wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, pork, chicken, or beef
• Key flavors : Savory, slightly sweet, smoky

Curries of Thailand

Thailand’s curries are renowned for their rich flavors, combining a blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy tastes, and often feature a variety of herbs and ingredients unique to the region.

Gaeng Keow Wan

Gaeng Keow Wan , or Green Curry, embodies the vibrant essence of Thai herbs with its signature green hue derived from fresh green chilies. Known for its delicate balance of flavors, it traditionally contains coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and fresh basil, and can be served with a choice of chicken, beef, or tofu.

Panang Curry

Panang Curry stands out with its thicker, creamier consistency and milder spice profile compared to other Thai curries. Key ingredients include ground peanuts or peanut butter, kaffir lime leaves, and a subtle hint of sweetness amidst its savory foundation. It’s often enjoyed with beef, although variations with chicken or shrimp are not uncommon.

Massaman Curry

Massaman Curry is influenced by Persian cuisine and is considered one of the heartier Thai curries. It’s characterized by the use of star anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg, providing a warm, spiced flavor complemented by potatoes, onions, and roasted peanuts. Typically made with beef or chicken, Massaman Curry is often recommended for those who prefer a less spicy dish.

Savory Barbecue

Thai barbecue dishes provide a perfect blend of smoky flavors, herbs, and spices that are a testament to the country’s love for grilling. These dishes are often enjoyed with a side of sticky rice or fresh vegetables.

Gai Yang is a marinated, grilled chicken dish that has its origins in the Northeastern Isaan region of Thailand. It is traditionally marinated with a mixture of garlic, pepper, coriander roots, and fish sauce. The chicken is then grilled to a perfect char before being served with a spicy dipping sauce known as ‘nam jim jaew’.

• Ingredients : garlic, pepper, coriander roots, fish sauce
• Served with : spicy dipping sauce (nam jim jaew), sticky rice or fresh vegetables

Moo Ping consists of skewers of marinated pork that are grilled over charcoal. The marinade typically includes coconut milk, cilantro, garlic, and soy sauce, contributing to the skewers’ distinct flavor and tenderness. They are often found at street stalls in Bangkok and throughout Thailand and are a popular snack or appetizer.

• Ingredients : coconut milk, cilantro, garlic, soy sauce
• Commonly found : Street stalls in Bangkok, throughout Thailand
• Enjoyed as : Snack or appetizer

Seafood Specialties

Thai cuisine offers an incredible range of seafood dishes, each with its unique preparation and blend of flavors. Travelers and locals alike should not miss the opportunity to savor these coastal delights.

Pla Pao, or grilled fish , is a traditional Thai dish where a whole fish is stuffed with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, coated in a thick layer of salt, and grilled over charcoal. The fish’s skin turns crispy, while the inside remains moist and infused with a subtle smokiness.

Goong Pao means grilled prawns , and it is a simple yet flavorful seafood choice. The prawns are barbecued with the shell on, often marinated in a mixture of garlic, pepper, and coriander roots. They’re served with a spicy dipping sauce that complements the sweetness of the prawns.

Rice Dishes

Thai cuisine offers a myriad of flavorsome rice dishes that are staples for both locals and visitors. Each dish presents a unique combination of ingredients and preparation methods, delivering distinct tastes and textures.

Khao Pad, or Thai fried rice, is a versatile dish often featuring chicken , shrimp , or crab , mixed with rice , egg , and vegetables . They sometimes include pineapple or cashew nuts to complement the savory flavors.

Khao Pad Sapparod

Khao Pad Sapparod translates to pineapple fried rice; it’s a sweet and savory combination that can’t be missed. This dish includes rice stir-fried with chunks of pineapple , shrimp , chicken , and cashews . It’s often served in a carved-out pineapple for an impressive presentation.

Khao Soi is a rich and creamy noodle dish but is also mentioned in the context of rice dishes due to its variations that replace noodles with rice . It consists of a curry-like sauce made with coconut milk and is typically served over soft rice with crispy noodles on top, completed with pickled greens , shallots , and lime for extra zest.

Noodles Beyond Pad Thai

While Pad Thai is globally recognized, Thailand’s noodle dishes have a rich variety worth exploring that offer an array of flavors and textures.

Mee Krob, or crispy noodles, is known for its sweet, sour, and umami flavor profile. They often make the dish with thin rice noodles that are fried until they have a delicate crunch. Tamarind sauce and a mix of shrimp and tofu provide the key flavors.

Kanom Jeen are soft and slightly fermented rice noodles typically served with a variety of spicy curries. They often accompany these noodles with fresh vegetables and herbs, which diners can mix and match to create their custom dish. Here’s a common way it’s enjoyed:

• Curry: Green curry ( spicy and coconutty )
• Accompaniments: Cucumber, cabbage, and sprouts
• Optional Toppings: Boiled eggs, dried fish, pickled mustard greens

Vegetarian Options

Thai cuisine offers a variety of dishes that cater to vegetarians, providing flavorsome and nutritious options without compromising on taste. Vegetarian dishes often include a range of vegetables, tofu, and flavorful herbs and spices, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

Pad Pak Boong

Pad Pak Boong is a stir-fried morning glory dish that offers a perfect blend of crunchy greens and savory flavors. This dish is typically seasoned with garlic, chilies, and soy sauce. Vegetarians will appreciate its simplicity and the fact that it’s rich in vitamins and fiber.

Pad Thai Jae

Pad Thai Jae is the vegetarian version of the classic Pad Thai noodle dish. It contains stir-fried rice noodles combined with ingredients like:

• Vegetables : carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions
• Protein : tofu and crushed peanuts
• Seasoning : tamarind paste, soy sauce, and sugar

It’s a well-balanced dish that showcases the complexity of Thai flavors.

Gaeng Daeng Jae

Gaeng Daeng Jae is a red curry crafted with various vegetables and tofu, simmered in a rich coconut milk-based sauce infused with herbs like:

• Kaffir lime leaves

It’s a hearty dish that provides a warming, aromatic eating experience.

Comforting Porridge

Thai cuisine offers a variety of comforting dishes, and porridge is a staple that provides warmth and nourishment.

Jok is a classic Thai rice porridge often enjoyed as a warm breakfast. It consists of rice that has been simmered until it reaches a soft, soup-like consistency. Traditionally, jok is served with ground pork , ginger , spring onions , and a soft-boiled egg . Sides can include crispy dough sticks for dipping. Here’s a brief overview of its components:

• Base : Soft and creamy rice porridge.
• Protein : Typically includes a savory mince of pork.
• Toppings : Enhanced with fresh spring onions and slivers of ginger.
• Egg : A soft-boiled or poached egg adds a rich texture.

The dish can be customized with additional toppings like a dash of soy sauce, fish sauce for depth of flavor, or a sprinkle of white pepper for a mild heat. Jok provides a perfect balance of simplicity and taste, making it a beloved comfort food in Thai cuisine.

Desserts to Try

After enjoying the savory delights of Thai cuisine, one’s journey is not complete without indulging in the sweetness of Thai desserts. Each dessert is a blend of flavors and textures unique to Thai gastronomy.

Mango Sticky Rice

This classic Thai dessert, known as Khao Niew Mamuang , pairs the creaminess of coconut milk with the sweetness of ripe mangoes. It features glutinous rice, often served warm or at room temperature, topped with thick coconut cream and sesame seeds.

• Ingredients : Glutinous rice, ripe mangoes, coconut milk, sugar, salt, toasted mung beans or sesame seeds.
• Texture & Flavor : Sticky, sweet, rich, and satisfying.

Thai Rolled Ice Cream

Thai Rolled Ice Cream , or I-Tim Pad , is a street-side spectacle turned trendy dessert. Creamy liquid base is poured onto a freezing metal plate, mixed with fruits or other toppings, and then scrapped into delightful rolls.

• Ingredients : Milk, sugar, and varied mix-ins such as strawberries, chocolate, or cookies.
• Texture & Flavor : Extremely creamy with customized flavors ranging from fruity to decadent chocolate.

Each dessert provides a unique taste experience, from the comforting simplicity of mango sticky rice to the interactive joy of Thai rolled ice cream.

Regional Specialties

Thai cuisine varies greatly from region to region, each area offering dishes that showcase local flavors and ingredients. This section will focus on the distinctive tastes of Northern Thailand’s Khantoke dinners as well as the bold spices characteristic of Southern Thai cuisine.

Khantoke Dinner

A traditional Northern Thai feast known as a Khantoke Dinner is not just about the food, but also the experience. Guests sit on the floor around a small, round table called a “khantoke” and enjoy a variety of dishes. Common dishes served include:

• Sticky Rice ( Khao Niew ): Essential for pairing with other dishes.
• Sai Oua ( Northern Thai Sausage ): A flavorful sausage infused with herbs.
• Nam Prik Ong : A spicy tomato and pork mince dip.
• Hang Lay Curry ( Gaeng Hang Lay ): A Burmese-influenced pork curry.

Southern Thai Cuisine

Southern Thailand’s cuisine is known for its intensity, often being the spiciest part of Thai gastronomy. Coastal seafood and fresh turmeric are typical:

• Kaeng Tai Pla : A robust fish entrail curry that’s both spicy and sour.
• Sataw Pad Goong : Stir-fried prawns with sataw (stink beans) and intense flavors.
• Massaman Curry : Although widely enjoyed, it has a distinct Southern variant with a richer, sweeter profile.
• Kanom Jeen : Rice noodles typically served with a choice of spicy sauces.

Street Food Staples

The streets of Thailand offer an array of delectable treats, with Satay and Hoi Tod standing out as must-try dishes for any food lover.

They find Satay gracing the charcoal grills of street vendors across Thailand. It consists of skewered and grilled meat, often served with a side of peanut sauce and a small helping of cucumber salad . They typically offer chicken, pork, or beef options, each marinated in turmeric and a medley of spices that provide its signature yellow hue.

They recognize Hoi Tod as a comforting street food classic, which is essentially a crispy, savory pancake. They make it from a simple batter mixed with a generous amount of fresh mussels or oysters . They fry the pancake until golden and crisp and then top it with bean sprouts and sometimes a sprinkle of spring onions. It’s enjoyed with a dash of chili sauce for an extra kick.

Beverages and Drinks

In Thailand, beverages are an essential part of the culinary experience, offering a refreshing balance to the country’s rich and spicy flavors. Tourists and locals alike enjoy these drinks for their unique tastes and cooling effects on the palate.

Thai Iced Tea

Thai Iced Tea, or “Cha Yen,” is a creamy and aromatic beverage, usually composed of black tea, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. It often includes a mix of spices such as star anise, cardamom, and sometimes tamarind. The tea is served over ice, making it a soothing companion to spicy Thai dishes.

Ingredients :

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Spices (e.g., star anise, cardamom)

Preparation :

• Brew the tea with spices.
• Sweeten with sugar and cool.
• Pour over ice and add condensed milk.

Thai Beer Selection

Thailand boasts a variety of local beers that are light and crisp, perfect for the tropical climate. The most popular brands include Singha and Chang, both offering a complementary lightness to the country’s intense flavors. These beers are often enjoyed with a meal and are available throughout Thailand.

Popular Brands :

• Singha: A classic lager with a slightly sweet flavor and a strong hoppy finish.
• Chang: Known for its smooth and refreshing taste, suited to those who enjoy a milder beer.

Serving Suggestion :

• Best served cold
• Often in a glass with ice

Thai Iced Tea and local beers are integral to the Thai dining experience, accommodating the country’s love for harmony in flavors and providing relief from the heat.

• Chicken Pad Thai with Eggs and Bean Sprouts: © DronG/Shutterstock
• Bowl of Tom Yum Goong Soup: © xiaoxiao9119/Shutterstock
• Bowl of Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup): © Jacek Chabraszewski/Shutterstock
• Glass Noodle Soup with Meatballs and Tofu: © Kritchai7752/Shutterstock
• Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam) with Peanuts and Chopsticks: © etorres/Shutterstock
• Spicy Chicken Salad (Larb Gai) on a Plate with Lime and Chopsticks: © AS Foodstudio/Shutterstock
• Spicy Glass Noodle Salad on Plate: © Yuphayao Pooh's/Shutterstock
• Pad Thai Noodles with Lime on Black Plate: © Birch Photographer/Shutterstock
• Thai Basil Pork with Rice and Fried Egg: © TongTa25/Shutterstock
• Plate of Stir-Fried Noodles with Vegetables: © Jaded Art/Shutterstock
• Thai Green Chicken Curry in Bowl: © Rosdaniar/Shutterstock
• Panang Curry with Pork on Plate: © Kritchai7752/Shutterstock
• Chicken Massaman Curry with Rice: © Alexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock
• Thai-Style Grilled Chicken on Plate: © SandyHappy/Shutterstock
• Grilled Skewers with Rice on Plate: © Nattapon Ployngam/Shutterstock
• Thai Grilled Fish (Pla Pao) with Sauces and Vegetables: © PratchayapornK/Shutterstock
• Grilled River Prawns on Plate: © Boontoom Sae-Kor/Shutterstock
• Thai-Style Crab Fried Rice on a Plate: © Phyman/Shutterstock
• Pineapple Fried Rice with Pork and Cashews: © fluke samed/Shutterstock
• Northern Thai Noodle Curry Soup with Chicken: © Birch Photographer/Shutterstock
• Crispy Mee Krob with Shrimp on a Plate: © Runglawan Khrutjaikla/Shutterstock
• Bowl of Kanom Jeen with Vegetables and Meat: © Nungning20/Shutterstock
• Stir-Fried Morning Glory on a Plate: © Wongsakorn Napaeng/Shutterstock
• Bowl of Rice Porridge with Pork: © Jasmiennn/Shutterstock
• Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk on Plate: © Lecker Studio/Shutterstock
• Assorted Rolled Ice Cream in Cups: © niaculescu/Shutterstock
• Traditional Northern Thai Khantoke Dinner: © Silapavet Konthikamee/Shutterstock
• Grilled Chicken Satay Skewers on a Grill: © Anna Ewa Bieniek/Shutterstock
• Crispy Thai Seafood Pancake on Street Food Grill: © BOSSY9/Shutterstock
• Iced Thai Tea in a Clear Cup: © Lokyo Multimedia/Shutterstock
• Assortment of Thai Beer Bottles on Display: © SERG71/Shutterstock

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10 thai dishes to try when you travel to thailand.

It is now common to find Thai food in most major cities around the world. This is because the appetite for Thailand cuisine continues to grow around the globe.

The fact that you can get Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles) or Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup) at a deli a few blocks from your home is good. But I guarantee the Thai dishes you eat when traveling in Thailand will blow them all out of the water.

If you love Thai food and want to experience really authentic Thai cuisine, plan a trip to Thailand and get ready to eat your heart out. In this article, I will show you some of the culinary delights you will find when you take a foodie trip to the ‘Land of Smiles’, as Thailand is nicknamed.

PRO TIP: One of the best ways to experience Thai cuisine while visiting Thailand is to take a cooking class. Some cooking classes are even hosted in Thai local’s homes, giving you a unique glimpse of what ordinary life looks like for locals.

Heading to Thailand? Read about the floating markets of Bangkok and see our Essential Travel Guide to Bangkok . You can pack out your itinerary with these great things to do in Bangkok .

Table of Contents

Interesting Facts about Thai Food Culture

• Thai cuisine usually has four seasonings that are perfectly blended to create mouthwatering meals. These are salty, sweet, sour and spicy. You’ll taste all four seasonings in almost all Thai dishes. If you don’t like spicy food, don’t worry there are plenty of meals that don’t have spices.
• People in Thailand enjoy sharing meals together, it is actually considered bad luck to eat alone. So don’t be surprised when you order food from a street vendor, for example, and it is served in platters that will be enough to be shared by the number of people present.
• When sharing meals only serve 1-2 spoonfuls of a dish at a time. If you serve more than this in Thai culture you’ll be seen as a greedy person. So be considerate of others when serving yourself.
• Unlike other countries in Asia , Thai people don’t normally use chopsticks to eat. They prefer to use a spoon and fork, I am sure this is good news if you’re not good at using chopsticks like me. The fork is used to push food onto the spoon.
• As you travel around Thailand and interact with the locals, you’ll often be asked “Gin Khao Yung” which means “have you eaten”. Thai people love their food and are constantly eating. Because of this, they like to offer their guests food at any time of the day.
• Thai food is not only delicious but it is also very cheap. You can pay as little 40 Thai Baht, which is less than $2, for a large meal that will leave you uncomfortably full.

Now that you know a little bit more about Thai food culture let’s get into the best Thai foods you should try when you travel to the Bangkok , Chiang Mai , or another part of this amazing country.

The Best Thai Dishes to Eat in Thailand

1. tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup).

This is the most popular Thai soup but if you’re not a fan of seafood you may not like it because the main ingredient used to make it is shrimp. Other ingredients include lemongrass, birds-eye chili’s, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fresh lime juice, shallots, fish sauce, and coconut cream if you prefer a creamy version.

Because of the chili used to prepare it the soup is hot, so if you don’t like spicy foods remember to order a milder version. You can also order Tom Kha Gai (Chicken in Coconut Soup) instead. The soup is made from spices similar to tom yum goong but the chilies are optional this time.

Also instead of seafood, tender strips of chicken and aromatic Asian mushrooms are used to prepare the soup. Tom kha khai is the perfect soup to order if you’re not so keen to try Thai chili dishes.

2. Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

A lot of Thai food has meat in it, mostly seafood. If you’re a vegetarian one of the best Thai meals you can order is this salad. Som Tam is prepared from green (unripe) papaya, tomatoes, carrots, long beans, peanuts, lime juice, garlic, palm sugar, and galangal.

Mixed together they create a tasty salad that provides 5 vibrant flavors sweet, spicy, salty, sour and savory. As you travel around Thailand you’ll find there are many different variations of this meal, all of which are very tasty.

3. Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles)

You cannot go to any Thai restaurant in the world and miss this dish on its menu. It is an extremely popular meal and is considered one of Thailand’s national dishes. Most tourists exploring Thai cuisine for the first time will almost always start by sampling this cheap and tasty meal.

Thai chefs prepare it using stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, eggs, groundnuts, lime juice, bean sprouts, tasty tofu cubes, and onions. You can try pad thai wherever you go in Thailand, from Michelin star-rated restaurants to noisy food stalls. This dish is more sour and sweet not spicy.

» Make Chicken Pad Thai at home with this recipe.

4. Guay Teow (Noodle Stir Fry)

This is another popular Thai dish you can get anywhere in Thailand. The soup can be made from chicken, pork or beef together with egg or rice noodles.

Street food vendors also add meatballs and top it up with sugar, lime juice or fish sauce. You can have guay teow at any time of the day. Another version of this dish you’ll find everywhere is Char Guay Teow, which is the dry, grilled version (pictured above).

5. Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with Cashew Nuts)

I particularly enjoyed this dish and I bet you’ll too. As the name suggests the main ingredients used to make it are cashew nuts and chicken breast meat.

These are deep-fried in a pan before soya sauce, honey, mushrooms, pepper, onions, and other vegetables are added to make a sweet, spicy and chewy meal. If you’re to ask me only one stir-fried food to order while in Thailand I would definitely recommend this.

6. Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry)

This Thai curry originated from central Thailand. It is very spicy so it is usually served with steamed Thai rice to tone down the spice level. It contains chicken, but if you want you can have it with beef, too. The dish often consists of green chilies and spices ground into a curry paste, ginger, coconut milk, eggplant and fish sauce.

This is one of the spiciest curries in Thailand, but don’t let that stop you from trying it. It’s also one of the most flavorful curries in Thailand.

7. Thai Spring Rolls

If you’re looking for a Thai snack, try this. Almost all street vendors and restaurants serve these spring rolls mostly as a snack or appetizer.

They are freshly made each day and fried when you order then, so they come to you crispy and hot from the oil. Eat them dipped in sweet chili sauce or hot sauce. Spring rolls are made both with just vegetables or with minced chicken or pork. They are simply amazing.

8. Pad Kra Pao Moo (Holy Basil Stir-Fry with Pork)

This minced pork dish is one of the street food favorites that locals and visitors alike order again and again. It’s cooked with a fatty minced pork, lots of fresh holy basil, sometimes green beans, and red chilies.

The holy basil has a very unique licorice / spice flavor that gives the dish its uniqueness and it’s often what drives people to love it so much. You’ll see what I mean once you try it.

9. Khao Soi

A dish that you’ll find in Northern Thailand is this rich and delicious Khao Soi. It’s a yellow coconut curry noodle soup with egg noodles, pickled cabbage, shallots, a chicken leg, and crispy noodles on top. We hadn’t heard of this dish until we visited Chiang Mai and found it just about everywhere. It’s slightly different each time, depending on the preferences of the chef, but it’s always rich, aromatic, and super filling.

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

One of my favorite dishes to order in Thailand and back at home at my local Thai restaurant is Pad Woon Sen. This dish uses glass or cellophane noodles and is packed with fresh crisp veggies, like sugar snap peas, carrots, baby corn, and shallots. The sauce is light and simple, a little oyster sauce for seasoning. You can add prawns or chicken if you want.

Additional Thai Dishes to Try

Thai cuisine has a wide variety of tasty dishes, and I can’t mention all of them in this article. However here is a short list of other delicious meals you could try:

• Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
• Mookata Thai BBQ (Thai Style bbq pork)
• Pla Nueng Manow (Steamed Fish with Spicy Lime Sauce)
• Yum Nua (Spicy Beef Salad)
• Banana Roti (Banana Pancake)
• Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage)
• Yam Pla Dook Foo (Fried Catfish with Green Mango Salad)
• Pad Phuk Tong (Stir-Fried Pumpkin)
• Pak Boong (Morning Glory)
• Pad Phak (Fried Vegetables)
• Kai Jeow (Thai Omelette)
• Kao Niew Ma Muang (Mango and Sticky Rice)

→ Visiting different parts of Thailand? Be sure to check out our Thailand travel guide for information on many top destinations and activities you shouldn’t miss while you’re there.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

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• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
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As you travel to different places in Thailand ask the locals or you guide to suggest some Thai meals. I am sure they’ll recommend amazing meals you’ll enjoy and miss once you get back home.

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

7 thoughts on “ 10 Thai Dishes to Try When You Travel To Thailand ”

Delicious Thai food.

#4 picture does not match. It must be a soup, not dried or fried noodles.

You’re correct. It should say noodle stir fry. Sorry for the typo.

My wife and I, both Americans, live in Chiang Mai. Your web page on Thai cuisine is just marvelous. Just looking at your excellent images makes me so hungry. The narratives accompanying the photos are very well done. Everything you say about Thai food is correct. It is delicious beyond mere word descriptions and photos. It is heavenly, indeed.

I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for the feedback Don. I absolutely love Thai food and look forward to every visit to Thailand so I can indulge in the food.

Two of the very best Thai meals I ever had were in two distinctly different locations: One in the Hilton Honers Hotel in Bangkok, and the other on a floating restaurant in Lak Mah Chow in the jungle on the border with Burma. The Hilton offered a huge, round, self-serve table with every type of seafood you can even imagine, and all that-day fresh, of course! On Lak Ma Chow, we were fishing for giant snakeheads and tranverse bar-barbs, and sleeping and eating on a floating motel/restaurant. One evening at dinner an 8-foot cobra swam by our dinner table looking for rats! Interesting. Hard to sleep due to little lizards that made the most God-awful screeching noise all night long! But the food??? Indescribable! Maybe because we thought it might it might be our last meal after seeing the Cobra!! lol….

That’s a great story, Bill. Thanks for sharing.

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• Travel Resources

Thai Food Favorites: 26 Must Eat Dishes

By Author Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Thai food is so much more than Pad Thai. Discover 26 Thai food favorites that go beyond Thailand’s famous noodle dish.

Thailand stole a piece of our hearts with its warm people, spiritual temples and stunning beaches. However, our favorite part about traveling to Thailand is eating Thai food at the source.

Food in Thailand is everywhere and it’s almost always good. This is a country with a seemingly never-ending supply of food available at all hours of the day and night. Sure, you can eat Thai food all over the world, but there’s nothing like slurping down a bowl of Khao Soi in the Land of Smiles.

We’ve traveled to more than 40 countries and Thailand stands out for both the quality and quantity of its food. Options run the gamut from warm and comforting to hot and spicy, and that’s not contemplating Thai desserts which can be fruity, fried and fun.

During our multiple visits, we’ve eaten Thai food at restaurants, shopping malls, street markets and literally on the street. We’ve also sipped coffee out of plastic baggies and indulged in international cuisine normally found in Taiwan, Italy and the United States.

What Is Thai Cuisine?

Ask ten westerners to name their favorite Thai dish and Pad Thai will likely be the most common answer. It’s inevitable. But Pad Thai is just one dish in a diverse cuisine that incorporates all types of proteins as well a bounty of vegetables, herbs, rice and noodles.

Discover the world’s best noodle dishes .

While many Thai food dishes are more modern inventions and incorporate influences from Asian countries like China, India and European countries like France and Great Britain, others date back centuries, passed down from generation to generation, to the kingdoms of Siam and Lanna.

Discover our favorite Asian dishes .

Thai food has a reputation for being spicy. Although peppers are a popular Thai food ingredient, not all Thai food is as spicy as many travelers expect. Instead, Thai cooks combine bitter, salty, sweet and piquant flavors in their dishes.

It’s important to remember Thailand’s tropical locale. This is a cuisine where chilies meet coconut milk and where tropical kaffir/makrut limes meet palm sugar. It’s a cuisine of rice. It’s a cuisine of noodles. It’s a country filled with great seafood, but it’s also a country filled with great pork, beef, chicken and vegetarian food.

Fun Fact Portuguese missionaries introduced peppers to Thailand centuries ago just like they introduced the tempura concept to Japanese cuisine .

Our History with Thai Food

Our history with Thai food dates back to 2002 when Mindi first visited Thailand as part of a 3-month solo backpacking trip in Southeast Asia. She kept returning to Thailand during that trip with stays in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Lanta and Kho Phi Phi.

Memories of eating street food on Khao San Road and getting her PADI open water diving certification in Khao Lak became legendary in her mind. She eventually returned with Daryl for an immersive month in 2016.

Read our Chiang Mai food guide .

We spent much of that month eating and working in Chiang Mai, a mecca for digital nomads like us. When we got tired of eating Thai food, we ate international foods like hamburgers , pizza and soup dumplings. But that was rare because we rarely tired of local food available at the city’s many night markets.

True Confession We never used our kitchen once during an entire month in Chiang Mai. Eating out in Thailand was too cheap and too tasty to skip even once. However, we stocked up on Thai snack foods at local supermarkets and convenience stores.

Our most recent visit to Thailand in 2018 took us back to Chiang Mai and ended with a week in Bangkok. Not letting any dust settle under our feet or in our mouths, we toured temples, ate copious amounts of street food and took a cooking class.

See what it’s like to take a cooking class in Thailand .

This trip introduced allowed us to revisit some of our favorite Chiang Mai spots while we discovered some (new-to-us) Thai food favorites at a floating market and hawker stalls throughout Bangkok. Instead of fulfilling our cravings, this trip further ignited our Thai food passion.

We can’t wait to return to Thailand and eat more of… everything. Until then, we’re scratching our Thai food itch by cooking red, green and panang curries at home in Lisbon .

What to Eat in Thailand

Eating every single Thai dish is impossible whether you spend days, weeks or months in Thailand. Thai cuisine is that vast. However, there are certain Thai foods that you won’t want to miss during your visit.

Our guide highlights the Thai dishes that we love to eat when we’re in Thailand. We’ve separated these foods into the following categories for ease of use:

• Traditional Thai Food

Thai Desserts

Thai drinks.

• Unique Thai Food Experience

We recommend that you start with our the food in our guide and then expand your horizons based on your own sense of culinary exploration. We have our Thai food favorites and you’ll develop your picks for the best Thai food too.

Traditional Thai Dishes

You’ve probably eaten Thai food before. When Thai food hit the international radar, it was specific to larger cities like Las Vegas , London and Los Angeles with their nascent Thai communities. Today, however, Thai restaurants are are easier to find in cities both big and small.

This spread is likely due to several reasons including globalization, Thai government support and TV shows like Netflix’s Chef’s Table . Whatever the exact reason or reasons, there’s no debate that it’s now easier to eat Thai dishes all over the world.

But, unfortunately, we have to face reality – Thai food tastes best in Thailand where it’s made with the freshest indigenous Thai ingredients and products like fresh galangal, holy basil and fingerroot. We recommend that you expand your Thailand food journey beyond Pad Thai and dip your toes into some of Thailand’s greatest dishes to discover what makes Thai cuisine world famous.

The Scoop on Utensils in Thailand Most Thai people don’t use chopsticks to scoop their food. Accordingly, it’s perfectly acceptable to opt for either chopsticks or western utensils in Thai restaurants. However, you’ll definitely want to use a spoon when you slurp soup in Thailand.

1. Pad Thai (Fried Thai Noodles)

For many including us, Pad Thai is the gateway food to Thai cuisine. Not only is Thailand’s #1 food favorite served in practically every Thai restaurant in the world, but it’s also highly accessible thanks to familiar ingredients like stir fried rice noodles, fresh bean sprouts, eggs, firm tofu and peanuts.

Don’t count out Pad Thai despite its popularity and cheap eats pricing. It’s a solid option to order at both street stalls and in restaurants. As a bonus, protein options include chicken, shrimp and tofu, making the Thai noodle dish attractive to vegetarian travelers.

Pro Tip Squeeze on some fresh lime sauce regardless of your protein choice. The tart citrus flavor completes the dish.

2. Pad See Ew (Fried Wide Noodles with Soy Sauce)

Pad See Ew is the Thai noodle dish for people who like rice wide noodles. Mindi loves this type of noodle whether she’s in Thailand, China or Vietnam. When she’s in Thailand, she typically orders Pad See Ew as a quick dish on the go.

Beyond its wide noodles, Pad See Ew gets its flavors from soy sauce (both light and dark) and fresh garlic. Meats like beef, chicken and pork provide the protein while veggies like Chinese broccoli and cabbage provide the crunch.

Pro Tip Add a spoonful of dried chili flakes and vinegar for extra flavor and heat.

3. Khao Soi (Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)

We first fell for Khao Soi when we slurped Northern Thailand’s coconut curry noodle soup at Andy Ricker’s now-closed Pok Pok restaurant in Portland . A few months later, our infatuation turned to love when we ate the best Chiang Mai Khao Soi. We even filmed a YouTube video about the tasty dish.

Discover more of the best soups in the world .

But what is Khao Soi? With Islamic origins in Burma and elements from Yunnan, China, Khao Soi marries fried and boiled noodles and combines them with a unique curry, coconut milk and meaty broth. Cooked low and slow, this highly slurpable Thai soup is a must-eat for any visit to Chiang Mai.

Pro Tip Garnish your Khao Soi with pickled veggies, sliced shallot and fresh lime juice for maximum enjoyment.

4. Tom Yum (Hot and Sour Soup)

We don’t know Tom but we agree that his soup is yum. All jokes aside, while there is no Tom, there is plenty of yum in this dish. Tom actually refers to the boiling process used to make this dish.

Traditional Tom Yum soup contains typical Thai ingredients like kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, Thai chilies and galangal (i.e. Thai ginger). Adding prawns upgrades Tom Yum to Tom Yum Goong, a move that we’ve never regretted making in Thailand.

Pro Tip Order Tom Kha Gai instead of Tom Yum if you’re craving a richer Thai soup.

5. Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup)

It would be easy to describe Tom Kha Gai as a ramped up Tom Yum. Sure, both soups share ingredients like chilies, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. But that wouldn’t be fair to the other ‘tom’.

Coconut milk gives Tom Kha Gai its richer, creamier texture. Adding mushrooms and chicken turns this bowl of soup into a meal.

Pro Tip Request a side of rice if the restaurant doesn’t automatically give you a small bowl with this soup.

6. Kuay Teaw Nua (Beef Noodle Soup)

Kuay Teaw Nua is a popular Thai soup that hasn’t achieved the global fame enjoyed by both Tom Yum and Tom Kha Gai. But don’t count this meat-forward soup out when you’re hungry for a morning meal in Bangkok.

A soup with a story, customers originally ordered Kuay Teaw Nua from boat vendors on Bangkok’s canals. While that experience is still possible, most people just eat Kuay Teaw Nua at food stalls around the city.

We ate savory bowls on dry land near Bangkok’s oldest operating market. Daryl’s bowl was filled with aromatic broth, brisket, offals and wide noodles. Mindi’s had all of that except for the offals. We both added fish sauce, pickled chilies and sugar to our bowls to make the soup even tastier.

Pro Tip You can order Kuay Teaw with chicken or pork if you don’t eat beef. If you don’t eat any of these three proteins, you should order a different soup.

7. Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

Easily the most popular Thai dish to originate in Northeastern Thailand’s Isaan Province, Som Tam is Thailand’s most iconic salad. However, this salad isn’t like the ones served in western countries.

Instead of lettuce and croutons, Som Tam’s ingredients include shredded and pounded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, beans and peanuts. Additional ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, palm sugar, tamarind, fish sauce and lime juice give the crunchy salad a burst of complex flavor.

Pro Tip Don’t be confused by ingredients like papaya and palm sugar. The mixture of sweet and sour flavors are integral to the Thai flavor profile.

8. Gaeng (Curry)

In Thailand, curry is both an ingredient and a dish. The ingredient (curry paste) comes in different varieties that impact both the color and flavor of the dish. Thai curries (the dish) contain ingredients like coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, proteins and curry paste.

Cook our favorite Thai curry recipe in your kitchen.

These are the five curries to try in Thailand:

• Gaeng Keow Wan – Green Curry
• Gaeng Ped Gai – Red Curry
• Gaeng Lueang – Yellow Curry
• Gaeng Massaman – Massaman Curry
• Gaeng Panang – Panang Curry

Pro Tip You’ll want to try all five of these curries in Thailand. Start with red and green curries if you like spicy food or yellow curry if you prefer milder dishes. Both massaman and panang curries skew mild and thick compared to their colorfully named counterparts.

9. Goong Ob Woonsen (Shrimp and Glass Noodles)

Goong Ob Woonsen may not be as famous as Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum, but, trust us, you’ll want to give it a try. In the flavorful dish, shrimp and glass noodles are stir fried in a clay pot with ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce (both dark and light) and oyster sauce.

Glass noodles differentiate this dish from Thai dishes like Pad Thai that use rice noodles. Also called cellophane noodles due to their transparent appearance when cooked, glass noodles are made with starch (typically mung bean, potato or tapioca) instead of rice.

Pro Tip Be aware that the Goong Ob Woonsen recipe sometimes includes bacon or pork belly. This could be a positive or negative factor depending on your diet and flavor preferences.

10. Khao Kha Moo (Pork Leg and Rice)

Khao Kha Moo looks like a simple dish but its tastes are more complex than its appearance. Thai cooks assemble this dish by slowly stewing pork leg and serving it over rice.

Be sure to say yes when offered sides with your Khao Kha Moo. Options like hard boiled eggs, pickled mustard greens and garlic chili sauce complete the dish.

Pro Tip Don’t miss eating Khao Kha Moo at the Chang Phuak night market near the Chang Phuak (a/k/a Elephant) Gate. The ‘Cowboy Lady’ is famous for her fine version of Thai braised pork leg and rice.

11. Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)

Originally invented in Hainan, China and hugely popular in Singapore where it’s considered a national dish, this simple dish pairs poached chicken with rice cooked in a rich chicken broth. We almost always order chicken and rice when we see it on a menu whether we’re in Da Nang , Las Vegas, Portland or Shanghai. Chiang Mai was no exception to this rule.

Thailand’s version, known as Khao Man Gai, is a Thailand street food staple. Most vendors serve the dish with sides of chicken soup and chili dipping sauce.

Pro Tip Don’t skip the chili sauce which adds a zip of flavor to the boiled chicken.

12. Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken)

Gai Yang is proof that not all Thai chicken is poached and served with rice. This dish takes a different approach by marinating chicken with lemongrass and garlic before roasting the bird on a grill.

We’ve eaten grilled chicken all over Thailand. Our favorite versions have been in Chiang Mai at Cherng Doi Roast Chicken and SP Chicken. You guessed it – we liked Gai Yang so much that we filmed a YouTube video about Thai roast chicken.

Pro Tip Pair your Gai Yang with Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad).

12. Kai Jeow (Thai Omelet) and Khanom Bueang Yuan (Crispy Omelet)

When we eat omelets at home, we roll them like they do in France. Thailand’s omelets are totally different from those omelets but no less satisfying.

Probably the most typical Thai-style omelette, Kai Jeow is as brown and crispy as a French omelet is buttery and fluffy. Thailand’s version starts with eggs and fish sauce before adding a myriad of potential ingredients like green onions, onions, tomato, garlic, chili, pork, shrimp and even crab meat.

Inspired by Vietnam’s Bánh Xèo, Khanom Bueang Yuan is a crispy egg crepe found in Bangkok. Street vendors like Bangkok’s Khanom Bueang Yuan Ya Cham create this crispy omelet with ingredients like peanuts, shrimp, onions, chilies and ginger. Sides like bean sprouts and sweet cucumber relish complete the dish.

Pro Tip Omelets aren’t just a breakfast food in Thailand. You can find and eat them at street food stands and stalls at all hours of the day and night.

13. Pla Pao (Baked Fish)

On first impression, this grilled swimmer coated in salt may have been the ugliest fish we’ve ever seen. After a few bites at Bangkok’s Khlong Lad Mayom Floating Market, we agreed that Pla Pao was as tasty as it was ugly.

Removing the fish’s salty outer layer revealed flaky, tender flesh seasoned with a stuffed packet of herbs wrapped in a banana leaf. While flakes of salt provided plenty of flavor, we dipped the fish into chili sauce to enhance the flavor even more.

Pro Tip You don’t need to travel to a floating market to eat Pla Pao. We found and ate salt encrusted whole fish at hawker stalls throughout Bangkok including one near our apartment.

14. Larb (Meat Salad)

Like Som Tam, Larb is a spicy salad with Isaan roots. However, this dish’s main ingredient is minced meat instead of green papaya. Yes, Larb is a meat salad seasoned with typical Thai ingredients like fish sauce, red chilis and fresh herbs.

After first eating Larb at Andy Ricker’s restaurants in both Brooklyn and Portland, we were curious to see how Larb would taste in its homeland. While we enjoyed eating lettuce wraps stuffed with Larb in Chiang Mai, we liked eating Nam Prik Ong, a spicy, meaty dip with both pork and tomato, even more.

Fun Fact Larb is one of the most popular dishes to eat in Laos, Thailand’s Southeast Asia neighbor.

15. Kanom Pakkaad (Stir Fried Turnip Cakes)

While it’s relatively easy to find Kanom Pakkaad in Bangkok, the Thai street food isn’t globally famous like Pad Thai. We were happy to discover the dish during a Bangkok street food tour.

See what it’s like to take a street food tour in Bangkok .

Though we initially thought it odd to eat stir fried turnip cakes, our skepticism faded away after just one bite into the crunchy snack with a chewy center. In this dish, ingredients like soy sauce, eggs and garlic chives came together in perfect Thai food harmony.

Pro Tip Feel free to order Kanom Pakaad if you’re a vegetarian. Unlike many Thai dishes, this one doesn’t incorporate meat or fish sauce.

16. Sai Krok (Fermented Sausage)

Street food fans won’t want to miss Sai Krok in Thailand. Yet another Thai dish with Isaan roots, this fermented sausage made with pork and rice is served on sticks at markets and street food stands throughout the country.

We first encountered the fermented sausage at a Chiang Mai night market and were thrilled to find (and eat) it again at a floating market in Bangkok. While locals often eat Sai Krok with sides of sticky rice, we were content to eat ours on sticks.

Pro Tip Expand your Thai sausage horizons by trying Sai Ua, spicy sausage spiced with curry paste and flavored with lemongrass. You can find this Northern Thailand pork product at Chiang Mai night markets.

Thai cuisine includes dozens if not hundreds of desserts. Called Khanom in Thai, these sugary sweet desserts typically contain local ingredients like sticky rice, local fruit and coconut cream.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the variety of Khanom in Thailand, we recommend that you satisfy your sweet tooth with the following sweet treats:

17. Khanom Khrok (Coconut Rice Dumplings)

Khanom Krok, a street food favorite in Thailand, surprised us in two different ways…

First, we thought that the little dumplings were savory but quickly found out otherwise when we requested hot sauce. And second, we love Khanom Krok even though we’re not normally fans of coconut desserts.

Discover more than 100 of the best desserts around the world .

These little cakes made with rice flour, sugar and coconut milk and topped with sliced green onions became our go-to dessert during the month we lived in Chiang Mai. We later baked the miniature sweet treats at a Thai cooking class.

Pro Tip As we learned the hard way, hot sauce is not an appropriate Khnom Khruk topping,

18. Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)

You won’t have to look far to find Khao Niao Mamuang in Thailand. The prolific dessert is served almost everywhere from street food stands to upscale restaurants. This popularity makes sense considering the prevalence of both rice and mangoes in Thailand.

In addition to sliced mangos and sticky rice, Khao Niao Mamuang’s ingredient list includes sweet coconut milk and a sprinkling of fried mung beans. The end result is a refreshing indulgence.

Pro Tip You can find mango sticky rice at Thai restaurants around the world.

19. Thong Yip (Gold Egg Yolk Tarts)

Made with egg yolks, sugar and jasmine-flavored water, the Thong Yip pastry will look familiar to anybody who has eaten sweet, eggy Portuguese desserts . As it turns out, the roots of Thong Yip are in the coastal Iberian nation. However, after a few centuries, Thong Yip is now a proper Thai dessert.

Not an everyday treat, Thong Yip pastries are popular at Thai weddings and special occasions. The pastry’s gold color symbolizes prosperity and good fortune while its shape resembles a flower.

Pro Tip You can try Thong Yip at the Nang Loeng Market if you’re not invited to a Thai wedding.

20. Kanom Tuay (Coconut Milk Custard)

Locals love eating little porcelain bowls filled with Khanom Tuay, a Thai dessert made with coconut milk, rice flour and sugar. Who can blame them? Not only is this coconut custard tasty, but its price is also ridiculously cheap.

We greedily spooned the smooth custard during a market visit in Bangkok. Sweet and petite, the dessert cleansed our palates from all the spicy food we had just eaten.

Pro Tip Bowls of Khanom Tuay are easy to find at Thai street stands. When you see tiny porcelain bowls, you’ve probably found the custard treat.

21. Banana Roti

While Roti is a savory flatbread in India, the Thai version is a dessert made with sweet dough and filled with items like banana and eggs. Vendors serve buttery Banana Roti to the masses from carts all over Thailand.

The traditional Banana Roti topping is sweet condensed milk. However, most vendors offer a range of options that includes honey, chocolate sauce and Nutella.

Pro Tip Eat your Banana Roti while it’s hot. This is not a dessert to save for later.

The number of Thai drinks is overwhelming with options including crafted cocktails, Singha beer and Cha Yen, a super sweet Thai iced tea with generous amounts of both milk and sugar.

Beyond imbibing these popular drinks, you should also try our favorite Thai beverages.

Locals drink a lot of Thai iced coffee, a sweet drink not so different from Vietnamese iced coffee. The Thai version provides a jolt with ingredients that include coffee (often instant), sweet condensed milk and evaporated milk.

You may fall in love with Thai iced coffee; however, it’s not our thing. Instead, we’re big fans of the specialty coffee scenes in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The number of excellent baristas in Thailand is impressive, though the best can be found at Ristr8to in Chiang Mai.

Pro Tip Digital nomads can kill two birds with one stone at Thailand coffee shops. Better cafes serve fast internet along with flat whites and cappuccinos.

23. Juices and Smoothies

Juices and smoothies are incredibly refreshing to drink on hot Thailand days. Options go beyond the typical to include more exotic logan and sugarcane juices.

When we’re not in the mood for coffee in Thailand, we typically drink smoothies. For us, the frothy, fruity beverages serves as both a thirst quencher and dessert.

Pro Tip Push your beverage boundaries and try some juice flavors that you’ve never tried before. However, we won’t judge you if you order a tasty pineapple smoothie instead.

Unique Thai Food Experiences

Eating food at restaurants and street stands is just one way to experience Thai cuisine. Those with culinary curiosity will want to roll up their sleeves and dig deeper by participating in the following Thai food experiences:

24. Cooking Classes

Good cooking classes provide a fun way to learn how to cook local food. Better cooking classes provide more than kitchen tips and recipe guidance. They also draw participants into local culture using food as a conduit.

Taking a high quality cooking class in Thailand provides an accelerated education about herbs, ingredients and Thai food. It also allows travelers to meet local entrepreneurs who happen to excel at Thai cookery.

Pro Tip Do advance research to find a Thai cooking class that fits your individual goals and skill set.

25. Food Markets

Shopping at Thai food markets is fascinating even for travelers who don’t have access to a kitchen. The options are extensive with all kinds of meat, seafood, vegetables and fruit available for purchase.

Wandering through Thai markets gives us a feel for how locals shop for food. We enjoy hobnobbing with chefs and home cooks. Plus, markets are always great spots for taking photos.

Pro Tip Bring a canvas bag to carry any potential market purchases.

26. Night Markets

Thailand’s night markets are great places to sample a variety of Thai street food. They’re also great spots for souvenir shopping and people watching.

Plan to eat dinner when you shop at a night market in Thailand. Most have designated dining areas where you can eat your purchases while sitting on little plastic chairs or stools.

Useful Thailand Facts

• Thailand is in Asia.
• Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht.
• Thai is Thailand’s official language.
• Tips aren’t typically required or expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pad Thai is Thailand’s most famous food. This stir fry dish is typically prepared with rice noodles, eggs and tofu.

Popular Thai foods include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong and Khao Soi.

Yes. Thai cuisine is notable for its heavy use of vegetables, herbs and spices. However, some Thai dishes are less healthy due to ingredients like meat and sugar.

Video Recap

Thailand Planning Checklist

• Buy discounted travel insurance from Heymondo .
• Find a great Thailand hotel with Expedia or Hotels.com .
• Find an  apartment in Thailand with a kitchen .
• Buy a Thailand travel guide from Amazon so that you don’t miss any bites or sites.
• Buy a  universal travel adaptor  from Amazon so you can charge your laptop, cell phone and camera in Asia.
• Arrange a  rental car  for your trip.
• Get an online  Thailand visa .
• Book a fun Thailand tour with GetYourGuide or Viator .
• Book a tasty Thailand food tour .

Hungry for More in Asia?

About the Authors

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Updates We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article. Funding We purchased and ate the food featured in this article. Sponsorship This article is a collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Fan Club Thailand .

Original Publication Date: January 31, 2021

Nicky Hanprom

Thursday 25th of November 2021

Wow! You are great! Look like you fall in love Chiang Mai. (Now. I live in Los Angeles. CA. And absolutely, I appreciate that cuz, it's my hometown. I really miss Chiang Mai foods. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It's the most valuable for Thai people. Best wishes, Nicky.

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30 of the Best Thai Foods & Dishes You Absolutely Have to Try

Thai food, as a popular international cuisine, distinguishes itself by its freshness, exotic fragrance, and extravagant spices. The best Thai food includes pad Thai and Thai fried rice, yet there are many other mouthwatering dishes you should order, such as various Thai curries, sizzling Thai hot pot, and spicy shrimp soup. They are all ready to thrill your taste buds to the extreme. Here, we introduce you to the best 17 gourmet Thai dishes you should try in Thailand. 

1. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

The unique flavor of this soup, rightfully famous all over the world, is achieved by the combination of fragrant lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, lime juice, fish sauce, fresh chilies (or chili paste), and fat juicy prawns. Its fresh and rich exotic flavor instinctively sets your definition of the flavor of Thailand!

2. Tom Kha Kai (Thai Chicken Coconut Soup)

Tom kha kai is a related soup dish to tom yum goong. Similar spices, such as galangal, shallots, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, set the basic flavor of the soup, except chilies are optional this time. Tender strips of chicken and aromatic Asian mushrooms form the mild body of the soup while creamy coconut milk is introduced and blends nicely with everything else.

Tom kha kai could be the best Thai food for people who are not so keen on chili dishes and could also offer them the same quality taste of Thai freshness.

3. Guay Tiew Reua (Noodle Soup)

This noodle soup is a lot less of a main course than the ones above, but it is always a popular choice from local street restaurants. It was originally served from boats along the canals of Bangkok (its name means boat noodles). The noodles are cooked with an amazing meat broth, which is a simmered broth containing typical Thai spices and meat. The ways to order it vary according to the meat you are having with it, such as chicken, pork, or seafood.

4. Pad Thai (Thai-Style Fried Noodles)

A signature dish in Thailand, pad Thai is supposed be on the menu of every restaurant in Thailand, from noisy street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok. It comprises rice noodles (thin or wide) stir-fried with extravagant amounts of fresh prawns, crunchy bean sprouts, eggs, tasty tofu cubes, onion, and finely grated peanuts. A squirt of lime juice will complete the dish before it thrills every taste bud in your mouth.

5. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)

This is a simple dish that you can find easily as it is served almost everywhere in Thailand. The ingredients include rice, egg, garlic, onion, and a form of protein, such as chicken, shrimps, crabmeat, or beef. The cooking method is very simple too. Just put everything in a pan on the stove and stir-fry until everything has blended together and the flavors of the ingredients have been released.

6. Gaeng Daeng Gai (Red Curry with Chicken)

Huge amounts of fresh or dried red Asian chilies are crushed with garlic, shallots, blue ginger, and lemongrass. Together, these ingredients form the base of the red curry paste. The chicken breast slices obtain a nice strong red curry flavor before being mixed with creamy coconut milk. Eggplant, mushrooms, or tomatoes are added and simmered slowly in the coconut milk. A nice touch of fresh kaffir lime and sweet basil leaves give balance to the creamy curry scent and the dish is served with steamed jasmine rice.

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7. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry with Chicken)

This is the hottest curry in Thailand with its paste based on green chili peppers. It is a thrilling treat for hot food lovers but a challenge for people who have milder taste preferences. The sauce is created with coconut milk and enhanced to a greater level by spices and herbs, such as Thai basil, shallots, blue ginger, garlic, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves. Vegetables are added, such as eggplants or potatoes. Most people order it with chicken but there are also options to have the green curry with seafood or beef.

8. Kaeng Lueang (Yellow Curry with Chicken)

Thai yellow curry has a much milder curry paste compared to the spicy red and green curry dishes. Thai yellow curry with chicken is a popular dish among people who prefer a mellow taste and is the best curry choice for kids. Instead of using serious amounts of red or green chilies, yellow curry paste has a large proportion of turmeric and curry powder pounded together with coriander, cumin, lemongrass, galangal, shrimp paste, garlic, and shallots plus coconut cream in addition to coconut milk. Vegetables and chicken are added in the simmering process.

9. Khao Pad Sapparod (Pineapple Fried Rice)

Always popular, Thai fried rice with shrimps and pineapple is easy to cook and very satisfying to eat. Thai jasmine rice, fresh shrimps, and pineapple are what make this dish worthy of being on this best Thai food list. Curry powder, shrimp sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce are the major sauces that give this dish a delicious taste.

10. Pad Kra Pao Moo (Minced Pork Stir-Fried with Thai Basil)

This is a popular one-plate dish that is frequently ordered in Thai restaurants. Often, you will be asked whether you would like to have an egg with it or not. With a nice touch of fish sauce, oyster sauce, and a little sugar, the flavor of this wonderful dish will be nicely balanced between sweet and spicy. The cooking method is simple and quick. Just put chopped shallots, garlic, and chilies into the pan and stir-fry until all the aromas are released, then add minced pork and mix it well with the rest of the ingredients before introducing Thai basil leaves.

11. Gai Pad Med Ma Muang (Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts)

If you can only order one stir-fried dish in Thailand, this is seriously the real deal. The name says it all. Its main ingredients are cashew nuts and chicken breast meat. Both are deep-fried briefly before being mixed together with onions, shallots, garlic, chilies, and mushrooms. Spicy, sweet, chewy, and crispy. The ingredients work very well together.

12. Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

This is another amazing example of a simple but wonderfully tasty dish. The ingredients are very simple: a small green (unripe) papaya, tomatoes, carrots, long beans, peanuts, garlic, chilies, palm sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce. Together, they provide five vibrant flavors: sweet, savory, spicy, salty, and sour.

13. Yum Nua (Spicy Beef Salad)

If you enjoy eating chilies and spicy food, you will love this spicy Thai salad.

Tender strips of beef are mixed with fresh vegetables and herbs, such as fresh mint leaves, cilantro, green onions, red onions, sweet tomatoes, and seedless cucumber. Then everything is soaked in a thrillingly spicy juice made of Thai chilies, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and stevia.

14. Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)

This is possibly the most famous northern Thai dish, especially in Chiang Mai where it was influenced by Burma. The noodles, made with wheat and eggs, are served inside a fragrant curry broth. On top, a lot of people like to add chunks of pickled vegetables and sliced shallots. A squeeze of lime completes the dish.

15. Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)

Mango sticky rice is one of Thailand's best-loved traditional desserts. Kao niew ma muang is a simple dish made with sticky rice, fresh mango slices, and lashings of sweet condensed milk.

16. Gaeng Massaman Gai (Massaman Chicken Curry)

Massaman curry is less soupy than the other curries mentioned above and it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is actually a dish derived from Indian curry and has a Persian influence. It originated in South Thailand near the border of Malaysia where Muslims previously lived.

17. Gaeng Panang Gai (Panang Chicken Curry)

Thai panang chicken curry has a thicker curry paste. This dish will be less soupy as well and is often served with rice. The paste is made from coriander seeds, cumin seeds, shrimp sauce, peanuts, and red curry paste, which are all ground together. Use coconut milk instead of water to make the sauce thick and add some fresh kaffir lime leaves before putting any chicken in. This gives it a great fresh flavor. Then you need to slow cook the chicken together with the paste. It is always a good dish to go with rice.

18. Pad See Ew or Pad Siew (Flat Noodles Stir-Fried with Soy Sauce)

Another frequently ordered dish of stir-fried noodles in Thailand, pad see ew comprises flat slippery rice noodles stir-fried with garlic, onion, egg, seasonal green vegetables, and meat (usually chicken or pork). A nice touch of adding oyster sauce and soy sauce provides the key elements to making the dish a tasty choice on every occasion.

19. Mookata Thai BBQ

This is a nice choice to eat with your family and friends at a street side barbecue restaurant. With a couple of beers, it is a classic hot pot that makes for a relaxing meal. There are no particular ingredients in this dish because it is like a hot pot buffet. You choose various vegetables, meat, or fish to suit your preferences. The pot used for this meal is a clever invention. The dome-shaped surface is used to barbecue the pork fillets, or any other protein slices, and the moat channel around it is used to contain the aromatic broth, which is meant to cook the vegetables you choose.

20. Pla Nueng Manow (Steamed Fish with Spicy Lime Sauce)

Pla nueng manow is a nice Thai-style steamed fish dish that you should try. Usually, the fish will be snappers. The spicy sauce is made from chili, garlic, cilantro, fish sauce, lime juice, and chicken broth. It will impress you with its thrilling flavors.

21. Tod Mun Pla (Thai Fish Cake)

Tod mun pla is a good choice for an appetizer. This fish cake is made from fresh fish mixed with lime leaves, Thai basil, and long beans. After it has been deep-fried, the fish cake will be served with a bowl of spicy, savory, and sweet Thai dipping sauce. The spicy dipping sauce is the soul of the dish. It normally contains chopped cucumbers, chilies, shallots, peanuts, sugar, fish sauce, and vinegar.

22. Poh Pia Tod (Thai Spring Rolls)

Thai spring rolls are made with ground pork, carrots, sliced cabbage, rice noodles, and onion all wrapped up in spring roll wrappers and fried until golden. The crunchy shell contains a good combination of fresh aromas, making the dish a great choice for an appetizer.

23. Banana Roti (Banana Pancake)

This is a lovely treat from street vendors that not many people can resist, even though it is not a low sugar option. A pancake is fried on both sides until it is golden and crispy with banana slices inside it. Then the whole crispy pancake is topped with condensed milk and sugar. Some people may add strawberries as well or replace the pancake filling with them.

24. Mah Hor (Galloping Horses)

A small snack that originated inside the royal palace is something you have to try. Mah hor is delicate, but richly flavored, and it is made with mandarin orange or pineapple and topped with pork, chicken, peanuts, sugar, peppercorns, and coriander. The result is a combination of sweet fruit with a savory topping, and the taste is hard to forget.

25. Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage)

This long sausage is easy to spot in Thai markets and at food vendors. Outside it has a red brown color, while inside it is golden with a little bit of green and yellow. Its prominent taste comes from lemongrass, kaffir lime, and galangal. It is usually made with pork and cooked on a grill, which adds a smoky flavor as a final touch.

26. Nam Prik Ong (Spicy Pork and Tomato Dip with Vegetables)

This dish is quite popular in northern Thailand. You will be served with a plate and a bowl. In the small bowl, you will find a thick dip made with sweet cherry tomato sauce and minced pork. The plate is full of raw slices of cabbage, long beans, okra, cauliflower, and eggplant. Some places serve it with fried pork crackling, boiled eggs, and Thai sausage.

The taste is garlicy, sweet, and usually a little bit spicy. It is a good change from the usual flavors, since it doesn't make use of lemongrass, galangal, or soy sauce. It is perfect as appetizer.

27. Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw (Spicy Noodle Soup)

A soup noodle with a dark red broth cooked with beef or pork, and dried smoky chilies. Vegetables like cabbage, pickled mustard greens, bean sprouts, cilantro, and fried garlic are added to enrich the smoky and tangy flavor. It is a spicy dish, and the broth is a little oily. If you look carefully, you may find a particular version with pieces of stewed oxtail: extremely tender and extremely flavorful.

It also contains some unusual ingredients like the stamens of the dried red cotton tree flower and some dark red cubes made from blood.

28. Gaeng Som (Sour and Spicy Fish Curry)

This sour curry is a signature dish of southern Thailand, a soup so full of flavor that will wake up all your senses. The base is made of fish combined with curry paste and turmeric, which gives the dish its characteristic yellow color. It is usually cooked with bamboo shoots, green papaya, or pieces of pineapple.

29. Khua Kling (Thai Dry Meat Curry)

A dry curry made with a choice of pork, beef, or chicken. The meat will absorb a lot of the spices; it is injected with curry paste, chili, garlic, and lemongrass, and seasoned with kaffir lime leaves, resulting in little tender chunks of concentrated flavor.

30. Gaeng Sataw (Thai Stink Beans with Shrimp)

The main ingredient of gaeng sataw are a kind of stinky beans, extremely popular in southern Thailand. The beans are fried with shrimp paste and meat. Don't be afraid of the smell; like durian, the smell and the taste are completely different. Ignore it and eat this delicious dish, focusing instead on the spiciness of the curry and the good taste of the beans.

Tips to Ensure You Have the Best Thai Food Experience

1. Thai people prefer to cook with or add sugar in almost everything, so don't forget to tell the waiter that you don't want any sugar included if you are on a sugar-free diet.

2. There are so many popular Thai foods to try that you may get confused, so remember this: Thai soups, such as spicy shrimp soup, and Thai curries, are the best choices, so at least make sure you try those dishes.

3. From the northern and southern islands to the central plain, every region in Thailand has its own popular food, so the Thai dishes that are popular in Phuket won't be exactly the same thing as those served in Chiang Mai.

4. Northern Thai food sets itself apart from the rest of the country due to the mountain vegetables, unusual ingredients, and unusual flavors. It is heavily influenced by China, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam.

5. Thai food in the south is strong and intense, with lots of spices and herbs. It is preferable to use seafood and coconut milk as part of the ingredients.

You Might Also Like

• 20 Best Thai Street Foods You Should Try
• 16 Strangest Food in Thailand - Would You Try Them?
• 12 Interesting Facts About Thai Food

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These meals will make you want to travel, just to eat!

Prepare yourself to drool over these 41 meals, each featuring mouthwatering photos, details, and where you can eat it.

I've also included some of my personal travel eating tips and answered some of your top questions... like "Mark, how do you make money to travel?".

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Bangkok travel guide for food lovers

If you travel for food, this Bangkok travel guide for food lovers is for you.

Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and a paradise for food lovers.

Everywhere you look while walking around the city, you’ll be tempted by something delicious – whether it be fresh green papaya salad, a spice filled coconut milk curry, or smoke pouring off a street food grill.

In this Bangkok travel guide blog post, specifically written for you as a food lover , I’m going to share some essential travel information and tips that will help you make the most of your stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok food tours available now!!

About This Bangkok Travel Guide:

Quickly, before fully jumping in, I wanted to let you know who I am, and why I wrote this Bangkok travel guide blog.My name is Mark Wiens, and I travel for food. I’ve been based in Bangkok since 2009, and while I also love to travel to other destinations , Bangkok remains my permanent home-base (and my wife is Thai).

I can still remember the day I arrived in Bangkok for the first time.

Walking down the street, the aroma of stir frying chilies, garlic, and basil, mixed with the thick humidity of the Bangkok evening, was a combination that switched on my senses, and I immediately became fascinated by Thai food and culture.

Bangkok has been my home ever since, and day doesn’t go by without me getting excited about Thai food.

Read more about my story here , and see the tools I use to run this blog here .

Ok, let’s move into the guide now…

Arriving and Leaving Bangkok

There are plenty of ways you could potentially arrive and leave, but probably the most common way is to fly directly into Bangkok.

When you fly into Bangkok, make sure you note which airport you’ll be arriving or leaving from… I have made the mistake of going to the wrong airport before!

Suvarnabhumi Airport

The biggest airport, and the hub for many of the major international airlines is Suvarnabhumi Airport , located in the southeastern part of the city.

How to get from Suvanabhumi Airport to the center of Bangkok:

• Airport Rail Link – In the airport, follow the signs to the airport rail link. You can connect with the MRT Metro at Makasan Station, or with the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai Station, and easily get to Siam, Silom, Sathon, or along Sukhumvit using the public train transportation. The price is 45 THB, and it operates from 6 am – 12 midnight daily.
• Taxi – To take a taxi, go to the first floor, and exit the revolving door at either #4 or #7. You take a ticket, and then go to the taxi number on your ticket. The price of taking a taxi to central Bangkok from the airport should cost about 300 – 400 THB, and there’s also an airport surcharge of 50 THB. Note that you will also be responsible for any tollway fees if used as well.

Don Mueang International Airport

In order to relieve some of the congestion of Suvanabhumi Airport, Bangkok re-opened the former main international airport, which is known as Don Mueang , located in northern Bangkok. This airport is home to many of the budget airlines carriers like Air Asia and Tiger Air, and caters mainly to destinations around Southeast Asia and Asia.

How to get from Don Mueang Airport to the center of Bangkok:

• Taxi – The easiest way to get from Don Mueang Airport to the center of Bangkok is by private taxi. Go down to the ground floor, and there’s an official taxi stand (and usually a long queue). You will be directed tot he next taxi driver. The ride all the way to the center of Bangkok should cost anywhere from 200 – 350 THB, and you’ll have to pay a 50 THB airport surcharge, and you’re responsible for any tollways used. An alternative to a taxi all the way, is to take a taxi to Mo Chit BTS Skytrain or Chatuchak Park MRT Metro, which should cost about 100 THB, and then you can take the public train from there.
• Bus – Bus #A1 goes from the airport to Mo Chit BTS Skytrain station, and from there you can take the BTS to Siam, Silom, Sathon, or Sukhumvit. Go to the ground floor and catch the bus from outside, price is 35 THB per person.

Getting your Thai tourist visa:

It all depends on your nationality, but the easiest way to get a short term visa for Thailand, if your passport qualifies, is to just get a simple 15 or 30 day tourist visa on arrival. It’s free, and all you have to do is fill out your arrival card (it will be given to you in the airplane before you land), go through immigration, and you’ll have 30 days in Thailand / Bangkok.

However, be sure to research your country and the requirements for entry and exit to Thailand.

Bus Stations in Bangkok:

• Mo Chit Station (Northern bus terminal) – If you’re traveling by bus to a destination north of Bangkok (Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani), you’ll usually arrive or leave from Mo Chit Station.
• Sai Dai Mai Station (Southern bus terminal) – If you’re traveling to a destination on the peninsular part of southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani), you’ll probably arrive and leave from Sai Dai Mai station.
• Ekkamai Bus Station (Destinations near to Bangkok) – You can take short bus trips to destinations within a few hours from Bangkok, especially eastern coastal areas (usually places like Pattaya, Rayong, Trat) from Ekkamai Station.
• Victory Monument (Van terminal for short distances) – An alternative to buses are 12 seater vans. They leave from various outposts around Victory Monument and Center One. Beware though, these vans often drive crazily fast, but they can be very convenient.

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

There are so many places to stay in Bangkok, that it’s tough to narrow down your choices.

So in this next part of this Bangkok travel guide, I’ll do my best to share with you a few of the best areas of Bangkok that you can stay in, why you would want to choose a certain area, and a few of my personal hotel recommendations in each of these areas.

1. Khao San Road / Banglamphu – This is the main backpacker district of Bangkok, but at the same time it’s the historical center of the city, where many of the famous attractions (like the Grand Palace) are located. You’ll find budget hostels, historical guest houses, and hotels in this area.

• Full House Khaosan  (budget) – This place is so close to the action of Khao San Road, but it’s tucked away into a local alley, and remains quiet and friendly. My wife and I stayed here for a few nights and loved the location.
• Baan Chart Hotel  (mid-range) – It’s a decent choice for a mid-range priced hotel along Rambuttri, parallel to Khao San Road.

2. Chao Phraya Riverside / Bangrak – The Chao Phraya Riverside is scenic, with good transportation options, and a mix of both luxury hotels and mid-range options. Great area for families because of the transportation options and mix of everything.

• Glur Bangkok Hostel  (budget) – This is a new, clean, and modern hostel, near to the BTS.
• Shangri-La  (luxury) – A prime location and to the Shangri La standard, it’s expensive, but a very nice hotel in Bangkok.
• Chatrium Riverside  (luxury) – My wife and I recently spent a couple nights at Chatrium Riverside. It’s modern, and I think it’s pretty good value for money, very good place to stay as a family.

3. Silom / Sathon – Silom and Sathon, located next to each other are the business financial districts of Bangkok, and very modern areas of town. The area makes a great base with food options and transportation.

• Marvin Suites (mid-range) – For a budget and great value place to stay in Sathon, Marvin Suites is fantastic. The rooms are very spacious and it’s the type of hotel that you’d feel comfortable staying at for one day or even a week or two.
• Glow Trinity Silom (mid-range) – This is a trendy type of hotel in a good location right in the heart of Silom.

4. Siam / Pratunam – Siam and Pratunam are at the center of one of Bangkok’s most intense shopping districts, with everything from modern malls to street shopping. Stay in Siam or Pratunam if you’re serious about Bangkok shopping.

• Lub d Siam Square (mid-range) – Lub d is a trendy modern hostel, located right across the street from MBK shopping mall.
• Amari Watergate (luxury) – Step outside Amari Watergate and you’ll be in the midst of the Pratunam shopping district. Nice modern hotel, fantastic location.

5. Sukhumvit – Sukhumvit Road is one of the major developed roads running through the heart of Bangkok, and it’s home to many expats and international businesses and restaurants, but it remains local Thai at the same time.

• St. James Hotel (mid-range) – This hotel is a little old, but well kept, and very comfortable and spacious. My wife and I spent a few nights here.
• Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit (luxury) – Located near Asoke intersection, this is a nice business luxury hotel.

Where would I personally recommend? I think the best area to stay in Bangkok, if you’re coming for a visit, is the Banglamphu area because it’s the historical center of Bangkok, very close to many of the major attractions, and the area is home to some of the best street food and markets in all of Bangkok.

* Disclosure : The links to hotels above are affiliate links, meaning that if you book a hotel through that link, at NO extra cost to you, I will receive a commission. This will help me to continue maintaining this blog. Thank you in advance!

Some of my favorite gear

Here is some of the gear I use when I travel ( these are Amazon affiliate links ).

For more, check out my travel packing list and check out my camera gear and electronics on my gear page .

Street Food & Restaurants in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest street food cities and as soon as you arrive and start exploring the city, you’ll discover that there’s an abundance of delicious things to eat everywhere you look.

Along with street food, Bangkok is a also a city where restaurants of all levels, serving both Thai and an extensive range of international cuisine, are flourishing. You can eat modern Thai meal for lunch and sit down for a world class Italian dinner (there are so many food possibilities).

For this Bangkok guide and tips I’m focusing on Thai food. I’ve classified the main levels of food you’ll find in Bangkok, and suggested some of my personal favorite places to eat them.

Thai Street Food

Thai street food is one of the ultimate joys of being in Bangkok.

You can get anything from a snack to eat while you’re walking down the sidewalk, to an entire sit down meal feast on the streets of Bangkok, twenty four hours a day.

Bowls of piping hot noodles, stir fried dishes over rice, Thai curry and rice, grilled meats, and green papaya salad, are just a few examples of foods you’ll encounter.

A few of my favorite Bangkok street food areas:

• Wang Lang Market – Located across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace, Wang Lang Market is one of Bangkok’s premiere foodie destinations. During the day, you’ll find an immense amount of Thai street food filling the lanes of the market, both snacks and full meals are available.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Exploring the congested and chaotic streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown never gets old; There’s so much delicious food to try. In the day time, you’ll find markets and some food stalls, but street food really comes alive in the evening and throughout the night.
• Silom Soi 20 – For a good central Thai morning market, check out Silom Soi 20. Both fresh ingredients and food ready to eat are available. I personally love the Thai chicken biryani, and the black sticky rice and custard at the front of the market.

Some of my favorite street food stalls:

• Som Tam Jay So (ร้านส้มตำเจ๊โส) – Som Tam Jay So is one of my go-to spots in Bangkok for real deal Isaan food.
• Kuay Jab Nay Lek (ก๋วยจั๊บนายเล็ก) – This stall in Yaowarat serves amazing peppery pork soup with noodle rolls.
• Doy Kuay Teow Reua (ต้อยก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) – Boat noodles are one of the most popular noodle dishes in Bangkok, and this is one of my favorite spots.
• Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok (ร้านต้มยำกุ้งบางลำพู) – This street food stall in Banglamphu is a little on the dirty side, but they make one of the best versions of tom yum goong in the city.
• Somsak Boo Op (สมศักดิ์ ปูอบ) – You might have to wait to get a table here, but they make an incredible version of shrimp and mung bean noodles – called goong ob woon sen.
• Vegetarian : Chamlong Asoke (จำลอง (สันติอโศก) – This is one of the greatest vegetarian food courts in Bangkok, located across the street from Chatuchak Market in northern Bangkok.
• Halal : Yusup Pochana (ยูซุปโภชนา) – This restaurant is a little off the beaten path, but they serve some awesome Halal Thai food.

Also, don’t miss my full list of best restaurants in Bangkok here .

Local Thai food restaurants (shophouses)

While I truly love street food and the atmosphere of dining on the streets of Bangkok, I would say the actual best Thai food comes from local restaurants, or shophouse restaurants – the taste of food is often just one notch above street food.

Some shophouse restaurants actually started off as street food stalls, but due to success or progression, they have since moved into a more permanent facility. Shophouse restaurants are where many of the best traditional Thai and Thai Chinese chefs operate from.

Here area a few local Thai restaurants I love:

• Soei (ร้านเส่ย) – This has long been one of my favorite restaurants in Bangkok. The food is dangerously tasty, spicy, and full of vibrant flavors.
• Mit Ko Yuan (ร้านมิตรโกหย่วน) – Serving some of the best tom yum goong, Mit Ko Yuan is an old shophouse restaurant that serves mostly stir fried Thai dishes.
• Som Tam Sida (ส้มตำสีดา) – Positioned in the middle of Wang Lang Market, Som Tam Sida is a fantastic family run Isaan restaurant.
• Laab Udon (ร้านลาบอุดร) – Located right off the Surasak BTS station in Sathorn, Laab Udon serves Isaan food including the full spectrum of different som tam (green papaya salad) and dishes off the grill.
• Ran Ruam Dai  (ร้านรวมใต้) – For a true taste of authentic southern Thai food, this is one of my favorite places.
• Vegetarian :  Su Ki Jeh Ru Yi (สุกี้เจหรูยี่) – This is a pretty classic Thai Chinese vegetarian restaurant located behind Hua Lamphong train station.
• Halal : Muslim Restaurant (ร้านอาหารมุสลิม) – Located in the heart of Bangrak, this legendary Halal restaurant serves good Thai biryani and an assortment of curry.

Fine Thai Dining (higher end)

When you choose a fine dining Thai restaurant in Bangkok, you have to be careful. There are many high end restaurants that serve mediocre food (at best), that’s actually watered down from the real Thai taste, but just prettified.

The good news is, there are a growing handful of higher end Thai restaurants in Bangkok that are truly serving outstanding Thai food, using high quality ingredients, and being creative, yet not compromising the balance and robustness of Thai flavors.

• Paste  (Note: Location is at Gayson Plaza, Ratchaprasong) – Paste is the leader of modern progressive Thai food in Bangkok. Acute attention is paid to every detail of flavor and balance and you can taste the passion of the chefs in the cooking (Paste also offers vegetarian options on their menu).
• The Local – The Local is another one of my favorite nicer sit down Thai restaurants in Bangkok. It’s a nice setting and great food.
• Baan Thai Family Recipes – What I really like about Baan is that the food tastes like food you’d eat at a Thai home, but using high quality and sustainable ingredients.

NOTE : For a more extensive guide to Thai food, check out my  Eating Thai Food Guide . You’ll learn Thai eating etiquette and tips and useful instructions on how to order Thai food.

10 of My Favorite Thai dishes

• Tom yum goong (ต้มยําากุ้ง) – Tom yum goong, Thai shrimp soup, is one of the most essential dishes in Thai cuisine. I love it so much, I dedicated a t-shirt to it ! The soup has countless varieties, but lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, and in this case shrimp, are mandatory.
• Pla pao (ปลาเผา) – A whole fish is stuffed with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, rolled in a salt crust, grilled over charcoal, and served with chili garlic sauce.
• Som tam (ส้มตําา) – Som tam refers to any variety of different green papaya salad that’s an essential dish in Isaan (northeastern Thai and Laos) cuisine.
• Pad ka prao (ผัดกะเพรา) – One of the most popular and widely available Thai street food dishes is pad ka prao, a choice of meat stir fried with lots of garlic, chilies, and the all important holy basil.
• Kuay teow reua  (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) – Boat noodles as they are commonly known, are a pork based Thai soup noodle, and a favorite in Bangkok.
• Kuay teow neau  (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเนื้อ) – Another noodle Thai noodle soup dish I enjoy is beef noodles, usually served with fall apart tender braised beef and rice noodles.
• Boo pad pongari (ปูผัดผงกะหรี่) – Pongari is a type of Thai yellow curry thickened with eggs. It’s often made with crab, but you can also order it with squid or even chicken.
• Goong pad sataw (กุ้งผัดสะตอ) – Stir fried stink beans with shrimp, or with another protein, and chili paste, is easily one of my favorite dishes in Thailand. You’ll find it at many rice and curry stalls.
• Hor mok (ห่อหมก) – If made correctly, hor mok, a type of fish curry custard, can ben extremely good. Pieces are fish are mixed with curry sauce and herbs, and steamed. Hor mok is available and rice and curry restaurants.
• Nam prik kapi (น้ําาพริกกะปิ) – Nam prik refers to any type of Thai chili dipping sauce, and this version is mainly flavored with shrimp paste. It’s typically eaten with vegetables and rice, and you’ll find it at markets throughout Bangkok.

There are hundreds of different and unique Thai dishes, and if you see something that looks interesting and delicious when you’re in Bangkok, you should try it.

The list above includes just a few of my favorite dishes that I frequently eat (and that are quite common to find), but it should not limit you – there are so many other dishes to try to!

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Here are some of the latest blogs posts about Bangkok and Thailand:

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Things To Do in Bangkok

The best thing about doing things in Bangkok, or visiting attractions and sightseeing, is that there’s never going to be a situation where you’re far from food.

The fact is, food revolves around every part of Thai culture – so don’t worry, no matter which attractions you choose to see when you’re in Bangkok, you’re never far from something delicious.

Here are a few things I would recommend doing in-between meals:

• Golden Mount (Wat Saket, Open hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, Entrance price: 20 THB to climb to the top) – The Golden Mount is a temple in Bangkok that is built on top of a man-made hill. What I like most about visiting is that you can climb to the top for an amazing panoramic view of Bangkok. Also when you’re in the area, stop by Loha Prasat Temple too.
• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew  (Open hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm daily, Entrance price: 500 THB adults) – Undoubtedly the most popular attraction in any Bangkok travel guide, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are icons of the city. For me it’s one of those places that’s well worth a visit once in your lifetime, but if you’ve been there, no need to go back again. It will most likely be packed with tourists and groups at anytime you go on any day. Also don’t miss Wat Pho, known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, located just down the road.
• Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Vimanmek Mansion (Save your ticket from the Grand Palace for complimentary access) – Located in Dusit, both the Throne Hall and Vimanmenk teakwood mansion are open to the public as museums. Although they are very popular touristy attractions in Bangkok, they are well worth a visit.
• Wat Arun (Open hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily, Entrance price: 50 THB) – Across the river from the Grand Palace complex is Wat Arun, a temple stupa that’s also referred to as the Temple of Dawn. One of the highlights of visiting Wat Arun is climbing the steep staircase.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Bangkok has a strong Chinese influence no matter where you are in the city, however the area of Yaowarat, is where a concentration of Chinese originally settled. Yaowarat is a center of commerce and industry, always busy and energetic, and you can explore markets and eat an astounding array of delicious Thai and Thai Chinese food.
• Shopping in Bangkok – Along with food, Bangkok is a well known city for shopping in Southeast Asia, especially for clothes and fashion and electronics. Some of the major Bangkok shopping destinations include Siam (Siam Paragon, MBK, Central World), Pratunam (Platinum, Pantip Plaza), and Phrom Phong (Emporium, EmQuartier). The Chatuchak weekend market is also a popular Bangkok shopping spot.
• Or Tor Kor Market – Another must visit food destination in Bangkok is Or Tor Kor Market, located across the road from Chatuchak Market. Or Tor Kor is a premium fruits and vegetables market, and they also have an amazing local food court. You’ll also find durian year round!
• Khlong Toey Market (Open hours: 24 hours daily) – One of the main central fresh wet markets in Bangkok is Khlong Toey. You can find nearly every ingredient imaginable for cooking Thai food within this market, and if you love food or cooking, it’s a great place to explore when you’re in Bangkok.
• Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market  (Open hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm, and open on Saturday and Sunday and public holidays) – There are a number of different floating markets around Bangkok, but my favorite, that’s located within the city is Khlong Lat Mayom. Along with just being a pleasant area to walk around, and you can even take a boat ride tour, the market is made for food lovers. You’ll find a dizzying array of snacks and things to eat. Don’t miss a whole salt crusted grilled fish when you go.

For the ultimate list of things to do in Bangkok , check out my  101 Things To Do In Bangkok eBook , it comes packed with useful information about visiting Bangkok, and even directions written in Thai.

How to Get Around (Transportation)

Bangkok is a city that offers nearly every type and form of transportation available – taxi, bus, motorbike, tuk tuk, longtail boat, ferry boat, above ground train, and underground train. And some areas of Bangkok aren’t too bad for walking either.

I won’t go too in-depth in this Bangkok travel guide blog, but I’ll share a few details about the best ways to get around.

• BTS Skytrain / MRT Metro  (Open hours: 6 am – Midnight daily, Prices range from about 15 – 52 THB per ride depending on distance, or you can get an all day pass) – To avoid any hassle and not have to deal with sitting in traffic, taking the BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro are your best options. The train lines are not hugely extensive yet, but they will get you to most central districts of Bangkok.
• Chao Phraya River Boat  (Open hours: About 6 am – 7 pm, Price is 15 THB on orange flag local boat, and 40 THB per ride on the yellow flag tourist boat) – For getting to Khao San Road and the Grand Palace area, the Chao Phraya Express Boat is highly convenient. You can catch the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station which connects with the pier to take the boat.
• Taxi (and Uber ) – Local taxis in Bangkok are very affordable and can be either very convenient, or full of hassles. For one thing, traffic in Bangkok can be horrible at times, and for another thing, some taxi drivers are not always honest and occasionally overcharge foreigners. Just make sure your taxi driver uses the meter (the meter should ALWAYS be used), and it’s a good idea to know where you’re going, and follow along on your phone gps so you can make sure you’re going in the right direction. An alternative from taxis is UberX (click this link to get a free ride), which my wife and I use in Bangkok quite frequently.

Alternatively, you can always jump in a local bus, a tuk tuk, or on the back of a motorbike to get around Bangkok as well. However, I would personally use the above three methods if possible, which will get you just about everywhere you need to go in central Bangkok.

Is it safe to travel to Bangkok?

For the size and busyness of Bangkok, the city is in my opinion quite safe to visit.

However, I would never say that Bangkok is an extremely safe city (I’d never say that about any city), because it’s always possible to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, even in the safest statistical place on earth.

Bangkok has unfortunately been in the news on more than a few occasions for malicious acts and uprisings, but these actions do not reflect the overall friendliness and peacefulness of Bangkok and its residents.

Here are a few tips for keeping safe when visiting Bangkok:

• Walking around – While theft is not extremely common in Bangkok, it does happen occasionally, especially things like bag snatching and mobile phones. It’s a good idea to not be walking down a busy street using your mobile phone, and do be aware of your hand bag or back pack when walking down a road or in a busy area.
• Scams – Many of the scams in Bangkok are not harmful, but just waste your time and maybe money. One example is a tutk tuk drivers outside the Grand Palace telling you it’s closed today, and that they will kindly take you somewhere else. For the most part, researching attractions and places to go, and knowing your facts and information, and then thinking before you make any decisions, can avoid most scams. Also, if any tuk tuk driver offers you a ride for 10 THB ($0.28) or something ridiculously low like that, you can assume there’s some kind of scam involved. Do your research, don’t act fast (think about it), and usually you can avoid many of the common scams in Bangkok.
• Night time – A majority of crime happens in Bangkok at night, especially around nightlife areas. So use extra caution when going out at night, and especially venturing into Bangkok nightlife districts. If you’re with a couple friends, it’s better than going by yourself.

I’ve included lots more Bangkok safety tips in my full Bangkok guide eBook .

Prices and Expenses

In comparison to many of the other major Asian cities , Bangkok still remains a somewhat budget destination, and I think the value you get for what you pay for – when it comes to hotels, food, and attractions – is still very good.

However, Bangkok is a major international city, and although you can travel on a budget, it’s also easy to spend a fortune if you want.

Here’s a quick sample cost of how much you’re likely to spend in Bangkok:

Accommodation:

• Hostel: $6 – $15 USD per bed
• Mid-range hotel: $25 – $80 USD per night
• High end – For anything over $80 USD per night, you can expect a very nice place

Transportation:

• Train ride in the city: 15 THB – 52 THB ($0.34 – $1.48) per ride depending on distance
• Taxi: 50 THB – 100 THB ($1.42 – $2.84) for a short ride, 100 THB – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68) for long ride
• Bus ride: 8 THB – 20 THB ($0.23 – $0.57) depending on bus
• Simple street food meal: 30 THB – 50 THB ($0.85 – $1.42) per plate
• Local restaurant: 100 – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68) per person
• Indoor restaurant: 150 – 300 THB ($4.26 – $8.52) per person
• High end restaurant: 300 – 1000 THB ($8.52 – $28.40) per person
• Drink at a bar: 100 – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68)
• Coffee at coffeeshop: 80 – 150 THB ($2.27 – $4.26)
• Big bottle of water: 14 THB ($0.40)

Overall budget:

• Budget: $20 – $40 USD per person per day
• Mid-range: $40 – $60 per person per day
• High end: $60 – $150 per person per day

This is just an average guide. Of course you could get away with spending less or a lot more, all depending on your choices and your traveling style, or even what type of holiday you’re having in Bangkok.

That being said, no matter what level of budget you’re on, I think Bangkok offers very decent value for money traveling.

Bangkok Travel Videos

The following playlist is from my 2 Weeks in Bangkok series , where my wife and I took 2 full weeks and visited as many attractions and ate at as many restaurants in Bangkok as we could in that time.

It’s a 15 day Bangkok food and travel guide video series:

Also, you can check our my YouTube channel for lots videos about Thai street food and travel: https://www.youtube.com/user/migrationology

Bangkok is without doubt one of the greatest cities in the world to visit if you love to eat.

In this “food lover” focused Bangkok travel guide, you’ll find tips about transportation, personal recommendations for where to stay, a concise list of top attractions (only if you have time in-between eating), and most important of all, information about Thai street food and restaurants.

If you’re traveling to Bangkok with a purpose to eat, I hope this Bangkok Travel Guide for Food Lovers will offer you helpful tips and details, so you can maximize the delicious food you eat during your trip!

You’ll have an amazing time in Bangkok!

Thank you for reading this Bangkok travel guide resource page.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bangkok, check out my Bangkok eBook , which includes information on attractions, hotels, safety, and food, and also my Eating Thai Food Guide , if you’re serious about eating delicious Thai food!

Have you been to Bangkok? Or are you planning to visit?

Leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you now!

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food in Thailand

• Last Updated: January 21, 2024

A comprehensive guide to the best food in Thailand.

Thailand is home to one of the most famous cuisines on the planet.

Thai restaurants and Thai dishes are abundant all over the world. But there is nothing quite as special as tasting the traditional food right at the source.

In Thailand’s food culture, the recipes are simple, the ingredients are fresh, and the food is always prepared and served with a smile.

Foodies flock from all over the globe to take a Thai cooking class where they can grind their own curry paste and sprinkle peanuts over their own, homemade Pad Thai.

Travel documentaries often show tourists trying fried scorpions and grasshoppers in the street or sipping fresh coconuts on the beach.

The quality and uniqueness of Thai food is no secret, and the food only adds to Thailand’s list of appealing qualities.

Thailand is very diverse and very cheap, which means there is so much different Thai food to try and it is all affordable.

This article will serve as a guide to the best food in Thailand.

If you’re travelling to Thailand for the first time and asking yourself questions like “What are the best dishes to try? How much does it cost? And what’s the deal with street food?” then this is the article for you.

You’ll also learn about Thai food culture and see some recommendations for amazing places to eat around the country.

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Thailand with our Thailand Travel Guide .

Table of Contents

Thai Eating Habits

The importance of presentation, traditional thai flavours and ingredients, regional differences in thai cuisine, vegan/vegetarian diets in thailand, soup and salad, noodles and stir fry, best street food in thailand, street food, local restaurants, touristy restaurants, high-end restaurants, thailand food culture.

No one loves the delicious and flavourful Thai cuisine more than the Thai people themselves.

Thai food is celebrated by the locals, and any significant events are always supplemented with food.

Because food is so central to Thai culture, there are some specific customs, traditions, and eating habits associated with Thai food that travellers should be aware of.

In Thailand, most meals are eaten family-style. This means a group of family or friends sit around a communal table, order lots of different dishes that everyone can share.

Shoes are usually removed before entering a restaurant or home, and locals often sit on the floor around a low table.

There are plenty of restaurants in Thailand that have normal tables and chairs, but if you are ever invited to a local’s home for dinner you can expect to probably sit on the floor.

Meals are eaten with a fork and a spoon. You usually don’t get a knife, and you use your fork to push rice onto the spoon before taking a bite.

Thais take food presentation very seriously.

Dishes are prepared in an attractive way, and at restaurants and special events, you’ll usually be able to spot some fruit and vegetable carvings.

Carving fruits and vegetables is a highly-respected art form in Thailand, and the designs people can create in a simple melon, cucumber, or carrot are astonishing.

Thai food has plenty of consistent local ingredients that you can find in almost any dish.

Garlic, black pepper, galangal (local ginger), lemongrass, Thai basil, chilli, Kaffir lime, coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, and peanuts are all some of the most common ingredients in Thai food.

At communal meals, locals try to have sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours on the table.

If you are very sensitive to spice, beware of the frequent use of chilli in Thai food.

When eating out in a restaurant, make it clear that you want “no spice” in your meal (“mai phet” in Thai).

Thai food varies in different parts of the country, so it is helpful to brush up on your knowledge of the country’s geography and how the food changes.

Food in Northern Thailand is the least spicy. The flavours tend to be a bit mild, and dried spices are more common than fresh, intense spices.

Thai food in Central Thailand is the sweetest. Here you’ll find lots of dishes sweetened with coconut milk and palm sugar.

Food in Southern Thailand is the spiciest, and many dishes revolve around seafood.

Despite these regional differences, you can still find all variations of sweet and spicy around the country. Fish sauce is used everywhere, as are the usual spices.

There are also plenty of international communities in Thailand that infuse their own culture into the cuisine.

Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Muslim influences are common throughout the country.

Check out this great cooking class in Phuket if your travels will take you down to the south!

Being a vegetarian in Thailand is very easy.

Lots of the cuisine revolves around rice, noodles, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Tofu is also very common, and there are often menu options for tofu instead of meat in certain dishes.

Being a vegan is a bit more difficult, but it is definitely possible.

Fish sauce and oyster sauce are used in lots of dishes, and egg is often thrown into pad Thai.

Brush up on your Thai language skills so you can ask for dishes without animal products, or just stick to the touristy areas where English is common.  

But in general, tofu curries and veggie stir-fries are very easy menu options for vegetarians or vegans.

Best Traditional Thai Dishes to Try

Now that you understand the basics of Thai cuisine, it is time to dive into the actual dishes. From the delicious mango sticky rice to the hearty panang curry to the spicy tom yum goong soup, there is so much to try.

You should try as many of these as possible throughout your stay in Thailand!

Soups and salads in Thailand are usually small dishes eaten as an appetizer or a light snack.

They are very light and refreshing, though often spicy so keep that in mind if you have a sensitive palate! Lime juice and chilis are often combined for a zesty taste.

Tom Yum Goong: A spicy and sour soup made with fresh lime juice, lemongrass, mushrooms, and shrimp (Tom Yum Goong is the most popular Thai soup!)

Tom Kha Gai Soup: Tom Kha Gai is a rich and creamy soup made with coconut milk and chicken

Som Tam: A spicy green papaya salad made of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, string beans, carrots, peanuts, and a light, sweet and spicy sauce and lime juice

Yam Talay: A spicy but light salad that mixes seafood with tomatoes and thin rice noodles and lime juice

Yum Pla Duk Foo: A salad composed of crispy fried catfish and chilled green mango strips

Combine traditional Thai dinner with a spectacular view in Bangkok !

There are lots of amazing noodle dishes and fried rice dishes in Thailand. Fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, as well as garlic and chili, are almost always used in stir fries.

Rice noodles, egg noodles, and wheat noodles are all common in Thai food. Pad Thai is the most famous option but there are some other less popular Thai food dishes you must try!

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is one of the most famous Thai dishes! Pad Thai is a fried noodle dish that includes bean sprouts, peanuts, spring onions, fish sauce, scrambled egg, and tofu, shrimp, or chicken

Pad See Eiw: A noodle dish with wide, flat noodles and usually beef, chicken or pork with soy sauce

Khao Pad: Khao pad is a classic Thai fried rice. Khao pad is often served with scrambled egg or a fried egg, a few veggies and your choice of meat or tofu

Khao Med Ma Muang: A delicious stir fry with cashew nuts, veggies, soy sauce, and chicken, though you can also get vegetarian cashew nut stir fry as well

Pad Krapow Moo Saap: Stir-fried minced pork or chicken mixed with garlic, chili, and Thai basil served over rice

Thai curry is one of the most flavourful dishes you can get in Thailand.

Locals grind their own curry paste using a mortar and pestle, so the ingredients are fresh and fragrant. Most curries use coconut milk, such as red and green curry and massaman curry. The coconut milk makes them thick and creamy, but not overly intense.

All Thai curries are served with a side of rice, and you can usually choose if you want tofu, chicken, shrimp, pork, or beef as your main protein.

Green Curry: Green curry is the spiciest Thai curry, made with lots of fresh green chilli and usually made with Thai eggplant and coconut milk

Red Curry: Made with red chilli instead of green, red curry is often quite spicy as well and is often topped with Kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil

Massaman Curry: A hearty curry composed of mainly meat and potatoes, with an aromatic sauce including cinnamon, tamarind, and peanuts

Panang Curry: Panang Curry is the sweetest and least spicy of the curries, very creamy and delicious with lots of coconut milk

Khao Soi: Khao Soi is of the most popular Thai dishes in Northern Thailand. Khao Soi is a soup-style curry with crispy egg noodles

READ MORE: Try the best Thai food around the country in these top places to visit in Thailand !

Thai food also has some amazing desserts! Though the savory dishes like Pad Thai, Khao Pad, Panang Curry, and Tom Kha Gai soup are the most iconic dishes, indulge in some delicious sweet treats in Southeast Asia as well.

Kao Niew Ma Muang: Also known as “Mango Sticky Rice”, this simple dessert is just a plate of sweet, thick rice with coconut cream and a side of fresh mango. Mango sticky rice is seriously delicious!

Khao Nom Krok: These are tiny pan-fried coconut pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside

Some of the best Thai food is found in the street.

Street food is a huge part of Thai culture. Street markets pop up all over the country where travellers and locals alike can indulge in fresh and cheap local treats.

Some of the traditional Thai dishes listed above are also popular at street markets, like pad thai, papaya salad, mango sticky rice, and fried rice.

But some Thai specialties are more commonly found in the street and aren’t always available in sit-down restaurants.

Here are some quick descriptions of the best street Thai food.

Poh Pia Tod: Fried spring rolls served with sweet chilli sauce

Pa Pia Sod: A lighter alternative to the fried spring rolls, these ones are steamed instead

Cha Yen: Known as Thai iced tea, this sweet drink is made with a mix of black tea, red tea, and sweetened condensed milk, and is served over ice

Kai Jeow: A small omelette served over rice

Itim Kati: Delicious dairy-free ice cream made with coconut milk, usually served in an actual coconut with some of the coconut meat scraped into the ice cream

Satay Skewers: Strips of meat marinated in a flavourful sauce and grilled on a skewer

Kluay Tod: Deep-fried bananas often rolled in coconut flakes and sesame seeds

Fried Critters: Some street markets in Thailand will have fried scorpions, grasshoppers and other creepy critters for the risk-taking tourists to try

Fresh Fruit: Try some of the tropical local fruits, including dragonfruit, guava, mango, papaya, durian, mangosteens, rambutans, lychee and jackfruit

Fruit shakes: Some street vendors have lots of plastic cups filled with different assortments of fruit, where you can pick which cup you want and they’ll blend it with water and ice to make a healthy fruit smoothie

The Cost of Food in Thailand

Generally speaking, Thailand is a very affordable country. You can find delicious, high-quality Thai food for decent prices, regardless of whether you are eating on the street or in a sit-down restaurant.

Here is a brief overview of the cost of food in Thailand.

Similar to most countries around the world, the cheapest place to eat in Thailand is in the street.

Because there is no real customer service or people waiting on you, you are solely paying for the cost of the Thai food and nothing else.

This means you can get amazing local food for dirt-cheap.

At a street market in Thailand, it is very common to find full meals for around 50 or 60 Baht, which is the equivalent of about 2 USD.

Little snacks cost even less. Fruit shakes usually cost 30 Baht (1 USD) and a single spring roll or meat skewer usually costs 10-20 Baht (0.30-0.60 USD).

So if you are travelling on a tight budget, eat most of your Thai food at a street market and you’ll save heaps of money.

BOOK NOW: Join a cooking class in Chiang Mai

Even if you want to sit down and have a meal, local restaurants can sometimes be just as cheap as street food.

Local restaurants refer to the typical hole-in-the-wall, family-run places where there are very few tourists and usually only a handful of menu items.

However, those few menu items are super traditional and not geared towards tourists, and they are usually cooked to perfection.

The average price for a Thai food meal in a small, local restaurant can cost anywhere from 60 to 150 Baht (2-5 USD).

Because Thailand hosts lots of tourists throughout the year, there are plenty of Western-style restaurants selling all the universal dishes.

You can find Italian restaurants, American burger bars, Irish pubs, Japanese sushi joints, Indian restaurants, Greek Restaurants, and plenty of health food cafes.

As these places are geared towards tourists, the prices are on the more expensive side compared to local prices.

But of course, you can also find authentic Thai food restaurants, they just might tone down the spices and up the prices for the tourists.

A Thai food meal in a tourist restaurant can cost anywhere between 100 and 300 Baht (Between 4 and 10 USD).

READ MORE: Plan the perfect trip to Thailand with these 1, 2 and 3-week itineraries .

There are plenty of fancy restaurants in Thailand that are still affordable.

High-quality meals can cost a few hundred Baht, and they will probably taste just as delicious as the super cheap, local restaurants.

But for those who really want a taste of luxury, Thailand has lots of fine-dining restaurants as well.

As you are paying for the highest quality possible, Thai food meals at luxury restaurants can cost up to 1,000 Baht.

This is still only about 30 USD, which is incredibly cheap as far as fine dining goes.

So if you’ve always wanted to dabble in some creative and high-quality cuisine, Thailand is an affordable place to do it.

Best Places to Eat in Thailand

Now that you’ve learned all about the best food in Thailand and how much it costs, here is exactly where to find it.

From mango sticky rice and Thai fried rice, to noodles with fish sauce and garlic and green curry thick with coconut milk, you can find all the best Thai specialities in almost every restaurant.

There are so many incredible restaurants in Thailand that it would be impossible to cover them all, and of course, this list would vary based on personal opinion.

But if you are looking for a little inspiration about where to eat Thai food in various destinations around Thailand, here are some great ideas.

For each major city, you will find an option for street food, and options for budget, mid-range, and high-end restaurants.  

BOOK NOW: Learn to cook traditional Thai in Koh Samui

When you travel to Bangkok, among the many great things to do will be to check out these places to eat.

• Street Food: Khao San Road Night Markets
• Budget: Ran Nai Oo
• Mid-Range: Krua Apsorn
• High End: Eat Me Restaurant

Visiting Chiang Mai is a must. So too is trying these delicious markets and restaurants.

• Street Food: Chang Phuak Gate Night Market
• Budget: Khao Soi Khun Yai
• Mid-Range: Reform Kafé
• High End: Oxygen Dining Room

When you visit Phuket you’re going to want to give these places a try.

• Street Food: Bangla Road Street Food
• Budget: Mor Mu Dong
• Mid-Range: Nam Yoi Restaurant
• High End: Blue Elephant Governor’s Mansion

Krabi has some pretty amazing dining options. Be sure to swing by these places when you visit Krabi.

• Street Food: Krabi Night Market in Chaofah Park
• Budget: Red Chilli Thai Cuisine
• Mid-Range: Kodam Kitchen
• High End: Gecko Cabane Restaurant

When you make it to Koh Samui, checking out these markets and restaurants should be on the top of your list of things to do .

• Street Food: Chaweng Night Market
• Budget: The Hut Cafe
• Mid-Range: Kawin’s Kitchen
• High End: Supattra Thai Dining

READ MORE: Make the most of your trip to Thailand with these Thailand travel tips .

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Thai Food – 15 Dishes You Won’t Be Able to Live Without

Thai Food – 15 Dishes You Won’t Be Able to Live Without

Travelers flock to Thailand for the stunning tropical beaches, bustling cities, and serene mountains. It’s not surprising that millions of people visit each year, the country is stunning! But it’s not just the landscape that draws travelers to Thailand – the food is PHENOMENAL, and world-renowned.

Thai food is notoriously tasty, spiced to perfection, and actually quite healthy. The dishes are unique and varied, ranging from light and fresh salads to dense and hot curries. A foodie heaven!

There are countless fine dining spots across the country, but the real cuisine gems are found in roadside restaurants, and sold off street vendors’ carts. The best part? Thai food is super cheap!

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What is Food in Thailand Like?

 the best thai dishes, veggie and vegan dishes in thailand, desserts in thailand, final thoughts.

Thai food is as diverse and colorful as Thailand itself. The dishes vary from region to region, and you’ll soon discover that the best places to eat are not the fancy restaurants. Thailand has a spectacular street food culture . There are vendors everywhere, selling just about every kind of meal and snack, at costs so low you’ll be stocking up.

When you are backpacking through Thailand , the first thing you need to do is find out where the local market is. That’s where you’ll find the cheapest, most scrumptious, and authentic Thai dishes. 

Some of the best food markets are the Hua Hin Night Market – where the smell of grilling skewers is heavy in the air, and the Phuket Weekend Market where there’s always something weird and wonderful to sample. 

If you don’t like spicy food, you might struggle a bit. A top tip is to ask for extra rice to help distribute the a little, or go for creamier, coconut milk based curries instead of hot curries like gaeng keow wan gai (green curry). 

Vegetarians and vegans will need to work a little harder. Thais love to use beef, pork, and chicken in their meals. They also use condiments like oyster sauce in their stir-fries, marinades, and as a dipping sauce. Be sure to ask if you are worried.

Eating in Thailand is a budget travelers dream. Everything is affordable outside of the big restaurants. You can get a huge meal for mere dollars! Many things around Thailand may be expensive , but food is where you can really save the bucks.

Thai Food Culture Across the Country

What you eat will depend on where you are staying in Thailand . Each region has its own local delicacies, and celebrated dishes. For those in a particularly touristy spot, you might not be getting the most authentic Thai food. Restaurants tend to tone down their recipes to make them more appealing to foreigners, especially if they’re spicy!

Real foodies should visit Bangkok . This is where you will find all the best Thai dishes, there’s also more choice of places to eat. The city is buzzing with cooking classes to try out , too! Plus, Bangkok is home to the most acclaimed Thai restaurant in the world, Nahm.

In northern Thailand you’ll discover delicacies like khao soi (cut rice). Wander night markets and find northern Thai dishes to sample. Fresh seafood dishes are the best in beach destinations like Hua Hin, or islands like Ko Bulon Lee. They are seafood heavens!

Like most places, Thailand’s culture and cuisine has been heavily influenced by its neighboring countries. Thailand borders Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar – and all of them have left a touch of their own flavors. Chinese immigrants in particular have heavily influenced Thai food. Dishes like kha moo (stewed pork leg) were brought by Chinese visitors and added to Thailand’s vast food repertoire. Go further afield, and you will find that even Europe has played its part in Thai food. 

A cool example is green chillies. A fundamental ingredient in a Thai green curry, they were introduced by Portuguese explorers around the 16th century – who would have thought it! 

Thai Food Festivals

Thailand is all about celebrating and festivals. They have a spectacular array of festivals that take place each year, and commemorate the country’s traditions, history, and food. Festival season is the best time to visit Thailand to really get an insight into the country’s culture.

One of the most unique and curious is the Tesagan Gin Je – Jae Festival for short, and the Nine Emperor Gods Festival to foreigners. This traditional food festival has Taoist roots, lasting 9 days, and is also celebrated in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

What’s it all about? Well, it’s basically a vegan and vegetarian food festival! Although it’s more complex than just being vegan for nine days. The celebration (if taken seriously) involves giving up meat and animal products, as well as any vegetables with a strong smell! Garlic and onions are off the menu. Kinda like the Christian celebration of lent.

The dates of Jae Festival vary from year to year following the lunar calendar. It tends to fall between the 8th and 17th of October.

Shops and food stalls use a flag system to let you know what you can and can’t eat during the Jae Festival. If there’s a little yellow and red flag by the item, then it’s Jae safe, munch away!

The best places to be for the festival period are Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Samut Sakhon – although it is celebrated across the country, wherever you are you won’t miss out.

Of course, the festivities will change what you’ll be eating. There’s still hearty and tasty food allowed, like popular noodle dishes phad mee jae , phad see ew , and phad mama. tHEN there’s the jab chai soup that is made in big pots everywhere during Jae. 

Another fascinating Thai FOOD festival is the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival. It’s only celebrated in the town of Lopburi, in central Thailand, and it’s unlike anything you’ll have come across before.. 

For a start, the food isn’t for you – it’s for the town monkeys! The tradition began back in the 1980s as a way of thanking the town’s macaque residents. Platters of fruit and vegetables are laid out around town, left for the monkeys to snack on.

It takes place on the last Sunday of November, and it’s not something you wanna miss! Of course, there’ll be a feast for non-monkeys , too. The festival brings out the best street vendors. 

Get ready to take some notes. If you are heading to Thailand, these are the must-try dishes that will blow your mind!

1. Pad Thai 

Pad Thai is probably the most famous Thai dish. It is a stir-fried noodle meal, that is rumored to have been introduced to the country by Chinese immigrants. It is the best start for baby-mouthed tourists as it isn’t too spicy.

Pad Thai has a fantastic blend of contrasting flavours, balancing salty, sweet, and sour in a single dish. 

The main ingredients are flat rice noodles, some sort of meat (usually seafood, pork, or chicken) or tofu for the veggies, bean sprouts, eggs, shallots, tamarind, and a few more additions. 

This is a must-eat for any Thailand visit.

2. Kaeng Lueang

Thai curries are world-renowned as some of the best. They are fresh, light, and always delicious – and kaeng lueang (yellow curry) is the perfect show of that.

The dish gets its name from its yellow colour, created by one of the key ingredients, turmeric. The ingredients you find in your yellow curry will vary regionally. But the key ingredients are yellow thai curry paste, an assortment of vegetables, some kind of protein, cumin, turmeric, lemongrass, and coconut milk.

The dish is creamy, light, and oozing with flavour. It’s not as spicy as Thailand’s other famous curries, so even little ones will enjoy it!

3. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai

Of all the thai curries, gaeng keow wan gai (or simply green curry) is the spiciest. It’s not one for the faint hearted. It gets its name from its most notable ingredient – green chillies. 

The chillies are spicy enough to blow your head off! They are simmered in coconut milk first to take some of the heat away. Funnily enough, green chillies aren’t native to Thailand, and this dish was only curated after Portuguese missionaries introduced them in the 16th century. 

Green curry was originally made in Central Thailand, and combines a blend of green curries, coconut milk, vegetables, lots of spices, and essential curry ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, shallots, and many more! 

But seriously, if you don’t like spicy foods then don’t touch Thai green curry – not everything needs to be tried.

Laab is a signature salad in many parts of north-eastern Asia. It is thought to originate from Laos, but is now one of Thailand’s most popular dishes. 

But don’t be fooled into thinking that this salad will leave you hungry, it’s hearty and filling! The mix of minced meat, mint leaves, coriander, mushrooms, and a dressing very similar to that used for som tam will fill you up. 

As the salad is a bit greasy and spicy (chillies are a staple in pretty much every Thai dish), it is accompanied by a side of chopped raw vegetables that you can nibble on to clean your palate in-between mouthfuls. 

5. Pad-Se-Ew

Noodles are to Thais what pasta is to Italians – a staple food that is snuck into as many dishes as possible. Lucky for you, they’re absolutely delicious! Pad-Se-Ew is one of the most filling noodle dishes around.

When you’ve got a long day ahead, find a street stall and get yourself a plate of thick rice noodles, vegetables, pork or chicken, and a generous dashing of dark soy sauce. It’ll fuel you up to keep going all day.

Savory and filling, Pad-Se-Ew can be topped with some chilli flakes, lime, vinegar, or (curiously) a little sprinkling of sugar – that’s how the locals like it. Try out the most authentic noodle dishes in local markets on a friendly tour .

6. Massaman Curry 

Massaman curry is originally from Southern Thailand. It’s thick, flavoursome, and filling.

The main ingredients are potato and meat, cooked in a sauce of coconut milk, roasted peanuts, spices, and a few secret ingredients. 

Make sure you are super hungry if you’re ordering Massaman curry ! It is served with a bowl of rice and a few side toppings like chilli flakes, and extra roasted peanuts. 

7. Moo Satay 

Pork is delicious, and so is peanut satay sauce – combine the two and you get something heaven-sent. Skewers with thin slices of pork are covered in silky coconut milk and turmeric, and cooked over a charcoal BBQ.

The meat is juicy and tender, and a creamy peanut satay sauce is served on the side for dipping. It also comes with a little side of vinegar and cucumber salad, a great palette cleaner that brings out a sour taste which is very popular in Thai food.

In fact, Moo satay is so tasty and easy to find, you can be forgiven for not trying any of the other Thai dishes on the list. 

8. Yam Pla Duk Foo

Each country has a dish you’ll probably never come across again, Yam Pla Duk Foo is that dish in Thailand. It’s not often you find a catfish salad on a menu elsewhere.

The catfish is deep fried to a crisp, and mixed with chunks of sour mango, peanuts, red onion, some fresh coriander, and of course chillies. The salad mix is covered in sweet and sour yam sauce. 

It’s the perfect dish for a light lunch or brunch, and goes down nicely with a glass of Thai beer!

9. Khao Soi

Khao soi is a soup dish that is found around Thailand at local eateries and small food stands. It’s particularly popular in Chiang Mai, where you can get a bowl of khao soi at all hours. 

Soups are a staple part of Thai food, but as Khao soi is Burmese-inspired, there’s a slight twist to the flavors and ingredients. If you’re after something comforting and restorative, this is the dish! 

One of the main ingredients is coconut milk, which gives it a rich and creamy consistency, and a slightly sweet taste. You can expect curry broth, soft egg noodles, beef (can be substituted by chicken or tofu), and a sprinkling of toppings like pickled vegetables or crisp, deep-fried egg noodles.

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Now let’s look at some dishes suitable for vegetarians and vegans. One of the best parts about traveling is discovering new flavors and cultures through food. It can be a bit disappointing, and at times disheartening, when all you can see on the menu is meat and fish. 

Fear not, Thailand has plenty of scrumptious meat-free dishes that even meat eaters will totally love. Most of these Thai dishes are easy to make too, so you can add them to your homemade Thai food repertoire!

10. Laab Jay

We’ve talked about laab , and this is just the veggie version. The meat is replaced with hearty chunks of tofu, mixed in with green lettuce, onions, a few other vegetables, and some spices.

Be careful though, as this dish is on the spicier side – if you’re not a fan of foods that leave a slight burning sensation in your mouth, then laab jay is best avoided.

You can get the dish served with pumpkin and onion to fill it out, and add some sweetness. It may be a salad, but it’s filling enough for a meal anytime of the day.

11. Pad Phuk Tong

This heavenly Thai dish puts other pumpkin recipes to shame. The pumpkins are fried up in sauce, garlic, and sometimes tofu. Check that the recipe was made with vegetarian oyster sauce if you want to be extra careful.

Pad phuk tong isn’t as easy to find as other dishes. Keep an eye out for it because it’s absolutely delicious! You can even make it at home when you get back from your holiday.

12. Veggie Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a classic. Swap out the meat for tofu or egg (or both), and you’ve got yourself a simple and tasty veggie meal.

The noodles are mixed with an assortment of vegetables, like broccoli and bamboo shoots. You get a large variation on how the dish tastes depending on the season and region. 

It’s not particularly spicy, and mixes a blend of sweet and salty nicely. If you are vegetarian or vegan, ask the chef if they’ve used fish sauce or dried shrimp to prepare their sauce. 

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Now something for the sweet tooths, dessert! When you’ve filled up on the many delicious Thai mains, you’re going to want something fresh, light, and sweet to finish off. Here are the best ones!

13. Khanom Tom

Coconuty and sweet, these little treats are a dessert version of a dumpling. They’re made with rice flour and stuffed with a blend of melted plam sugar, coconut milk, and shredded coconut. 

They’re often colorful as butterfly pea extract or pandan leaves are added to the dough, making them a vibrant green or light orange colour. These little delights were named after a national figure, Khanom Tom, in honor of his legendary bravery.

They’re small and packed with flavour, a favourite amongst kids. If you’ve just had a heavy meal this is the perfect dessert to finish off with – yum!

14. Grass Jelly

Grass jelly alone isn’t very tasty, but mix it with a sweet sauce and some tropical fruits, and it’s to die for! As you might have guessed, a lot of the sweet sauces added to grass jelly are coconut based. 

You can even eat grass jelly with a rich ice cream. Despite its sweet taste, it’s actually very healthy. Grass jelly is good for detoxifying, helping your kidneys, lowering blood pressure, helping with weight loss, and alleviating arthritis.

15. Khao Lam

Khao lam is a traditional Thai food that is the equivalent of rice pudding. The mix is stuffed into bamboo sticks, and left over hot coals to slow cook, making it gooey and much more fun to eat.

Most khao lam recipes are made up of white or black sticky rice with sugar, coconut milk (of course), and sweet red beans. As it’s cooked in bamboo sticks, it has a cylindrical shape, and is often topped with some sugar and sesame seeds.

The way the dish is slow-cooked makes it especially rich. You can get it from street vendors across Thailand, even at temples!

Whether you think of yourself as a foodie or not, we can all admit that a nutritious and delicious meal never goes amiss. Thailand promises exquisite plates of food across the country, and for next to nothing.

Thailand is the kind of place that nourishes the mind, soul, and most importantly, the belly. See how many of these dishes you can try and tick off your list as you travel around!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Clair Cathryn

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Kasma's Thai Food & Travel

Explore Thai Food and Travel with Kasma Loha-unchit.

• Thai Ingredients
• Articles on Thai Cuisine & Culture
• Cooking "to taste" – never blindly follow a recipe!
• Balancing Flavors: An Exercise .

Authentic Thai Recipes by Kasma Loha-unchit

Recipes Copyright © 1987 – 2020 Kasma Loha-unchit.

Here is a sampling of the many Thai recipes Kasma has developed since she began teaching in 1985. Many include notes and pointers that suggest how to vary the recipe and how to improve your cooking.

Thai Appetizers

Coconut Seafood Soup with Galanga (Dtom Kah Taleh) Golden Pumpkin Coconut Soup (Gkaeng Liang Fak Tong) Hot and Sour Prawn Soup (Dtom yum Gkoong) Stuffed Squid Soup with Napa Cabbage or Squash (Gkaeng Cheud Bplah Meuk Yad Sai)

Thai Salads

Green Papaya Salad (Som Dtam) Hot-and-Sour Shrimp Salad with Roasted Chilli Sauce, Lemon Grass and Mint (Plah Gung) Northeastern-Style Spicy Minced Chicken Salad with Mint and Toasted Rice (Lahb Gkai) Sliced Tart Crisp Green Mango with Chillies and Salt (Mamuang Yam Prik Gkap Gkleua) Spicy Mesquite-Grilled Eggplant Salad (Yum Makeua Yao)

Thai Curries

Chicken and Roasted Eggplant in Red Curry Sauce (Gkaeng Ped Gkai) Easy Green Curry with Pork (Gkaeng Kiow Wahn Moo) Green Curry with Fish/Shrimp Dumplings (Gkaeng Kiow Wahn Loogchin Bplah/Gkoong) Roast Duck and "Pumpkin" Curry (Gkaeng Ped Bped)

Thai Main Courses

Thai vegetable dishes.

Asian Broccoli with Salted Mackerel (Ka-nah Pla Kem) – Blog Bitter Melon and Egg (Mara Pad Kai) Pan-Fried Mackerel and Assorted Vegetables with Hot-and-Pungent Fermented Shrimp Dipping Sauce (Nahm Prik Bplah Too) Steamed Eggplant with Sesame-Soy Sauce Stewed Taro with Green Onions Stir-fried Asparagus, Oyster Mushrooms and Shrimp in Garlic Sauce (Naw-mai Farang Pad Nahm Man Hoi) Stir-fried Chive Flower Buds with Shrimp and Oyster Mushrooms (Pad Dawk Goochai Gkoong Hed Hoi Nahnglom) Stir-fried Pea Sprouts with Garlic

Thai Noodles & Rice Dishes

Chiang Mai-Style Curry Noodles (Kao Soi) Congee (Rice Porridge) (Kao Dtom Moo) Pad Thai (Thai-style Stir Fried Noodles) Salted Black Olive Fried Rice (Kao Pad Nahm Liap) Spicy Chicken and Basil Fried Rice (Kao Pad Gkai Gkaprow) Stewed Beef Rice Noodles – "Boat Noodles" (Gkuay Dtiow Reua)

Thai Desserts

Thai beverages.

Thai Iced Tea

Perfect Jasmine Rice Steamed White Sticky Rice (Kao Niow Neung

Chile-lime Fish Sauce Roasted Chilli Paste (Nahm Prik Pow) Thai-Style Hot-and-Sour Dressing for Seafood Salads Vietnamese-Style Spicy Fish Sauce

See Also: The Spirit of Thai Cooking – comments on what constitutes authentic Thai food.

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Best neighborhoods to visit in Chiang Mai

Apr 28, 2024 • 5 min read

Chiang Mai's neighborhoods each have their own mix of history-steeped streets, lively nightlife and tranquil temples to explore © HoneyBee201306 / Getty Images

Often called Thailand’s “Capital in the North,” the mountainside city of  Chiang Mai is an idyllic destination with bundles on offer across its rich and varied neighborhoods.

The lush green scenery and ancient architecture captures the hearts of visitors, as does the range of things to do – you’re never far away from a forested waterfall, a medieval temple or a fantastic jazz club.

This low-rise metropolis has a bustling center and the best neighborhoods to visit are just a short distance apart. It’s easy to get from A to B using songthaew minivans or taxi-hailing apps, so staying in one place when visiting is the best way forward, because nothing is too far away.

Here are the best neighborhoods to explore in Chiang Mai.

Best neighborhood for history  

At Chiang Mai’s heart is its ancient center. Surrounded by an impressive, wide moat, the walled Old City buzzes with life and activity. Buddhist temples such as the red-brick Wat Chedi Luang , teak-decked Wat Phan Tao and gold-leafed Wat Phra Singh are on every main road. Large museums including Lanna Folklife Museum  and Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center  also keep history-loving tourists busy.

Just 1.5km (1 mile) in length and breadth, the Old City is great to amble around on foot or by bicycle, stopping whenever something catches your eye. It’s not just for culture vultures; this neighborhood is awash with pretty cafes and some of the liveliest nightlife spots in the city, from the classy North Gate Jazz Co-op to the raucous Zoe in Yellow . It’s a great place to be based on your first visit if you like to be in the thick of it.

The Old City's temples are among the best free things to do in Chiang Mai

Best neighborhood for restaurants

A relatively new neighborhood to the west of the Old City, Nimman (short for Nimmanhaemin) is packed with boutique hotels and modern condo buildings. The drinking and dining options boomed around the influx of residents and consequently it’s become a busy evening destination, full of bars and restaurants.

Every possible cuisine is done very well here. Choose from the quintessentially Northern Thai noodle dishes at Kao Soy Nimman and Ginger Farm Kitchen , or international spots covering Chinese, Indian, Italian and Korean food – and of course there's burgers galore. Nimman is also home to award winning coffee roasters Roast8ry Lab and Ristr8to Original , and the brilliant vegan community hub Free Bird Cafe .

Know these 11 things before traveling to Chiang Mai

Best neighborhood for local bars  

Directly north of Nimman (but with distinctly fewer tourists) sits Santitham. This is a busy local neighborhood, where the daytime sees a steady traffic thanks to the cafes, schools, gyms and camera repair shops. But it’s the bars and clubs that you should check out here, ready to keep you busy until the small hours.

Yawk Bar is the spot to watch sports or just enjoy a few beers, while Santitham Plaza has a bunch of large open-air venues that are always busy and fun on the weekends – the best in that square is Chang Hi Bar. EDM heads will appreciate BLU CNX . Alternatively, just wander around and pull up a chair at one of the countless small roadside spots; most aren’t listed on Google Maps. 

Best neighborhood for peace and quiet

Driving into Jed Yot from the highway feels like you’re not in the city at all. The road twists and turns through green fields and quiet back streets that are framed by the verdant Suthep mountain range. This peaceful neighborhood is set apart from the nightlife in Nimman, and it's a 10- to 15-minute drive from the Old City, but the distance means cheaper and quieter stays.

That’s not to say it’s a dull area; Jed Yot is home to one of the oldest temples in the city, Wat Chet Yot , which is unique due to its Indian-influenced architectural style. There’s also a number of great museums:  Chiang Mai National Museum , Sbunnga Textile Museum and the Highland People Discovery Museum , which gives an awesome introduction to the lives of the diverse hill tribes who populate the north of Thailand. 

Chinatown and Night Bazaar

Best neighborhood for street food

Just west of the Ping River sits Chiang Mai’s vibrant Chinatown, the 19th-century trading post that’s still thriving today. The main attraction, Warorot Market (also known as Kad Luang), is a large indoor shopping hub that spreads across two blocks. It's full to the brim with clothes, homewares and, most importantly, food stalls galore, both Thai and Chinese. It’s a great area to base yourself if you love big community vibes and great, cheap eats, all just 1km (0.6 miles) from Pratu Tha Phae , the Old City’s east entrance gate.

Directly below Chinatown is the Night Bazaar zone. The bazaar itself is a souvenir market and the area is full of great restaurants. It's also home to two of the most LGBTQI+ friendly spots, Ram Bar and 6ixcret , where elegant drag performers sing and dance pop hits until the small hours. 

Best neighborhood for riverside hangouts

Along the eastern flank of the Ping River, the Wat Ket neighborhood is lined with old wooden houses and warehouses from bygone years – squint and you could be in the 1950s. On the riverbank are laid-back bars, restaurants and cafes like Good View and The Riverside , where you can graze the days away. Come back in the evening to see the nightlife here buzz, particularly on the weekends when locals and visitors enjoy the live music and dance floors.

Wat Ket is a great area to stay in, full of character and generally a bit cheaper as it’s set back from the old city.

Keep planning your trip to Chiang Mai:

Navigate like a local with these ​​​ tips for getting around Looking for more great experiences? Here are our top picks in Chiang Mai Explore beyond Chiang Mai on these day trips

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Experience new york city’s first ever thai festival.

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An inaugural Thai Fest will happen in Manhattan on April 20.

New York City is the location of a new food festival and it will be the first ever one centered on Thai cuisine.

The inaugural Thai Fest will take place on Saturday, April 20, on 6 th Avenue between 29 th and 30 th Streets in Manhattan. Its hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This food festival will deliver a taste of Thai food and drink by showcasing Thailand’s cultural flavors and traditions through 12 participating restaurants from throughout New York City.

Thai Fest, which is sponsored by the beverage brand, Chi Forest, was organized as a sister brand of the Dragon Fest . This NYC festival was founded in 2023 and celebrates Chinese culture through a schedule of events, tastings and market fairs.

Both events were started by Biubiu Xu, an entrepreneur and cultural advocate who also launched Egg House in 2018, an NYC pop-up immersion experience.

Twelve Thai restaurants throughout New York City will participate in Thai Fest.

“While hosting Dragon Fest, the team encountered various cuisines from countries with significant overseas Chinese populations, naturally including Thai cuisine,” said Xu. “Dragon Fest is an annual outdoor festival that celebrates Chinese food and culture in New York. Following its success, the team decided to expand our cultural festivals to include other Asian cultures, leading to the creation of Thai Fest.”

The 12 restaurants will set up booths and offer around 35 different food items. As admission to Thai Fest is free and open to the public, the cost for purchasing food and drinks will range between $8-$15 each.

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“What makes Thai cuisine unique in NYC is the presence of both authentic food from underrepresented restaurants and innovative, creative twists on traditional dishes from more well-known establishments,” said Xu. “This diversity is embraced and reflected at Thai Fest, where the festival highlights these culinary aspects through the participation of various NYC Thai restaurants.”

Traditional Thai food and drink will be sold at the inaugural Thai Fest.

The offers include Thai delicacies include some well-noted city establishments. The planned list extends to: Crab Fried Rice from Fish Cheeks in Manhattan; spicy Krapow from Mayree in Manhattan; savory Fried Meatballs from Sappe in Manhattan; rich Khao Soi from Soothr in Manhattan; and crispy Fried Chicken from Somtum Der in Manhattan.

Other choices will incorporate classic Pad Thai from Rua Thai in Brooklyn; sweet Mango Sticky Rice from Zabb PuTawn in Manhattan; flavorful Garlic Noodle from Obao in Manhattan; and tangy Tom Yum Ramen from 11Tigers in Manhattan.

“These restaurants were invited to join based on their reputation for quality and authenticity in Thai cuisine,” said Xu. “The active participation of these Thai restaurants can be attributed to their eagerness to engage in community events that provide an excellent platform for promoting Thai cuisine and culture.”

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Khao Thai owner is back with new restaurant Thai Taste Cuisine in Millcreek Township

Tatsinipan King, former owner of Khao Thai, 36 North Park Row, is back in town and she has a new restaurant to show off.

She opened Thai Taste Cuisine at 35 Peninsula Drive on Monday.

"It went very good," she said of the opening of the new establishment, located near Sara's just outside Presque Isle State Park.

Since closing her restaurant on Perry Square and spending some time opening another restaurant in the Florida Keys, she and her husband, Brian King, have moved back to Erie, and he is now an information technology worker for the city of Erie.

Her son, Anthony King, who is attending Mercyhurst University, is helping her in his spare time, but for now she's doing the cooking, the serving and the owning.

King's sister, Suputchanok Homchum, is also here helping her open the restaurant, but she will soon leave to return to the Florida Keys and operate their restaurant there.

What's on the menu?

"We specialize in Kung Pao chicken, donkey noodles, pad thai and drunken noodles," King, 50, said. "All the food is good and homemade."

For information, visit thaitasteerie.com .

Contact Jennie Geisler at [email protected] or at 814-870-1885. 

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Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, captivates travelers with its busy street markets, vibrant nightlife, and historic temples. From historic palaces to incredible street food, Bangkok’s dynamic energy and rich heritage make it a must-visit destination for those looking for a real adventure.

The city keeps bringing me back — my most recent trip was my fifth time visiting the city in the last 3 years. On this trip, I had just 1 night in Bangkok, so I wanted to take it easy and unwind before my flight to Kuala Lumpur the following day.

After some deliberation, I decided to book a hotel that would allow me to spend my last day in Thailand relaxing. I chose the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit as I stayed at the property several times last year and had a great experience each time.

However, this was my first time staying at the property as a World of Hyatt Globalist member, so I was hoping for a nice suite and a comfortable stay.

Read on for my full review of the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit and why you should consider this property if you travel to Bangkok.

Booking the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit

Since I had decided on the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit for my 1-night stay, I headed to Hyatt’s website to see what cash rates for the property were, a necessary first step before deciding whether to pay with cash or to redeem World of Hyatt points .

Cash rates were around ฿3,575, or about $98, including taxes and fees.

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit is a Category 1 Hyatt property, meaning that award nights start at 3,500 points per night (off-peak) and can be as high as   6,500 points per night (peak). Since it was the standard season, the hotel could be booked for 5,000 points per night.

According to our valuations,  World of Hyatt points are worth 1.5 cents per point , making 5,000 points worth $75. Using World of Hyatt points for this 1-night stay would have been a great use of points; however, I decided against doing so. I usually save my World of Hyatt points for hotels that are much more expensive to get much more value out of my points.

Learn the best ways to earn tons of World of Hyatt points in our full guide.

I booked a (1) Standard King (No Sofa Bed) room , the cheapest one available. Having stayed at the property several times last year and being upgraded without asking, I was confident I would get upgraded to a nicer room this time around for being a  World of Hyatt Globalist member.

The total for my stay was just about $98, including taxes and fees.

As with all my Hyatt stays, I used  The World of Hyatt Credit Card for payment, as it earns  up to 9x points total for Hyatt stays: 4x Bonus Points at Hyatt hotels and 5x Base Points as a World of Hyatt member .

Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit Location

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit is located on Soi 24 in the nightlife and shopping district of Sukhumvit. The property is a 4-minute walk to the Phrom Phong BTS SkyTrain station , which can connect you to the rest of Bangkok.

Nearby attractions include 3 world-class shopping malls: Emporium , EmQuartier , and EmSphere . The famous Bhiraj Tower is a 10-minute walk from the property.

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit is a 45-minute drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) .

If you are arriving from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok’s smaller airport, the journey also takes approximately 45 minutes by car.

You can also reach the property using public transportation. As long as you can connect to the BTS Skytrain, getting to the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit is easy.

I arrived at the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit around 7:30 a.m., well before the hotel’s official check-in time of 3 p.m. I proceeded straight to the hotel entrance.

I entered the hotel at ground level and took the elevator up 1 level to the lobby and check-in counters.

Upon exiting the elevator, I was greeted by intriguing artwork featuring a prominently displayed rooster across the hall — odd choice for an art piece, in my opinion.

The check-in desks were conveniently located directly to the left of the art piece.

I was warmly greeted by a courteous front desk agent who requested my identification to locate my reservation. The agent expressed gratitude for my Hyatt Globalist status and welcomed me back to the property.

As I arrived at the property before 7:30 a.m., my room was not ready for check-in. However, the front desk agent informed me that my room would be available around 10 a.m., considerably earlier than the official check-in time of 3 p.m.

The agent told me I could wait in the lobby until the room was ready. However, I did a quick tour of the lobby before heading out to breakfast.

After returning to the hotel after breakfast, I went to the check-in desk to inquire if my room was ready. The front agent informed me that it was and that my bag had already been sent up.

She also informed me that the hotel had upgraded me to a King Suite with a sofa bed and that she noted a 4 p.m. checkout, a benefit of Hyatt Globalist status.

She then handed me the room keys and 2 drink vouchers for being a Hyatt elite member. These vouchers were good for drinks at AIRE BAR or The Market.

As a World of Hyatt Globalist , I was entitled to several enhanced benefits, including:

• Free daily breakfast
• 4 p.m. late checkout upon request
• Upgrade to best room, up to standard suites
• Club lounge access (when available)

After completing the check-in process without receiving any room keys, I explored the lobby to see what amenities it offered.

A small seating area was directly across from the check-in area. It consisted of a 3-person sofa, a couple of armchairs, and a central coffee table with an elegant rug.

Another seating section was to the left of the initial seating area, divided by a wall. This area boasted several armchairs, 2 wooden side tables, and a round rug.

The right wall had a massive bookshelf adorned with various Thai artifacts, antiques, and books. The bookshelf was visually appealing and added to the ambiance of the lobby.

The lobby restaurant, Gallery Lobby, was to the left of the second seating section. I’ll expand more on this in the Food and Beverage section.

A small bar was around the corner from the check-in desk. The back wall behind the bar featured an attractive display of various liquors, which added to the space’s ambiance.

The hotel provided complimentary infused water in glass dispensers for guests to enjoy. I found this necessary as the temperature was above 95 degrees at 7 a.m.

The Market, a common feature in Hyatt Place hotels, was to the right of the check-in desk.

The hotel had 2 sets of elevators: a “Low Zone” lift serving floors 1 to 19 and a “High Zone” lift for higher guest floors and access to the AIRE BAR.

Overall, the hotel lobby was relatively small and intimate. However, the thoughtful furniture and design elements truly elevated the different seating sections. Despite its smaller size, the lobby never felt overly crowded.

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit boasted several amenities, including a fitness room and swimming pool. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

The property has an incredible rooftop pool on the 19th floor. It was open daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

A limited number of pool chairs were available. During peak times, the pool area was crowded, with insufficient seating for all guests.

A small shelving unit with clean pool towels was near the pool entrance.

The property has a 24-hour fitness center, also on the 19th floor. Although the fitness center was rather basic, it satisfied all my needs.

Guests could use 1 of 2 treadmills available.

A section was dedicated to strength training, with a massive chest press and chest fly machine.

Additionally, a bench and a rack containing several dumbbells of varying weights were available.

The hotel also had 2 separate yoga rooms available. The serene spaces had yoga mats, balls, and other equipment.

The second yoga room across the hall was slightly larger than the first.

The hotel offered high-speed Wi-Fi to all guests. Wi-Fi speeds were adequate for internet browsing and some light media streaming.

Connecting to the Wi-Fi was simple. All I had to do was connect to the network and enter my last name and room number when prompted.

Free on-site parking is available to all in-house guests.

King Suite Room

I took the “High Zone” elevators to the 22nd floor and turned left to the end of the hall, where my suite was.

Despite having stayed at this hotel previously, it was my first time as a Hyatt Globalist and my first time being upgraded to a suite.

Upon entering the King Suite, I was pleasantly surprised by its ample space. The first thing I noticed was the massive sofabed and ottoman. Both were surprisingly comfortable.

The left side of the sofa had a small end table with a desk lamp, and the opposite side had a floor lamp.

There was also a sofa tray table for those wanting to have a meal while relaxing on the sofa. Although I only used it when eating a small snack, I found it to be very practical and convenient.

Next to the sofa area was a small workstation with seating for 2 people. Although the seats had an intriguing design, they were uncomfortable, so I opted not to use them much during my stay.

A wall-mounted TV with a sizable cabinet beneath it was to the right of the workstation and directly across from the sofa.

The hotel provided 6 complimentary water bottles placed on top of the cabinet.

The cabinet’s top shelf had a kettle, packets of instant coffee and tea (including English breakfast tea and pure green tea), and glassware.

All the other shelves in the cabinet were empty. However, the room’s minifridge was on the far left of the cabinet.

Directly behind the sofa and workstation, the room’s windows stretched the room’s length. The windows offered a stunning panorama of tall skyscrapers and nearby hotels.

The mix of lower buildings and towering skyscrapers made for an enjoyable sight. Bangkok has developed considerably since I first visited in 2016.

Upon entering the bedroom, I saw a bench upholstered in plush material. Next to the bench was a small end table.

Against the back wall was a storage unit with a granite countertop. I stored my bag here during my stay.

I then saw the king bed, which looked incredibly comfortable (and it was). The bed had 4 pillows of varying firmness, and I appreciated the quality of the bedding

A small nightstand was on both sides of the bed. The left nightstand had the room’s phone, a notepad with a pen, and the TV remote. Above it were 2 AC power outlets, light controls, and a small wall-mounted lamp.

The right nightstand was empty. Above it was a single AC power outlet, a USB port, 2 light switches, and a lamp.

Directly across from the bed was the bedroom’s TV.

To the left of the TV was a small bedroom closet. Here, you could find 2 robes, an iron and ironing board, and a safe.

I noticed the sizeable vanity area with a deep sink as I entered the bathroom.

The bathroom vanity was remarkably spacious — it was definitely larger than the one I have in my apartment.

The countertop featured a box filled with complimentary toiletries, including 2 dental kits, a comb, a shaving kit, KENETMD-branded hydrating body lotion, a shower cap, and a vanity kit.

Additional towels were neatly stored below the sink, along with 2 extra rolls of toilet paper and a scale.

To the left of the bathroom vanity was the toilet equipped with a bidet hose.

The walk-in shower, featuring a handheld showerhead, was to the left of the toilet.

The shower featured wall-mounted reusable containers of KENETMD-branded toiletries, including pro-vitamin shampoo, nourishing conditioner, and invigorating shower gel.

To the far right of the bathroom was a soaking tub. Although I didn’t use this tub, it did look inviting.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the suite. I enjoyed the spacious layout, which divided the massive room into separate sections.

The sofa provided a comfortable spot for relaxation; I even took a nap on it. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and I appreciated the quality of the bedding provided.

However, the most impressive part of the suite was undoubtedly its breathtaking views of Bangkok.

I’m grateful to Hyatt and the hotel staff at this property for consistently providing excellent service and upgrades, making my stays even more enjoyable as a Globalist member.

Food and Beverage

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit featured several on-site dining options — here’s a look at what’s available.

The hotel’s primary restaurant, Gallery Lobby, offers authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant was open between 11 a.m. and 12 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and between 11 a.m. and 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

The diverse menu featured a wide selection of Thai dishes , including curries, soups, noodles, and rice dishes, along with options for plant-based dishes.

The lobby boasted several small dining tables, which made for an intimate culinary experience.

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit features a rooftop bar, AIRE BAR , on the 28th floor.

The bar had several seating options, both indoors and outdoors. My favorite section was this cozy corner, which featured sofas and coffee tables. I loved the aesthetic of this area — it was Instagram-worthy.

The bar had several other seating areas, including 1 nestled in the corner with patio furniture.

Bar-style seating along the walls of the building offered incredible views of Bangkok.

AIRE BAR provided an extensive selection of food options, conveniently marked with symbols indicating vegetarian, spicy, and pork-containing dishes.

I opted for the AIRE BAR Classic Chicken Burger , which is garnished with a fried egg, cheese, spicy homemade BBQ sauce, tomato, onion, and lettuce and served with steak fries.

AIRE BAR also featured an extensive beverage selection. I used 1 of my free drink vouchers and ordered a Red Surprise mocktail.

After approximately 20 minutes, a hotel staff member brought my chicken sandwich and steak fries. The meal paired well with my Red Surprise mocktail.

From the bar, you get 180-degree views of Bangkok. I was fortunate to capture this incredible sunset right after my early dinner.

Gallery Kitchen , where guests have breakfast, is located on the hotel’s third floor. Breakfast is served weekdays from 6 and 10:30 a.m. and weekends between 6 and 11 a.m.

You will immediately see the breakfast buffet as you get off the elevator on the third floor.

The breakfast seating area is located directly to the left. It features around 25 dining tables with seating for approximately 75 people.

After placing my bag at one of the tables, I checked out what the breakfast buffet had to offer.

The initial section of the buffet showcased an array of fresh sushi rolls, including a variety of California rolls and maki rolls. Accompanying condiments such as pickled ginger, soy sauce, and wasabi were also available.

A section for cured meats and cheeses included favorites such as brie cheese.

Additionally, a refrigerated section offered yogurts, oatmeal, fruits, salads, and fresh juices. Yogurt variants comprised natural and coconut flavors.

A small selection of fruit assortments included papaya, dragon fruit, and canteloupe. Numerous salad varieties were also available.

Juice varieties included orange, guava, and cold-pressed fresh watermelon juice. Milk options included almond milk, soy milk, and low-fat milk.

Following that, a section was dedicated to hot food options, featuring slices of ham, chicken sausages, baked potatoes with rosemary, and strips of bacon.

Guests could also choose from yellow curry with chicken, Pad Thai tofu, and steamed jasmine rice in the hot food section.

Finally, a dedicated bakery section offered a variety of pastries, including mixed fruit danish, cinnamon danish, chocolate croissants, and butter croissants. The wide array of pastries was definitely the breakfast highlight for me.

Additionally, the selection of bread included whole wheat toast, white toast, and sourdough loaf.

After perusing the extensive breakfast buffet options, I gathered some plates and made my way to my seat.

I was thoroughly impressed with the hotel’s breakfast selection. The wide variety of options catered to every palate, and the pastries were particularly exceptional.

Additionally, the attentive staff constantly replenished the food, maintaining freshness throughout the breakfast service. Overall, it was one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had (and I stay in a lot of hotels).

Located in the hotel lobby near the check-in desk, The Market offers a variety of freshly prepared grab-and-go food items.

The Market had an outstanding selection of nonalcoholic beverages, featuring bottled juices, sparkling and still water, and various soft drinks.

A dedicated refrigerator was stocked exclusively with a selection of local and international beers.

A freezer was filled with ice cream in various flavors, including vanilla bean, cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, Kaffee almond, honey macadamia, passionfruit sorbet, and strawberry.

There was also a small selection of Coconut Crispy Rolls and instant noodles, offering options like minced pork soup and tom yum kung (spicy shrimp soup).

The service at the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit was exceptional . From the attentive front desk staff to the welcoming atmosphere, every aspect of my experience at the hotel was positive.

The staff members were friendly, accommodating, and always eager to assist, reflecting their dedication to ensuring a memorable stay for all guests.

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit is an excellent Hyatt property worth considering for those visiting Bangkok. Despite multiple stays, I always leave wanting more time at this Category 1 Hyatt gem.

The rooms at the hotel feature modern design elements and spacious layouts, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The rooftop bar provides stunning city views, and the food and beverage prices were reasonable.

The breakfast at the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a phenomenal selection of food options and fantastic service.

Best of all, the hotel is a Category 1 Hyatt property, meaning it can be booked for relatively few World of Hyatt points.

The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What category is the hyatt place bangkok sukhumvit.

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit is a Category 1 World of Hyatt property.

How many World of Hyatt points do you need for a Category 1 Hyatt award booking?

A Category 1 Hyatt award can be booked for 3,500 points per night (off-peak), 5,000 points per night (standard), or   6,500 points per night (peak).

How many floors does the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit have?

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit has a total of 33 floors.

Are resort fees and destination fees waived for Hyatt Globalists?

Yes, all resort and destination fees are waived for Hyatt Globalists.

What are some famous places near the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit?

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit is near some of Bangkok’s high-end shopping malls including Emporium, EmQuartier, and EmSphere.

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About Ehsan Haque

Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.

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How Thailand lured the White Lotus producers away from Japan and plans to cash in on the show's popularity with tourists

As fans eagerly wait for a new lot of guests to check into the White Lotus, a behind-the-scenes drama has been unfolding to secure the filming location of the Emmy-award winning show.

The series has been so incredibly lucrative for the first two destinations it featured that some have dubbed it "The White Lotus effect".

A show ostensibly about tourists has in turn been a boon for tourism in Hawaii, where online interest in the Four Seasons Maui jumped by 425 per cent after the first season aired.

And in Sicily, where Jennifer Coolidge was famously stalked by murderous gays in season two, the production is estimated to have resulted in over 32 million euros ($52.8 million) worth of spending and a 300 per cent jump in online searches, according to travel site Expedia.

So when rumours surfaced of a "high profile" showrunner  — believed to be White Lotus creator Mike White — scouting locations in Japan, Thai authorities swept in to try to woo the team to South East Asia instead.

How Thailand lured The White Lotus away from Japan

Tourism Authority of Thailand Executive Siripakorn Cheawsamoot said they were proactive in their attempts to lure the popular show to the kingdom.

"We approached the White Lotus production team and then we talked with them about trying to bring their budget costs down with potential partners," he told the ABC.

"There are two kinds of incentives. Firstly, cash incentives with rebates and then in-kind incentives as well."

In-kind incentives are non-cash incentives, and can include things like offering services for free.

"A lot of partners in the private sector offered their services, sometimes complimentary, some on an agreement," Mr Cheawsamoot said.

He explained that hotels were provided to the actors and film crew to stay in. Transport and airfares were some of the other perks.

But the real clincher was the Thai government's recently beefed-up film incentive program, which offers a cash rebate of up to 20 per cent for foreign film productions.

In an effort to attract more film and TV productions, the government decided in 2022 to waive the personal income tax for foreign talent for five years, meaning the stars of season three — which include Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Aimee Lou Wood — won't pay Thai tax while working on location.

Thailand's gain was Japan's loss and at last year's Toyko Film Festival, local producer Georgina Pope lamented the lost opportunity.

She pointed to the Thai government's generous film incentive system, which she claimed added up to $US4.4 million ($6.6 million) in savings for the White Lotus project.

The financial details have not been disclosed and the Tourism Authority of Thailand did not confirm that number but Mr Cheawsamoot agreed the sweeteners offered to the White Lotus team would have amounted to millions.

Tourism authorities and local businesses say it is worth the money that was spent.

They expect to see many times that figure in return in the form of visitor numbers and increased spending.

"In terms of economic returns, we've got high hopes," Mr Cheawsamoot said.

Seeing big stars at your local restaurant

While many guests on Koh Samui have no idea what's going on beyond the sign of the Four Seasons hotel, the crew have been spotted around the island.

Already, searches on Expedia for Thailand have jumped by 50 per cent since the announcement that filming would take place in Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok.

Local restaurant owners Olive Lamlert and Patrick Moukarzel have had several visits from White Lotus cast and crew.

"It's very cool and very surprising. And the nice thing is that they came back because they like it. So that means a lot," Patrick said.

The couple say some stars of the show have also popped by.

"I was excited because it was Aimee [Lou Wood] who plays the role of Amy in Sex Education and she's super famous. I'm a big fan!" said Olive.

"And then it was Walton Goggins who is in a lot of HBO series and [2015 superhero film] Ant-Man."

Olive and Patrick are also big fans of the White Lotus series itself.

As former hotel workers, they said they could relate to the battles depicted within the series, which features a dysfunctional hotel chain and the challenges of dealing with inhospitable guests.

"It reflects what we used to do and what we had to deal with the guests," Olive laughed.

"The headache ones, the difficult ones, the nice ones, the drama … although maybe not as much drama as in the show."

Patrick said everyone on the island was excited about the potential economic impact of the series.

"It will be very very good, not only for Samui," he said.

"When you come to Thailand, you come to Samui, you go to Bangkok, you will visit another city or small island. So the whole country will benefit."

The downsides of a big show coming to town

While it's hoped the show will bring in more tourism dollars, some locals are worried about the possible impact of more people arriving on Koh Samui.

Parts of the island have been gripped by a water shortage crisis, which has been blamed on drought conditions and a surge of tourist arrivals post-pandemic.

There's also been an ongoing issue with waste disposal on the island as it struggles to keep up with the 200 tonnes of trash produced per day.

Late last year, Koh Samui had reportedly accumulated about 200,000 tonnes at its main landfill site and authorities were left with no option but to export the problem to the mainland.

Local environmentalist Anon Vatayanon said the Thai government needed to have a plan in place to manage the impacts of tourism on the environment.

"Samui became popular because of its nature — the sea, sand and sun," he said.

"The most important thing is that we protect our main selling points … how we manage wastewater, the quality of the water, the environmental impact from road use and air pollution.

"The movie industry wouldn't be filming here if the environment wasn't nice. If we lose it nobody will come here."

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot from the Tourism Authority of Thailand said any boost in tourism would be managed sustainably.

"Sustainable tourism is our key focus for this coming year," he said.

"That's been the key focus for the Department of Tourism to control and communicate with the filming crew."

'Set-jetting' shaping travel itineraries around the world

Thailand is no stranger to big film and TV productions and the big waves of tourism that often follow.

People still flock to James Bond Island where The Man With The Golden Gun was filmed in the 1970s and Maya Bay is still recovering from the impacts of 2000 adventure drama The Beach.

The Leonardo DiCaprio film sparked controversy due to the impact of the shoot and the influx of tourism on the once pristine sands of the bay at Koh Phi Phi Leh.

The area was eventually closed to visitors in 2018 to allow it to recover from the damage caused by millions of tourists.

But authorities say much has changed in the 24 years since the cult movie was released and many lessons were learnt.

They're now hoping to cash in on a trend known as 'set-jetting' where tourists choose locations based on films and TV shows.

The phenomenon has been attributed to a US$200 million dollar boost to Croatia's economy thanks to Game of Thrones and a 50 per cent increase in inbound tourism to New Zealand following the release of The Lord of the Rings.

According to analysis by travel website Expedia, 44 per cent of travellers last year drew inspiration from movies and TV shows, far outpacing the influence of social media at just 15 per cent.

Last month, a post on the White Lotus official Instagram page promised "unforgettable experiences are in the making at #TheWhiteLotus."

"We are eager to welcome new guests to our resort in Thailand."

Thailand is eager to welcome them too.

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km travel chesterfield 2024 brochure prices

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Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

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Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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Na Ulitse Yalagina 13B Apartments

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Balashikha Arena
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Church of Vladimir
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall

Destinations in May

Destinations in 2024.

Please note prices are based on two persons sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements may apply, please call check single availability/price.

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The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is . Journey Duration.

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Cities near Elektrostal. Places of interest. Pavlovskiy Posad Noginsk. Travel guide resource for your visit to Elektrostal. Discover the best of Elektrostal so you can plan your trip right.