Five Dishes to Try When Visiting Thailand
With so many dishes to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin, especially if you’re planning Thailand holidays in 2026 and want the best introduction to local flavours. Here are five must-try dishes that capture the spirit and diversity of Thai cuisine.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is an ideal starting point if you’re new to Thai food. It’s the dish most travellers recognise: flat rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu or your preferred meat or seafood, tossed with a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce that gives it its distinctive flavour. Bean sprouts and crunchy peanuts add fresh texture, while lime and chilli let you adjust the heat and acidity to your taste.
Authentic Pad Thai is easy to find across the country, from street-food stalls where the wok flames dance over open burners, to casual sit-down restaurants serving slightly richer, more polished versions. The combination of familiar ingredients and exciting flavours makes it a perfect first bowl for anyone easing into Thai cooking.
Tom Yum Goong – Shrimp Soup
Tom Yum Goong is one of Thailand’s most iconic dishes, famous for its explosive blend of spicy, sour and aromatic notes. At its core, it’s a prawn soup infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and chillies, creating a fragrant broth that feels both cleansing and deeply comforting. Some versions include mushrooms or evaporated milk for added richness, but the flavour profile is always unmistakable.
It’s a brilliant dish to try early in your trip, especially if you’re exploring during cooler evenings or visiting during the rainy season. You’ll find Tom Yum Goong everywhere, including street vendors with bubbling pots and beach cafés serving it alongside freshly grilled seafood. It’s a dish that shows how Thai cooking delivers flavour intensity without overwhelming the palate.
Som Tum – Green Papaya Salad for a Fresh, Spicy Kick
For something vibrant, refreshing and fiery, Som Tum is a favourite across Thailand. This salad uses shredded unripe papaya, crushed chillies, lime juice, tomatoes, fish sauce and peanuts, pounded together in a mortar to create a bold mix of sour, salty, spicy and sweet. Long beans are often added for crunch, making it an incredibly satisfying dish despite its simplicity.
Originating in the northeastern Isaan region, Som Tum brings a very different side of Thai food to the table: lighter and zesty, yet still full of character. It’s commonly eaten as a street-food staple, often paired with sticky rice or grilled chicken.
Thai Green Curry – Creamy Coconut Curry with Spice
Thailand’s curries deserve special attention, and the green curry is among the most beloved. Made from green curry paste, creamy coconut milk, Thai basil, aubergines and your choice of meat or tofu, it offers a warming, aromatic richness without being overly heavy. It’s a wonderful example of how Thai cuisine layers herbs and spices to build depth.
Green curry is especially good for an evening meal after a day of temple or market exploration. While you can find it at street stalls, it’s often most enjoyable in sit-down restaurants, where the spices have been slow-simmered, allowing the flavours to round out fully.
Khao Neow Moo Ping (or Thai Street-food Grilled Pork with Sticky Rice)
Khao Neow Moo Ping is the dish to look for if you prefer something snack-friendly. These skewers of marinated grilled pork are smoky, slightly sweet and incredibly moreish.
They’re typically served with sticky rice, making them the perfect grab-and-go meal while wandering through night markets, strolling along the beach or exploring temple grounds. It’s one of the best insights into how locals eat on the move. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved staple.
Image credit – Dreamstime
