Not only is Thailand home to numerous famous and uniquely architected temples, but it also boasts a diverse and rich cuisine that has attracted a lot of attention.
If you ever have the chance to visit Thailand, be sure to try out their local specialties. Let’s explore 8 delicious must-try dishes and souvenirs to bring home from Thailand.
1. An Introduction to Thailand’s Tourism
Thailand shares similar geographical and climatic conditions with Vietnam, and its favorable location borders several countries, including Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Thailand is renowned for its thriving tourism industry, ranking among the top countries in the world for attracting tourists, with an average of over 12 million visitors annually. Thus, it has earned the affectionate title of “The Paradise of Southeast Asia.”
When we think of Thailand, bustling Bangkok, the romantic beach city of Pattaya, the gem of Phuket, or Chiang Mai come to mind. These destinations offer breathtaking natural landscapes, magnificent temples, exciting entertainment venues, vibrant traditional festivals, and, most notably, an abundance of delectable and unique dishes at extremely reasonable prices.
An Introduction to Thailand’s Tourism
2. Top 18 Must-Try Thai Specialties
Delicacies to Try When Visiting Thailand
Pad Thai
Pad Thai
One of the most famous and familiar dishes of the Golden Temple country is Pad Thai. In Vietnamese, Pad Thai can be understood as stir-fried rice noodles, and it is prepared by stir-frying ingredients such as pre-soaked rice noodles, shrimp, meat, fried eggs, bean sprouts, and chives with a delicious, smooth tamarind sauce.
To enhance the dish’s flavor, sprinkle some roasted peanuts, which add a crunchy and buttery texture, along with fried shallots, blending perfectly with the sweet, spicy, and sour flavors that characterize Thai cuisine.
Price: Approximately 60 – 80 baht (30,000 – 60,000 VND)
Recommended Places:
– Pad Thai Thip Samai: 313 Mahachai Road, Old City, Bangkok
– Pad Thai Ekamai: Sukhumvit 63 Soi 19, Bangkok
– Night markets and walking streets in Thailand
For more information, please refer to:
Tom Yum
Tom Yum
Tom Yum is an incredibly delicious and spicy dish that everyone knows and loves. Tom Yum is a soup made from fresh shrimp, lemongrass, herbs, mushrooms, and Thai kaffir lime leaves, with the addition of a small amount of coconut milk to create a smooth and creamy texture and a distinctive aroma. In 2011, Tom Yum was ranked 8th out of 50 dishes in CNN’s list of the world’s best dishes.
Price: Approximately 50 – 100 baht (40,000 – 80,000 VND)
Recommended Places:
– Tom Yum Kung: 9 Khaosan Rd., Taladyod, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok
– Pe Aor: 68 51 Phetchaburi Rd, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok
For further information, please refer to:
Som Tam
Som Tam
Som Tam, or Som Tum, is a green papaya salad with main ingredients including shredded green papaya, mixed with seasonings such as lime, chili, dried shrimp, pork rind, and fish sauce.
This dish is ubiquitous on the streets of Thailand and embodies the distinctive flavors of Golden Temple cuisine, featuring the sourness of lime, the mild spiciness of fresh chili, the saltiness of fish sauce, and the natural sweetness of palm sugar. All these flavors come together to create an unforgettable impression for diners from the very first taste.
Price: Approximately 70 – 90 baht (50,000 – 70,000 VND)
Recommended Places:
– Somtam Nua (Central Embassy): 1031 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
– Somtam Jay So: Phiphat 2, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
For additional information, please refer to:
Fried Rice (Khao Pad)
Fried Rice (Khao Pad)
Another delicious dish to try when visiting Thailand is the local fried rice (Khao Pad). This dish is typically served with chicken, crab, meat, onion, cucumber, and a few slices of tomato. If you want to indulge in a more unique and flavorful version of Khao Pad, opt for the one served in a pineapple, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also delicious.
Price: Approximately 50 – 100 baht (40,000 – 80,000 VND)
Recommended Places:
– Streats Cafe Khaosan: 42 Ram Buttri, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
– Thipsamai Restaurant: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Khao Soi
Khao Soi
According to TasteAtlas, a website dedicated to introducing cuisine to tourists, Khao Soi, a curry noodle dish from Thailand, was voted the best noodle dish in the world. It consists of crispy fried noodles, usually accompanied by beef or chicken, fresh scallions, pickled cabbage, and a slice of lime. The curry sauce is rich and flavorful, with a hint of coconut milk adding a creamy texture. The combination of ingredients creates a perfect dish, offering tourists a delightful culinary experience.
Price: Approximately 40 – 70 baht (30,000 – 50,000 VND)
Recommended Places:
– Took Lae Dee: Sukhumvit Soi 16, Bangkok
– Zong Pet Paloe: 11/58 Soi Lat Phrao, Wang Hin, Bangkok
Dancing Shrimp (Goong Ten)
Dancing Shrimp (Goong Ten)
One of the most famous and unique street foods in Thailand is Goong Ten, or dancing shrimp. This dish is prepared using fresh, clean, and live shrimp, mixed with seasonings such as fish sauce, chili, lime juice, shallots, lemongrass, and finely chopped herbs, and then stir-fried.
When savored, you will experience a harmonious blend of sour and spicy flavors without any fishy taste. Tourists who have tried this dish describe it as a unique and intriguing delicacy of the Golden Temple country.
Price: Approximately 90 – 150 baht (70,000 – 110,000 VND)
Recommended Places:
– Soi 38 Sukumvhit, Bangkok
– Ratchawat, Sriyan, and Nang Loeng markets in Bangkok
Grilled Pork Skewers (Moo Ping)
Grilled Pork Skewers (Moo Ping)
Moo Ping is not only a famous street food but also an affordable, mouthwatering delicacy. The dish is typically made with pork marinated in fish sauce, coriander, and coconut milk, then grilled over charcoal. The sizzling skewers emit an irresistible aroma, and when dipped in a special sauce and paired with sticky rice, they create an unparalleled culinary delight.
Price: Approximately 30 – 50 baht (20,000 – 35,000 VND)
Recommended Places:
– Moo Ping Jae Vaas: Soi Na Thong, Prachasongkro Road, Bangkok
– Moo Ping Hea Aoun: 76 Si Lom, Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is a popular snack in Thailand, made entirely from local ingredients such as sticky rice, mango, and coconut…. The ripe mango slices, paired with sticky rice infused with coconut milk, create a delightful balance of slightly sour mango and sweet, creamy coconut milk flavors, making this dish unforgettable.
Price: Approximately 40 – 80 baht (30,000 – 60,000 VND)
Recommended Places:
– Nok and Jo’s Restaurant: 37/1 Moo3, Choeng Thale, Phuket 83110, Thailand
– Markets in Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya
Thai Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs
Bento Squid
Bento Squid
is a favorite snack among young people in both Thailand and Vietnam. The flavor of this snack is just right, and it comes in various spicy levels. Feel free to choose the level of spiciness that suits your preference.
Price: Approximately 7,000 VND/ 6g package, 9.58 Thai baht/ package
Approximately 25,000 VND/ 24g package, 34.23 Thai baht/ package
Where to Buy: Convenience stores and supermarkets in Thailand.
Instant Thai Noodles
Instant Thai Noodles
Pad Thai and Tom Yum are iconic Thai dishes known for their distinctive blend of sour, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
If you want to bring some of these specialties home, you can purchase instant Pad Thai or Tom Yum noodles.
Thai
– Banh Xeo Tom Nhay: This crispy Vietnamese pancake filled with juicy shrimp can be found at street stalls along the beach, particularly near the Quy Nhon Fishing Port.
– Bun Cha Ca: For a bowl of hearty fish cake noodles, head to local eateries like Bun Cha Ca Ba Ngoc or Bun Cha Ca Ngoc Lien.
– Com Hen: This unique dish of clam rice can be enjoyed at Com Hen Ba Lu, a popular spot among locals.
– Oc Huong Nuong Mo Hanh: Grilled escargot marinated in a savory blend of lemongrass and chili can be found at seafood restaurants along the beach, such as Oc Dua Nuong Tre.
– Banh It Tap Cam: These colorful steamed glutinous rice cakes, a specialty of Binh Dinh province, can be purchased from local markets or specialty stores like Banh It Ba Lu.
– Bot Chien: A unique take on fried rice, Bot Chien is best enjoyed at street stalls in the city center, especially near the Quy Nhon Market.
– Che Bap: For a sweet treat, try Che Bap, a corn pudding dessert available at dessert shops like Che Bap Ba Muoi.
– Seafood: Quy Nhon is known for its fresh seafood, including shrimp, fish, clams, and escargot, which are prepared in a variety of ways, from grilled and steamed to stir-fried and noodle dishes.
– Herbs and Spices: Local cuisine makes generous use of lemongrass, chili, shallots, and garlic, adding a distinct aroma and flavor to many dishes.
– Fish Sauce: A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, fish sauce is used as a condiment and ingredient, adding a savory umami flavor to dishes.
– Coconut: Coconut milk and grated coconut are commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes, providing a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
– Local Produce: Quy Nhon’s markets are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, including corn, bananas, and jackfruit, which are often incorporated into dishes or enjoyed as snacks.
– Com Chay: Try Com Chay, a dish of steamed rice topped with a variety of vegetarian options, such as stir-fried vegetables, tofu, and mushroom dishes. You can find Com Chay at vegetarian restaurants or street stalls.
– Banh Canh Cha Dieu: This vegetarian noodle soup, made with wheat flour noodles and a savory vegetable broth, is a filling option available at local eateries.
– Fresh Spring Rolls: Enjoy fresh spring rolls (goi cuon) filled with vegetables, tofu, and herbs, dipped in a tangy peanut sauce. These are commonly available at restaurants and street food stalls.
– Jackfruit Dishes: Jackfruit is used in a variety of vegetarian dishes, including stir-fries, curries, and salads. Its meaty texture makes it a satisfying alternative to meat.
– Che Bap: The corn pudding dessert, Che Bap, is often made without animal-derived ingredients, offering a sweet vegan treat.
– Banh It Tap Cam: These colorful steamed glutinous rice cakes, a local specialty, can be purchased from markets or specialty stores. They are beautifully packaged and make a unique gift.
– Dried Seafood: Head to the Quy Nhon Fishing Port to find a variety of dried seafood products, including shrimp, fish, and squid. These make great savory snacks or ingredients for cooking.
– Local Spices: Lemongrass, chili, and shallots are commonly used in Quy Nhon’s cuisine and can be purchased from local markets. They add a unique flavor to dishes and are a great way to recreate the tastes of Quy Nhon at home.
– Coffee: Quy Nhon is known for its coffee production. Purchase a bag of locally roasted coffee beans to bring home a piece of the city’s vibrant coffee culture.
– Local Honey: Pure, natural honey produced by local beekeepers can be found at markets and specialty stores. It’s a sweet and healthy gift option.
Delicious Thai Cooking Tips.
With an abundance of spices and herbs, Thai cuisine is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to take advantage of this.
