Top 25 Best Thai Dishes You Should Be Eating In Thailand (Not Pad Thai)

Yes, Pad Thai is mouthwatering, and without a doubt, one of the most popular Thai street food dishes there is.

But what if I told you that it’s not even one of the best Thai dishes that exist?

There are a plethora of other lesser-known-but-just-as-delicious Thai dishes that just simply don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Thailand: the land of beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, friendly locals with warm, welcoming smiles, and of course – absolutely delicious foods with fragant flavors.

And as long as you know how to avoid getting food poisoning in Thailand, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be taking in all the cuisine this beautiful country has to offer!

If you’re anything like me, you love trying all of the popular local foods when traveling to new countries. Sometimes, I even find myself booking trips to specific places just because I’m craving the food! 

But, often times, we find a few dishes that we like and just continue to order those foods every time we eat – not really branching out of our foreign food comfort zones or trying any of the country’s other lesser-known foods.

This comprehensive list of the 25 Best Thai Dishes will have your mouth watering, and inspire you to think outside of the Pad Thai box and eat your way through this list of some of the best Thai dishes this foodie nation has to offer – from street vendors to local restaurants.

ALLERGY WARNING: Many Thai foods are made with peanuts and various kinds of nut oils. For tips on how to order food in Thailand with a nut allergy, or what foods you can eat in Thailand with a nut allergy, check out this article.

The 25 Best Thai Dishes You Should Be Eating (That Aren’t Pad Thai)

1. Coconut ice cream

With coconut being the key ingredient (pretty self-explanatory), this sweet treat is actually served inside a coconut shell! 

Along with your scoop of delicious, creamy ice cream, you can choose from a range of toppings, including: coconut jelly, sweet, kidney beans, corn and peanuts, and more.

2. Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong is a popular hot and sour Thai shrimp soup that is characterized by its distinct sweet and sour taste. Its main ingredients include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, and red chili peppers. This spicy shrimp soup is a must-try for anyone visiting Thailand, and can easily be found at street stalls or local restaurants.

3. Green mangos with chili sauce

This sweet and tangy snack is a popular treat often found all throughout Thailand. 

It’s a combination of ripe green mango slices, topped with a layer of tangy, red chili sauce. It is often also found topped with brown sugar, giving the perfect combination of a crunchy, tart yet savory snack.

4. Som Tam

The spicy green papaya salad, also known as Som Tam, is a traditional Thai dish that is loved by Thai people for its bold flavors and refreshing taste.

It is made with shredded unripe green papaya, green beans, tomatoes, peanuts, and chili peppers, and dressed with a tangy mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar.

This salad is perfect for awakening your taste buds and can be found at street stalls and local restaurants across the country.

5. Tom Yum soup

Tom Yum is yet another classic Thai favorite.

Tom Yum is a popular hot and sour Thai soup that is characterized by its distinct sweet and sour taste. It’s broth is cooked in a plethora of fragrant herbs and spices.

It’s also got a multitude of other ingredients including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce and chili peppers.

6. Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai, or Thai coconut chicken soup, is another soup very similar to Tom Yum. It’s also a spicy and hot soup, however, it includes a splash of coconut milk for a bit of extra sweetness. 

It is most commonly cooked with chicken but can also be found cooked with shrimp.

The Thai chefs making this dish cook the shrimp head in the broth separate from the shrimp body, so you can really taste the infusion of that shrimp flavor into the broth!

7. Massaman curry

I’m a huge fan of massaman curry. 

Massaman curry is a delicious dish that originated in southern Thailand. It’s a little bit sweeter and nuttier than other Thai curries, given its ingredients are pretty different.

The typical ingredients used in this curry include: onion, peanuts or cashews, fish sauce, potatoes, bay leaves, palm sugar, and chili. 

Massaman curry is typically ordered with beef and can be paired with some white rice or a side of egg noodles. 

8. Pod Kapow

Another favorite of mine! 

Pad Kapow, also commonly known as Thai Basil Chicken in some American restaurants, is another very popular Thai dish you just have to taste.

It’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with some of the ingredients including soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and, of course, Thai basil.

Pad Kapow is sometimes made with minced or chopped meat, with either chicken, pork, or even tofu. 

9. Nam Tok

Nam Tok is yet another tasty yet wildly underrated Thai dish.

The name means “waterfall” in the Thai language, which signifies the juice that drips from the beef when this dish is cooked on the grill. Yum!

This is essentially a regular salad topped with delicious cuts of seasoned Thai meat. It commonly comes with beef, but like most dishes can be made with pork as well. 

10. Thai iced coffee

A refreshing glass of Thai iced coffee 

 

This strong yet decadent morning delight is made with black, regular ground coffee, ground, cardamom, sweetened condensed milk and some almond extract.

Enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, this refreshing beverage can be found at street vendors and cafes throughout Thailand.

11. Morning Glory stir-fry

Morning Glory, also known as Pad Pak Boong Fai Daeng, is water spinach. 

This delicious vegetable is very popular in Thai cuisine for its tender leaves that really absorb flavors of garlic and fermented soy sauce beautifully. 

It is seasoned with soy bean paste, garlic, soy sauce, chillies, and oyster sauce, and then stir-fried to perfection- giving it a delicious salty-spicy-crunchy combination.

12. Thai Salt-Grilled Fish (Pla Po)

One of the best ways to eat a whole fish is by eating it grilled– the Thai way!

Though this dish might look a bit intimidating to some at first, there is definitely a great payoff for those that are brave enough to try it!

This fish is crusted in a thick coating of sea salt and then grilled whole, with the skin left on the fish so that it does not become too salty. 

After it’s grilled, simply peel back the crispy layer of skin and indulge in the moist fish meat underneath!

13. Thai BBQ Pork Spare Ribs

This is another fan favorite recipe that originated in the south of Thailand, yet due to its popularity has made its way all over the country and to Thai restaurants all over the world as well. 

Packed with some amazing flavors like fish sauce, soy sauce, peanuts, and cilantro, these pork spare ribs are marinated in a mixture of fragrant spices and then slow-cooked to juicy, tender perfection.

14. Papaya salad

Papaya salad is one of the first foods that come to mind when I think of Thai cuisine.

It is a popular type of spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya and long beans. It is commonly made with prawns, but can also be made with salted fish or crab.

The dressing is a fresh, tasty mix of lime, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chili. This dish, also known as Som Tam, can be found in various regions across Thailand, with each area having its own unique twist on the dish.

Pair this refreshing dish with a bowl of sticky rice for a harmonious blend of crunchy and chewy!

15. Pineapple fried rice

Pineapple fried rice actually originated in Thailand, though there are now many variations of this dish found all over the world.

This authentic Thai dish is simply fried rice cooked with curry powder, a little shrimp paste, and your choice of meat. All served in a pineapple!

The curry powder used provides a bit of a spicy kick, while the pineapple bits provide this fried rice with a bit of juicy sweetness.

The presentation is great and it’s definitely flavor-packed!

16. Mango sticky rice

Of course, the famous mango sticky rice.

The famous Mango Sticky Rice is a must-have dessert while in Thailand. The flavor of this dish is similar to the flavor of rice pudding, with the addition of fresh mango on top. The glutinous rice is sweetened with coconut milk and sugar, and sometimes it may be topped with crispy fried mung beans or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. 

It is truly soooo good, and an absolute must-have while in Thailand.

17. Pad Thai

Okay, okay. I know I mentioned that there’s more to Thai food than Pad Thai in the introduction, but it’s worth noting its main ingredients and popularity as a street food staple.

This iconic dish consists of rice noodles, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and a protein such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu. It is often garnished with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime wedges, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

It’s one of the most popular Thai dishes in Thailand (and around the world) and it’s no surprise why.

18. Thai Green Curry

Thai green curry is a well-known dish made with green curry paste, creamy coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and a variety of vegetables. The main protein is usually chicken, but it can also be made with beef, pork, or tofu. The green curry paste consists of green chilies, lemongrass, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients, which gives this curry its vibrant color and spicy flavors.

19. Pad Kra Pao

Pad Kra Pao, also known as Thai Basil Chicken or stir-fried chicken with basil, is a popular Thai dish that is often found at street food stalls and local restaurants. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with some of the ingredients including soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and, of course, Thai basil. Pad Kra Pao is sometimes made with minced or chopped meat, with either chicken, pork, or even tofu.

20. Panang Curry

Panang curry is a Thai curry that is less spicy than its red and green counterparts. It is made with a red curry paste, creamy coconut milk, and a variety of fresh herbs, such as kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil. This delicious curry is commonly cooked with chicken, beef, or tofu and served with jasmine rice.

21. Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew is a popular Thai dish made with wide rice noodles, dark soy sauce, and your choice of protein, such as chicken, pork, or tofu. It also includes vegetables like Chinese broccoli and is often garnished with black pepper. This flavorful dish can be found at street food vendors and Thai restaurants alike.

22. Poh Pia Tod

Poh Pia Tod, or Thai spring rolls, are a popular appetizer in Thailand. They are made with rice flour wrappers filled with a mixture of glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes meat or shrimp. These crispy, deep-fried rolls are typically served with a sweet chili sauce for dipping, making them a delicious starter to any Thai meal.

23. Yellow Curry

Yellow curry is a milder Thai curry made with a paste that includes turmeric, giving it its distinct yellow color. Like other Thai curries, it is cooked with creamy coconut milk and a variety of vegetables, and can be made with chicken, beef, or tofu. This delicious dish is perfect for those who don’t like spicy foods – you can enjoy the flavors of Thai curry without the intense heat.

24. Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad)

Thai fried rice, or Khao Pad, is a popular dish that can be found at street food stalls and local restaurants alike. It is typically made with jasmine rice, eggs, onion, garlic, and a choice of protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or pork. The dish is seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, and sometimes chili. It is often garnished with cilantro, cucumber slices, and lime wedges to enhance its flavor profile.

25. Khao soi

If I had to choose only one of my favorite foods from my Thailand trip, it would absolutely be this one. 

This is easily one of the best Thai dishes that I’ve tried during my stay in Thailand. And maybe even one of the best dishes I’ve ever tried while abroad.

And believe me, I’ve tried A LOT of foods!

Khao Soi is a soup dish originating from the north of Thailand.

Consisting of egg noodles, coconut milk, chillies, cilantro, scallions, and bean sprouts, Khao Soi has the taste of a red or green curry– except in a soup form. 

It is frequently cooked with chicken but can also be made with other types of meat as well. 

This dish is extremely popular, especially in the north of Thailand where it originated, and rightfully so! It can be found in any restaurant or street vendor in the north of Thailand, typically in the big cities like Chiang Mai.

Khao Soi is so good, that I even added it as an activity on my list of the 30 best things to do while visiting Chiang Mai!

But maybe wear some stretchy pants, because you will definitely be coming back for more.

Warning: It is very likely that you will fall in love with this dish and it is important to note that Khao Soi is not commonly found in any Thai restaurants abroad, outside of Thailand. It is very likely that you won’t be able to find this dish anywhere outside of Thailand itself, so take the opportunity to enjoy it while you can!

Related Reads

• The Best Thai Islands to Visit in July
• My tips for successfully renting a motorbike in Thailand