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Thailand is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes and magnificent architectural wonders, but also for its unique culinary culture. It's no coincidence that Thai specialties always hold a special allure, enticing countless people to explore. If you ever set foot in the Land of Smiles, you simply must indulge in all the earthly delights it has to offer. Here are the most sought-after Thai specialties favored by international guests.
1. Introduction to exquisite Thai cuisine
It's worth giving heartfelt praise to the Thai people for their clever combination of traditional dishes with culinary essence from various countries, while still maintaining the unique identity of Thai specialties. This has created a culinary culture that is both diverse and innovative, yet deeply rooted in the flavors of the homeland.
Whether it's royal cuisine, palace dishes, or street food, Thai cuisine maintains its unique characteristics. Thai culinary culture is heavily influenced by Chinese frying, stir-frying, and deep-frying techniques, while its flavors strike a harmonious balance between spicy, salty, sour, sweet, and bitter influences from India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and beyond.
Thai cuisine seamlessly blends with the world's culinary scene (Image Source: Compiled)
To create the five flavors (sour, spicy, salty, bitter, sweet), Thais rely entirely on natural spices. For sourness, they use ingredients like lemongrass, lime leaves, or tamarind. Meanwhile, saltiness comes from soy sauce and fish sauce; sweetness from brown sugar, palm sugar, or molasses. For intense spiciness, Thais use chili, galangal, ginger, and pepper to give their dishes a distinctive kick.
In general, Thai specialties are incredibly diverse in preparation methods and flavors. This not only provides diners with more choices but also urges travelers to quickly visit this beautiful land.
2. Top 10 renowned Thai specialties everyone knows about
2.1 Pad Thai (Thai-style Stir-fried Noodles)
Pad Thai is considered one of the most popular Thai specialties among Thais. Essentially, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish with a Thai twist. For locals, Pad Thai is the epitome of Thai cuisine. The harmonious blend of sweet and savory spicy flavors creates a symphony of taste that captivates every diner.
Pad Thai is a signature dish of the Land of Smiles (Image Source: Compiled)
The method of preparing Pad Thai is quite simple, so anyone can make it. First, the chef stir-fries noodles or rice noodles with eggs and tofu, adds a bit of red chili, tamarind paste, and a little palm sugar. Next, the noodles are mixed with crushed roasted peanuts, shrimp, garlic, bean sprouts. When the noodles soak up the smooth tamarind sauce and the flavor becomes rich, it's the perfect moment to indulge.
Before eating, diners can squeeze a bit of lime to balance the dish or sprinkle crispy fried shallots on top. This promises to be an authentic Thai dish that will leave a lasting impression.
2.2 Tom Yum
It's hard to say when the name Tom Yum became synonymous with Thai specialties, but it's undoubtedly one of Thailand's most famous dishes, known worldwide.
The special allure of Tom Yum soup lies in the perfect harmony of its four distinctive flavors: sour, spicy, salty, and sweet. This soup is made from fresh shrimp, mushrooms, and a dash of lemongrass, pineapple, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. When all the ingredients blend together, they create an explosion of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.
2.3 Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is one of the Thai specialties that delights international travelers. In Thailand, you can easily find Mango Sticky Rice being sold everywhere, from street vendors to upscale restaurants. Moreover, it's relatively inexpensive and its flavor appeals to the majority of Asian palates.
Mango Sticky Rice is an essential dessert in Thai traditional feasts (Image Source: Compiled)
While savoring, diners can taste the tangy sweetness of ripe mangoes blending with the rich creaminess of coconut milk and the subtle aroma of sticky rice. This is a tantalizing specialty that you can't miss when you have the opportunity to travel to Thailand.
2.4 Assorted Noodle Soup
At first glance, this dish may remind you of Vietnamese Pho. However, it's only when you taste it that you realize the difference between the two dishes.
Thai Assorted Noodle Soup features various types of noodles, not just one. In a typical bowl of Thai Assorted Noodle Soup, you'll find up to 4 types of noodles such as rice vermicelli, instant noodles, glass noodles, and large rice noodles. One of the highlights of this dish is that diners can combine multiple toppings at once. For example: beef, pork, chicken, chicken drumstick, beef tendon, beef balls, fish balls, etc.
Additionally, diners can choose between two different types of broth to accompany their meal. The first is a clear broth; the second is a dark broth extracted from blood and spices. Both types of broth boast rich, aromatic flavors that are irresistible.
2.5 Grilled Pork Skewers
This may be a fairly common dish that you can find anywhere. However, the distinctive flavor of Thai grilled pork skewers leaves a lasting impression on everyone.
The preparation of grilled pork skewers in Thailand also differs from other countries. The pork is thinly sliced and then minced. Afterwards, it's mixed with various spices and formed into round shapes, skewered onto bamboo sticks. The pork is grilled directly over charcoal, releasing its fragrant aroma everywhere.
Thai grilled pork skewers have a distinct flavor that is unmatched anywhere else (Image Source: Compiled)
When eating, you can clearly taste the intense spiciness mixed with a rich flavor, creating an explosion of strong taste in your mouth. Many diners joke that the more they eat grilled pork skewers, the more they become addicted and can't stop. Thai grilled pork skewers are one of the Thai specialties favored by locals.
2.6 Som Tam (Papaya Salad)
If you've ever watched Thai television shows, you're probably familiar with this dish. Som Tam (Papaya Salad) always ranks among the most popular Thai specialties. The reason why papaya salad is loved is because of its distinctive flavors such as sour, spicy, salty, and bitter.
Papaya is shredded into thin strips. Then, the chef will pound the papaya in a mortar and pestle until it's soft and mushy. They don't forget to add some characteristic spices to enhance the flavor. When the spices are fully absorbed into the papaya, the rich flavor will tantalize your taste buds.
2.7 Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Although not extravagant, Khao Pad can conquer even the most discerning palates. Khao Pad is simply a rustic mixed fried rice dish, humble yet its delicious aroma has made it famous.
It's no coincidence that Thai people always classify Khao Pad (Fried Rice) as one of the Thai specialties. All the distinctive flavors in Khao Pad reflect the essence of Thai culinary culture. It's the delicate combination of various diverse ingredients while still maintaining its unique identity.
Fried rice is one of the beloved dishes by Thai people (Image Source: Compiled)
When enjoying, diners can perceive the hearty aroma of white rice. Blended with the richness is the distinctive flavor of onions, chicken, shrimp, eggs, and fragrant fried garlic. Moreover, when all these ingredients dissolve with a hint of chili spiciness and the saltiness of soy sauce, a refreshing sensation bursts within you.
2.8 Guay Teow
Guay Teow is one of the popular Thai specialties but not widely known in Vietnam. However, just because of that, if you miss out on this 'superb' dish, it's truly regrettable.
In Thai, Guay Teow is the generic term for various types of soups and noodles. To make this dish, one uses chicken, pork, beef, rice noodles, or egg noodles as ingredients. Then, diners can add wontons or meat to the broth according to preference. The broth of Guay Teow is quite thick, so the flavor is incredibly rich.
When eating, diners can enjoy it with dried chili and lime juice to achieve the perfect taste of Guay Teow. Additionally, you can indulge in Guay Teow at any meal of the day.
2.9 Panang (Thai Curry)
If you're a hardcore fan of curries, don't miss out on Panang from the Land of Golden Temples! Panang is considered by many tourists as the best Thai curry in this country. Part of the reason is that Panang's broth is not too spicy compared to other Thai curries. Furthermore, Panang can also be prepared in a vegetarian version. Therefore, Panang is one of the Thai specialties that is very suitable for vegetarians.
2.10 Gai Tod (Fried Chicken)
Fried chicken is a familiar and popular dish that you can find anywhere. However, the Land of Golden Temples has a completely new and enticing recipe that enchants many travelers. Gai Tod (Fried Chicken) is meticulously marinated with a special blend of spices and rice flour before being deep-fried.
Gai Tod (Fried Chicken) is a dish both exotic and familiar that travelers should try at least once in their lifetime (Source: Collection)
However, the secret to the distinctiveness of Gai Tod compared to traditional fried chicken lies in the special dipping sauce called 'nam jim.' When enjoying it, diners will savor the rich flavor in every bite of meat combined with the 'divine' sauce. Altogether, it creates a dish that is light yet unforgettable.
3. Top 5 Street Foods in Thailand That Will Blow Your Mind
3.1 Thai Milk Tea
Perhaps this is a refreshing drink that is no longer unfamiliar to young people in Vietnam. Although traditional milk tea has a strong foothold in the Vietnamese market, the appearance of Thai milk tea has created a 'new wave.' The special allure of Thai tea may come from its deliciously creamy familiar taste combined with the light, refreshing taste of tea.
3.2 Thai Banana Roti
When it comes to Thai street food specialties, one cannot forget the legendary Banana Roti. Walking along the streets, night markets, tourists easily spot stalls selling stacked banana cakes everywhere.
Thai Banana Roti is a very popular street food in Thailand (Source: Collection)
A complete stack of banana cakes includes: bananas sprinkled with condensed milk, chocolate sauce,... Although the ingredients may seem simple, the aroma and flavor are deliciously rich. Stacked banana cakes are considered a Thai specialty with a unique flavor that stands out from anywhere else.
3.3 Coconut Sticky Rice Ice Cream
Coconut sticky rice ice cream is one of the beloved Thai specialties, especially among the younger generation. After a tiring sightseeing journey, you can refresh yourself by stopping by a roadside coconut sticky rice ice cream cart. A serving of coconut ice cream loaded with toppings costs only 40 baht (equivalent to 28,000 VND).
3.4 Salt-Grilled Fish
At first glance, one might think this dish is very salty, packed with salt. However, contrary to expectations, the fish is only seasoned with two layers of salt before being grilled over charcoal. After grilling, the seller scrapes off the remaining salt layer. Therefore, the inner fish remains sweet and fragrant.
Salt-grilled fish is grilled directly over charcoal, emitting an irresistible aroma (Source: Collection)
3.5 Fried Fish Cakes
An interesting aspect is that fried fish cakes in Thailand are fried to puff up, resembling small Vietnamese buns or cream puffs. Before frying, the fish cakes are marinated with various spices such as pepper, garlic, minced meat, chili,... After the ingredients have absorbed the flavors, the fish cakes are fried in a large pan of oil. When enjoyed, travelers will taste the rich, irresistible flavor.
3.6 Khanom Buang (Coconut Cream Crepes)
Khanom Buang is one of the iconic street foods of Thailand that you cannot miss. Khanom Buang, also known as mini crepe cakes, has a distinctive sweet taste. This snack is sold all over the streets of Thailand.
Khanom Buang is made from rice flour, mung bean flour mixed with eggs, coconut milk, and lime juice. Then, the vendor adds a layer of smooth white coconut cream and foy tong (shredded egg yolks and golden threads). After completion, the cake is folded and placed on stainless steel bars for sale. A super cheap coconut cream crepe cake, starting from 10 baht (about 7,000 VND).
4. Thai Specialty Gifts
4.1 Banana Cake
Banana cake is always an ideal specialty gift to give to family and friends. The outer layer of the banana cake is a soft sponge cake. Inside the cake is a flowing banana milk or rich chocolate filling. This perfect combination brings a sweet, fragrant taste suitable for all ages. From the elderly to children, everyone loves this specialty treat.
Banana cake is a popular Thai specialty gift that Vietnamese tourists favor (Source: Collection)
Tourists can find banana cakes at Thai supermarkets or convenience stores. The price of banana cakes is very affordable, ranging from 4,000 VND to 7,000 VND per piece.
4.2 Spicy Bento Squid
Spicy Bento Squid is one of the Thai specialties that Vietnamese people highly appreciate. Dried squid is marinated with spicy and flavorful spices, making every tourist addicted. Moreover, Thai Bento Squid offers many flavors for diners to choose from, from mild to super spicy. Spicy Bento Squid can be an interesting gift to give to friends and family.
4.3 Durian Chips
Durian chips are the most popular specialty gift for loved ones chosen by international guests. The chips have a distinctive creamy taste of fresh milk and durian, making them very easy to eat. Packaged in small bags, durian chips are easy to buy and convenient to bring as gifts. Plus, you don't have to worry about the chips taking up much space in your suitcase.
Durian chips, fragrant and delicious, are suitable as gifts for all ages (Source: Collection)
4.4 Pork Floss Cinnamon Rolls
Pork Floss Cinnamon Rolls are among the most famous Thai specialties. The crispy outer crust encases a flavorful pork floss filling inside. When indulging, you'll experience a delightful crunch along with a sweet, fragrant aroma.
Pork Floss Cinnamon Rolls are not just a light dessert for afternoon tea but also make a meaningful gift. If you ever find yourself in Thailand, don't miss the chance to savor this special treat!
4.5 Thai Tea
If you're longing to enjoy Thai milk tea directly in Thailand, fret not! Now, you can easily purchase packaged Thai tea produced in Thailand. Thai tea bags come in two main flavors, including green Thai tea and red Thai tea. You can find them at supermarkets, Big C, or local markets.
Don't forget to buy those bags of green Thai tea, red Thai tea to bring back as gifts for your loved ones! (Source: Collection)
4.6 Dried Fruit
Fruits are always an essential part of Thai cuisine. That's why dried fruit is always of particular interest. Thai dried fruits are a diverse combination of many characteristic fruits such as dried jackfruit, dried banana, durian, rambutan, etc. All are carefully packaged for travelers to take away.
Dried fruits will be a meaningful gift for your family and friends during your trip to Thailand.
Thai Cuisine Delights from Thailand never cease to enthrall enthusiasts of exotic flavors. If you're planning a trip to Thailand and still wondering what to eat or buy as souvenirs, don't forget to jot down these suggestions! Reach out to the hotline Mytour by Mytour for complimentary advice on affordable Thai tours! The Mytour team will address all your queries regarding tour prices and itineraries.
