Top 5 Signature Dishes of Thai Cuisine

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1. Tom Yum Goong – Spicy and Flavorful Shrimp Soup

2. Spicy Papaya Salad - Som Tam

3. Green and Red Curry

4. Pad Thai Stir-Fry

5. Kluay Buat Chee Banana Dessert

When you have the opportunity to travel to Thailand, don't forget to enjoy the most iconic dishes such as: Green and Red Curry, Tom Yum Goong, Spicy Papaya Salad, Pad Thai Stir-Fry, and the delightful Kluay Buat Chee dessert.

Thai cuisine can be described as a delicate blend of herbs, spices, and fresh produce. Thai dishes have a simplicity yet boldness in flavor that intrigues any Western palate. However, when enjoying them, everyone can find a faint sense of familiarity in the dishes.

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1. Tom Yum Goong – Spicy and Flavorful Shrimp Soup

The characteristic essence of Eastern cuisine lies in its soups. Tom Yum Goong serves as a powerful assertion of Thai cuisine with its distinctively spicy and sour flavors. This shrimp soup achieves its excellence when made with the finest fresh shrimp and a judicious selection of aromatic herbs, creating a delightful explosion of flavors.

There are two types of Tom Yum soup, clear and creamy. To make the broth thick and aromatic, Thais often add coconut milk or evaporated milk. This cooking technique tempers the strong flavors somewhat, also capturing the faint essence of the East with its creamy, spicy taste. Westerners admire Tom Yum Goong for its unforgettable tangy and spicy taste, encapsulating all the flavors of Thai cuisine in a single spoonful.

2. Spicy Papaya Salad - Som Tam

When in Thailand, som tam always finds itself on the must-try list of travelers. Som tam carries the distinctive fresh taste of shredded green papaya, the tangy infusion of fresh lime juice, the intense saltiness of dried shrimp, and the crispy crunch of roasted peanuts. The dressing for som tam is usually a blend of fish sauce, sugar, lime, and chili. Sometimes som tam is served with noodles to temper the spiciness and add heartiness to the dish.

3. Green and Red Curry

Red curry is the most popular among Thai curry dishes, rich in coconut milk and notably spicy. Penang curry offers a sweeter, less spicy alternative. Massaman curry represents the southern and coastal regions, often enjoyed during festivals and holidays. Green curry is a staple, typically made with chicken or pork, coconut milk, green curry paste, eggplant, and various spices.

4. Pad Thai Stir-Fry

According to some sources, Pad Thai originated from Vietnam but underwent modifications to reflect Thai flavors, hence the name Pad Thai. Over time, Pad Thai has become one of Thailand's national dishes. The perfect Pad Thai boasts freshness and a balanced richness. It features a mix of red-brown or dark brown noodles with green, white, and red from scallions, bean sprouts, and shrimp.

5. Kluay Buat Chee Banana Dessert

In the land of tropical fruits, one must try the Kluay Buat Chee banana dessert. To prepare this dessert, sesame seeds are toasted first, then simmered in water with coconut cream. Sliced bananas are then added and simmered until tender, with sugar added to taste. A pinch of salt is often added to balance the flavors. This dish has no fixed recipe; each cook improvises with ingredients according to their preferences, resulting in a diverse array of flavors across different regions of Thailand.

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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – From Kenh14

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MytourJanuary 2, 2014

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some iconic dishes to try when visiting Thailand?

When visiting Thailand, be sure to try iconic dishes like Green and Red Curry, Tom Yum Goong, Spicy Papaya Salad, Pad Thai Stir-Fry, and Kluay Buat Chee dessert. Each dish showcases the bold flavors and unique ingredients that define Thai cuisine.

What makes Tom Yum Goong a must-try dish in Thailand?

Tom Yum Goong is a must-try dish due to its unique blend of spicy and sour flavors. Made with fresh shrimp and aromatic herbs, it offers a delightful explosion of flavors, encapsulating the essence of Thai cuisine in every spoonful.

How is Spicy Papaya Salad prepared and what does it taste like?

Spicy Papaya Salad, or Som Tam, is prepared with shredded green papaya, lime juice, dried shrimp, and roasted peanuts. This dish is refreshing and tangy, with a perfect balance of saltiness and crunch that makes it a favorite among travelers.

What are the key ingredients in Pad Thai Stir-Fry?

Pad Thai Stir-Fry features a mix of red-brown noodles, scallions, bean sprouts, and shrimp. Its balanced richness and freshness make it one of Thailand's national dishes, reflecting the country's culinary heritage and flavorful profile.

What is Kluay Buat Chee and how is it made?

Kluay Buat Chee is a delicious banana dessert made by simmering toasted sesame seeds in coconut cream, adding sliced bananas until tender, and adjusting with sugar and salt. This dessert varies widely across regions, showcasing the creativity of Thai cooks.