Iconic Dishes, Street Food Tips, Spice Levels and What To Order
Thai food is one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with Thailand. It is bold, flavorful, fragrant, balanced, and sometimes surprisingly spicy. Over the last year living here, we have eaten Thai food in malls, restaurants, markets and tiny street stalls that only locals know about. There are dishes that my son could eat every single day, like shrimp pad thai, shrimp fried rice and mango sticky rice.
If you are visiting Thailand for the first time, this guide breaks down the best Thai dishes to try, what they taste like, where to find them, and how to order them correctly without burning your mouth off.
Let’s get into it.
How Thai Food Works: Sweet, Salty, Sour, Spicy
Thai cuisine focuses on balance. Most dishes combine:
• salty
• sweet
• sour
• spicy
• umami (savory depth)
That balance is why Thai food feels complex but never boring.
You will see food everywhere:
• street stalls
• night markets
• food courts
• restaurants
• waterfront dining spots
Sometimes the cheapest food is the best.
Now here are the must try dishes.
1. Pad Thai
Probably the most famous Thai dish worldwide.
What it is
Stir fried rice noodles with:
• egg
• tofu
• tamarind sauce
• bean sprouts
• crushed peanuts
• lime
Often served with shrimp, chicken or seafood.
Flavor
Sweet, tangy, slightly savory, and customizable with lime and chili.
Where to find it
Everywhere. Street food stalls, restaurants and night markets.
Tip
Add peanuts and lime yourself. Avoid places with neon orange sauce. That is usually tourist style.
2. Som Tam (Papaya Salad)
A fresh but fiery must try dish.
What it is
Shredded unripe papaya pounded in a mortar with:
• lime
• fish sauce
• palm sugar
• chilies
• tomatoes
• peanuts
• garlic
Some versions include fermented fish sauce or dried shrimp.
Flavor
Crisp, sour, salty, sweet and spicy at the same time.
Where to find it
Street carts and local markets.
Tip
Ask for spice control. Som tam can be extremely spicy.
3. (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
One of Thailand’s most iconic soups.
What it is
Clear or slightly creamy soup with:
• shrimp
• lemongrass
• kaffir lime leaves
• chilies
• lime juice
• mushrooms
• galangal
Flavor
Spicy, sour, citrusy and aromatic.
Where to find it
Restaurants, food courts and some street vendors.
Tip
There are versions with coconut milk too. Ask which one they serve.
4. Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup)
Gentler than tom yum.
What it is
Coconut milk based soup with:
• chicken
• mushrooms
• lemongrass
• lime
• galangal
Flavor
Creamy, mild, slightly sweet and tangy, warmly spiced but not hot.
Where to find it
Restaurants and mall food courts.
Good for
Anyone afraid of spice.
5. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
A simple comfort dish that is perfect for kids and picky eaters.
What it is
Rice stir fried with:
• egg
• veggies
• soy and fish sauce
Choose shrimp, chicken, crab or vegetable.
Flavor
Savory, slightly smoky and familiar.
Where to find it
Everywhere from street vendors to sit down restaurants.
Tip
Squeeze lime on top and add cucumber slices for freshness.
6. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
A must have Thai dessert.
What it is
Sweet sticky rice topped with ripe mango slices and coconut milk.
Flavor
Creamy, sweet, tropical and comforting.
Where to find it
Markets, dessert stalls, street carts and restaurants.
Tip
Best during mango season, usually March through June, but available year round.
7. Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
A classic curry loved around the world.
What it is
Coconut curry made with:
• green curry paste
• coconut milk
• basil
• eggplant
• Thai chilies
Usually served with chicken or tofu.
Flavor
Sweet, spicy and herbaceous with coconut richness.
Where to find it
Thai restaurants, not usually street stalls.
Tip
It can still be spicy even if it looks creamy.
8. Massaman Curry
Originally influenced by Persian and Muslim cuisine.
What it is
Coconut curry with:
• potatoes
• peanuts
• cinnamon
• onions
Often served with chicken or beef.
Flavor
Milder, slightly sweet, nutty and warming.
Good for
Those who do not like spicy food.
Where to find it
Thai restaurants and local eateries.
9. Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir Fry)
A local favorite dish. Very common, very spicy.
What it is
Meat stir fried with:
• garlic
• holy basil
• chilies
Typically served over rice with fried egg.
Common versions include chicken, pork or seafood.
Flavor
Savory, spicy, garlicky and incredibly aromatic.
Where to find it
Street stalls, local restaurants, night markets.
Tip
This is usually spicy automatically, so ask before.
10. Satay
Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce.
What it is
Chicken, beef or pork skewered and grilled.
Served with peanut sauce and cucumber relish.
Flavor
Smoky, savory, slightly sweet, rich peanut dipping sauce.
Where to find it
Night markets, food courts and restaurants.
Tip
Great starter dish if you are unsure what to order.
11. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Popular pork street food.
What it is
Marinated pork grilled over charcoal on skewers.
Flavor
Sweet, smoky, juicy and slightly caramelized.
Where to find it
Street vendors early morning or evenings.
Note
If you do not eat pork like me, skip or ask if they have chicken skewers instead.
12. Thai Omelet (Khai Jiao)
Perfect for simple eaters.
What it is
Crispy omelet fried in oil, served over rice with fish sauce or chili sauce.
Flavor
Crispy edges, fluffy inside, salty and satisfying.
Where to find it
Street stalls, home cooked restaurants, malls.
Good for
Kids, breakfast or light meal.
13. Boat Noodles (Kuay Tiew Ruea)
Rich, deep flavored noodle soup.
What it is
Deep brown broth with noodles, herbs and spices. Traditionally served in small bowls.
Often includes beef or pork.
Flavor
Savory, slightly sweet, earthy and aromatic.
Where to find it
Specialty noodle restaurants.
Tip
Order multiple bowls. They are small on purpose.
.
14. Laab (Larb)
A classic dish from Northern and Northeastern Thailand that locals absolutely love.
What it is
Minced meat salad made with:
• minced chicken, beef or pork
• lime juice
• fish sauce
• chili
• roasted rice powder
• fresh herbs like mint and cilantro
Usually served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Flavor
Bright, tangy, herby and spicy with a slight nuttiness from the toasted rice.
Where to find it
Isaan restaurants, local eateries, food courts and some night markets.
Tip
Laab can be quite spicy. Ask for it mild if you are not used to heat.
15. Khao Soi
A must try dish from Northern Thailand, especially from Chiang Mai.
What it is
Curried noodle soup with:
• egg noodles
• rich coconut curry broth
• chicken or beef
• pickled mustard greens
• shallots
• lime
• crispy fried noodles on top
Flavor
Creamy, savory, slightly sweet and gently spicy with lots of depth.
Where to find it
Northern style restaurants, specialty noodle shops and some popular mall food courts.
Tip
If you only try one Northern Thai dish, make it this one.
Extra: Market Snacks and Desserts You Should Try
Beyond full meals, Thailand shines when it comes to snacks and sweets. Markets and night bazaars are the best places to find these.
Must try Thai snacks and desserts
• Khanom Buang
Crispy Thai crepes filled with coconut cream and sweet or savory toppings.
• Roti
Flaky fried dough, often topped with banana, chocolate or condensed milk.
• Khanom krok
Tiny coconut rice pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
• Thai fruit
Try dragon fruit, rambutan, longan, mangosteen and fresh coconut.
• Sticky rice with banana wrapped in banana leaf
Lightly sweet, chewy and sold at many stalls.
Tips
Stick to vendors with high turnover. Fresh desserts taste better and are safer.
How To Order Less Spicy In Thailand
Even when you say “not spicy,” Thai spicy and tourist spicy are different.
Use these phrases:
Not spicy
Mai phet
(Pronounced: my pet)
A little spicy
Phet nit noi
(Pronounced: pet nit noy)
Very spicy
Phet mak
(Pronounced: pet mahk)
Always smile. It makes everything easier.
Tips For Eating Thai Street Food Safely
Street food is amazing. Here is how to enjoy it safely.
• Choose stalls with lots of customers
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat
• Watch food cooked fresh in front of you
• Skip anything that has been sitting uncovered too long
• Drink bottled water
• Carry hand sanitizer or wipes
Locals know the best stalls. If the line is long, the food is usually worth it.
Understanding Thai Spice Levels
Thailand uses real chilies, not mild sauces.
Generally:
• Mild curry can still be spicy
• Papaya salad can be extremely spicy
• Street food cooks usually assume you want spice unless told otherwise
Start mild. You can always add more chili later.
Final Thoughts: Thai Food Is Part Of The Experience
Trying Thai food is not just about eating. It is part of the culture, the rhythm of daily life, the smells, sounds and flavors around every corner. The best meals are not always in fancy restaurants. Sometimes they are at the smallest stall on the street.
Be curious, try new dishes, ask questions, and enjoy the adventure.
