Thai food is popularly known for its vibrant and complex taste, which is generally characterised by an amazing balance of sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy flavours. These flavours can be achieved with the use of fresh ingredients such as galangal, chilli, lime, lemongrass and coconut milk, thereby creating dishes that are aromatic, layered, and incredibly satisfying. Core elements incorporate the salty depth from fish sauce, heat from chillies, tang from lime and tamarind, rich creaminess of coconut and sweetness from palm sugar.
Here are the most popular 10 Thai dishes which generally include the iconic staples such as spicy Tom Yum Goong which is a shrimp soup, Pad Thai which are stir-fried noodles, refreshing Som Tam which is a papaya salad, aromatic green curry, savory Thai fried rice, fiery Phat Kaphrao which is basil stir-fry, rich Massaman Curry, comforting Khao Pad Sapparot which is pineapple fried rice, versatile Satay Skewers and hearty Panang Curry, all of which showcase the blend of flavours of Thailand.
10 best and most popular Thai dishes
- Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles – This is the national treasure of Thailand. It involves the use of rice noodles, which are stir-fried with tofu, eggs, shrimp, bean sprouts, as well as a signature sauce which is made of tamarind, palm sugar, fish sauce and is topped with lime, chilli and peanuts.
- Gaeng Keow Wan: Green Curry – This is a spicy yet creamy curry with green chilli paste, Thai basil, bamboo shoots and coconut milk. It is usually relished with pork or chicken, which is then served with rice.
- Gaeng Daeng: Red Curry – It is spicier and richer than the green curry as it is made with coconut milk, red chilli paste, as well as ingredients such as pineapple, roasted duck and vegetables.
- Pad Kra Pao: Basil Stir-Fry – It involves the use of minced meat – whether pork or chicken stir-fried with garlic, chillies and holy basil which is later served spicy over rice. This dish is generally crowned with a fried egg.
- Massaman Curry: This Thai Curry is a fragrant and mild curry which has both Indian and Malay influences. This features potatoes, peanuts, coconut milk, and it generally involves beef or chicken. Massaman Curry is well-known for its warmth and sweetness.
- Tom Yum Goong: Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup – This is a soup which is famous globally. It includes sour and spicy broth with galangal, lemongrass, chilli, shrimp and kaffir lime leaves. It is relished by everyone, which makes it the best choice among the people of not only Thailand but also other parts of the world.
- Som Tum: Green Papaya Salad – It is a vibrant salad dish from Isan, which is in Northeast Thailand. This green papaya salad is made with shredded green papaya, long beans, chilli, lime, peanuts, fish sauce and tomatoes. The ingredients involved offer a sour, spicy, fresh and sweet kick which refreshes the soul.
- Khao Pad: Thai Fried Rice – This is a very simple yet favourite beloved dish of the people as it involves rice which is stir-fried with egg, tomatoes, onions and your choice of meat – it can be shrimp, pork or chicken, and also, it can be vegetarian tofu as well.
- Khao Soi: Northern Curry Noodle Soup – This is a Northern Thai speciality with creamy curry broth, and indulged in it are the egg noodles, which are topped with crispy noodles, shallots, lime and chicken or beef.
- Khao Niao Mamuang: Mango Sticky Rice – This is a delightful dessert which showcases the slices of sweet, ripe mango served with sticky rice steamed in rich coconut milk.
Conclusion
Thai food offers a symphony of several flavours with a few iconic staples. Thai dishes offer a multi-layered and dynamic experience that is comforting and adventurous as well. These qualities make Thai food a global favourite. If you want to taste the most authentic Thai cuisine right here in Australia, you can visit Thai It and get a unique experience. Mr Peter Azzi helps the people of Australia get the real delectable taste of Thailand right here. Must visit and enjoy your favourite Thai food here.
FAQs
Q1: Are vegan options available?
A: Yes, of course! In place of chicken or beef, Thai dishes can be made vegan by including tofu.
Q2: Are all Thai dishes spicy?
A: No, not all Thai dishes are spicy. Some are mild, which make use of no or very little amount of spiciness.
