It may be winter in the northern hemisphere, but on the other side of the equator, summer has only begun. Which means winter holidays to tropical places are upon us. So brace yourself for the Instagram posts of your friends in sunshine on the beach as you brave the snow in your scarf. It can seem like everyone is heading off to somewhere where they can soak in some extra rays. One of these destinations seems to be forever increasing in popularity. A country which appeals to people of all ages and demographics: Thailand. Or maybe I’m still on a Thailand kick one year later. Whether Thailand is becoming a more travel destination or not, my opinion is that you’ve gotta add it to your travel list. And whether you’ve been or plan to go this winter/spring/summer, I wanted to share the top foods & dishes you must try on your next Thai vacation!
1. Phad Thai
An obvious choice but this dish is truly a classic which does not disappoint. Whichever part of the country you find yourself, I guarantee you can find delicious Phad Thai. It is served in restaurants, but is mainly known as a street food. It’s an easy go-to choice if you’re struggling to decipher a menu or just can’t decide what you’d like.
This dish is a savory, yet sweet, stir fry noodle dish with simple vegetables, tamarind sauce and topped with peanuts. Not a peanut sauce as is commonly thought! What’s great is that it can be made to suit meat-eaters, pescatarians, vegetarians, and even vegans (though it may taste a bit different without the egg).
2. Pad See Ew
This is another popular stir fry noodle dish known for being a street food, that can also be found in restaurants. Unlike Phad Thai, this dish is made using extra thick rice noodles in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce, rather than tamarind. It is kept simple and usually one or two veggies are mixed in, such as broccoli. A meat is also added in – most commonly chicken or beef. This warm and savory noodle dish is bound to leave you full and satisfied after a long day of travel!
3. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Neow Mamuang)
A dessert I could eat forever. Heck, I’d eat it as a main course for breakfast, lunch AND dinner – it’s that good!! Don’t let the sound of it weird you out: The rice used is a special sweet rice which is mixed with coconut milk, making it extra delicious. Once this rice is made, fresh sliced mango is added; and it’s usually topped with toasted mung beans. The perfect mixture of sweet & crunchy. This Thai combination is to die for, I promise.
4. Thai Pancake (Roti)
My mouth is already watering thinking about eating these. The best way to describe them is that they are like a stuffed Thai crepe. Batter is added to a hot wok with an egg, and flattened into a pancake. But this is the best part – you choose between a plethora of fillings! From nutella or peanut butter to banana to mango or coconut. One “topping” or two, you pick! Roti is the perfect choice if you’re craving a quick & sweet meal, and is even more incredible as a late night dessert. A must try as you wander the street food booths all over Thailand!
5. Pineapple Fried Rice (Khao Pad Sapparot)
A delicious twist on the traditional Chinese fried rice. Not really much of a different recipe as the ingredients are generally the same; the big addition, though, is one of my personal favorites: pineapple! What makes this dish a must try is the fact that it is served INSIDE a pineapple half. Definitely instagrammable & certainly flavorful. If you’re hungry, this fried rice will leave your tummy happy!
6. Fresh Coconut
So simple, so fresh. An experience everyone NEEDS to have to cool off during their travels in Thailand. It’s literally a coconut, usually kept cold in a cooler, which is macheted open when you buy it. You’re given a straw to enjoy the refreshingly pure coconut water. But be sure to get a spoon for when you’re done – once the water is gone, have at it at the coconut flesh! The perfect hydrating drink and snack. I highly suggest enjoying a fresh coconut on the beach 🙂
7. Taro (Pheuak)
Taro is a tropical root plant with a sweet flavor, most similarly related to a sweet potato. It has a purple color, so a lot of people mistaken it for purple yams. Now this isn’t technically a dish – you don’t just straight up eat this root vegetable. But it’s an amazingly unique sweet flavor used in a variety of Thai desserts. Whether it’s filling in a bun or an ice cream flavor, if you see something flavored with taro, you need to try it!
8. Fried Banana (Gluay Kag)
A dangerously delightful dessert (say that five times fast). It is exactly as written: small thai bananas which are fried. What makes them so special, however, is that they are fried in a batter mixed with shredded coconut. Powdered sugar is then sprinkled on top. Need I say more? (I suggest sharing this dish as eating a bunch of fried bananas, though small, can be very filling!)
9. Coconut Puddings (Khanom Krok)
This thai dessert is commonly found among street food vendors. They are cute, bite-sized cake-like puddings which have two layers: first, a cooked rice flour mix, followed by a sweet coconut milk topping. They can be made plain or have added toppings such as chives, corn or mung bean. A nice sweeter snack to try as you peruse the various street food options!
10. Thai Iced tea
This is an iced drink made with Thai tea leaves. It’s made very sweet and refreshing with the addition of either coconut milk or condensed milk which are poured on top. This gives the tea it’s signature look of being orange on the bottom and white on top! Truly reviving in the middle of a hot & humid day exploring the islands.
There are so many other delicious foods you can try when you visit Thailand, so this is certainly not an exhaustive list. I also recommend trying some of the local beers such as Chang & Leo. They are ridiculously cheap and easy drinking. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is on the beach watching the gorgeous island sunsets!
I hope you’ll enjoy these foods & drinks just as much as me. And if you do try any of these, let me know in the comments below. Kin Hai Aroi Na (Enjoy your meal)!