Thailand’s cuisine is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of cultural influences, geography, and regional diversity. Renowned for its bold flavours, aromatic herbs, and intricate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes, Thai cuisine tantalizes the palate with every bite. From bustling street food stalls to elegant fine dining establishments, Thailand’s culinary landscape offers a rich array of dishes that reflect the country’s unique heritage and the ingenuity of its people.

Tom Yum Goong

Tom yum goong is a zesty and invigorating fusion of aromatic lemongrass, chilli, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, lime juice, and fish sauce. With plump river shrimps and tender straw mushrooms, this piquant and tangy broth finds its perfect complement alongside fluffy steamed white rice. No matter where you go, whether it’s to a place like the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok or not, you’ll be able to find a variation of this dish.

Som Tum

Originating from the northeastern region of Isaan in Thailand, som tum, also known as spicy green papaya salad, showcases a vibrant blend of flavours. Garlic, chillies, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and shredded raw papaya are meticulously pounded with a pestle and mortar, yielding a distinctively sweet, sour, and spicy profile. Many Bangkok restaurants and buffet options will have this dish as a speciality.

Tom Kha Kai

A gentler rendition of tom yum, tom kha kai introduces a milder touch by blending fiery chillies, thinly sliced young galangal, crushed shallots, lemongrass stalks, and tender chicken strips. Coconut milk is added to temper the heat, imparting a creamy texture, while fresh lime leaves provide a fragrant finish. As with many Thai soups, this creamy tom kha kai pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

Gaeng Daeng

Gaeng Daeng – Image via Pxhere

Gaeng daeng presents an aromatic red curry infused with meat, red curry paste, and creamy coconut milk, garnished with sliced kaffir lime leaves. Despite its vibrant hue, this curry offers a mild flavour profile, though spice enthusiasts can request fresh chilli for an extra kick. Vegetarians or vegans can savour this dish by substituting tofu for meat upon request.