Thai cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and flavourful herbs, becomes more than a delicious meal; it’s a journey towards holistic well-being. The rich nutritional compositions come together with pairings of fragrant spices and hearty proteins, resulting in mouthwatering spreads so beloved worldwide. Explore the health benefits of some of the most popular meals and ingredients featured within the country’s culinary palate, a medley of delectable delights.

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

This iconic dish is a powerhouse of health benefits. Lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while the dish’s star player, shrimp, offers a healthy dose of protein and essential minerals such as selenium and zinc.

As one of the most recognisable dishes from the region, Tom Yum Goong can be found anywhere in the country, from bustling streetside stalls on Khaosan Road, to Hua Hin restaurants overlooking the ocean, including the Brezza Beach Bar & Restaurant at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort.

Image via Wikimedia Commons – Hanschrists, TOMYUM, CC BY-SA 4.0

Phad Kra Prao Moo (Stir Fried Pork with Holy Basil)

This fiery favourite among locals is chockful of nutritional value with a kick. Holy basil, a key ingredient found across the nation’s culinary landscape, is a natural source of vitamins A and C, vital for boosting the immune system and fighting off viral infections. Ground pork offers protein and iron, while chillies provide a boost to metabolism.

Gai Pad Med Mamuang (Cashew Chicken Stir Fry)

Gai Pad Med Mamuang is a protein powerhouse. Chicken, a lean protein source, combines with cashews, rich in zinc and magnesium, both crucial for a healthy immune system. Accompanied by an ensemble of vegetables like onions and peppers add essential vitamins and antioxidants to this flavourful dish.

Pla Kapong Neung Manao (Steamed Seabass with Lemongrass)

A marriage of simplicity and health, this dish features steamed seabass doused in a generous amount of lime juice, a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Lemongrass adds a fragrant touch along with antioxidant properties, while chillies offer a boost of vitamin C.