Food in Thailand is a full-blown experience to have! It is spicy, sweet, salty, sour, and sometimes all at once.
Street food in Thailand also plays a major role, and is always filled with food vendors and stalls, creating a delightful experience for travelers and locals alike. Also, the Thai restaurants across the country offer you the opportunity to have the best Thai food dishes!
While exploring the tourist hubs like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, you forget to explore the hidden gems and lesser-known Thai food dishes that you get on stalls. This guide will let you know about all of the famous food in Thailand, from coconut-based curries of the south to the herb-filled, lighter meals of the north.
Let your Thailand trip be wholesome by trying the most amazing and authentic bites!
Best Thailand Food You Should Try
- Pad Thai
- Tom Yum Goong
- Kaeng Lueang
- Gaeng Daeng
- Gaeng Keow Wan Gai
- Stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts
- Poh Pia Tod
- Khao Niew Ma Muang
- Khao Mun Gai
- Moo Ping
- Sai Krok Isan
- Green Chicken Curry
- Fried Basil and Pork
- Spicy Beef Salad
- Thai stir-fried noodles with vegetables
- Pad See Ew
- Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Suea Rong Hai
- Yum Pla Muk
- Pad Kra Pao Moo
- Khao Soi
- Kai Jeow
- Phak Boong
- Massaman Curry
- Guay Tiew Rua
- Thai style popcorn
- Hoi Thod
- Pu Ob Wonsen
Best 28 Food in Thailand: The Ultimate Food List
Pad Thai is one of the most famous food in Thailand, loved by locals and travelers alike. It is a flavourful stir-fried noodle dish that combines a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour and spicy flavours. It is typically made with rice noodles, cooked with eggs, tofu or shrimp and a mix of veggies like bean sprouts and green onions, but if you want veg food in Thailand, you have this option to remove the shrimp or tofu from it.
Also, it’s sauce makes it extra special, giving it that unique tangy taste. It’s quick to make, super tasty and can be found everywhere in Thailand, from street food to fancy restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya!
Average Cost: INR 100
Places to try: Thip Samai, Pad Thai Ekkamai, Raan Jay Fai, Savoey Restaurant, Khao San Road, Padi Thai Pratu Phi.
It is the classic Thailand food famous for its bold and refreshing flavors. This hot and sour soup made with shrimp is packed with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, kafir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.
Make sure you try this amazing, famous food in Bangkok, it’s comforting, warming, and incredibly refreshing all at once. If you want to try veg food in Thailand, you can also have it in a vegetarian version, which is also filled with good ingredients that combine for a healthy dish.
Average price: INR 80
Places to Try: Pe Aor Tom Yum Goong, Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu, Savoey Restaurant, Khao Tom Phat, Som Tum Nua
Also Read: Exploring The Enchanting Nightlife In Thailand For The Best Experience
Kaeng Lueang, also known as Yellow Curry, is a bright and flavorful dish that embodies the culinary delights in Thailand and its rich Thailand food culture. This curry combines turmeric, which gives it its signature yellow colour, with coconut milk, lemongrass, and garlic, creating a creamy and aromatic sauce.
Commonly added ingredients include chicken, potatoes, and onions, making it a hearty and comforting meal. Kaeng Lueang is a an example to Thailand’s mastery of blending spices and ingredients to produce vibrant, delicious food.
Average Price: INR 100
Places to try: Southern Thai food restaurants, Janhom restaurant, Koh Lanta, Laem Tong Seafood
Gaeng Daeng, or Red Curry, is a signature dish that embodies the essence of Thailand food. This rich and flavorful curry is made with red curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and a choice of meat, such as chicken, beef, or pork. Its moderate spiciness and creamy texture make it a comforting yet vibrant dish.
The red curry paste is crafted from a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, including lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, which infuse the curry with layers of depth and fragrance. Gaeng Daeng is a beloved dish in Thailand, celebrated for its balanced flavors and aromatic qualities.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: SraBua by Kiin Kiin, The House of Smooth Curry, Gedhawa, Pa-Daeng kitchen
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai, known as Green Chicken Curry, is a hallmark of the authentic Thai food experience, reflecting the rich culinary delights of Thailand. This vibrant dish is made with green curry paste, coconut milk, chicken pieces, and a variety of vegetables like eggplants and basil leaves. Also, hunting for veg food in Thailand? You can even have the dish made only with vegetables and enjoy your food!
The green curry paste, crafted from green chillies, lemongrass, and galangal, gives the curry its signature colour and spicy, aromatic flavour. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai captures the essence of Thai cuisine, offering a delicious blend of textures and tastes.
Average price: INR 50
Places to try: Sanguan Sri, Bo.lan, Krua Apsorn, Ruen Urai
6. Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts
Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts is a savory delight in Thailand, offering an authentic Thai food experience that’s a must-try for anyone looking for the best street food in Thailand. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with crunchy cashew nuts, stir-fried with soy sauce, honey, onions, chillies, and bell peppers.
The mix of sweet and salty flavours, along with the crunch of the cashews, makes it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Thai cuisine.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Royal Kitchen Restaurant, Poonsin Restaurant, Laan Thai Restaurant
Poh Pia Tod (or Thai spring rolls) are a popular and delicious snack in Thailand, especially loved by those looking for food in Thailand for Indian travelers. These crispy, deep-fried rolls are filled with a mix of vegetables, glass noodles, and sometimes meat like chicken or shrimp. The wrapper is thin and crispy, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
They're usually served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce that adds an extra burst of flavor. Poh Pia Tod is perfect as a street food snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal. If you are looking for some famous food in Phuket, here is your go-to dish that you can try!
Average price: INR 100
Places to try: Street Vendors across Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Khao Niew Ma Muang, also known as Mango Sticky Rice, is a beloved Thai dessert that combines sweet, ripe mangoes with warm, coconut-infused sticky rice, topped with a drizzle of coconut cream and sometimes sprinkled with mung beans or sesame seeds.
It's a refreshing and indulgent treat, especially popular during Thailand's mango season from April to May. You can find it any restaurant in Thailand that are providing whole meals and a good vibe to enjoy your food.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Kor Panich Sticky rice, Mar Varee, Yod Thong, Je Meaw Sukhumvit
Khao Mun Gai is a popular Thailand food made with tender chicken served over rice that’s cooked with chicken fat for extra flavor. The chicken is usually boiled and served with a simple dipping sauce made from garlic, ginger, and chili.
It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s loved by many in Thailand. You can find it at street food stalls or casual restaurants, and it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Average price: INR 150
Places to try: Kaiton Pratunam, Jae Yee Chicken rice, Khao Mun Gai Hai Lam, Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam
Moo Ping are Thai-style grilled pork skewers marinated in a sweet savory blend of fish sauce, garlic, palm sugar and white pepper.Usually served with sticky rice and sometimes a spicy dipping sauce, Moo Ping is a perfect snack or meal.
You’ll find it at street food stalls all around Thailand, often being enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick bite during the day. It’s affordable, flavorful, and super satisfying—definitely a must-try when you’re in Thailand!
Average price: INR 50
Places to try: Sukhumvit Soi 19, Bangkok, Yaowarat Road, Khao San Road, Local markets across Thailand
Sai Krok Isan, a distinctive street food in Thailand, is among the savory delights that make Thai cuisine so unique. Originating from the Isan region, these are fermented sausage links made from pork and rice, seasoned with garlic and salt.
The fermentation process gives them a slightly tangy taste, complemented by a smoky flavour from grilling. Sai Krok Isan is often enjoyed with fresh chilli, ginger, and cabbage, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavours that epitomize the rich diversity of food in Thailand.
Average price: INR 40
Places to try: Khao San Road, Khwan Riam Floating market, Isan region
Suggested read: Best Restaurants in Ayutthaya
Green Chicken Curry is a flavorful Thai dish made with tender chicken cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce, flavored with green curry paste. The paste includes ingredients like green chilies, lemongrass, and garlic, giving the curry a mild spicy kick and a fresh, aromatic taste.
It’s usually served with rice and sometimes has vegetables like peppers and basil. It’s a comforting dish that’s just the right balance of spicy, creamy, and delicious!
Average price: INR 100
Places to try: Sanguan Sri, Krua Apsorn, Isaan Restaurant, Ruen Urai
Fried Basil and Pork is a simple yet super tasty Thai dish that’s popular among those searching for food in Thailand for Indian travelers. It’s made by stir-frying ground pork with fresh basil leaves, garlic, and chili, giving it a flavorful kick. The pork gets crispy and the basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch. It’s usually served with steamed rice and often topped with a fried egg.
The dish is a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a favorite for anyone who loves bold, comforting food.
Average price: INR 70
Places to try: Raan Jay Fai, Thip Samai Pad Thai, Sompong Thai
Spicy Beef Salad, or Yam Nua, is a vibrant highlight among the best Thai food dishes. This refreshing salad mixes thinly sliced grilled beef with a mixture of herbs like mint, cilantro, and shallots, dressed in a zesty lime juice, fish sauce, and chili dressing.
It’s a perfect blend of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. Found in food markets and celebrated at Thai food festivals, this dish showcases the fresh, bold tastes of Thai cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the food in Thailand.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Sompong Thai, Sukhumvit Soi 38 Street food
15. Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Vegetables
Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Vegetables, known as Pad See Ew, is a cherished dish among the culinary delights in Thailand. This savory meal combines wide rice noodles stir-fried with a mix of crunchy vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and cabbage in a rich soy sauce.
Its unique flavor comes from the smoky char of high-heat wok cooking. A staple in Thai food markets and a frequent highlight at Thai food festivals, this noodle dish is a nutritious, vegetarian-friendly option that epitomizes the variety and richness of Thai noodle dishes.
Average price: INR 100
Places to try: Thip Samai, Pee Chong Nam, Jok Prince, Sukhumvit Soi 38 Street food
Pad See Ew is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of protein like chicken, beef, or pork. It’s cooked in a savory sauce with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar for a balanced sweet and salty flavor.
The dish also includes scrambled egg and is cooked in a hot wok for a slightly smoky taste. It’s a satisfying, flavorful, and mild dish that's popular in Thai restaurants and street food stalls.
Average price: INR 100
Places to try: Thip Samai, Pee Chong Nam, Khao Soi Nimman, SP Chicken
17. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and flavorful option among the diverse Thai food dishes, particularly popular as Thai snacks and appetizers. This dish features finely chopped chicken seasoned with a blend of Thai herbs and spices, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili, then wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
Perfect for a light yet satisfying bite, these wraps are a staple at Thai food markets and a delightful presence at Thai food festivals, showcasing the innovative and health-conscious side of Thai cuisine.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Sukhumvit Soi 38 Street food, Tong Tem Toh, SP chicken
Suggested read: Malao Malao Restaurant in Thailand
Suea Rong Hai, or Crying Tiger, is a delicious Thai dish made from tender grilled beef, often marinated and cooked to a perfect medium-rare. The beef is served with sticky rice and a tangy, spicy dipping sauce called Nam Jim Jaew, made from fish sauce, lime juice, chili, and toasted rice powder.
The name "Crying Tiger" is believed to reflect the dish's irresistible flavors, with the beef being so tender and tasty that even a tiger would "cry" for it. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s a favorite and one famous food in Thailand.
Average price: INR 110
Places to try: Savoey Seafood restaurant, Siam Kempinski hotel, Khao Soi Nimman, Ka Jok See
Yum Pla Muk, a traditional Thai dish, is a refreshing squid salad known for its perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. This appetizer combines tender slices of boiled squid with a vibrant dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and chili peppers, often garnished with fresh herbs like mint or cilantro.
Yum Pla Muk is a celebration of Thai seafood dishes and showcases the innovative use of simple ingredients to create flavors that are complex and harmonious, making it a beloved choice among Thai snacks and appetizers. Go and enjoy one of the best dishes and a famous food in Phuket, Thailand.
Average price: INR 100
Places to try: Siam Square, Jok Prince, Chao Lay Seafood, Phuket town street vendors
Pad Kra Pao Moo (pronounced pad krapow moo) is a super popular Thai dish that's both simple and delicious. It’s made with ground pork (moo) stir-fried with garlic, chili, and holy basil. The dish is cooked in a savory sauce made from fish sauce, soy sauce, and sometimes a little sugar, giving it a perfect mix of salty, spicy, and a bit sweet. The holy basil adds a fresh, peppery flavor that really makes the dish stand out.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Pee Chong Nam, Siam Square, Jay Fai, Khao Soi Nimman, Ka Jok See,
Khao Soi is a distinctive Northern Thai dish that epitomizes the fusion cuisine in Thailand, blending traditional Thai cooking techniques with influences from neighboring countries. This creamy coconut curry soup is served over soft egg noodles and topped with crispy noodles, offering a delightful contrast in textures.
The curry’s depth of flavor is enhanced with spices like turmeric and curry powder, along with chicken or beef. Garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime, Khao Soi is a harmonious mix of flavors and a celebrated food in Thailand.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Khao Soi Khun Yai, Khao Soi Mae Sai, Khao Soi Islam
Kai Jeow is a Thai-style omelet that is crispy, fluffy, and often served over a hot plate of rice. It’s one of the most loved and comforting Thai food dishes. Super simple, but incredibly satisfying.
You will find it everywhere in Thailand, from street food stalls to home kitchens, often topped with a bit of chili sauce or paired with jasmine rice. It’s a go-to comfort food for many Thais, perfect when you want something easy, delicious and satisfying - a good food in Pattaya!
Average price: INR 50
Places to try: Stalls near Lumpini MRT, P’Ord Kai Jeow, South Pattaya road
Suggested read: Restaurants in Krabi
Phak Boong, also known as Morning Glory or Water Spinach, is a vibrant green vegetable that’s a cornerstone of food in Bangkok, Thailand. Quickly stir-fried with garlic, chili, and soybean paste, it embodies the essence of traditional Thai dishes and the country’s approach to fresh, healthy eating.
This dish shows how Thai people like to share food with others and enjoy meals together. Phak Boong is popular at Thai food festivals because it is simple and tasty. It is a great example of how everyday ingredients in Thailand and food in Pattaya can be turned into delicious dishes that go well with rice and noodles.
Average price: INR 100
Places to try: Fikeaw Yaowarat (Chinatown night market), Morning markets in Chiang Mai, Sois near seafood markets in Pattaya
Massaman Curry is a rich, aromatic fusion of Thai and Persian culinary traditions, embodying the essence of Thai food - being one famous food in Thailand. This hearty curry comes with tender meat, typically beef or chicken, with potatoes, onions, and peanuts in a spiced coconut milk sauce. You can easily remove chicken from many dishes and enjoy vegetarian food in Thailand and Massaman curry is a great choice that tastes delicious even without meat.
Key ingredients like tamarind, cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom give it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other Thai curries. Revered at Thai food festivals and a staple in Thai food etiquette, Massaman Curry is a must-try traditional Thai dish that offers a warm, comforting taste experience.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Supanniga Eating Room, The Bill Bentley Pub, Nong Jai restaurant, Stall near Wat Tham Suea
Guay Tiew Rua, or Thai Boat Noodles, is a beloved staple among the Thai noodle dishes, offering a glimpse into the rich food in Thailand. This flavorful soup is made with a dark, aromatic broth, seasoned with spices, soy sauce, and sometimes blood for added richness.
Served with rice noodles and topped with meat, such as pork or beef, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, Guay Tiew Rua is a comforting, hearty dish with a deep, complex flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds of locals and travelers alike.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Nai Berm Boat Noodles, Lung Pratunam Boat noodles, Thong Smith, Na Choo Boat noodles
Thai Style Popcorn is a delightful twist on a classic snack, showcasing the innovative spirit of food in Thailand. Unlike traditional popcorn, this version is often tossed with a mix of Thai spices, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili powder, giving it a unique and zesty flavor.
Some variations are sweetened with coconut sugar or drizzled with melted coconut oil, adding a slight sweetness and a rich aroma. Thai Style Popcorn combines the crunchy, satisfying texture of popcorn with the bold flavors of Thai cuisine, making it a popular and addictive snack among both locals and visitors.
Average price: INR 50
Places to try: Mallas and food halls, street markets and events, and regional markets
Hoi Thod, is a Thai street food superstar - chewy, crispy and salty! At its heart, it’s a sizzling pancake made with fresh oysters or mussels into a starchy batter and frying it up in a hot wok until golden and crispy.
It usually comes with a little bowl of tangy chili sauce on the side and a handful of fresh bean sprouts to balance the richness. Some versions are extra crispy (“krob krob”), others are more gooey and eggy, it depends on where you go and how you like it. Either way, it’s loud, messy, and absolutely delicious.
Average price: INR 150
Places to try: Nai Mong Hoi Thod, Daeng Racha Hoi Tod, Night market stalls
It is a tasty Thai dish made with crab and glass noodles. It’s warm, savory and full of rich flavours. The dish is cooked in a clay pot, where the noodles soak up all the delicious juices from the crab, herbs and sauces.
Pu Ob Woonsen is usually eaten hot and fresh, straight from the pot. It’s a favorite for seafood lovers and often shared with rice or other Thai dishes. Simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s one of those meals that makes you feel good after every bite.
Average price: INR 80
Places to try: Somsak Pu Ob, T&K Seafood, Laem Charoen Seafood, Jeh O Chula
Suggested read: Jim Thompson Restaurant in Thailand
