Thailand is a culinary wonderland where every street corner, night market, and restaurant serves up unforgettable flavors. From spicy curries to sizzling stir-fries and exotic eats you’ve probably never tried before, Thai food is about balance, freshness, and bold character. If you’re hungry in Thailand, you’re in for a treat—just make sure you know what’s really on the menu!
In this guide, we’ll explore famous Thai dishes, local restaurants to try in Bangkok and beyond, food prices, easy recipes, and even some wild Thai delicacies.
🍛 Must-Try Thai Dishes & What They’re Made Of
🔥 1. Phat Kaphrao (ผัดกะเพรา) – Thai Basil Stir-Fry
A national favorite! Made with minced pork or chicken stir-fried with holy basil, garlic, and chili—served over rice and topped with a fried egg.
Ingredients:
- Minced pork or chicken
- Thai holy basil
- Garlic, bird’s eye chili
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce
- Jasmine rice, egg (fried sunny side up)
💡 Price: 40–70 THB from street vendors | 120–180 THB in restaurants
🌶️ 2. Som Tum (ส้มตำ) – Green Papaya Salad
A spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp, chili, and lime juice. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and fiery!
Variants include:
- Som Tum Thai – With peanuts, mild spice
- Som Tum Poo Pla Ra – With fermented crab and fish sauce (for the brave!)
💡 Price: 40–100 THB depending on ingredients
🐟 3. Pla Kapong Neung Manao (ปลากะพงนึ่งมะนาว) – Steamed Sea Bass with Lime
A whole sea bass steamed in a tangy, spicy lime sauce with garlic, chili, and lemongrass. Served hot and bubbling on a metal fish-shaped plate.
Ingredients:
- Fresh seabass
- Lime, garlic, fish sauce, chili
- Lemongrass, coriander, sugar
💡 Price: 250–400 THB (good for 2–3 people)
🍲 4. Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง) – Spicy Shrimp Soup
Thailand’s most famous soup, known for its sour, spicy flavor with a herbal kick.
Ingredients:
- Fresh shrimp
- Lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves
- Mushrooms, lime juice, fish sauce
- Optional: milk/evaporated milk for creaminess
💡 Price: 60–150 THB per bowl
🍛 5. Massaman Curry (แกงมัสมั่น) – Muslim-Style Thai Curry
A milder, peanut-rich curry made with beef or chicken, potatoes, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sweet and savory—great with rice or roti.
💡 Price: 100–200 THB
🍴 Where to Eat Thai Food in Bangkok and Beyond
🔝 Top Local Restaurants in Bangkok:
- Jay Fai (Michelin-starred) – Try her famous crab omelet or drunken noodles. 💰 Expensive (~800–1500 THB)
- Thip Samai – Bangkok’s best Pad Thai since 1966. Expect a line!
- P’Aor – Tom Yum Goong with a creamy twist and giant river prawns.
- Som Tam Nua (Siam Square) – Iconic for Som Tum and Isaan-style eats.
- Savoey Restaurant (Asoke, Siam) – Great for Pla Kapong and Thai seafood.
🛍️ Great Street Food Markets:
- Yaowarat (Chinatown Bangkok) – Night market magic, seafood, sweets.
- Rod Fai Night Market – Massive selection, from skewers to sushi.
- Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market – Northern Thai specialties.
💡 Tip: Look for stalls where locals queue up. That’s usually the best!
💸 How Much Does Thai Food Cost?
| Type of Food | Price (THB) |
|---|---|
| Street Food (rice/noodle dish) | 40–70 THB |
| Local Restaurant Meal | 100–200 THB |
| Seafood Dish (e.g., sea bass) | 250–500 THB |
| Western or Fine Dining Thai | 300–1000+ THB |
| Fresh Fruit Smoothie | 30–60 THB |
🥢 How to Cook Phat Kaphrao at Home – Quick Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200g minced pork or chicken
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- 2 red chilies (adjust for heat)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 handful holy basil leaves
- 1 egg
- Steamed jasmine rice
Steps:
- Fry garlic and chili until aromatic.
- Add meat and stir until cooked.
- Add all sauces and sugar. Stir well.
- Toss in basil leaves and turn off the heat.
- Serve over rice and top with a fried egg.
✅ Done in 15 minutes. Spicy, savory, perfect!
🐛 Exotic Thai Foods You May Not Dare to Try
Thailand has some unique, adventurous options for the bold eater:
- 😮 1. Insects (แมลงทอด): Fried crickets, silkworms, grasshoppers—seasoned with soy sauce and pepper.
💰 Price: 20–50 THB per bag - 🐸 2. Fried Frog (กบทอดกระเทียม): Crispy and garlicky, tastes like chicken! Popular in rural areas.
- 🐍 3. Snake & Cobra Wine: Available in some countryside areas—snake meat and herbal wine mixed.
- 🐟 4. Pla Ra (Fermented Fish Paste): Used in Som Tum Poo Pla Ra. Very pungent—an acquired taste!
These dishes are part of Thai culture but not for everyone. Try them with a local guide or friend!
From spicy street-side stir-fries to elegant riverside seafood feasts, Thai food is a journey of taste, heat, and soul. It reflects Thailand’s diverse regions, rich history, and deep love for flavor. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, there’s always something new to discover—if you’re hungry in Thailand, you’re exactly where you need to be.
