One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well if one has not dined well. That stands true, even when you are traveling. And if good, culturally rooted food is our thing, then Thailand is the place you’ve got to visit.
Especially if you are from a place like the US, you need to plan at the earliest and understand the entry requirements for US citizens in detail. This is because Thailand is getting attention from people across the globe. In fact, their government aims to attract over 40 million international tourists this year. And Thai food will surely play a major role in doing so.
What to Try When Hungry in Thailand?
Pad Thai: You must have definitely heard about Pad Thai and even tried it in the US. But did you know that this dish came to the limelight through a government campaign that wanted to promote national identity and reduce rice consumption?
Well, the campaign surely worked wonders for the country. You will find the best versions of this dish at roadside woks where smoky flavours take over the whole street. Try it at Bangkok night markets or riverfront food stalls. You will find that the taste and flavour slightly change at every shop.
Tom Yum Goong: If you love seafood, this bowl of spicy, fiery soup might just take you to the ninth cloud. Made mainly with shrimps and a hint of mushrooms and chili paste, this bowl shows Thailand’s rich culture of eating river shrimps, herbs, and medicinal ingredients. What makes it even more aromatic is the jasmine rice that is served on the side. To get the best Tom Yum Goong, try it at major seafood towns like Ayutthaya.
Mango Sticky Rice: This dish has probably the most unexpected combination of flavors. Sweet ripe mango along with salted coconut cream! Even if you have ever tried this in the US, the original flavors can only be found in Thailand, especially during northern Thai festivals.
This dish is said to celebrate the harvest cycles. Even the domestic tourists plan their local travel to get a hint of the original flavor of this amazing dish.
Underrated Regional Dishes Worth Discovering
Som Tam: This is a Thai green papaya salad that comes from the Isaan region. Made with unripe papaya, spicy chili, lime, and fish sauce, this salad feels crunchy and addictive. It leaves a sweet and sour aftertaste behind that stays with you for a long.
Khao Soi: This is a noodle soup that is made of coconut milk broth along with crispy yet soft egg noodles and tender chicken or beef. It is said to be inspired by the Burmese culture. To get the best version of this dish, try it in the Chiang Mai old town, the place where it is said to have originated.
Boat Noodles: The reason this iconic noodle soup dish is famous is because of its origin. They are traditionally sold from canal boats in small towns of Thailand, giving you an experience that the cities of the US can’t. Even if you don’t get the chance to eat it from a boat on a river, do try it at riverside stalls to get the most authentic version of this dish.
Conclusion
Sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and bitter- Thai cuisine has a balance of flavors. And these dishes are shaped by their history, spirituality, and celebration. People who follow food routes often find a deeper Thailand beyond beaches and temples. So, if flavors and tastes excite you, plan your trip to Thailand today.