Thai food is widely recognised as some of the world’s finest cuisine. Adapted by most countries around the world, Thai food is now one of the most popular cuisine options.
The delicious variety of Thai cuisine and its world-acclaimed street food includes stir-fries and salads, curries and soups, and noodles and stir-fries. Spicy and bold, yet well-balanced, Thai food is recognisable from the first bite because:
It has zesty, zingy flavours such as: lemongrass, chili, lime and mint.
It has herby, fresh aromatics, such as: lemon basil, parsley and dill.
The flavours and aromatics are perfectly balanced.
It is very healthy, being vegetable based it includes lots of vitamins and nutrients.
Thai food can be easily replicated, it is simple to cook and includes basic ingredients.
But if you’re new to Thai food, you might be wondering what you should try first. To help you, here is a list of the top ten most popular Thai dishes that you absolutely have to try.
1. Pad Thai:
Stir-fried noodles. An iconic Thai dish, Pad Thai is usually made with flat rice noodles, combined with seafood (or chicken or pork), egg, sauces and vegetables such as bean sprouts and shallots, served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, chilli and roasted peanuts (optional). This dish is a delicious balance of salty, sweet and sour.
2. Tom Yum Goong:
Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup. An iconic dish from the central region, this clear soup boasts an extravagant combination of shallots, lemongrass, mushroom, red chili peppers, lime juice, galangal, and fish sauce. Although shrimp (known as Goong) is the most common main ingredient, other variations include chicken, mixed seafood, or fish. This is a spicy speciality, however, there is a milder alternative for people who aren’t fond of spicy food. The Thai chicken soup is much milder, with a sweet and creamy tone, yet with the same sublime spices and flavours.
3. Kaeng Lueang
Yellow Curry. Known for its delicious range of curries from the mild to the explosive, there are a wide range of regional curry variations, however, there are three main types of Thai curry
- Yellow
- Green
- Red
The colour of yellow curry comes from the generous use of turmeric which is ground with classical aromatic ingredients such as cumin, coriander, lemongrass and shallots to create a rich texture. Potatoes, vegetables and coconut milk are added, along with chicken, or an alternative protein or tofu. Of the three main curry types, yellow curry contains the least chillies, therefore it has the mildest taste.
4. Gaeng Daeng
Red Curry. The authentic Thai red curry is a happy medium between the yellow and green curry options, it is spicier than yellow curry but not as hot as green curry. The stunning red colour of this curry comes from the crushed red chillies which makes up the paste, which also includes garlic and shallots, lemongrass and blue ginger. Made with chicken breast, the paste is added to coconut milk and vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms and eggplant.
5. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai
Green Curry. The spiciest and most common of the three Thai curries, this dish is heavily based on its green chillies, which give it a fiery taste, as well as its green hue. Simmered with coconut milk, to add a sweet undertone, and made with chicken breast, this curry incorporates similar ingredients to the other curries, including vegetables like potatoes, eggplant, lemongrass and shallots. The seriously spicy kick comes from the green chillies.
6. Khao Soi
Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup. Fragrant, sweet, slightly spicy and creamy, noodle soups are the perfect Thai street food. In a delicious broth made with a coconut milk base, this dish includes egg noodles and either chicken, beef or seafood, which is topped with deep-fried crispy egg noodles, shallots and pickled vegetables.
7. Khao Pad
Thai Fried Rice. A lunchtime favourite, this Thai fried rice is made with either chicken, beef, pork, seafood or fish. This is stir-fried with jasmine rice, eggs, fish sauce and vegetables such as garlic, onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Served with lime wedges and cucumber slices, this simple dish is a go-to favourite for locals.
8.Pad Kra Pao Moo
Stir-Fried Thai Basil and Pork. A perfect balance between sweet and spicy, this dish includes fresh chillies, green beans, garlic, palm sugar and fish sauce, which is stir-fried with minced pork and basil leaves. This is served with white rice and is topped with a fried egg. Alternatives to pork include minced chicken, duck, beef, seafood and tofu.
9. Laab
Spicy Salad. Spicy, salty and hot, Laab is a north-eastern speciality. This traditional spicy salad is usually made with minced meat, as well as a wide range of vegetables such as mint leaves, mushrooms, shallots, chillies, coriander and lime juice, as well as fish sauce. The accompaniment of raw vegetables with this dish helps to cut through their fiery nature of this dish.
10. Khao Niao Mamuang
Mango Sticky Rice. Arguably the most popular Thai dessert, mango sticky rice is a simple, but delicious dish to finish a meal. Doused in coconut milk and slices of fresh mango, this dessert is a favourite in every country.
And to wash all of these tasty dishes down, why not try one the delicious Thai drinks, such as the Thai iced coffee, made with black, regular ground coffee, ground, cardamom, sweetened condensed milk and almond extract.
The most popular Thai dishes also happen to be some of the healthiest Thai meal options, owing to the fantastic inclusion of vegetables. Also, Thai food is rarely deep-fried, in fact most Thai dishes need to be steamed or pan-fried, the healthier cooking option. This also makes the taste of Thai food explosive and unique, which is one of the main reasons Thai food is so popular.
If you’re new to Thai food, you’re sure to find something that tickles your tastebuds on this list, especially if you’re a fan of other Asian foods.
Source: https://siamais.co.uk/