Thailand Food and Drink: Classic Dishes
Listed below are a few of the many dishes associated with the cuisine of Thailand. Recipes for these classic dishes and many others can be found in the Recipes section.
APPETIZERS
Gai Hor Bai Toey – Chicken marinated in seasoned coconut milk and sesame oil, wrapped pandan leaves, and deep-fried.
Poh Pia Tod (Fried Spring Rolls) – Deep-fried spring rolls stuffed with vegetables, thin rice noodles, and sometimes ground pre-cooked pork or shrimp.
Satay Gai (Chicken Satay) – One of Thailand’s best-known dishes, satay is meat, most often chicken, marinated in coconut milk, fish sauce, and curry powder, barbecued on skewers, and served with a coconut, curry, and peanut sauce. Cucumber salad is a common accompaniment.
Tod Man Pla – Deep-fried fish cakes seasoned with curry paste, basil, and fish sauce are a popular Thai appetizer, usually served with cucumber salad.
SOUPS
Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Soup) – In this chicken soup with coconut milk and lemongrass, the richness of the coconut milk is balanced with the astringency of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and lime juice, as well as by the spiciness of fresh chilies.
Tom Yum Goong – A clear red shrimp soup, quite spicy, and one of Thailand’s best-known soups.
SALADS
Cucumber Salad – A light, simple cucumber salad typically served with spring rolls and other appetizers.
Nu Yang Nam Tok – Grilled steak, thinly sliced and dressed with lime, chili, fish sauce, and onion, is a popular cold dish.
Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) – Green papaya is the main ingredient in Thailand’s signature salad, also common throughout Southeast Asia. Originally a specialty of Northeastern Thailand, this dish is now eaten throughout the country. Chilies, lime juice, tomatoes, string beans, peanuts, fish sauce, and tiny dried shrimp are among the usual ingredients.
Yam Pla – Fish with herbs and a spicy dressing is one of Thailand’s most common salads.
MAIN DISHES
Kaeng Khiew Wan Gai – Green curry, as distinguished from yellow curry and red curry, is a well-known Thai dish. Thai curry sauces are generally thinner than standard curries in other Asian countries, and are usually served with rice.
Nua Bye Ga Pon – Chicken or shrimp can be used instead of beef in this stir-fried dish.
Pad Thai – Soft noodles stir-fried with prawns, egg, vegetables and special sauce. This is Thailand's most famous noodle dish.
SIDE DISHES
Khao Pad Goong (Thai Fried Rice with Shrimp) – This dish of mixed rice includes shrimp, but often includes other meats. It is eaten as a side dish or a light meal.
Nam Pla Prik – A dipping sauce that accompanies most Thai dishes, especially fried foods and appetizers.
DESSERTS
Khao Neow Ma Muang (Sticky Rice With Mango) – Sticky rice with ripe mango and coconut cream is a well-known Thai dessert.
Kluay Buat Chee – Banana stewed in coconut milk, served warm, is a popular Thai sweet.
BEVERAGES
Beer – Locally brewed beer, served cold, is a favorite Thai beverage with meals or when socializing.
Coffee – Thai coffee, brewed strong and served over ice with condensed milk, is a popular drink. Coffee is also served black, hot or cold, or hot with condensed milk.
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