Planning a trip to Thailand? Great call. The beaches are stunning, the culture’s rich, and the food is next level. Thai cuisine is a full-on flavour bomb. Think: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, all perfectly balanced in every bite. But the best part? On your next trip to Thailand, you don’t just get to eat it, you can learn to make it.

Across Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thai cooking classes give you the chance to cook the best Thai dishes like a local. Shop for fresh ingredients at local markets, pound curry paste by hand, and plate up dishes that’ll impress long after your trip is done. It’s a must-do for food lovers and way more fun than just snapping pics of your lunch.

Ready to explore Thailand, one dish at a time? We’ve rounded up 9 of the best Thai dishes you’ve got to try—and even better, you can learn to make every single one of them in a local cooking class.

If there were a national dish of Thailand, this would be it. It’s usually our top pick for a Friday takeaway, and for good reason. Pad Thai is the stir-fried noodle classic you’ll find sizzling on Bangkok’s streets from morning till late night. Sweet tamarind, salty fish sauce, tangy lime, and a bit of heat come together with springy rice noodles and your choice of meat or tofu. It’s quick, it’s full of flavour, and when done right, the wok hei (breath of the wok) adds that smoky finish you can’t fake.

Learn to cook it at: Silom Thai Cooking School in Bangkok offers hands-on classes where you can master Pad Thai and other classics.

Tom Yum is a punchy, aromatic bowl of Thai soul. This shrimp-based hot and sour soup is packed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh chillies. It’s the kind of dish that hits your nose before your spoon even touches the broth. Central Thailand is where it’s best known, and locals will tell you the balance of spicy and sour is everything.

Learn to cook it at: Blue Elephant Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok provides a royal setting to learn this iconic soup.

Green curry is one of the boldest Thai curries, made from a paste of green chillies, lemongrass, galangal, and basil. Coconut milk mellows the heat, and you’ll usually find it served with chicken, Thai eggplant, and plenty of fresh herbs. It’s a central Thai staple but loved across the country.

Learn to cook it at: Roschas Culinary School in Bangkok offers classes focusing on traditional curry preparations.

Som Tum is Thai food at full volume. Think: fiery, crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet. Originating from Isaan in the northeast, it’s made from shredded green papaya pounded with chilli, lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar. It’s a staple at street food stalls and pairs perfectly with sticky rice and grilled meat. Making it yourself is half the fun (and you get to pick your spice level).

Learn to cook it at: Sompong Thai Cooking School in Bangkok includes this salad in their diverse class menu.

Mango Sticky Rice is simple but unforgettable. It’s Thailand’s go-to dessert, especially during mango season (Mar - Jun). Glutinous rice is steamed and soaked in sweet coconut milk, then served with ripe mango and a sprinkle of mung beans or sesame seeds. It’s creamy, sweet, and best enjoyed fresh. Learn to nail the texture, and you’ll want to make this one at home every summer.

Learn to cook it at: Mama Noi Thai Cookery School in Chiang Mai offers dessert-focused classes where you can master this treat.

This dish is Northern Thai comfort food at its best. Khao Soi is a curry noodle soup with soft egg noodles in a coconut-rich broth, topped with crispy noodles for crunch. You'll often see it served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and a wedge of lime. Chiang Mai is its home, and once you taste it there, you’ll understand why it’s worth learning to cook.

Learn to cook it at: Galangal Cooking Studio in Chiang Mai provides an immersive experience into Northern Thai cuisine.

Massaman is unlike any other Thai curry. Influenced by Persian and Indian flavours, it’s mellow, rich, and full of warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Slow-cooked with beef, potatoes, and peanuts, it’s often served with rice or roti. A favourite in the south but cooked all over Thailand, it’s a hearty, comforting dish with a fascinating backstory.

Learn to cook it at: Get hands-on with traditional Thai flavours at Lanna Smile, where you'll cook Massaman and more in a cosy, garden-side kitchen after a local market run.

Creamier and slightly sweeter than red curry, Panang is a thick coconut-based curry that’s made with kaffir lime leaves and roasted peanuts. The paste has less chilli than green curry, so the flavours of lemongrass, garlic, and galangal really shine. It’s especially popular in central Thailand and goes perfectly with jasmine rice.

Learn to cook it at: Whip up rich, creamy Panang Curry from scratch at Tingly Thai, right in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Silom district.

Tom Kha Gai is a gentler cousin to Tom Yum. Coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, and chicken come together in a creamy, lightly sour broth. It’s comforting, aromatic, and a great entry point if you’re easing into Thai flavours. You’ll find this soup across the country, but learning to make it from scratch is the best way to appreciate its subtle balance.

Learn to cook it at: Master the art of Tom Kha Gai at Baan Hongnual, a local favourite where you’ll cook in an open-air kitchen after shopping the nearby market.

So there you have it—nine of the best Thai dishes you can actually learn to cook while you’re there. Whether you’re slurping spicy noodles or crafting your own curry paste, Thai cooking classes are the perfect way to dive deeper into the culture and take home more than just memories.

Feeling inspired? Jump onto Traveloka and book your flights to Thailand today. Whether you’re chasing spice in the city or going slow in the north, there’s a plate (and a wok) waiting for you. Time to turn your foodie dreams into reality.