Dive headfirst into a world of bold flavours and vibrant colours with Thai cuisine! Forget bland and boring, Thai food is a symphony for the senses. Imagine sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury notes dancing on your tongue, all while your eyes feast on beautifully presented dishes. From fiery curries to refreshing salads, there's something to tantalise every taste bud. But where do you even begin? Fear not, dear reader! This guide will be your compass, navigating you through the delightful world of Thai food.
Here are 10 must-try best Thai food you can savour in Australia, along with some recommendations for where to find them:
This iconic stir-fried noodle dish is a classic for a reason. Pad thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish commonly served as a street food in Thailand. It is a popular dish both in Thailand and around the world, and is known for its sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours. Thin rice noodles are tossed with egg, vegetables, shrimp, tofu, and a tangy tamarind sauce, creating a symphony of textures and flavours. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a satisfying snack.
Where to eat: Pad Thai Thip Samai, 313-315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Price: AU$ 6
This spicy and sour soup is a true taste of Thailand. Packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies, it's a flavour bomb that will wake up your senses. You can choose from various protein options like shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and adjust the spice level to your liking.
Where to eat: Jeh O Chula, 113 Soi Charatmeang, Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Price: Starting at AU$ 5
Thai green curry, also known as Gaeng Kiew Wan in Thai, is a fragrant and flavorful curry dish originating from central Thailand. This best Thai food curry is a must-try for curry lovers. Made with green chilies, coconut milk, lemongrass, and a blend of Thai herbs, it has a complex flavour profile that's both creamy and spicy. Enjoy it with steamed rice or your favourite noodles.
Where to eat: Sirimahannop, 72 Charoen Krung Rd, Bangkok 10120 Thailand
Price: AU$ 20
This sweet and refreshing dessert is the perfect way to end a Thai meal. Sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and served with slices of ripe mango, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavours. It's a light and satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion.
Where to eat: Kor Panich Sticky Rice,431-433 Thanon Tanao
Price: AU$ 5.5
This Isaan-style minced meat salad is a flavorful and protein-packed dish. Typically made with chicken or pork, it's tossed with lime juice, fish sauce, chilies, mint, and other herbs, creating a refreshing and zesty salad that's perfect for a hot summer day.
Where to eat: Larb Bpet Yasothon, 525, Soi Silom 9 Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand
Price: AU$ 3
This northern best Thai food is a visual and culinary treat. Thin rice noodles are topped with a variety of colourful and flavorful ingredients like shredded pork, boiled eggs, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. The accompanying peanut sauce adds a rich and creamy touch, making this dish a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. With a full stomach, now it’s your time to shop some unique souvenirs at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Where to eat: Huen Phen, 112 Rachamankha Rd, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
Price: AU$ 1
This northern Thai specialty is a comforting hug in a bowl. Egg noodles bathe in a rich, flavorful curry broth infused with coconut milk, turmeric, and chilies. Crispy fried noodles add a delightful textural contrast, while toppings like pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime wedges offer bursts of acidity and freshness.
Where to eat: Eats Payao, 95 Thanon Nang Linchi Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120 Thailand
Price: AU$ 7.7
This southern Thai curry is a sweet and sour symphony for the senses. Flaky white fish simmers in a tamarind-based broth with pineapple, chilies, and herbs, creating a light and refreshing curry that's perfect for a hot day. Don't forget the steamed rice to soak up all those delicious flavours!
Where to eat: Khua Kling Pak Sod, 98/1 Soi Thong Lor Soi 5, Sukhumvit 55 Road Khlong Ton Nuea, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Price: AU$ 12
This spicy beef salad is a fiery fiesta for your taste buds. Thinly sliced grilled beef mingles with red onion, chilies, lemongrass, and a vibrant fish sauce dressing, creating a dish that's both refreshing and packed with punch. Be warned, this one packs a lot of heat!
Where to eat: Supanniga Eating Room, 160/11 Soi Sukhumvit 55 Between Thong Lor 6 and 8, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Price: AU$ 10.7
This coconut milk soup is a creamy, comforting hug on a cold day. Chicken simmers in a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, creating a rich and flavorful soup that's perfect with steamed rice or noodles. This kind of dish is the perfect way to enjoy after watching the beauty of the underwater world in SEA Life Ocean World.
Where to eat: Nalin Kitchen, 1463 Charoenkrung Road Silom Bangrak Across From Robinson Department Store-Bangrak.
Price: AU$ 6
So there you have it, a tantalising taste of the culinary gems waiting to be unearthed in Thailand. From fiery curries to refreshing salads, each dish is a vibrant explosion of flavour that will transport you to the Land of Smiles.
Ready to embark on your own delicious best Thai food adventure? Open the Traveloka app and book your flights to Bangkok today! Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the tastes of this incredible country. Your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you!