Culinary journey through Thailand

Thailand is a country that constantly fascinates with its rich culture, picturesque landscapes and unique cuisine that has won the hearts of gourmets around the world. Thai food, known for its intense aromas, rich flavors and use of fresh, local ingredients, is a real feast for the senses. Each dish, from spicy soups to exquisite seafood dishes and succulent salads, is a testament to Thai culinary art.

During the culinary travel around Thailand it's worth visiting both street markets and fine dining restaurants to experience the full spectrum of Thai cuisine. On the bustling streets Bangkok, in luxury resorts Phuket or in charming corners Chiang Mai, there is something for everyone. Thai dishes are prepared with extraordinary care and passion, which makes each dish a unique culinary experience.

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In this article, we will present the most popular Thai dishes and recommend places where you can try them while visiting Thailand. vacation in Thailand. From classic pad thai in the heart of Bangkok, through fresh seafood on the islands, to aromatic curry in northern Chiang Mai – we invite you on a journey that will satisfy even the most refined palates and leave unforgettable memories.

Classic Thai dishes: pad thai, tom yum and som tam

Pad Thai – the national dish of Thailand

Pad Thai is one of the most recognizable Thai dishes, often called the national dish of Thailand. It is a delicious dish of rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, tofu, eggs and vegetables, served with chopped peanuts, lime and fish sauce. The perfect place to try authentic pad Thai is Khao San Road in Bangkok, where numerous stalls serve the dish fresh from the wok.

Pad Thai starts with soaking rice noodles, which are then stir-fried over high heat with garlic and shallots. Protein, eggs, vegetables and sauces are added, all of which are stir-fried over high heat, giving the dish its distinctive flavour. Finally, the pad Thai is sprinkled with fresh herbs and peanuts and served with lime wedges.

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Where to eat pad thai in Thailand?

Bangkok

• Thip Samai: Considered one of the best places for pad Thai in Bangkok, Thip Samai has been serving the dish since the 60s and is known for its authenticity and high-quality ingredients.
• Pad Thai Ekkamai: a popular place in the Ekkamai district where you can try different versions of pad Thai, including seafood.
• Baan Pad Thai: If you’re looking for an authentic culinary experience during your trip to Bangkok, Baan Pad Thai is the place to go. This restaurant serves some of the best pad Thai in the city. The menu offers a variety of variations on this classic dish, including seafood, chicken, tofu and vegetarian options.

Chiang Mai

• Pad Thai Ha Rod: Known for its excellent pad Thai, this restaurant is a favourite with Thais and tourists alike. They serve the classic shrimp and chicken version, but also a vegetarian version with tofu.
• Night Market: Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar is the perfect place to try pad Thai in a bustling night market atmosphere. Numerous stalls offer freshly prepared dishes at affordable prices.

Phuket

• Mor Mu Dong: A hidden gem in Phuket, this restaurant serves authentic seafood pad thai. A perfect place for those who want to try local cuisine away from the tourist path
• Laem Hin Seafood: Known for its delicious seafood dishes, this restaurant offers a unique pad Thai with shrimp and squid, which are freshly caught daily.

Koh Samui

• Baitong Restaurant: Located on the beach, it offers not only delicious pad thai but also fantastic ocean views. It is the perfect place for a romantic dinner in a tropical setting.
• Fisherman's Village: a bustling night market with many food stalls where you can try authentic pad thai prepared fresh in front of your eyes.

Tom yum - aromatic soup for mełośnikóin spicy dań

Tom yum is one of the most iconic and popular dishes in Thai cuisine, known for its intense flavor and aroma. This spicy and sour soup, made with a broth of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, chili paste and coconut milk, is a perfect example of the Thai approach to flavor balance.

Tom yum starts with boiling the broth, adding lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves to give the soup its base flavour. Then add the shrimp or chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes and onions, and finally season with lime juice, chili paste and fish sauce. The soup is ready to serve when all the ingredients are cooked and the flavours have melded.

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Where to eat tom yum in Thailand?

Bangkok

• Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle: Known for its delicious tom yum, this restaurant offers rich, aromatic soups with large shrimp, which are a real delicacy. Located in the Ratchathewi district, it is loved by locals and tourists alike.
• Jay Fai: This is a legendary Michelin star restaurant, known for its exceptional tom yum. Jay Fai, the owner and head chef, personally prepares the dishes.

Chiang Mai

• Tong Tem Toh: Popular with Chiang Mai locals and tourists alike, this restaurant serves authentic tom yum, full of flavor and aroma. Located in the Nimmanhaemin district, it’s the perfect place to dine after a day of sightseeing.
• Khao Soi Khun Yai: Although best known for its khao soi, this restaurant also serves up a unique tom yum that attracts foodies from all over the city. It’s located near the old town.

Phuket

• Mor Mu Dong: The restaurant serves authentic tom yum with seafood. The perfect place for those who want to try local cuisine away from the tourist paths
• Raya Restaurant: Known for its traditional Thai dishes, Raya Restaurant offers a unique tom yum with shrimp, a perfect example of Thai culinary art. The restaurant is located in the center of Phuket Town and is very popular with locals

Koh Samui

• Krua Chao Baan: This beachfront restaurant offers not only delicious Tom Yum but also beautiful ocean views. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner in a tropical setting.
• The jungle club: Known for its spectacular views of the island and ocean, this restaurant offers delicious tom yum that can be enjoyed in a unique atmosphere.

I'm there - an icon of thai cuisine

Som tam is one of the most characteristic and popular salads in Thai cuisine, known for its distinctive, spicy and sour note. The salad consists of green papaya, mixed with tomatoes, green beans, garlic, chili peppers, lime juice, fish sauce and peanuts. Som tam is a refreshing salad, perfect for hot days, and can be tried at street markets in Bangkok, such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, where vendors prepare them in front of customers.

Som tam is made by crushing garlic and chili in a mortar, then adding grated papaya, green beans and cherry tomatoes. All ingredients are gently crushed in a mortar to combine the flavors. Fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar and optional dried shrimp are added, and finally peanuts. The salad is mixed until all ingredients are well combined and the flavors are balanced

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Where can I try som tam?

Bangkok

• Som Tam Nua: A famous som tam restaurant located in the Siam district. It is a popular place for locals and tourists, offering the traditional green papaya salad and other regional variations.
• Jay So: A small, family-run restaurant in Pratunam, known for its authentic flavours and fresh ingredients, Som tam at Jay So is praised for its boldness and perfect balance of flavours.

Chiang Mai

• Som Tam Udon: a popular spot in central Chiang Mai offering a variety of som tam options, including crab, fermented fish and various levels of spiciness
• Thanin Market: This local Chiang Mai market is a great place to try som tam in an authentic setting. Many vendors offer freshly prepared salads that you can eat in or take away.

Phuket

• I Am There Pochana: This restaurant serves delicious som tam with shrimp, peanuts and seafood.
• Banzaan Fresh Market: This vibrant Patong spot offers a wide range of fresh produce and prepared foods. The som tam prepared on the spot by the vendors is a great example of authentic Thai street food.

Koh Samui

• Som Tum Restaurant: A beachfront restaurant serving traditional som tam in a variety of flavors, including crab and seafood. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing dinner with beautiful ocean views.
• Chaweng night market: Chaweng’s bustling night market is a great place to sample authentic, local-style som tam. Many vendors offer their own versions of the salad, each unique and full of flavor.

Street food in Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Thailand offers one of the most exciting culinary experiences in the world – street food. Bangkok and Chiang Mai, two of the most important cities in Thailand, are true paradises for lovers of culinary adventures. From aromatic soups, to spicy salads, to sweet desserts, Thai street food delights with a variety of flavors and aromas. Situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, Chiang Mai is not only the center of Thai culture and history, but also a paradise for street food lovers. The city is famous for its diverse flavors and aromas, which can be discovered at the bustling night markets and street stalls. Chiang Mai offers a unique culinary experience where tradition meets modernity, and each dish is a real feast for the senses.

Street food in Bangkok

Bangkok - Chinatown

Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the city’s most iconic culinary destinations. In the evenings, the streets of Yaowarat transform into a bustling market, filled with stalls serving a variety of cuisines. It’s the perfect place to try authentic Thai food in a unique atmosphere.

As the sun sets, Chinatown’s streets are lined with stalls offering a wide range of dishes that attract both locals and tourists. Popular delicacies include crispy squid, grilled seafood, fresh spring rolls and aromatic curries. Each stall has its own unique specialties, and the aromas in the air make it hard to pass by indifferently. While strolling through Chinatown, you can also try the traditional dim sum dumplings and Peking duck, which are equally popular in Thai versions.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the most famous street food spots in northern Thailand. Every evening, hundreds of stalls line the streets, offering a wide range of Thai delicacies. It’s the perfect place to try a variety of dishes and enjoy the local atmosphere.

The Night Bazaar stretches for several blocks and is filled with colorful lights, the sounds of live music and the smells of freshly prepared food. The stalls offer not only food but also local crafts, clothes and souvenirs. It is a place where both tourists and locals come to eat, shop and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Sunday Walking Street, also known as Thanon Ratchadamnoen, is another popular street market in Chiang Mai that takes place every Sunday. The streets are closed to traffic and filled with food, crafts, and souvenir stalls. It’s a great place for an evening stroll and a culinary feast. Starting at Tha Phae Gate, the market stretches along the main street for several blocks. It’s a great place to discover local culinary delights, as well as shop for unique products like handmade jewelry, clothing, and art.

Thai cooking course

For cooking enthusiasts and foodies, a Thai cooking course is a great opportunity to delve into the secrets of this exotic cuisine. By taking such courses, you can not only learn how to prepare classic Thai dishes, but also understand the culinary culture of Thailand, get to know local ingredients and culinary techniques. Below are some renowned cooking schools that offer top-level courses in different parts of Thailand.

Cooking Course in Chiang Mai

Bangkok

• Baipai Thai Cooking School

Baipai Thai Cooking School is one of the most renowned cooking schools in Bangkok. The school offers interactive courses in a cozy atmosphere where participants can learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes from scratch. Courses include a visit to a local market where participants learn about the various ingredients used in Thai cooking, then prepare a full meal under the guidance of experienced chefs. The school is known for its professional approach and attention to detail, making each lesson not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable.

• Blue Elephant Cooking School

Blue Elephant is a world-renowned brand, and its cooking school in Bangkok is synonymous with luxury and high quality. The courses offered by Blue Elephant combine modern culinary techniques with traditional Thai recipes. Participants have the opportunity to learn how to prepare both classic and contemporary Thai dishes using the best ingredients. The school offers both one-day workshops and longer courses that end with a certificate.

Chiang Mai

• Thai Farm Cooking School

Thai Farm Cooking School in Chiang Mai is the perfect place for those who want to immerse themselves in an authentic Thai culinary experience. Courses are held on an organic farm where participants can see how ingredients used in Thai cooking are grown. After harvesting, participants prepare a multi-course meal, learning traditional techniques and recipes. The school is known for its friendly atmosphere and individual approach to each student.

• Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School

Founded by Chef Sompon Nabnian, Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School is one of the oldest and most renowned cooking schools in northern Thailand. The school offers a wide range of courses, from one-day workshops to advanced cooking courses. Participants learn to prepare classic Thai dishes such as tom yum, pad thai and massaman curry under the guidance of experienced instructors. Each course ends with a tasting of the dishes prepared, allowing you to fully appreciate the taste and quality of Thai cuisine.

Phuket

• Phuket Thai Cookery School

Phuket Thai Cookery School offers cooking courses on the beautiful island of Phuket, where participants can enjoy not only cooking lessons but also stunning ocean views. Courses include a visit to a local market, where participants learn about Thai ingredients and the techniques for selecting them. Then, under the guidance of experienced chefs, they prepare a variety of Thai dishes, from appetizers to desserts. The school offers courses for both beginners and advanced chefs.

• Bang's Cooking School

Pum's Cooking School is a popular destination for tourists visiting Phuket. The school offers a wide range of courses, from quick workshops to full-blown cooking classes. Participants learn to prepare classic Thai dishes in a friendly and interactive atmosphere. Pum's Cooking School is known for its hands-on approach, which allows participants to easily recreate the recipes they learn at home.

Koh Samui

• Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts (SITCA)

SITCA on Koh Samui offers professional cooking courses that allow participants to immerse themselves in Thai culinary culture. Courses include visits to local markets, where participants learn about Thai ingredients and techniques for selecting them. Then, under the guidance of experienced chefs, they prepare multi-course meals, learning traditional techniques and recipes. The school is known for its personalized approach and high-quality teaching.

• Island Organics Thai Cooking Class

Island Organics offers cooking classes in the unique setting of an organic farm on Koh Samui. Participants have the opportunity to see how organic ingredients are grown and then used to prepare authentic Thai dishes. The courses are held in small groups, which allows for individual attention to each participant and ensures a high level of teaching.

Thai cooking classes are not only about learning how to prepare delicious dishes, but also about immersing yourself in Thai culture and culinary traditions. Whether you’re in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or one of Thailand’s beautiful islands, there are cooking schools that offer unforgettable experiences and let you bring a piece of Thailand into your own kitchen.