Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world and its capital city Bangkok is also known as one of the most popular cities. If you are keen to plan a trip, check out some great gap year programs in Thailand.
After checking some deals, check out some travel blogs and travel magazines and know why Thailand became so popular among all travelers. Thailand has beautiful islands and beaches, world class resorts, multitudes of shopping option, vibrant culture, photogenic streets, friendly people and of course, delicious food.
Thai food is regardless as one of the best not only in Asia but also in the whole world. It is oozing with flavors and cooks are always using fresh ingredients infused with aromatic herbs and spices. The choices are also endless when it comes to dining. Regardless if you prefer to stay on budget or splurge, you’ll always be able to experience the greatness of Thai cuisine in every meal.
Here are four must try foods that you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to Thailand:
1. Green Papaya Salad
Papaya Salad is popular not only to visitors but also to local residents of Bangkok. In almost every corner of their streets you’ll see a small shop selling Papaya Salad. So what’s exactly is Papaya Salad. Papaya Salad or locally known as Som Tam is made of grated papaya, fresh tomatoes, string beans, dried shrimps and flavored with sour lime, hot chili, salty, savory fish sauce, and sweetness added by palm sugar. All the ingredients are then mixed and pounded using a wooden mortar.
There are different variations depending on where you go and additional ingredients are often infuse to provide different flavors.
2. Mango Sticky Rice
This would probably one of the simplest and yet most delicious dessert I have ever tasted. A serving consists of cooked glutionous rice (sweetened), ripe mango on the side and topped with creamy coconut milk. Some shops add sesame seeds on top.
Various posh restaurants in Bangkok also make their own version of Mango Sticky Rice.
3. Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a popular noodle dish from the North of Thailand. It’s made of deep fried crispy egg noodles and boiled egg noodles topped with pickled cabbage, bean sprouts, shallots, lime, dried chilli and meat (often chicken) with a curry like sauce that contains coconut milk.
This is a not to be missed dish especially when you visit Chiang Mai.
4. Pad Kra Pao
Pad Kra Pao is another popular popular dish among locals, expats and foreign visitors and can be found almost anywhere in Thailand. Pad Kra Pao or simply Kra Pao is made of ground meat (often pork) stir fried with garlic, bell peppers, chillies and basil leaves. It goes well with jasmine rice and often served with a fried egg (sunny side up). This is a very spicy dish so be ready for a fiery meal.
These are just four of the most popular dishes in Thailand, there’s a long list of sumptuous Thai dishes waiting for you on your next visit to Thailand.
Have you tried any of these dishes? Feel free to share some tips and recommendations.