15 Types of Thailand Dishes You Have to Try in Bangkok

Explore the culinary delights of Thailand by wandering through the vibrant streets of Bangkok, where you’ll discover some of the most mouth-watering Thai dishes in the country.

When you meet a native Thai, they won’t ask “Hello? Hi? How are you?” Instead, they’ll likely ask “Have you eaten?” This shows the deep appreciation Thais have for their cuisine, a tradition reflected in the bustling city of Bangkok.

Bangkok, a popular destination for backpackers in Southeast Asia, offers a diverse range of cuisines for you to sample. The city is renowned for its street food, providing a plethora of dishes at affordable prices.

Here’s a curated list of must-try Thai dishes when you visit Bangkok.

Main Dish

1. Tom Yam Goong

Tom Yam Goong, a classic Thai soup, is a must-try. Made with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, and lime leaves, it’s a flavorful delight. You can enjoy two variations: with coconut milk or without, both offering distinct tastes.

This iconic dish is easily found in Bangkok, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. For a recommended experience, visit the Banana Leaf Restaurant at Silom Complex, Silom Road, Bangkok.

2. Pad Thai

Pad Thai, Thailand’s national noodle dish, is a must-have. Dating back to the Ayutthaya Empire, this dish features rice noodles stir-fried with tofu, peanuts, shrimp, and a range of flavorful ingredients.

For an authentic Pad Thai experience, visit Thip Samai on Maha Chai Road.

3. Gaeng Som

Gaeng Som, a traditional Thai soup, boasts a tangy and sweet flavor profile with a vibrant orange hue. Enjoy this dish at Arhan Isaan Rot Det Restaurant on Thanon Rangnam Road.

4. Gaeng Keow Wan

Indulge in the rich flavors of Gaeng Keow Wan, a green curry made with green chili paste, coconut milk, chicken, and an array of Thai spices. This dish pairs perfectly with white rice or thin rice noodles.

5. Som Tam

For a refreshing and satisfying salad, try Som Tam, a popular Thai dish made with green papaya, tomatoes, lime juice, and a blend of savory and spicy ingredients. Sample this delightful salad at Soi Siam Square or Prachathipat road.

6. Khao Niew Moo Yang

Expand your culinary horizons with Khao Niew Moo Yang, skewers of grilled pork served with rice for a unique and satisfying meal.

What about replacing regular rice with sticky rice, which has a sweeter taste and a sticky texture? If you’re curious about this flavor, you should try Khao Niew Moo Yang when you visit Bangkok.

Khao Niew Moo Yang is a dish consisting of grilled pork skewers served with sticky rice. It’s delicious and easy to find in Bangkok, from alleys to upscale restaurants. Another dish worth trying is Kao Na Phet, made with grilled duck seasoned with Thai spices, served with duck stock and white rice. One popular restaurant that serves Kao Na Phet in Bangkok is Hua Seng Hong Restaurant in Yaowarat road.

For dessert and snacks, you can try Durian Chips, which offer a milder flavor compared to fresh durian, and Mango Sticky Rice, Thailand’s national dessert made with ripe mango and sticky rice. Coconut Ice Cream is another delicious option, made with coconut milk and served with various toppings. Luk Chup, made from bean marzipan shaped like fruits or vegetables, is a popular local sweet treat.

Tub Tim Krob, also known as Red Rubies, is a dessert made from chestnut water with a red color, best enjoyed cold with coconut milk. And for beverages, don’t miss Cha Yen, or Thai Tea, a sweet and refreshing drink made from Thai tea leaves and sweetened condensed milk. Oliang, Thai Coffee, is another popular beverage choice in Bangkok. Oliang, also known as Thai Coffee, is a popular beverage in Thailand that rivals Cha Yen, or Thai Iced Tea. This local coffee is made by blending local coffee beans with sugar and sweetened condensed milk to create a strong sweet taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can request less sugar when ordering.

Some stalls that serve Cha Yen also offer Oliang on their menus. While the taste may be similar, the prices can vary between restaurants and local stalls. If you’re looking to save money, opting for Oliang from a local stall is a good choice.

Another refreshing drink to try in Thailand is Nom Yen, or Ice Milk with Syrup. This cold beverage is made from condensed milk and sala syrup, perfect for cooling off in Bangkok’s hot weather. Just like Oliang, Nom Yen can be found in many stalls alongside Cha Yen.

Thailand is known for its flavorful dishes that use a variety of spices, catering to tourists’ tastes from all over the world. Which of these beverages are you most excited to try during your visit to Thailand? Please rewrite this sentence.