Thailand – the Land of Smiles – is not only famous for its stunning travel destinations and bustling shopping centers, but also for its incredibly rich Thai cuisine. If you’re wondering what to eat or what to bring home from Thailand, this article will reveal the top 15 most beloved Thai specialties – from must-try street food to meaningful edible souvenirs.
Top 7 Must-Try Famous Thai Dishes
Below are the most iconic Thai dishes you shouldn’t miss during your trip.
1.1 Pad Thai – Thai Stir-Fried Noodles
Pad Thai is a national dish of Thailand, offering a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. It consists of soaked rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, meat, egg, bean sprouts, and chives, topped with tamarind sauce and crushed peanuts.
📍 Where to try: Thip Samai, Pad Thai Mae Am
1.2 Tom Yum – Spicy Thai Shrimp Soup
Tom Yum is a signature Thai soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, chili, mushrooms, and tomato. You can choose between the clear broth or a richer version made with coconut milk.
📍 Where to try: Tom Yum Kung Banglamphu, Ban Khun Mae
1.3 Goong Ten – Dancing Shrimp Salad
Goong Ten is a popular Thai street food made from live freshwater shrimp mixed with herbs, chili, lime, garlic, and shallots. It’s known for its unique texture and fresh, spicy flavor.
📍 Where to find: Night markets and street food vendors across Thailand
1.4 Laeng Saeb – Spicy Pork Spine Soup
This spicy pork backbone dish is served tower-style and slow-cooked with white radish, onion, chili, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves. The tender meat melts in your mouth and is best enjoyed with its bold, sour-spicy broth.
📍 Where to try: Ratchada Night Market, Jodd Fairs
1.5 Thai-Style Roti
Thai roti is a popular street snack made with a crispy, buttery crust filled with banana and egg, topped with condensed milk and chocolate sauce. It’s crispy, sweet, and not overly heavy.
📍 Where to try: Yaowarat Street (Chinatown, Bangkok)
1.6 Som Tam – Green Papaya Salad
Som Tam (Thai papaya salad) is made by pounding shredded green papaya with lime, chili, fish sauce, and palm sugar in a mortar, creating a perfect balance of sour, spicy, sweet, and salty.
📍 Where to try: Som Tam Jay So, Somtam Nua
1.7 Mango Sticky Rice
A beloved Thai dessert, mango sticky rice is made with glutinous rice, sweet ripe mango, coconut cream, and crispy mung beans. Variations include pandan, durian, and black sticky rice versions.
📍 Where to try: Mae Varee, Kor Panich, Boonsap Thai Desserts
2. Top 8 Thai Specialties to Bring Home as Gifts
Besides delicious food, Thailand also offers many edible souvenirs that are perfect for gifting.
2.1 Thai Banana Cake
This soft sponge cake is filled with creamy banana custard. A sweet and nostalgic treat that’s loved by both kids and adults.
💰 Price: ~27 baht (~20,000 VND)
📍 Where to buy: 7-Eleven, local supermarkets, markets
2.2 Thai Dried Fruits
As the fruit capital of Southeast Asia, Thailand’s dried fruits make perfect gifts. Popular varieties include jackfruit, banana, durian, and mango.
💰 Price: 136–410 baht/100g (~100,000–300,000 VND)
📍 Where to buy: Big C, Chatuchak Market
2.3 Pork Floss Roll Cake
Crispy outside, savory inside – this roll cake is filled with seasoned pork floss and has a subtle cinnamon aroma. Compact and easy to pack.
💰 Price: 82–205 baht (~60,000–150,000 VND)
📍 Where to buy: Sukhumvit Soi 38, supermarkets
2.4 Bento Spicy Squid
Bento is a famous Thai spicy dried squid snack, available in various spice levels. A hit with locals and tourists alike.
💰 Price: 10–34 baht (~7,000–25,000 VND)
📍 Where to buy: 7-Eleven, supermarkets
2.5 Thai Milk Tea
You can’t leave Thailand without bringing home some Thai milk tea. Available in three popular flavors: Thai red tea, Thai green tea, and original.
💰 Price: 27–95 baht/400g (~20,000–70,000 VND)
📍 Where to buy: Markets, supermarkets, convenience stores
2.6 Durian Chips
Thinly sliced fresh durian is deep-fried to crispy perfection, preserving its bold flavor. Great for fans of durian.
💰 Price: ~120 baht/200g (~88,000 VND)
📍 Where to buy: Local markets, supermarkets
2.7 Thai Tamarind
Sweet and sour, soft-textured Thai tamarind is a popular treat and great as a snack or cooking ingredient.
💰 Price: 136–205 baht/kg (~100,000–150,000 VND)
📍 Where to buy: Markets and supermarkets
2.8 Tao Kae Noi Seaweed Snacks
Tao Kae Noi is a famous Thai seaweed snack made from natural seaweed and available in various flavors like classic, kimchi, and seafood.
💰 Price: 10–70 baht (~7,000–50,000 VND)
📍 Where to buy: 7-Eleven, night markets, airports
Conclusion
Thailand is truly a paradise not only for travelers but also for food lovers. With this curated list of 15 most loved Thai specialties – from iconic Thai street food to convenient souvenirs to take home – you’ll be fully equipped to make the most of your culinary journey and bring back meaningful gifts for your loved ones.
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