Taste the most delicious food in Thailand during your stay in paradise

In Thai culture, food is a social experience with meals often being shared, reinforcing a sense of community and togetherness. While each diner is served their individual serving of rice, the rest of the dishes are placed in the centre of the table for sharing. This allows diners the luxury of being able to sample a variety of flavours in one meal.

While you may think that across all Asian cuisines, chopsticks are commonly used, but not when it comes to food in Thailand. Only when a dish contains noodles are the chopsticks whipped out. Rice meals are eaten with a spoon and fork, with the spoon used to bring food to the mouth and the fork serving as a tool for pushing food onto the spoon. Soups are enjoyed with a Chinese-style soup spoon, and chopsticks are provided for picking up solid ingredients. Of course, when trying to dine like a local, don’t make the faux pas of drinking directly from the bowl. This is considered highly impolite. Did you know?  In Northern Thailand, sticky rice is traditionally eaten with the hands, further highlighting regional dining customs. Also, another fun fact about Thai food in Thailand is that knives are unnecessary, as food is always served in bite-sized portions.

Another unique aspect of Thai dining etiquette is that, unlike in some other Asian cultures where leaving food on the plate is customary, in Thailand, it is polite to finish everything. However, it is considered impolite to take too much food at once or to eat too quickly. Thai dining is not just about nourishment—it is a time to connect, share, and enjoy the diverse flavours that define the country's rich culinary heritage.

The national food in Thailand has evolved over centuries with Chinese culinary traditions playing a significant role. It is widely believed that Thai people originally migrated from southern China, bringing with them their cooking techniques and staple ingredients. Thai food shares with Chinese cuisine the balance of four key flavours—sweet, sour, bitter, and salty—all harmonized within a single dish. This combination creates the signature depth and complexity that Thai cuisine is known for.

Malaysian and Indian gastronomic traditions have also left their mark over time, especially when it comes to Thailand’s iconic red and green curries. In the northeastern part of the country, the food reflects strong connections to Laotian and Cambodian culinary styles. Of course, Thailand’s cuisine has also been enriched by international trade. One of the most striking examples is the introduction of chilli peppers, a now essential ingredient in Thai cuisine, which arrived from the Americas via Portuguese traders in the 16th century.

Thai food is often intensely spicy. If you prefer a milder taste, it's useful to remember the phrase mai ped, which means "not spicy," when ordering food in Thailand. The use of herbs such as lemongrass and various types of basil or dill also helps create a fresher aroma, distilling some of the spiciness. Of course, the indispensable fish sauce and other flavourings such as ginger, turmeric or tamarind also add depth to the meat or vegetables. 

Any foodie on holiday in Thailand will be dying to dive into the country’s gastronomic heritage. Yet, if you are wondering what dishes to try first, it is important to know the regional variations. Thailand is generally divided into four culinary areas: Central Thailand, Isaan (Northeast), Northern Thailand, and Southern Thailand. Each region has its own distinctive flavours and specialities, making Thai food an exciting and diverse experience.

When it comes to a Westerner’s take on Thai food, the most similar version can be found in Central Thai cuisine. This is where you’ll find iconic dishes like Pad Thai, the famous stir-fried noodle dish that has become a global favourite. Another highlight is kaeng (also known as gaeng), which are delicious soupy curries full of aromatic flavour. These dishes, often cooked with coconut milk, create the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and richness.

The cuisine of Isaan, Thailand’s northeastern region, is heavily influenced by neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. If you are a fan of bold flavours and grilled meats, sticky rice and zesty salads, you must visit this region. Som Tam, a spicy green papaya salad made with garlic, tomatoes, prawns, peanuts, fish sauce and lime juice is a tempting choice. Another must-try is Laarb, a minced meat salad, often considered the national dish of Laos but widely appreciated across Thailand. 

The local food of Northern Thailand carries strong influences from Laos, Myanmar, and China. Sticky rice lovers rejoice as here, it is served by the bowlful. It is traditionally steamed in bamboo baskets and eaten with the hands. One of the most distinct aspects of Northern Thai culture is dining on a Khan Tok, a small round table placed on the floor where people gather to share meals. Not sure what to order during this memorable dining experience? You cannot go wrong with Nam Prik Mang Da, a dipping sauce made with giant water bugs, chilli, lime juice, and fish stock—one of the many examples of Thailand’s adventurous use of insects in cooking.

The local food of Northern Thailand carries strong influences from Laos, Myanmar, and China. Sticky rice lovers rejoice as here, it is served by the bowlful. It is traditionally steamed in bamboo baskets and eaten with the hands. One of the most distinct aspects of Northern Thai culture is dining on a Khan Tok, a small round table placed on the floor where people gather to share meals. Not sure what to order during this memorable dining experience? You cannot go wrong with Nam Prik Mang Da, a dipping sauce made with giant water bugs, chilli, lime juice, and fish stock—one of the many examples of Thailand’s adventurous use of insects in cooking.

Of course, you cannot say you have been to Thailand without tucking into some curbside grub. Head to the bustling markets where you can find small food carts selling some of the most authentic and delicious Thai dishes. Here you will not only be able to taste the culture but immerse yourself fully into the goings on of daily life. Worried about food safety? Don’t panic, just do as the locals do. Head to places with high foot traffic as this ensures that the food is fresh and frequently prepared. Also, if you can see the cooking process- even better! Street food in Thailand is also a budget-friendly way to eat your way around the country, savouring tidbit after tidbit wherever you go.

When you are done figuring out what street food to try in Thailand, you may want to treat yourself to a more refined dining experience. When it comes to special occasion food in Thailand, there are plenty of high-end restaurants that serve both traditional and fusion Thai cuisine. One excellent option is the Barceló Coconut Island in Phuket, a luxury beachfront resort offering a paradisiacal setting for guests to savour international and Thai flavours. Choose from elegant indoor settings to private beachside dinners offering everything you need for a truly unforgettable foodie stay. After all, who can say no to gourmet dining with breathtaking ocean views?