Thailand is one of the most beautiful tourist locations in the world. With pristine beaches, old temples, and floating markets, the tour to the place is an unforgettable experience to the visitors.
Many adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, and so on are also part of the Thailand tour. There is no wonder why this land is selected by most for their holiday tour package.
But there is one vital thing that most people miss out on their journey. The exceptional Thai dishes
Thailand: a country of exquisite dishes
Thai people have a varied palate. Their food is as diverse as their land. The natives put a lot of importance on dining and they love long meals. They are fond of sitting together and sharing their thoughts while enjoying food. They have a variety of cuisines, most of which you will surely love.
Many of the Thai dishes are spicy; some very hot, others are sweet and savory, few are sour but all are tasty. Most contain chicken, shrimp, or beef. So unless you are a vegan, you will surely enjoy the festival of taste. Trying each out is an adventure in its own right.
Most people who visit the land miss out on this food adventure. It may be because they can’t find time to try them out during the hectic schedule of their international tour package. More probably because they cannot pronounce the name of the dish. If you can’t say it, how can you buy it?
But if you love tasting new foods, you should try the native dishes out. It is better to learn the names of a few palatable dishes before you go on your holiday package to the country.
9 dishes to try in Thailand
Here are some of the best dishes in the land that you may try tasting during your holiday package.
Khao Pad
Khao Pad is one of those Thai dishes that everyone can try. It is a Thai version of Chinese fried rice. The major difference is in the rice used. Khao Pad uses jasmine rice as opposed to long-grain rice. This makes it taste a little different. Usually different varieties of meat like pork, chicken, shrimp, or crab are added to the rice making it a delicious meal.
Yam Nua
If you love beef, you will surely enjoy this dish. Yam Nua is a spicy salad made of skirt steak. Dried chili, coriander, onion, and spearmint are the other ingredients. This is a perfect pick for you if you can stand the hot spices. It is the best way to make your holiday package way more interesting.
Pad Thai (Phad Thai)
Pad Thai is commonly available street food in Thailand. The delicious dish is also available in most restaurants in the country. It is essentially a rice noodle with tofu, eggs, and shrimp. These ingredients make Pad Thai more nutritious and mouth-watering. Red chili or pepper is added to make it spicy.
If you have never tried Thai food before, this would be a good dish to start with. It made the fifth place in the list of “World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods” in the CNN reader’s poll.
Gaeng Keow Wan Kai
Though the name is a mouthful, the dish is delicious. The unpronounceable name simply means ‘green chicken curry‘; the ‘green‘ denoting the green chilies used in the curry. If you are from the Indian subcontinent you will surely like this dish as it is almost like Chicken tikka masala.
Gaeng Daeng
This curry with a rhyming name is similar to the green chicken curry but spicier. Also known as Red chicken curry, Red denoting both the color and the level of spice. So try this dish only if you can stand the peppery hotness.
Mango sticky rice
If you are not a fan of spicy food and you have a sweet tooth, you can try this dish. Thailand is famous for its mangoes. During the months from April to June, when they ripen, you can avail of a lot many dishes with the fruit in it. Mango sticky rice is a traditional dessert containing fresh mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk.
Though it may sound an unlikely combination, the dessert is very delicious. You will find yourself wanting more. So even if you have a busy schedule, as with all international tour packages, find some time to try this dish.
Tom Yum Goong
No. It is not that exhilarating martial arts movie of Tony Jaa. This one is a Thai soup. Not just a Thai soup, it is the most famous soup in the country.
Made using shrimp, the soup is on high demand in all Thai restaurants around the world. Its distinct hot and sour flavor will surely melt you away. The fragrant spices and herbs make the soup more enjoyable. You have to have this soup while you are in the country.
Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai or Tom Kha Kai is another kind of Thai soup. Though coconut milk is the main ingredient the soup has a surprising savory taste. But no need to worry, you will like it. It usually consists of chicken, lime, lemongrass, mushrooms, chili peppers, and fish sauce. The Thai ginger, which has a distinctive taste compared to normal ginger, is also added to give flavor.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a special type of snack available in the country. It can be addictive once you find a liking to it. It is especially good with sweet chili dipping sauce. You may feel like packing some on your way back home after the holiday package is over.
Conclusion
Native dishes speak a lot about the culture and history of the land. Dining with locals is the easiest way to connect with them and know their lifestyle. So even if you are not a food enthusiast, you should include it in your international holiday package.
You cannot be sure that you will like the dishes. There is no way to know other than trying it. One thing is assured, it will make you come out of your comfort zone and make you feel more adventurous. Isn’t that the whole point of traveling?