[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations to travel to as it caters to any globetrotter whether they are interested in luxury travel, adventure, or simply a cultural experience. Now getting to really know a place, and getting to feel its “vibe” calls for more than plain sightseeing. It calls for a plunge into the nation’s culture and daily routines. The daily life in Thailand is as exotic to westerners as their temples. Visitors are sure to experience a land of fruit, spices and lots of color, and this is definitely reflected in Thai cuisine.The growing number of Thai restaurants worldwide attests to the fact that Thai cuisine has and continues to appeal to more and more people. Now for those new to Thai cooking, the selection of exotic fare can be overwhelming since you’re not quite sure where to start, which is why we are taking a look at four of the most popular dishes in Thailand. Let’s dive in.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong or the Tom Yum soup is a famous dish that perhaps best represents Thai cuisine and its influences. As no decent Thai food consists of less than 4 or 5 different flavors, this clear, spicy and sour soup pays homage to a Thai cook’s skillful ability to blend a wide variety of flavors, and make the most of them. Now the use of various herbs in this dish, such as kaffir lime leaves, galangal, shallots and lemongrass is the very reason why it is considered to be the aroma of Thailand. Tom Yam Goong is best served with shrimps and mushrooms, and topped with the most traditional Thai ingredient, fish sauce.
Som Tam
This popular spicy papaya salad originates from the northeastern provinces of Thailand. Som Tam can vary depending on the region and seasonal fruit available. Shredded green papaya, tomatoes, capsaicin (gained from chili peppers), palm sugar, lime and lime are but a few of the ingredients used in making Som Tam. Now finding some of the key ingredients required for Som Tam can be difficult to find in places far from East Asia, but fruit delivery services like in2fruit in Sydney and specialized markets worldwide are making it possible to whip up the delicious green papaya salad.
Kuay Tiew Nam
Yet another soup dish only this one consist of noodles. Although fairly basic, this soup can be made with any kind of meat (or seafood) possible, and is rich with flavor. Generally the soup is prepared by throwing noodles and fresh vegetables in a boiling clear soup until cooked, followed by the meat at the end. For that authentic taste, try to go for shrimp as your protein.
Pad Thai
This dish is by far one of the most recognizable and most common dishes served in Thai restaurants all across the globe. As a result of its renown and popularity, the dish comes with so many variations that it is hard to figure out the original recipe. However, one of the most standard versions is made from noodles dressed with tofu, bean sprouts, onion, and ground peanuts. Proteins like chicken, beef, shrimp or pork are often added as well. The more subtle flavors in Pad thai make this the go to dish for those just getting familiar with thai cuisine.
Now we have looked as a few of the more known Thai food dishes, but this is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the country’s cuisine. Prepare yourself for a truly exotic and delicious culinary experience, where your taste buds will be completely enthralled. But don’t take our word for it, taste it for yourself!
