I just capped off a culinary tour of Thailand this past week (courtesy of Thailand Tourism Authority). Thai cuisine is famous for it’s balance of sweet, spicy, salty and sour tastes. I was never a huge fan before, but now I’m converted. Here are some foods you simply must try if given the opportunity. And if you’re legit headed to Thailand, check out this one month Thailand itinerary.
Thai shrimp
Most of the shrimp we get in North America is farmed in Thailand. But what we don’t get, are these massive river prawns, served grilled with a splash of lime. Like most seafood dishes in Thailand, you dip this in nam jim talae, a spicy seafood sauce comprised of fresh chilies, garlic, cilantro, ginger, lime, sugar and fish sauce.
Legit Pad Thai
Yeah, I know. Pad Thai is pretty ubiquitous, but when it’s made right, there’s nothing like it. Plump prawns tossed with tangy rice noodles and crunchy peanuts is delish! The trick I learned, is to use palm or coconut sugar instead of regular sugar in the dressing.
This duck wrapped in betel leaves was to die for! It was smoky, juicy and tasted almost like it was caramelized. My stomach is growling right now just thinking about it.
Thai salad rolls
In Eastern Thailand, there are many influences from Vietnamese cuisine, as the countries border each other. They serve salad rolls (much smaller than ours) and spring rolls – both of which are an explosion of flavours, likely because they pack in loads of fresh herbs like mint, Thai basil, coriander leaf and stinkweed.
Thai snacks
I feel like a bit of a hoser recommending potato chips, but to put it quite simply, these crab curry chips rocked. They were ridged, with just a hint of spice and a tangy crab flavour. Definitely moreish! Note: under no circumstances do I recommend the Crab Fried Rice chips. Those crisps tasted like dried shrimp and were, in the words of my colleague Erin, “legit disgusting.”
Do you like Thai Food? I’d love to hear your favourite Thai dishes.
