Travelers going to Thailand have much to look forward to in the rich delicacies they can enjoy during their trip. Hot foods are always safer than cold foods because heat kills bacteria that can make people ill. Try to pick hot food over cold fruits and vegetables when possible.
1. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
This mouth-watering meal is made with meat, red curry paste, coconut milk, and kaffir lime leaves. The meat included could be beef, mutton, chicken, shrimp, or pork. It is often served with rice. This is a dish that will have you going back for more each time!
2. Pad Thai
This well-known international Thai dish is made in a burning hot wok. Noodles cook alongside beansprouts, onion, and egg before being seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, chili powder, and ground peanuts. Some potential additions include shrimp paste, banana blossoms, garlic chives, and preserved radishes. These tasty aromas summon pedestrians from the streets everyday.
3. Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Fried rice, egg, onion, herbs-this is a very popular lunch dish served with lime and cucumber. Thais usually add prawns, crab, chicken, basil, chili, left-over vegetables, or whatever sounds good that day! This is the perfect, customizable lunchtime meal! Authentic Thai trumps Panda Express all day every day.
4. Tom Kha Kai
This chicken in coconut soup is composed of fiery chilies, galangal, crushed shallots, lemongrass stalks, and tender chicken strips. The coconut milk soften the spicy flavor compared to its cousin, Som Tum (which has a more watery base). With fresh lime leaves, this creamy soup is a must-have during your visit.
5. Pad Krapow Moo Saap
After one bite of Pad Krapow Moo Saap, you will be hooked! Fried basil and pork with green beans, soy sauce, and a little sugar will have you drooling for more. Served with white rice, it is often topped with an egg. Most Thai people enjoy lots of chili in this dish, so if you don't want your mouth to be on fire, ask for your meal to be "just a little spicy."
6. Khao Niaow Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice)
Sticky rice is sweetened with sugar and soaked with coconut milk before being served with fresh mango slices. When mangoes are in season, they far outdo any mango you pick up at a local grocery store in the United States. Anyone with a sweet tooth has to pick up Khao Niaow Ma Muang at some point!
7. Kluay Kaek (Thai Banana Fritters)
These sliced bananas are dipped in toasted sesame seeds and shredded coconut before being fried. They can be paired with ice cream to make the best Thai dessert of all time. Thai coconut ice cream with Kluay Kaek is many tourists' favorite treat in Thailand. The crunchiness of the fritters compliments the smooth ice cream.
Conclusion
There are so many wonderful dishes to try in Thailand, whether sweet or savory. Getting prepared prior to your travels with the typhoid vaccine (oral or injectable), is a great way to further protect yourself from bad food or water. Drink only factory-sealed bottled water, and be conscious of your food choices. Get protected, and safe travels!