Thailand Food: What Is Thai Food? Is It Spicy?

Thailand food is world-renowned for its bold and complex use of flavors and unique dishes that are both delicious and visually striking. On the list of the World's 50 Best Foods, there were more dishes from Thailand than any other country. Sampling the local cuisine is a big part of traveling there. So what is Thai food, and is it spicy? All your questions are answered here.

What Is Thai Food? Is It Spicy?

What is Thai food? The one thing Thai food isn't simple. The most cherished dishes combine salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy flavors in complex, balanced combinations. Thai cooking makes extensive use of fresh herbs and spices like turmeric, basil, and lemongrass. The result is a bold sensory experience that is delicious and aromatic.

Culinary traditions in Thailand have been heavily influenced by nearby countries, especially India, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Chefs have been quick to integrate any new influences that could add new dimensions to the local cuisine, resulting in a rich and unique food culture.

Thailand rich and unique food culture

Thai cuisine is better thought of as five regional cuisines distinct in their influences and ingredients. Bangkok cuisine is heavily influenced by the traditions of Thai royalty, Central Thai cuisine makes heavy use of coconut milk, and Northern Thai food show influences of Laos and Khmer cuisine, and southern Thai food is known for its complex curriers.

Thai food can be spicy. Many notable dishes, such as tom yum soup, green curry, and papaya salad, have an inherent spiciness that can range from mild to intensely fiery. However, the range of flavors adored by Thai people includes non-spicy food like creamy soups or savory stir-fries. Thailand is also very welcoming to tourists, and chefs are aware not everyone likes spicy food. Mild or not spicy options are widely available.

The Main Features of Thailand's Food Culture

Thailand food is notable for its complex balance of flavors and colorful presentation. Local cuisine places a lot of importance on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and aromatic herbs and spices like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, cilantro, and Thai basil. These ideas and ingredients come together in several signature features.

1. Aromatic curries are common in Thai cuisine. Dishes featuring green, red, yellow, and massaman curries are an iconic part of local food. The curries have a strong flavor made with a coconut milk base and are prepared with different proteins and vegetables.
2. Pastes and sauces are widely used to enhance the flavor of dishes. Nam pia, a clear fish sauce, is a staple ingredient that adds a unique character to a lot of Thai food. Chili pastes, called nam phrik, are very popular, and each region has its own particular version. Varieties of soy sauce are also commonly used, such as black soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and fermented soybeans.
3. Rice is so important in Thailand that to say 'eat rice' in Thai means to eat food. Fragrant jasmine rice is the most commonly used variety, served alongside other dishes. Rice noodles are also popular, famously used in dishes like pad Thai.
4. Exotic fruit is a large part of the Thai diet. Not just served after meals as a dessert, fruit is a part of signature dishes like papaya or pomelo salad, soups made with tamarind juice, jackfruit curry, and duck or fish served with pineapple. 

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The Most Recommended Food in Thailand You Must Try

There is so much good Thailand food to try that it's hard to narrow down. To sample a good range of the best dishes, here are some must-try foods for any visitor.

Pad Thai
Famous all over the world, don't miss out on the chance to have genuinely authentic pad Thai. It's made with pan-fried rice noodles with fish sauce, lime juice, chopped peanuts, and egg combined with chicken, seafood, or tofu.

Pad Thai

Tom Yam Soup
This iconic Thai soup is a hot and sour soup that uses lemongrass, galangal root, and kaffir lime leaves for a bold and unique flavor. It comes in many varieties, such as tom yam goong made with shrimp, tom yam thale with seafood, and tom yam kai with chicken.

Thailand Tom Yam Soup.

Som Tam
Som tam is a green papaya salad. The papaya is grated and then pounded with a mortar and pestle. There are three main variations, one with peanuts and dried shrimp, one made with pickled rice-paddy crab, and another with salted gourami fish, eggplant, and long beans.

Thailand Som Tam.

Massaman Curry
Gaeng massaman, or massaman curry, is an Indian-Malay style curry made with dried spices such as coriander seeds, which are not usually found in Thai dishes. It's more commonly made with beef and potato and has a unique sweet and tangy flavor that's only mildly spicy.

Massaman Curry

Khao Niew Mamuang
This is a traditional and delicious dessert made with sweetened sticky rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk. Its sweet, cooling flavor is the perfect way to end a spicy Thai meal.

Khao Niew Mamuang

Is Food Expensive in Thailand? How Much for a Meal During Thailand Trip?

Food expenses account for a significant proportion of cost to travel to Thailand. Thai Food is world-wide known not only for its fresh and wonderful taste but also for its cheap. However, fine dining in Thailand can be as expensive as anywhere else in the world, but you can find an excellent dining experience in the 1000-1500 THB (28-40 USD) range.

If you don't try street food in Thailand, you'll be missing out on some of the most delicious food. Not only will you find freshly prepared stir-fries, grilled meats, and noodle soups, but average prices will be very affordable. A street food meal can often cost only 30-100 THB (1-3 USD).

Small local restaurants that serve authentic Thai food cost between 80-200 THB (3-6 USD). Mid-range restaurants that serve local and international food often cost 200-500 THB (6-15 USD) per person, depending on the location. 

Visitors are picking up the street food in Thailand

Tips for Thailand Food

It's hard to go wrong with food in Thailand, but keep these Thailand travel tips in mind for the best experience possible.

1. Try the street food.
Street food in Thailand is not just for budget travelers, it's also an essential part of local food culture. Visit a night market to see a vast range of delicious street food options.
2. Be conservative with spicy food.
Thai people love spicy food, and you may find what you thought was very spicy is mild compared to local standards. Start with the milder options when you first arrive, and work your way to the hotter options.
3. Eat local.
The best foods will be sourced from the local area. In northern Thailand, dishes like Khao Soi are made with fresh local fruits and vegetables. In south Thailand or on the islands, you'll find great freshly caught seafood.
4. Tipping is not always expected.
No tip is required or expected at street food stalls, food courts, or small local restaurants. A 10% tip for good service is standard for mid-range or formal establishments.
5. Stick to bottled water.
Local authorities in parts of Thailand insist that tap water is safe to drink, but to be on the safe side, it is best to drink bottled water. Cheap bottled water is available everywhere. 

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Conclusion

From street food to world-class dining, Thailand food is an important part of the local culture. You'll be surrounded by delicious food options everywhere you go in the country, with unique regional specialties waiting to be sampled.

Try as much as you can while you're going on a Thailand tour, and you'll be craving Thai food for the rest of your life. Never feel late to contact us to learn more about tours in Thailand!