Thailand is worth the trip for the food alone. From tom kha / red curry noodle soup to stir-fried vegetables with rice, here are the dishes to seek out across Thailand.
This rich coconut-based curry soup is layered with tender meat, a soft-boiled egg and aromatic herbs. The balance of creamy, spicy and tangy flavors is the hallmark of Thai cooking.
Pad kra pao — minced pork stir-fried with holy basil, chili and garlic over rice and usually crowned with a crispy fried egg — is Thailand's go-to comfort plate. Fast, fiery and savory.
A creamy bowl of tom yum goong crowned with a whole river prawn, fragrant with lemongrass, chili and herbs. This hot-and-sour soup is one of Thailand's most iconic dishes.
A bowl of khao soi, a golden coconut-curry noodle soup topped with crispy fried noodles and served with pickled greens. It is the signature dish of Chiang Mai and northern Thailand.
A plate of stir-fried bitter melon and greens with pork, served alongside steamed rice. The simple, savory dish is everyday Thai home-style cooking.
