Thailand’s food needs little introduction. From San Francisco to
Sukhothai, its profusion of exotic flavours and fragrances make it among
the most coveted of international cuisines. As a walk through Bangkok
forcefully reminds, these flavours and fragrances are seemingly
inexhaustible. However, whether it be juicy pieces of grilled pork on a
stick or a fiery bowl of ‘Tom Yum’ soup, we all have to start somewhere.
And what better place than our carefully selected Top 10 of Thai Food,
which spans everything from staple backpacker favourites to Thai
classics. Once you’ve tried them all, please vote for the one that
really thrilled your taste buds..
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
The quintessential Thai aroma! A
bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, lime
leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce shapes this classic soup,
giving it its legendary herbal kick. Succulent fresh prawns and straw
mushrooms lend it body. A versatile dish that can fit within virtually
any meal, the distinctive smell reminds you of exotic perfume, while
it's invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just screams 'Thailand'!
Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
Hailing from the Northeast state of
Isaan, this outlandish dish is both great divider - some can't get
enough of its bite, some can't handle it - and greatly distinctive.
Garlic, chilies, green beans, cherry tomatoes and shredded raw papaya
get dramatically pulverized in a pestle and mortar, so releasing a
rounded sweet-sour-spicy flavour that's not easily forgotten. Regional
variations throw peanuts, dry shrimp or salted crab into the mix, the
latter having a gut-cleansing talent that catches many newcomers by
surprise!
Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)
A mild, tamer twist on Tom Yum, this
iconic soup infuses fiery chilies, thinly sliced young galangal, crushed
shallots, stalks of lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. However
unlike its more watery cousin, lashings of coconut milk soften its spicy
blow. Topped off with fresh lime leaves, it's a sweet-smelling
concoction, both creamy and compelling.