Top 100 Thai Foods

Roti canai is a traditional pan-fried flatbread made with flour, water, eggs, and fat of Indian origin, but mainly associated with Malaysia, and surrounding countries like Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand. The dough for roti canai is repeatedly folded, so the final product has a layered texture, a soft interior, and a crispy outer layer. The most common fat used in roti canai is ghee, the traditional Indian clarified butter. It is believed that the dish originated in India when the Indian laborers who migrated to Malaysia brought the recipe and the tradition of preparing this crispy pastry to the foreign country. Usually, it is served plain in its traditional round form, as an accompaniment to curries. It can be served on the side or torn into pieces and mixed with the curry. However, roti canai is often served as the star dish, accompanied by different savory and sweet fillings and ingredients. If additional fillings are added, roti canai is usually shaped into rectangles. For example, in Malaysia, one can find various roti canai types, which are differentiated by the type of filling — egg, onion, egg and onion, banana, sardines, margarine and sugar, Maggi instant noodles, cheese, vegetable, and pork filling are some of the many available. However, roti canai doesn't have to have a filling but only a topping, such as fried eggs, curry, beans, lentils, and coffee beans. But martabak, a thick roti filled with meats, eggs, onions, and spices, is probably the best-known type of roti canai. Apart from Malaysia, it can also be found in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and a few other countries. Other than Malaysia, a very similar type of flatbread can be found in Singapore, where it's called roti prata. This crispy bread is usually sold by street vendors called mamaks.Expand

Phanaeng curry is a variety of Thai curry that is characterized by a thick texture and salty-sweet peanut flavor. It consists of meat that is stewed with coconut milk, panang curry paste, makrut lime leaves, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The meat used in phanaeng curry is usually beef, chicken, duck, or pork, and the dish traditionally does not include any vegetables. The name of the dish is derived from the word panang, meaning cross, which refers to the ancient way of preparing chicken with its legs crossed and set in an upright position. Though the origins of phanaeng curry are somewhat murky, it is often associated with the Malaysian state of Penang, but there is little evidence to support this claim. However, the earliest known recipe is found in Maawm Sohm Jeen’s book Tam Raa Gap Khao, dating back to 1890. Once finished, the curry is garnished with thinly sliced makrut lime leaves and Thai spur chili slices, and a bit of coconut milk can be poured over the curry.Expand

Tom kha gai is Thailand's delicious national dish coming from the central part of the country and bearing the influence of neighbouring Laos. It is a soup whose name translates to boiled galangal chicken soup, consisting of coconut milk, chicken chunks or shreds, galangal (reddish-brown or pink woody plant related to ginger), lemongrass, garlic, bird's eye chili peppers, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and shiitake mushrooms. Galangal's peppery, pungent, slightly sour and floral flavors provide an interesting contrast to the creaminess of coconut milk, creating a wonderfully aromatic dish in the process. Tom kha gai is highly nutritious with great medicinal properties, such as the ability to soothe the gastro-intestinal tract. Since the dish is very popular, there are also other versions of the soup - vegetarian, tofu, seafood, and pork tom kha are just some of its varieties. It is traditionally served with rice on the side, garnished with coriander leaves and diced tomatoes.Expand

This traditional Thai stir-fry combines minced meat or seafood with holy basil and various other ingredients such as shallots, garlic, and chili peppers. The dish is flavored with soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce, and typically comes served with rice, fried eggs, and fish sauce on the side. Interestingly, phat kaphrao is ranked as the fourth most common dish ordered by foreigners in Thailand.Expand

This small-sized Thai dessert, which is often referred to as a pancake, pudding, or a cake, is created with a batter that combines rice flour and coconut milk. The dessert is baked in large iron pans that have small, round indentations, and it is typically prepared in two stages—with a batter that is used as a crispy bottom layer, and a creamy, lightly sweetened coconut milk filling. Typical additions to the custard-like filling include sliced scallions, taro, corn, or pumpkin. Khanom khrok is a staple street food in Thailand, typically enjoyed as a quick and filling snack that balances sweet and savory flavors extremely well.Expand

This traditional Thai rice pudding is a favorite way to finish any Thai meal. The dish is prepared with glutinous rice that is first steamed, then doused in sweetened coconut milk. Lastly, the rice is served sided with slices of fresh mango. This simple dessert is incredibly popular, and it can be found at virtually any eatery in Thailand.Expand

Kai yang is a poultry dish made by grilling or barbecuing a whole, marinated chicken. Although the dish has origins with the Lao people of northeastern Thailand, today it is extremely popular and commonly eaten throughout the country. The chicken is typically paired with sticky white rice, dipping sauces (sweet sauce in the Central region, sour sauce in the Northeast), and a vegetable salad called som tam. It can be found at numerous street stalls all over Thailand. Kai yang differentiates itself from other grilled chicken dishes by its marinade, which is made from numerous ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, white pepper, fish sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, and herbs such as cilantro, lemongrass, and garlic. The dish is also characterized by the method of preparation: the chicken is cooked slowly in order for the meat to absorb all of the flavors from the marinade. Although not much is known about the origin of kai yang, it is believed that the dish was reserved only for the wealthy people in the past, since Lao people primarily consumed seafood, and other types of protein were very rare.Expand

Pad Thai is Thailand's national dish, a flavorful stir-fry (pad in Thai) dish consisting of rice noodles, tofu, dried shrimp, bean sprouts, and eggs. If it's made with meat, chicken and pork are some of the most popular choices. The flavors are an intricate combination of sweet, sour, and salty, with a well-balanced contrast of textures. Pad Thai is probably one of the most popular Thai dishes abroad. Its origins can be traced to a period of nationalism in the country, after the 1932 revolution that ended the absolute monarchy. There was a public contest to find a new national noodle dish, and the winner was a Pad Thai consisting of noodles, radish, sprouts, peanuts, and eggs. Tender rice noodles are additionally flavored with sugar, tamarind, lime juice, vinegar, and fish sauce, and the dish is traditionally served with ground red chilis, white vinegar, sugar, fresh lime wedges, and fish sauce on the side, so each consumer can garnish the meal to their preference.Expand

Khao phat is a simple Thai dish of stir-fried rice with vegetables that is traditionally prepared with jasmine rice, unlike the Chinese version which calls for plain white rice. Cooked jasmine rice is typically stir-fried with ingredients such as onions, garlic, and green onions, and it is then enhanced with fish sauce, thin soy sauce, a light dusting of white pepper, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice. Another essential component of the dish is the addition of scrambled eggs, which are fried alongside rice and vegetables before they are entirely blended into the mixture. In Thailand, the traditional way of eating this dish is with a crispy-fried egg on top, and khao phat is usually accompanied by a lime wedge and a spicy dipping sauce called nam pla prik (fish sauce mixed with Thai chilis) on the side. Thai fried rice is a typical street food item and a staple dish at stir-fry restaurants in the country, and it sometimes contains meat or seafood such as chicken or shrimps.Expand

Phat si-io is a Chinese-style noodle dish originating from Thailand. The dish is often prepared and served from street stalls and consists of big noodles or vermicelli which are stir-fried with thinly sliced pork, beef, chicken, or seafood. The dish is popular because of its fragrant aroma coming from fried soy sauce (both light and dark varieties), garlic, eggs, and Chinese broccoli, which are also included in the pan. The dish is also spelled as pad see ew, with pad meaning fried, and see ew meaning soy sauce, so the name literally means fried soy sauce. Once done, it's recommended to serve phat si-io with chili sauce.Expand

Paradai is a Thai bean-to-bar craft chocolate maker based in Bangkok, founded in 2016 with the aim of showcasing the unique character of locally grown Thai cacao. The company works directly with cacao farmers across several regions of Thailand, including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, and Chanthaburi, emphasizing traceability and the distinct terroir of each origin.

By controlling the entire process from sourcing and roasting to grinding and conching, Paradai produces chocolate that highlights the natural flavor profile of the beans rather than masking it with additives. Thai cacao is known for its bright, fruit-forward aromatics, often revealing notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and gentle acidity, which are preserved through careful fermentation and roasting.

Each bar is crafted in small batches to maintain consistency and clarity of flavor.Expand

Royal Umbrella is a prestigious Thai rice brand known for its superior quality, authentic flavor, and consistent production. The brand is owned by C.P.

Intertrade, a subsidiary of the powerful Charoen Pokphand Group, which is the largest agro-industrial conglomerate in Asia. Its most renowned product is Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice, a premium Thai jasmine rice grown in the northeastern regions of Thailand, known for their fertile soil, pure water, and favorable tropical climate—conditions that contribute to the rice’s distinctive jasmine aroma, delicate flavor, and light, fluffy texture after cooking. Royal Umbrella combines traditional expertise with modern technology in its operations.

The production process involves state-of-the-art milling and processing equipment, and every batch undergoes rigorous quality control - from harvesting to packaging. Royal Umbrella rice is used in households, restaurants, and hotels around the world and is highly valued for its versatility in cooking - perfect for traditional Thai dishes as well as international recipes such as risottos, sushi, and other rice-based specialties. Recognizable by its red packaging and iconic golden umbrella emblem, this brand holds a leading position in the global export of Thai rice.Expand

Doi Chaang Coffee is a Thai specialty coffee producer headquartered in Chiang Rai Province, best known for producing single-origin 100% Arabica coffee grown in the mountainous village of Doi Chaang at elevations ranging from approximately 1,000 to 1,700 meters above sea level. The company was established in 1990 as a cooperative of the local Akha community with the goal of improving coffee quality and creating a sustainable source of income for local farmers. Coffee cultivation was introduced as part of a crop substitution program that replaced opium poppy farming, and today production is based on sustainable agricultural practices in cooperation with hundreds of local growers. Only Arabica coffee varieties are cultivated, with the cherries being hand-picked, carefully sorted, and processed to preserve their distinctive origin characteristics. The company oversees the entire production process, from cultivation and processing to roasting and packaging, ensuring consistent quality. Doi Chaang Coffee holds a Geographical Indication (GI) designation for coffee produced in the Doi Chaang region, and its products are exported to numerous international markets. In addition to roasted whole bean and ground coffee, the company operates coffee shops and actively promotes Thai specialty coffee worldwide.Expand

Matchima Chocolate is a Thai chocolate producer known for using locally sourced ingredients. The company focuses on the production of high-quality, artisanal chocolate products.

They emphasize sustainable practices in their production processes to support local farmers and the environment.Expand

Pun Chocolate is a craft chocolate maker known for its dedication to high-quality, bean-to-bar production. Using carefully sourced cacao beans, Pun Chocolate focuses on preserving the unique flavors of each origin while combining creativity and tradition.

Their chocolates showcase rich textures and complex taste profiles, offering an authentic and refined chocolate experience.Expand

Golden Phoenix is one of the most recognized Thai rice brands, known for producing authentic and high-quality Thai Hom Mali jasmine rice - a variety celebrated worldwide for its distinctive aromatic fragrance, delicate texture, and slightly sticky grain once cooked. Founded in 1937, Golden Phoenix is part of the Chia Meng Group, one of the oldest and most respected rice companies in Thailand, headquartered in the northeastern region of the country, at the heart of the most fertile areas for jasmine rice cultivation. Golden Phoenix stands out for its combination of tradition and modern technology.

The company utilizes fully automated systems for cleaning, selecting, and packaging the rice, ensuring consistent quality and impeccable hygiene. Every grain undergoes strict quality control, and the brand places special emphasis on preserving the rice's natural characteristics - including the pandan-like aroma, a natural marker of authentic Thai jasmine rice. The brand’s products are highly valued by both professional chefs and households seeking genuine Thai quality in every meal.

Golden Phoenix has become a symbol of reliability, excellence, and the true experience of traditional Thai cuisine.Expand

Mandarin Oriental is one of Asia's most prestigious luxury hotels and has developed its own collection of premium teas as part of its gourmet offering. Although it is not a traditional tea producer, the hotel collaborates with selected partners to create exclusive blends inspired by Thailand's culinary heritage and local ingredients. Its tea collection includes herbal, black, green, and jasmine teas, as well as signature blends such as Premium Thai Lemongrass Tea, Instant Lemongrass Tea, and Black Highland Tea with Ginger & Brown Sugar, presented in elegant tins and gift boxes. These teas are closely associated with the hotel's renowned afternoon tea experience at The Authors' Lounge, one of Bangkok's most iconic tea destinations. Rather than focusing on large-scale production, Mandarin Oriental emphasizes exceptional quality, refined presentation, and carefully selected ingredients, making its teas among the city's most sought-after gourmet souvenirs. The collection is available both at the hotel and through The Mandarin Oriental Shop, where it forms part of the brand's exclusive range of premium gourmet products.Expand

Char Flower Tea is a Thai producer of premium floral and functional teas headquartered in Bangkok, specializing in teas made from carefully selected flowers and botanicals sourced from different regions of the world. The brand was established to combine the traditional culture of floral tea drinking with contemporary design and high quality standards. Its product range includes rose, lotus, water lily, chamomile, white chrysanthemum, and imperial chrysanthemum teas, as well as blooming teas and carefully crafted blends of tea, flowers, and fruit. Production is based on the use of whole dried flowers without artificial colors or flavors, preserving the natural appearance, aroma, and taste of each botanical ingredient. Particular attention is given to the selection of raw materials and processing methods that help maintain the flowers' natural characteristics. In addition to single-flower teas, the company offers premium gift sets and products intended for the hospitality sector, including luxury hotels. Char Flower Tea products are available through specialty retailers, department stores, and the company's official online store, and they are also featured in hotels and wellness establishments as part of their premium beverage selection.Expand

Sarnies Bangkok is a chain of specialty cafés and restaurants established as part of the Sarnies brand, which was founded in Singapore in 2017. The first Bangkok location opened in 2018 in the historic Bang Rak district, occupying a carefully restored former boat repair workshop that is more than 150 years old. The brand's concept combines specialty coffee, artisanal baking, and contemporary brunch cuisine, with a strong emphasis on high-quality ingredients and sustainability. Sarnies serves coffee roasted in its own roastery and collaborates with producers from various coffee-growing regions around the world, while its food menu blends international culinary influences with locally sourced Thai ingredients. The offering includes specialty coffee beverages, naturally leavened sourdough bread, pastries, sandwiches, breakfast and brunch dishes, as well as seasonal specialties. Following the success of its original café, the brand expanded with several locations across Bangkok, each maintaining its own distinctive character while adapting its menu to the surrounding neighborhood.Expand