Hey Lykkers! If we're studying in Thailand, one of the best things we get to experience is its amazing food! Thai cuisine is famous worldwide for its rich flavors, unique ingredients, and perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes.
Whether we love spicy dishes or prefer something mild and creamy, there's always something for us to enjoy.
Thai food is more than just delicious—it's also packed with fresh herbs and spices, making it a great choice for those who love tasty and healthy meals. With so many incredible options, it can be hard to decide what to try first. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are five must-try Thai dishes that we absolutely shouldn't miss while studying in Thailand.
1. Tom Yum Goong – Spicy & Sour Shrimp Soup
If we want to experience the true taste of Thailand, Tom Yum Goong is the perfect dish! This hot and sour shrimp soup is one of the country's most famous dishes, known for its bold and refreshing flavors.
It's made with fresh shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal (a type of ginger), lime juice, fish sauce, and crushed chilies. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether we enjoy it as an appetizer or pair it with rice for a full meal, this dish is a must-try for anyone in Thailand!
2. Pad Thai – The Famous Thai Stir-Fried Noodles
When it comes to Thai street food, Pad Thai is one of the most iconic dishes. It's a delicious stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, tofu, eggs, bean sprouts, and a special sauce that gives it a slightly sweet and tangy taste.
The dish is often served with lime wedges, crushed peanuts, and chili flakes, allowing us to customize the flavor to our liking. Whether we choose shrimp, chicken, or a vegetarian version, Pad Thai is always a satisfying and comforting meal that we can find almost anywhere in Thailand.
3. Tom Saap – Spicy & Sour Meat Rib Soup
For those who love bold and aromatic flavors, Tom Saap is a dish we don't want to miss. This spicy and sour soup is made with tender meat ribs, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, creating a strong and refreshing taste.
It's a favorite dish in the northeastern region of Thailand, where people enjoy eating it with sticky rice. The rich broth is both spicy and slightly tangy, making it a perfect choice for anyone who loves flavorful soups. If we enjoy Tom Yum but want something a little different, Tom Saap is a great alternative!
4. Khao Pad – Thai-Style Fried Rice
Fried rice is a popular dish in many countries, but Thai-style fried rice (Khao Pad) has its own unique twist! Made with fragrant Thai jasmine rice, it's stir-fried with eggs, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and our choice of meat or seafood.
What makes Thai fried rice special is the use of fish sauce and lime juice, which add a fresh and slightly tangy flavor. It's often served with sliced cucumbers and a small bowl of spicy chili sauce on the side. Whether we're in a restaurant or a street food stall, Khao Pad is a simple yet delicious meal that's perfect for any time of the day.
5. Gaeng Daeng – Thai Red Curry
If we love rich and creamy dishes, Thai Red Curry (Gaeng Daeng) is a must-try! This flavorful curry is made with red curry paste, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables, along with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.
The curry is slow-cooked until the flavors blend beautifully, and it's usually served with jasmine rice. The coconut milk gives it a smooth and creamy texture, while the red chili paste adds a nice kick of spice. If we enjoy Thai curries, this dish will definitely be one of our favorites!
Where to Find These Dishes?
The good news is that these dishes are easy to find! Whether we visit a local restaurant, a street food market, or a university cafeteria, we'll have plenty of opportunities to try these amazing Thai flavors.
For students at Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU), the university's food court offers a variety of Thai dishes at affordable prices. The area around the campus is also packed with restaurants, including Chinese food spots for those who occasionally crave familiar flavors. On weekends, students from other universities even visit DPU for its great food options!
Enjoy the Taste of Thailand!
Lykkers, studying in Thailand isn't just about books and exams—it's also about exploring new experiences, including food! Thai cuisine has something for everyone, whether we love spicy soups, rich curries, or simple yet delicious fried rice.
Next time we head out for a meal, why not try one of these five must-try dishes? Let's embrace the flavors of Thailand and make our study-abroad journey even more exciting!
