If you’re looking to mix up your culinary experiences and try something new, then Thai food can be a great option. Its central location means it has been influenced by a variety of countries including India, China, Malaysia and even Japan. This means you’ll be getting an adventurous dose of new flavours and spices, if this seems appealing to you then Thai cuisine is the way to go.
Where did Thai cuisine originate
Thai cuisine originated in Thailand, which is a country located in Southeast Asia and is known for its tropical climate and diverse landscape. However, it first originated from Southern Chinese immigrants that made their way to Thailand, meaning it initially had more of a Szechwan influence before Buddhists brought an Indian touch to the dishes. The cuisine reflects this diversity, with dishes that incorporate flavours and ingredients from all over the region.
What are some of the most popular dishes in Thai cuisine?
Thai cuisine is known for its spicy, flavorful dishes and some of the popular dishes you might know include green curry, pad thai, and massaman curry. That being said, there are many dishes from other regions that are also just as delicious that you can even try cooking yourself when you feel adventurous.
Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a popular Thai dish made with chicken and coconut milk and is served with rice or noodles. The rich, creamy sauce is flavoured with lemongrass, ginger, and chilli peppers, making it both spicy and flavorful. If you want to cook the dish you can also add some herbs like cilantro or basil, just don’t forget to order fresh poultry and coconut milk as fresh ingredients are essential to the success of the dish.
Pad Thai
Tom Kha Gai isn’t the only dish that Thailand is known for, Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish flavoured with fish sauce and tamarind is another popular option. It’s usually served with a variety of vegetables and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, Pad Thai is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a popular dish in Northern Thailand and consists of egg noodles served in a rich, flavorful curry sauce. It’s often topped with crispy fried noodles as well as fresh cilantro, red onion, and lime wedges to give it an extra kick. Khao Soi has become increasingly popular outside of its homeland and can now be found in many Thai restaurants around the world.
Laarb
Laarb is a classic dish from Northeastern Thailand that consists of minced pork, shallots, herbs, and spices. It’s usually served on lettuce leaves with fresh basil and sticky rice. It can also be made with chicken and beef, though pork is the predominant option. Laarb is both flavorful and fragrant and can be enjoyed as a side dish or eaten by itself as the main course.
Som Tum
Som Tum is another popular dish from Northeastern Thailand that consists of green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, chilis, and fish sauce. It is made by slicing the green papaya into thin strips and then grounding the remainder of the ingredients together. This spicy salad is an explosion of sweet, sour, savoury and spicy flavours bound to wake your senses.
What are some of the main ingredients in Thai food and their origin?
The main ingredients in Thai food are chilli peppers, lime juice, fish sauce, and coconut milk. These ingredients originate from different parts of the world, but they all come together to create a delicious and spicy flavour profile. While lime juice and fish sauce are from Southeast Asia, Chili peppers are surprisingly from South America and were introduced during the 1700s by Portuguese missionaries.
How spicy is Thai food, really?
The spiciness of Thai food is something that often surprises newcomers to the cuisine. While Thai dishes can be quite spicy, most restaurants will adjust the level of heat to fit your needs so don’t feel too intimidated. You can ask for ‘Thai spicy’ if you’re looking for an authentic experience, it can be very intense, so don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Photo by Jerome Jome on Unsplash
Leave a Reply