Top 10 Must-Try Thai Dishes for Travelers in 2026
One of the greatest highlights of traveling in Thailand is its diverse and flavorful cuisine.
From street food stalls to restaurants, Thai food offers a wide range of tastes, combining sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and spice in unique ways.
In this article, we introduce 10 classic Thai dishes you should definitely try when visiting Thailand in 2026.
All dishes are beginner-friendly and widely loved, making them perfect for first-time visitors.
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1. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is Thailand’s most famous stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles.
It features a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, typically prepared with shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts.
With mild spiciness, Pad Thai is easy to enjoy and ideal for first-time Thai food eaters.
2. Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour soup made with shrimp.
It is flavored with Thai herbs such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal.
This dish perfectly represents Thai cuisine’s bold flavors and is a must-try for those who want an authentic experience.
3. Gapao
Gapao is a stir-fried dish made with minced meat and holy basil, usually served over rice.
A fried egg on top, known as “Gapao Rice,” is especially popular.
Spice levels can be adjusted, making it a great choice for lunch or casual meals.
4. Khao Man Gai
Khao Man Gai consists of poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth.
It is light, comforting, and eaten with a special sauce on the side.
This dish is perfect for travelers who prefer mild flavors or want a simple meal.
5. Som Tam
Som Tam is a spicy papaya salad made with shredded green papaya.
It combines sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and heat in a refreshing way.
Often found at street stalls, Som Tam is a great introduction to local Thai food culture.
6. Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is a rich and mildly spiced curry made with coconut milk, spices, and nuts.
Its flavor profile includes hints of cinnamon and cardamom.
It is one of the most popular Thai curries among international travelers.
7. Green Curry
Green Curry is a classic Thai curry made with green chilies and coconut milk.
It has a bold, spicy kick balanced by creamy sweetness.
Recommended for travelers who enjoy spicy food and intense flavors.
8. Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a northern Thai curry noodle dish.
It features a coconut-based curry soup with both boiled and crispy fried noodles on top.
Although originally from northern Thailand, it can now be found in many cities across the country.
9. Moo Ping
Moo Ping is grilled pork skewers marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
They are commonly sold at street stalls and are popular as breakfast or snacks.
Easy to eat on the go, Moo Ping is perfect for busy sightseeing days.
10. Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a classic Thai dessert made with sweet sticky rice, coconut milk, and ripe mango.
It is refreshing, satisfying, and especially popular during hot weather.
This dessert offers a true taste of Thailand’s tropical flavors.
Summary | Discover Thai Cuisine to Enhance Your Travel Experience
Thai cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes, many of which are approachable and enjoyable even for first-time visitors.
The ten dishes introduced here are classic choices that are unlikely to disappoint.
If you are unsure where to try these dishes, THAIGOHAN helps you find restaurants by area, cuisine type, and dining style.
Make your 2026 Thailand trip even more memorable by experiencing authentic Thai food at its best.
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