Influenced by its neighbors, Thai food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the world.
It’s a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, salty, and sour that creates some amazing flavors that just can’t be found in other cuisines.
If you’ve never tried Thai food — or you have, and you’re looking to branch out — these are the Thai dishes you should start with.
1. Phad Thai
Phad Thai is one of the most popular Thai dishes in the USA, and certainly the most famous.
It has stir-fried thin rice noodles in a tamarind sauce and features egg, beansprouts, onions, and peanuts, along with other ingredients depending on where you get it from.
This dish may or may not be vegetarian, depending on the protein used and the sauce (which often contains fish).
When starting out with Thai food, it’s a good one to choose. It’s among the less spicy Thai recipes.
2. Phad Kee Mao
Phad Kee Mao is for those who want to up the spice level a little. They’re made with wide rice noodles and otherwise known as “drunken noodles”, and there are many theories as to why.
Some people say that it’s because they’re so spicy, people get drunk on alcohol trying to wash away the spice!
Although that sounds frightening, the heat isn’t overwhelming because it’s combined with great taste. It’s often made with different proteins, and is great with tofu.
3. Guay Tiew Naam
If you’re more of a soup kind of person, this is some of the best Thai food you can get. It’s wide rice noodles in a clear broth, and can be vegetarian or not (much like Phad Thai, it depends on the fish sauce).
It doesn’t tend to be anywhere near as spicy as Phad Kee Mao, so you can order this safely if you’re a little afraid of the heat Thai food can bring.
4. Radh Nah
Although Phad Thai is the most famous rice dish, Radh Nah is the dish most commonly ordered in Thailand itself.
It’s stir-fried wide rice noodles with Chinese broccoli in soybean gravy. It’s delicious, and there’s a reason it’s the most ordered dish in the country that the food comes from.
5. Mango Sticky Rice
If you’re looking for a Thai dessert after all this food, one of the most popular is mango sticky rice. It’s simple white sticky rice with some slices of fresh mango, and usually doesn’t feature much else.
It’s a simple dish, but a very tasty one, and you’ll be surprised by how much you love it.
You’re Sure to Love This Popular Thai Food
Thai food has gained traction in the USA, but there are still some people who haven’t sampled any of this popular Thai food! If you’re one of them, it’s time to change that.
To try any one of these dishes and more, Thai Ginger has some of the best Thai food in Seattle. Check out our menu today and swing by any of our locations in Puget Sound area to place an order.