When asked what food they would miss the most from the area, a Seattle native replied, “Oh, it’s got to be Thai food.”
You wouldn’t think of Seattle as a mecca for Thai food; there are only about 1.3K members in the diaspora community here.
However, it’s about proportion. In 2001 Thailand’s government began using a foreign policy known as gastrodiplomacy as a way to increase tourism, cultural and diplomatic awareness worldwide. Meaning the government would set aside funds and support any Thai Chefs who would like to open restaurants abroad, and Seattle is one of the lucky ones. There are more than 100 Thai restaurants in the area.
In light of this, let’s answer your burning question. Where can you get the best Thai food in Seattle? What should you order on the menus?
The Wonders of Thai Barbeque
You’ve heard of Korean barbeque, but we’re here to tell you that you’re probably sleeping on Thai barbeque. You’re missing out if you’ve never gone beyond Pad See Ew and Pad Thai!
What is Thai food known for?
The correct answer is the masterful explosion of flavors in your mouth when you try it. The best Thai food harmonizes salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and spicy all in one dish. There’s an emphasis on fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices.
It’s the basis of good cooking, and an expert chef harnesses this to make dishes that never get boring.
The same extends to Thai barbeque; barbeque dishes aren’t part of the pantheon of famous Thai cultural exports, but if you’re looking for the best Thai food that locals actually eat, you’d be hard pressed not to include barbeque.
Why Thai Barbeque is Unique
For Thai natives, street food is where their cuisine really shines. If you walk down the streets in Bangkok, you’ll see yahng (live-fire) barbeque everywhere.
Various meats are marinated in the concoction of fish sauce and lime juice you’ve come to know, settled on banks and banks of grills and dripping with juices.
And because Seattle has so many Thai-trained chefs, you can try Thai Food right at home.
Here are some barbeque menu items you’ll want to try if you’re in Seattle.
Your taste buds can thank us later.
1. Moo Yanhg
Try out this flavorful dish of marinated and grilled pork tenderloin.
Pork is a great pairing for Thai marinades because of its fatty content. If you know anything about good cooking, you’ll know that fat is flavor.
Irresistibly tender pork tenderloin pairs well with aromatic sticky rice and a chili-lime dipping sauce.
Sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and bitter. All the flavors are there.
2. Gai Yanhg
This is Thai grilled chicken. A half-chicken sits in a marinade of fresh garlic and turmeric seasoning before going to the grill.
Again, anyone can grill chicken, but it’s the first principles that matter. Preparing chicken with bones in and fat untrimmed locks in the flavors and keeps the meat juicy. Pair that with aromatics, and you’ve got something truly special in your hands.
3. Phak Yahng
We love how vegetables are treated in Asian cuisines, and Thai cuisine is no exception. Seasonal vegetables like asparagus are elevated when you char them a little and burst with flavor paired with a sriracha-based sauce.
If you never thought you’d crave vegetables, think again. The smoky flavor, paired with vegetables bursting with freshness, is addictive.
Best Thai Food Seattle
The best Thai food in Seattle is probably right around your corner. But why not venture out a little? If not as far as the streets of Bangkok, then a few streets over.
Discover Seattle Thai food today. You won’t regret it. You can even order it online!