When visiting Thailand, make sure to try the Thai cuisine, which is one of the main attractions for tourists. Besides its historical buildings, Thai cuisine is also worth exploring. With its unique and savory flavors, the taste is not much different from Indonesian dishes.

So, for Ballers planning a vacation to Thailand at the beginning of the year, don't miss out on the culinary delights there! Among the many recommended dishes to try, there are several popular foods that you shouldn't miss. We have summarized them in this article for you, check out more below.

Recommended Authentic Thai Cuisine

1. Phad Thai

Phad Thai is a top recommendation for Indonesian tourists who enjoy local flavors. This authentic Thai dish has gained immense popularity! Since the glory days of the Ayutthaya kingdom, Phad Thai has become a culinary legend, with its origins believed to be from Vietnam or China.

Phad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish made from rice noodles mixed with other ingredients such as eggs, tofu, tamarind, garlic, fish sauce, chili, soybeans, and sugar. There are several optional additions like pieces of chicken, beef, shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of spring onions, according to taste.

The taste of Phad Thai is very unique due to the mixture of savory ground peanuts, spicy chili powder, sour lime juice, and the flavor of its spices. Many tourists love Phad Thai for its distinct taste. Enjoying Phad Thai is perfect for Bangkok's hot weather, Ballers! The popularity of Phad Thai makes it easy to find in both restaurants and street food stalls in Thailand.

2. Tom Yum

Another comfort food that is familiar to Indonesian palates is tom yum. The name of this authentic Thai food is even often heard in Indonesia. Tom yum is a diverse soup dish with fillings such as shrimp, fish, and other variations. Each type of main ingredient that forms the core of tom yum gives it a unique characteristic that differentiates its type.

There is tom yum goong with shrimp and noodles, tom yum pla with fish, and tom yum po taek which is rich with various seafood. Tom yum also comes in clear broth and coconut milk broth versions.

Tom yum with coconut milk broth offers a richer flavor than the clear broth version. Its seasoning consists of a mixture of garlic, galangal, chili, lemongrass, soy sauce, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, and lime, all finely ground. Truly rich in flavor, isn't it? You can experience various flavors in just one bite!

3. Oyster and Mussel Omelet

Tired of stir-fried vegetables and sour and spicy soups? You can try the seafood dish of oysters and mussels cooked together in an omelet batter. This dish is similar to a fried omelet, but with different fillings.

This local dish is often called Nai Mong Hoy Tod or, simply, Hoy Tod. The combination of egg and oysters is cooked until crispy and eaten with sauce, perfect for satisfying a hungry stomach. You can enjoy this authentic Thai dish while it's still warm with family and friends.

4. Som Tam

Especially for fans of spicy, sour, and fresh food, you can enjoy a variety of flavors all in one dish with som tam, or Thai salad. It's made from thinly sliced unripe papaya and raw long beans, then seasoned with a little spice. A mixture of lime juice, chili, fish sauce, saltiness, and the sweet tenderness of palm sugar.

To serve it, som tum is mixed and pounded using traditional tools like a mortar and pestle, then eaten with sticky rice, vermicelli, boiled and raw seafood such as shrimp, salmon, crab, octopus, and squid.

5. Mango Sticky Rice

Who isn't familiar with this refreshing snack? Popular in 2017, mango sticky rice is a dessert commonly found in traditional street food markets. This authentic Thai dish is a must-try when you visit!

Mango sticky rice uses sticky rice and mango as its main ingredients, which are then mixed with coconut milk, palm sugar, and salt. The preparation process begins by steaming the sticky rice, then mixing it with coconut milk, palm sugar, and salt.

After that, the dish is served with added slices of sweet mango. The resulting flavor is rich with savory, sweet, and refreshing sour tastes.

6. Tod Man Pla

Another street food is tod man pla. From its appearance, it looks like a fritter, doesn't it, Ballers? But this food is not made from potatoes or corn. The difference is that this authentic Thai dish does not use ingredients like potatoes or corn; tod man pla is a processed fish dish.

The choice of fish for tod man pla is not random; it generally uses white-fleshed fish such as snapper, grouper, or mackerel. Therefore, it's not surprising that tod man pla is often called a fish cake.

Usually, when served, tod man pla will be accompanied by red curry paste, which is a characteristic of Thailand. In addition, variations of complementary ingredients such as sweet chili sauce can also be an alternative serving.

Although simple, the taste of tod man pla is quite rich in flavor. From the spicy sensation of red curry paste, the deliciousness of the fish meat, to the sweet touch from various other ingredients.

7. Khao Tom

This is Thailand's chicken porridge, Ballers! While chicken porridge in Indonesia uses shredded chicken as a topping, Khao Tom contains seafood such as fish, shrimp, and also pork.

Khao tom porridge contains spice seasonings that can provide warmth to the body. With its warming properties, Khao tom is also suitable to enjoy when the weather is cold. In Thailand, khao tom porridge is usually eaten for breakfast.

The names also vary depending on the ingredients mixed into the porridge itself. If made with a shrimp mixture, it's known as khao tom goong. If pork is used, it's called khao tom moo. On the other hand, khao tom served with a fish mixture is known as khao tom pla.

For Ballers who are Muslim, there's no need to worry because khao tom with shrimp and chicken mixtures has halal certification! Whatever your choice, it's worth trying this dish as a suitable breakfast before starting your adventure exploring tourist destinations in Thailand!

8. Khao Pad

If Indonesia has fried rice as a comfort food, Thailand also has world-famous fried rice, Ballers! Commonly called khao pad, this fried rice has an attractive appearance with a diverse combination of colors.

Just like regular fried rice, khao pad contains cucumber slices, chili, and red, yellow, and green bell peppers, which add to its deliciousness. Meanwhile, the protein source in this dish can be shrimp, chicken, or crab, according to your preference.

Although it seems like ordinary fried rice, khao pad is still worth trying if you visit Thailand because the characteristic Thai seasonings and spices undoubtedly provide a different taste and experience.

How about it, Ballers? All the menus are mouth-watering, aren't they? You can note down these 8 popular and must-try authentic Thai foods in your itinerary! Before embarking on a culinary tour in Thailand, make sure your vacation includes Baller as a reliable travel companion. Come check out the latest collection of backpacks, duffels, and suitcases from Baller!