Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavours, aromatic spices, and colourful dishes. But did you know that Thai food is much more than just Pad Thai? Thailand is a country with a rich culinary heritage, and each region has its unique specialities. In this article, we will explore the regional delights of Thailand beyond Pad Thai, highlighting unique dishes from Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Central Thailand. We will discuss the distinct flavours, ingredients, and cooking styles of each region, educating readers about the diversity of Thai cuisine beyond the commonly known dishes.
● Northern Thailand
Northern Thai cuisine is known for its use of herbs and spices, as well as its emphasis on sticky rice and grilled meats. One of the most popular dishes from this region is Khao Soi, a spicy and creamy noodle soup made with chicken or beef, coconut milk, and a variety of spices. Another popular dish is Sai Oua, a spicy sausage made with ground pork, lemongrass, and chilli peppers. Northern Thai cuisine also features a variety of salads, such as Som Tam, a spicy and sour salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and peanuts.
These five iconic Northern Thai cuisines are just a taste of the gastronomic delights that await intrepid food fans.
1. Khao Soi
This iconic dish hailing from Northern Thailand is a delicious combination of egg noodles bathed in a rich and creamy curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles, and garnished with lime, shallots, and pickled vegetables. It's a tantalizing blend of flavours that will transport your taste buds to culinary nirvana.
2. Sai Oua
Known as Northern Thai sausage, Sai Oua is a mouthwatering treat made from a blend of ground pork, fragrant herbs, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection, this savoury sausage bursts with flavours of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, making it a must-try delicacy.
3. Kaeng Hang Le
This mouthwatering dish consists of succulent pork chunks simmered in a thick curry created with a special combination of ingredients including ginger, turmeric, tamarind, and garlic. The end product is a delicious blend of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours that will leave you wanting more.
4. Nam Prik Ong
Nam Prik Ong, a well-known Northern Thai dip, is a colourful and tasty condiment made with ground pork, tomatoes, chillies, and spices. This dip is best served with fresh veggies and sticky rice and has a great blend of spice and tanginess.
5. Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiao
Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiao is a popular noodle meal that combines fermented rice noodles in a fragrant broth prepared from tomatoes, pork, and different herbs and spices. This dish, topped with crispy pork rinds, bean sprouts, and herbs, highlights the varied flavours and textures of Northern Thai cuisine.
Southern Thailand
Southern Thai cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavours, as well as its use of seafood and coconut milk. One of the most popular dishes from this region is Gaeng Tai Pla, a spicy fish curry made with a variety of vegetables and herbs. Another popular dish is Tom Som Pla, a sour and spicy soup made with fish and tamarind paste. Southern Thai cuisine also features a variety of stir-fried dishes, such as Pad Sator, a spicy stir-fry made with stink beans and shrimp paste.
1. Phuket Cuisine
Phuket, Thailand's most famous island, has a distinct cuisine influenced by Chinese, Malay, and Indian flavours. Phuket cuisine impresses with its rich and diverse culinary options, which range from tantalising seafood delicacies like Pla Raa to delectable Mee Hokkien noodles.
2. Southern Thai Curry
Southern Thai curry is a culinary wonder known for its hot and strong flavours. From the renowned Gaeng Tai Pla (fermented fish curry) to the aromatic Gaeng Som (sour curry), Thai cuisine features an outstanding blend of spices, herbs, and local products.
3. Satun Cuisine
Satun, a province on Malaysia's border, offers a culinary adventure replete with authentic Malay-infused delicacies. Nasi Dagang (steamed rice with fish curry), Murtabak (stuffed pancake), and the legendary Satay (grilled skewered pork) are all tempting flavours that reflect the region's cultural variety.
4. Trang Cuisine
Trang province has a delicious cuisine that incorporates Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences. Trang Roast Pork, Dim Sum, and Trang Curry Noodles are just a few of the wonderful dishes that highlight the region's distinct flavours and culinary heritage.
5. Songkhla Cuisine
Songkhla, located along the shore, offers a delightful selection of seafood-based cuisine. Songkhla cuisine celebrates the bounty of the sea and thrills seafood fans with its exquisite flavours, from the famed Tom Yam Talay (hot seafood soup) to the delightful Pla Nueng Manao (steamed fish with lime).
Eastern Thailand
Eastern Thai cuisine is known for its use of seafood and fresh herbs, as well as its emphasis on sour and spicy flavours. One of the most popular dishes from this region is Pla Raad Prik, a deep-fried fish served with a spicy dipping sauce. Another popular dish is Yam Khai Dao, a salad made with fried eggs and fresh herbs. Eastern Thai cuisine also features a variety of noodle dishes, such as Pad Thai, but with a unique twist, using fresh seafood like prawns and squid.
1. Isan Cuisine
Isan, Thailand's northeastern area, is known for its particular food. Isan cuisine is known for its robust and spicy flavours and includes dishes like som tam (green papaya salad), larb (spicy minced pork salad), and gai yang (grilled chicken). Sticky rice is a common side dish in Isan cuisine.
2. Chanthaburi Cuisine
Chanthaburi province, located in eastern Thailand, offers a delectable array of seafood dishes due to its coastal location. Popular dishes include goong ten (raw shrimp salad), pla chon pad ped (spicy stir-fried snakehead fish), and hoy tod (oyster omelette). The cuisine of Chanthaburi showcases the freshest flavours from both land and sea.
3. Rayong Cuisine
Another eastern Thai province, Rayong, is renowned for its profusion of fish and fruit orchards. Pla tod kamin (deep-fried turmeric-coated fish), goong sarong (prawns wrapped in crispy noodles), and som Chun (a pleasant fruit salad) are among the regional specialities. Rayong cuisine combines the sweetness of fruit with the savoury joys of seafood.
4. Trat Cuisine
Trat, a province bordering Cambodia, offers a unique blend of Thai and Khmer culinary influences. Signature dishes include kai jeow cha-om (acacia omelette), pla raad prik (fried fish with chilli paste), and khao mok pla (spiced fish rice). Trat cuisine showcases a delightful fusion of flavours and techniques.
5. Pattaya Cuisine
Pattaya, a vibrant coastal city in eastern Thailand, presents a diverse culinary landscape. Visitors can indulge in a wide variety of dishes, from seafood delights like grilled prawns and steamed fish to international cuisines influenced by the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere. The diverse dining scene in Pattaya caters to every palate and craving.
Central Thailand
Central Thai cuisine is known for its use of sweet and savoury flavours, as well as its emphasis on fresh ingredients. One of the most popular dishes from this region is Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, and chilli peppers. Another popular dish is Pad Kra Pao, a stir-fry made with minced meat, garlic, chilli peppers, and basil. Central Thai cuisine also features a variety of curries, such as Massaman Curry, a mild and creamy curry made with chicken or beef, potatoes, and peanuts.
1. Tom Yum Goong
This renowned hot and sour prawn soup is a Central Thai culinary staple. It tantalises the taste buds and represents the vivid spirit of Thai food, with flavours of lemongrass, lime, chilli, and aromatic herbs.
2. Pad Thai
Pad Thai, Thailand's hallmark cuisine, is a delectable stir-fried noodle dish with sweet, sour, and savoury flavours. It offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavours thanks to a potpourri of ingredients like rice noodles, prawns or chicken, tofu, bean sprouts and crushed peanuts.
3. Green Curry
Green curry, aromatic and thick, is at the centre of Central Thai cuisine. It's made with green chilli, Thai basil, lemongrass, and other herb paste that's cooked with coconut milk, veggies, and your choice of meat. As a result, the curry is creamy and fragrant, as well as visually beautiful.
4. Som Tum
Som Tum, the iconic Thai green papaya salad, will tantalise your taste senses with a blast of flavours. This delicious and zesty salad combines shredded unripe papaya, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, fish sauce, and a strong burst of chilli for a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy overtones.
5. Moo Ping
If you're a fan of grilled meats, Moo Ping is a must-try dish. These succulent skewered pork pieces are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection. The result is tender, juicy, and flavorful pork that showcases the grilling prowess of Central Thai cuisine.
Red Lemon Thai, Sydney's top Thai restaurant, serves meals from all four regions of Thailand. Khao Soi from Northern Thailand, Gaeng Tai Pla from Southern Thailand, Yam Khai Dao from Eastern Thailand, and Tom Yum Goong from Central Thailand are on the menu. They also serve vegetarian and vegan dishes such as Green Curry Tofu and Vegetable Pad Thai.
In conclusion, Thai cuisine is much more than just Pad Thai. Each region of Thailand has its unique specialities, flavours, and cooking styles. By exploring the regional delights of Thailand, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of Thai cuisine. Red Lemon Thai, the best Thai restaurant in Ultimo, Sydney, is a great place to start your culinary journey through the regions of Thailand.