Considered one of the world's finest cuisines, Thai food is both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. It stands out for its spiced and chili-infused aromas like curry, lemongrass, cilantro, chili, and Thai basil. From the famous Pad Thai to the fiery papaya salad and curry-based recipes, we bring you the top 8 iconic dishes of Thailand. An opportunity for a truly indulgent culinary escape…

1. Pad Thai

The iconic dish of Thailand, the unmissable Pad Thai needs no introduction! These stir-fried noodles even rank among the world's favorite dishes. That's how famous they are… As an interesting tidbit, Pad Thai was born by decree at the request of Prime Minister Plaek Pibulsonggram in the late 1930s!

2. Khao Phat

After Pad Thai, it's the most popular dish in Thailand! Khao Phat is simply fried rice with vegetables. It's usually accompanied by meat, fish, or tofu. And for the final touch, don't forget half a lime and fish sauce for seasoning!

3. Som Tam

For lovers of bold sensations, Som Tam ranks among Thailand's spiciest dishes! It's a green papaya salad cut into strips and seasoned with fish sauce, tomatoes, lime, peanuts, and very potent small chilies. And the result is a fireworks display for the palate, you've been warned!

4. Tom Kha

Among Thailand's must-try dishes, soups hold a major place! Such is the case with Tom Kha. This soup is simmered with coconut milk and seasoned with galangal root, kaffir leaves, lime leaves, lemongrass, and cilantro. Beyond the spices, you can add chicken (Tom Kha Kai), seafood (Tom Kha Thale), pork (Tom Kha Mu), or even tofu (Tom Kha Taohu).

5. Panang Curry

Thai cuisine delights all curry lovers. Among them, the most famous is Panang Curry, a red curry paste with peanut notes made from dried chilies, galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, cilantro, cumin, lime, garlic, and shallots. This is typically cooked in coconut milk to which meat, fish, or tofu is added for vegetarians!

6. Pat Krapao

Traditionally cooked with pork, Pat Krapao is a stir-fry fragrant with Thai basil, enhanced by chili and a touch of oyster sauce. It's enjoyed with rice and sometimes topped with a fried egg. In any case, it's a typical Thai dish appreciated equally by locals and tourists!

7. Massaman

For those who love curry but can't handle very spicy cuisine, Massaman is for you! Indeed, it's one of the mildest curries you'll find in Thailand. This dish consists of potatoes, onions, peanuts, meat or fish (or tofu for vegetarians), all simmered in coconut milk and massaman curry paste.

8. Khao Niao Ma Mouang

We finish our gastronomic selection with a Thai dessert of no small importance: Khao Niao Ma Mouang. It's sticky rice with coconut milk served with mango slices. Sometimes, this Thai dessert comes in variations with papaya or even durian. In any case, it's beloved for its sweetness and exotic flavors…