When most travellers think of Thai food, images of Pad Thai or Green Curry come to mind. Thai culinary treasures are passed down through generations, packed with bold herbs, rustic cooking techniques, and a whole lot of heart. Here’s a taste of Thailand you won’t forget.

Khao Kan Jin: A Rice Dish with a Rich Twist
Northern Thailand brings you Khao Kan Jin, a steamed sticky rice delicacy mixed with pork blood, garlic, and herbs. Traditionally cooked in banana leaves, it’s soft, savoury, and full of depth. Locals often enjoy it with fresh cucumber and chilli flakes. It’s not just a meal; it’s a story.

Gaeng Om: A Spicy Herbal Surprise
Unlike Bangkok’s milder curries, Gaeng Om is a spicy herb-forward soup from Isaan. Packed with dill, lemongrass, and galangal, this fiery dish is ideal for spice lovers. You can enjoy this at some of the best restaurants in Sukhumvit, and ones that specialise in Northern Thai cuisine. These restaurants are abundant and easy to find, located near hotels like Emporium Suites by Chatrium Bangkok. 

Kai Yang Boran: Grilled Chicken with Ancient Roots
Forget chain restaurants. In villages, Kai Yang is marinated in garlic, coriander root, and fish sauce, then grilled slowly over charcoal. It’s a dish you’ll dream about long after checking out of your hotel in Thailand.

Larb Leuat Neua: Not for the Faint-Hearted
Larb Leuat Neua is a raw beef salad with herbs, spices, and a splash of fresh animal blood. It may sound intense, but in villages, it’s considered a delicacy and a symbol of trust in local butchers.

Sai Oua: The Sausage That Packs a Punch

Image by Wolf-Henry Dreblow from Pixabay

Sai Oua is a Northern Thai sausage infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and chilli. Grilled to perfection, it’s the ultimate snack after a long day exploring the hills. The dish has also become pretty popular in Bangkok, gracing marketplace stalls and shopping malls.