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The magnificent diversity of Thai cuisine comes from the distinct taste palates of the nation’s 4 main culinary regions. Each shaped by generations of discerning chefs, using natural resources and ingredients from the local landscape. The many ethnic communities from neighbouring states that had settled in each region also brought their unique flavours, adapted into essential parts of their cuisines.
If you travel from Northern Thai’s mountainous lands to the central plains, down to the Southern coastline – you’ll get to experience the changing flavours and a myriad of gastronomic wonders!
Northern Thai Cuisine
The hills and mountain-sides of Northern Thailand provide rich fertile soil to the local farming communities. Fresh produce is abundant here, from vegetables and livestock to unique local herbs. Thus, the regional flavours are milder with an emphasis on sweet, tangy and refreshing tastes. Spiciness is more often in their dipping sauces than the main flavour of a dish. Instead of spices, aromatic herbs such as lemongrass, ginger and garlic cloves take a larger role in seasoning.
Glutinous rice is the region’s staple carb food – rolled into rice balls and paired with all kinds of dishes and desserts. Thanks to the chilly climate, you’ll also often find steamy, soupy broths and more meaty dishes than seafood.
Signature dishes include the spicy-tangy chilli dip Nam Prik Ong, which gives any dish an instant oomph; the savoury spicy Khao Soi curry with crispy egg noodles, and the Burmese-inspired Gaeng Hang Lay – a piquant pork belly stew imbued with an appetizing zest.
Northeastern Thai Cuisine
Known as the Issan region, Northeastern Thailand share the Mekong River border with Laos and Cambodia. The communities here share and exchange many cultural elements and culinary influences. Isaan chefs favour spices over herbs, as well as cured meats and pickled foods.
The delicious Som Tum is an Isaan invention, combining the natural fruity sourness of green papaya and cherry tomatoes, with sweet long beans, fragrant peanuts, spicy chilli and savoury dried shrimp.
The munchable Larb mince-meat salad is another Isaan special, beloved across Thailand and beyond. Pure chewy savoury pleasure with a bold spicy, tangy taste that’s sure to fire up your appetite.
And you absolutely must try the Sai Oua sausage, made irresistible with a rich-flavoured marinade like no other.
Central Thai Cuisine
Home to fertile plains and a wealth of cultures, Central Thai cuisine is perhaps the most ‘recognizable’ around the world, featuring the famous Thai Red and Green Curries, Tom Yum, Pad Thai, and many, many more – all across the historic cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, to modern day Bangkok and their surrounding communities.
Here, the weather turns tropical, humid with rain; while the farmlands provide an abundance of rice, meats, vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices.
Strong spicy, tangy and savoury flavours define the Central Thai palate, often tempered with creaminess from the use of coconut milk. Stir-fries, curries, grills, stews and barbecues are well-loved here, as well as all manner of unique sweet desserts and drinks – far too many to list here, so check out our guide to the best Thai street food for a start! Discover the iconic boat noodles born from the canal markets. And taste the difference between Thai Red, Green and Yellow curries!
Southern Thai Cuisine
Southern Thailand borders Malaysia with a coastline, rich with seafood, meats, and tropical fruits such as coconut, papaya, banana and Durian. This region has been a trading hub with Thailand’s archipelago neighbours for centuries and takes on their love for fiery flavours and spice-filled aromas.
Turmeric is among the core seasoning spices for barbecue marinades, as well as iconic dishes such as the Thai Yellow Curry.
Indian cuisine influence can be found here too, like the zesty, creamy Massaman Beef Curry that features a combo of bold spices in its making, reminiscent of Indian-style curry.
The nutty Panang Curry is another Southern Thai specialty, blending sweet spices with aromatic herbs, enriched with savoury shrimp paste and peanut fragrance.
Even fried chicken tastes different in Southern Thailand, imbued with the enticing combo of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, garlic cloves, palm sugar and fish sauce.
Thai Cuisine is a Collection of Awesome Flavours
The above is but an overview of all the gastronomic goodies you can savour across Thailand. Whether you love the spicy or the mild, the savoury and creamy or the sweet and tangy, with Thai cuisine, you’re always spoilt for choice and uniquely yummy robust flavours in every dish. And yes, you too, can master your favourite Thai delights from the comfort of your kitchen! Come check out the essential Thai ingredients, and explore our massive Thai recipes collection!
