Thai Cuisine: Recipes, Typical Dishes, and the Best Foods

Thai cuisine stands out among Asian and Oriental cuisines in general for its balance of the five fundamental flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Herbs, spices, and rice are the key ingredients in almost all traditional Thai recipes, along with fish and meat. As in many other Oriental cuisines, in Thailand, food is served in the center of the table, from which all diners share. In Thai tradition, great attention is paid to the presentation of dishes, always meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, even when the dish is made with simple ingredients.

The influences of Thai cuisine

Thailand's culinary tradition has been influenced by various cultures, including China's use of steamed fish and rice, pork-stuffed omelets, and duck. Its influence with Arab culinary culture has led to the use of lamb in Thai cuisine, while Indian cuisine has influenced Thailand's use of ingredients such as coconut milk and curry.

Rice and noodles, the basis of many dishes

Rice is a staple in every Thai meal. It serves as both a side dish and the basis for many Thai recipes. Two varieties are predominantly used: jasmine rice (Khao hom mali in the local dialect), which is mostly common in central and southern Thailand, and sticky rice (Khao niaw), which is characterized by its high gluten content. Rice alternatives include noodles, the soybean spaghetti also used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. They come in thin or thick versions, like fettuccine, and can be enjoyed in broth or drier.

Chili pepper and other spices

Thai cuisine always features a touch of chili pepper and spices. At restaurants, waiters always ask how much chili pepper you want: keep in mind that what they consider very mild is already quite strong for us Europeans. Other widely used spices include curry and galangal, which are related to cardamom and ginger.

Fruit and vegetables

Vegetables are an important part of Thai dishes. Tomatoes and mushrooms are often among the main ingredients in the most popular dishes, but green leafy vegetables are also present. Fruit, on the other hand, is typical of tropical regions: coconut, papaya, and mango are not only present at breakfast or after meals, but also in savory recipes.

Insects and durians, Thailand's "oddities"

This unique Eastern cuisine makes extensive use of foods that are decidedly unfamiliar to us Europeans. Among these, we must mention fried insects, a true delicacy in this Asian country. Durian, on the other hand, is a fruit characterized by a nauseating odor. But, we can say, it's worth overcoming your initial reluctance in both cases and sampling everything this country has to offer.

Traditional Thai dishes

Among Thailand's traditional recipes, the most famous is undoubtedly Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish topped with eggs, fish, and various spices, which are abundant in Thai cuisine, including chili pepper, which is also widely used. Also very popular is Som Tam, a salad made from unripe papaya with contrasting flavors, along with shrimp, peanuts, crab, tomatoes, chili pepper, and fermented fish. Thai cuisine is also rich in soups, of which coconut milk is a key ingredient.

Thai Cuisine in Italy: Where to Try It

In large cities like Rome and Milan, you can get a pretty good taste of Thai cuisine. In the capital, we recommend Tuk Tuk Ride, while in Milan, our favorite is ArtEst, on Corso Garibaldi.