How to eat like a local in Thailand

Thailand is a destination of memorable adventures, but that doesn't only mean the adventures you try are only at the theme parks or during water sports. Shopping and sightseeing can all be considered great adventures, but this article will talk about food adventures, quite specifically. So, during your days spent in Thailand, have a break from those western dishes that you have got used to, and try some authentic Thai food experiences.

Takeaway, Thai market food 01, CC BY-SA 3.0

Where to eat like a local in Thailand?

If an amazing street food adventure is what you are looking for, head to any night market (or even a street market) to find many street food vendors with their carts, carrying various types of food items that most tourists don't know about. Do not worry too much about the cleanliness of the dishes offered at these markets or street stands and just enjoy the experience. To observe how they cook some of these dishes is quite interesting, and for a tourist who's seeing this for the first time, it'll be a show of magic or even a scene in a film.

How the food traditions differ within Thailand

Yes, any Thai dish is a beautiful combination of the five flavours: spicy, sweet, bitter, sour, and salty! But, in Thailand according to the way how these flavours are used and mixed, some regional variations can be observed. Central Thailand (to which Bangkok belongs) admires Chinese cuisine and their dishes have a strong Chinese influence. In Northern Thailand, the cuisine takes a Burmese influence and in the south, strong Indian and Malaysian influences can be seen. Exploring this diversity in food is interesting and identifying the points of differentiation is even more exciting.

The dining experience

To enjoy the snacks and drinks (even desserts such as coconut ice cream) available at street food stands, you don't need proper utensils or even a proper place. But, when having the main dishes, you will have to use some tools, and sometimes will have to know how to use them as well. At a Koh Phangan restaurant located at famous properties the likes of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, chopsticks are usually served with noodle dishes, and you may also use the cutlery provided upon your preference. But, remember, if you ordered sticky rice, you can eat it with your hand and then enjoy a beer (Leo, Singha or Chang) to wash it down.

Favourite authentic dishes in Thailand

In Thailand, you don't need to try unfamiliar food, especially at restaurants. If you are not sure of what exactly the menu says, ask about it and go for a correct choice. If you think of starting with a soup, see whether the Tom yum soup is available which is both spicy and sour in tastes. Tom Kha Gai is another soup that can be there, and the difference between these two soups come with the addition of chicken and coconut milk. Thailand enjoys its mango season from March to May and if you happen to go there during this time, you will see many places inviting you to have Mango Sticky Rice from them. Don't deny, just accept their invitation because the best mango sticky rice options are always from Thailand. Also, try the Som Tum which is known as the green papaya salad during your Thai vacation. This salad is an amazing blend of green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, and red chilies. Other must-try dishes in Thailand include laab, kay yang, Khanom jeen Nam ngiao, Sai oua, and Kao soi, which also have their unique tastes that you'll fall in love with.