Many people are afraid of trying new flavours and ingredients, so they stick to what they know and are familiar with. We also mustn’t overlook the fact that Thai food, with its intensely spiced dishes and unusual components like intestines and internal organs, can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Thai cuisine is diverse and does not always have to be very spicy and herbaceous. You can still explore Thai cuisine with the following Thai food for beginners ideas, especially if you’re travelling around Thailand.
1. Phad Thai
Although we almost hate to suggest Phad Thai as the most appropriate Thai food for beginners, we can’t deny the dish’s popularity and approachable flavours. Why do we find it so difficult to recommend Phad Thai? It’s because many foreign tourists believe Phad Thai is the most important Thai cuisine, although it’s actually not as popular as you may assume. It also does not, in our opinion, represent the five main flavours of Thai cuisine: sour, sweet, spicy, salty, and savoury (umami).
Phad Thai is also ideal for beginners because it is non-spicy and has a flavour that is almost identical to that of typical Chinese noodle dishes.
Spiciness level: 0/5
Beginner friendliness: 5/5
2. Pineapple Fried Rice
Even if you’ve never been to Thailand, the delicious Pineapple Fried Rice dish will surely transport your taste buds to the depths of the Land of Smiles! Fragrant jasmine rice that’s cooked till soft serves as the dish’s foundation. Each stir-fried rice grain is coated and infused with a mixture of curry powder, fish sauce, soy sauce, carrot corn, snow pea and choice of meat, prawn or seafood. Fresh sliced pineapple adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savoury taste. This dish is beautifully garnishing with chicken floss.
Spiciness level: 0/5
Beginner friendliness: 5/5
3. Chicken with Cashew Nut
Chicken with Cashew Nut is another popular Thai dish among international visitors. What makes it so popular? Chicken Cashew is generally savoury and slightly sweet, with flavours that are similar to those found in foreign countries, but without the use of excessive herbs. Soy sauces, oyster sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar are used to flavour this dish. Chicken Cashew Nut is commonly stir-fried, but there are also some varieties in which the chicken is battered, which we prefer even more! This Thai meal includes chillies and colourful capcicums , although they aren’t overly fiery and are easy to spot because of their bigger size.
Spiciness level: 1/5
Beginner friendliness: 5/5
4. Green Curry
Green Curry is a Central Thailand dish that’s made with a curry paste base. Because of the amount of Thai basil used in the dish, it’s a widespread misunderstanding that Thai green curry is green in colour because of the basil. Nonetheless, the curry’s true green colour actually comes from Thai green chilies, which are the principal ingredient in the Thai Green Curry dish
The green chilies used in this dish are bird’s eye chilies, but only the green ones are picked.
Unlike Red Curry, Green Curry is usually less spicy and is a little bit sweeter. Hence, it makes a great Thai dish for newbies to try.
Spiciness level: 3/5
Beginner friendliness: 5/5
5. Tom Yam
Tom yam, also known as tom yum, is a hot and sour Thai soup that is usually cooked with prawn or seafood. ‘Tom yam’ is actually a combination of two Thai words — tom refers to the process of boiling, whereas yam means ‘spicy mixed.’ This dish is distinguished by its distinct spicy and sour flavours, as well as the copious use of fragrant spices and herbs used in the broth. Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and crushed red chilli (removed pepper) are among the fresh ingredients used in the broth.
The average bowl of tom yam is usually very spicy, but you can always ask to have the spiciness toned down if you aren’t used to having spicy food.
Spiciness level: 0-5 (spiciness customisable in Jai Siam!)
Beginner friendliness: 5/5
6. Mango Glutinous Rice
Mango Glutinous Rice is by far Thailand’s most popular dessert, and if you can visit Thailand during the mango season (April to June), you must indulge in this delectable dessert. Mango Glutinous Rice can be found outside of mango season. However, eating premium mangoes during mango season is an incredible delight. In Thailand, Mango Glutinous Rice is commonly found in street food areas or specialty stores, but it is also available on the menus of select Thai restaurants. Coconut milk and crunchy mung beans are also sometimes drizzled over the glutinous rice and juicy mango, adding to the oomph and creamy texture!
Spiciness level: 0/5
Beginner friendliness: 5/5
Now that you have a general idea of what dishes to try for Thai food newbies, let’s get ordering, shall we? If you don’t trust yourself with spices yet, let us know and we will tone it down for you!