Central Thai cuisine, including dishes familiar to most Western travelers, features coconut-based curries, aromatic stir-fries, and the iconic pad thai. The royal cuisine tradition of Bangkok emphasizes presentation and refined, balanced flavors with moderate spice levels.
Northern Thai food tends to be milder and features dishes like khao soi, a rich curry noodle soup, and sai oua, an herbed sausage. Food often comes on shared platters or wrapped in banana leaves.
Southern Thai cuisine is the most intensely flavored, featuring abundant seafood, coconut, and significant heat. The coastal location means exceptionally fresh fish and shellfish. Isan (northeastern) cuisine draws from Lao traditions, emphasizing grilled meats, sticky rice, and the iconic som tam (papaya salad).
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