Learn
Thai food by region
Thai food changes a lot as you travel. Here's what to eat where, what it's called in Thai, how hot it is and how to order it.
Isan (Northeast)
Bold, sour, salty and seriously spicy, built around sticky rice, grilled meat, fresh herbs and pla ra (fermented fish). It's the food of Buriram, where our family farm is, and the food we'd steer you toward first.
Northern Thailand
Milder and more herbal than Isan, with Burmese and Shan influences, sticky rice, pork, and chili dips eaten with fresh vegetables.
Central Thailand and Bangkok
The Thai food most people know from home: coconut curries, stir-fries and noodle dishes, usually balanced and a little sweet.
Southern Thailand
The hottest food in the country, heavy on turmeric, seafood and sour curries, with Malay and Chinese influences.
Desserts and sweets
Coconut, palm sugar and sticky rice in endless combinations, mostly from street carts and markets.
Want to order like a local? See Thai phrases for ordering food.
Common questions
What is Isan food?
The food of northeastern Thailand: som tam, larb, grilled chicken and sticky rice, flavored with lime, chili and pla ra (fermented fish). It is sour, salty and very spicy, and it is eaten all over the country.
How do I order food that is not spicy?
Say mai phet (not spicy). For a little heat, say phet nit-noi. Dishes like som tam and larb are spicy by nature, so try pad thai, massaman curry or grilled chicken if you want something safe.
Is there vegetarian food in Thailand?
Yes. Look for shops with a yellow flag and the word เจ (jay), which serve vegan Chinese-Thai food. Elsewhere, ask for mai sai nuea sat (no meat), and know that fish sauce is in almost everything.