Top 10 Famous Thai Dishes with Easy-to-Follow Recipes
Thai cuisine has captivated food lovers around the world with its perfect blend of flavors—spicy, sweet, sour, and salty—all dancing harmoniously in every bite. Yet for many home cooks, especially those new to Southeast Asian cooking, recreating these iconic Thai dishes can feel overwhelming due to unfamiliar ingredients or complex steps. Fortunately, with access to authentic ingredients and easy Thai food recipes, anyone can learn how to make popular Thai meals from the comfort of their kitchen. In this guide, we’ll simplify the process of cooking Thai food at home with a curated list of top 10 famous Thai dishes, each with step-by-step instructions and accessible ingredients. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this collection of famous Thai dishes with simple recipes is tailored just for you.
1. Pad Thai – Classic Thai Stir-Fried Noodles
Main Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 2 eggs
- 100g bean sprouts
- 50g chopped tofu
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
Soak rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes. In a hot wok, stir-fry garlic and tofu. Add beaten eggs, scramble briefly, then toss in noodles. Stir in tamarind, fish sauce, and sugar. Add bean sprouts, mix well, and serve with lime wedges and peanuts.
2. Tom Yum Goong – Spicy Thai Shrimp Soup
Main Ingredients
- 10 large shrimp
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 slices galangal
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 100g mushrooms
Instructions
Boil broth with galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaves for 5 minutes. Add shrimp and mushrooms. Season with fish sauce and chili paste. Simmer for 3 minutes and serve hot with coriander garnish.
3. Thai Green Curry – Rich Coconut-Based Curry
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp green curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 200g chicken breast
- 1 cup Thai eggplant
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp palm sugar
- Sweet basil leaves
Instructions
Simmer curry paste with coconut milk until fragrant. Add sliced chicken and eggplants, cook until soft. Stir in fish sauce and sugar. Finish with basil leaves and serve with jasmine rice.
4. Som Tum – Thai Green Papaya Salad
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded green papaya
- 5 cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp palm sugar
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1–2 chilies
Instructions
Pound garlic and chilies in a mortar. Add palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and mix well. Toss in papaya and tomatoes, pound gently. Serve immediately as a fresh and spicy salad.
5. Massaman Curry – Thai-Muslim Beef Stew
Main Ingredients
- 300g beef chunks
- 2 tbsp Massaman curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 2 potatoes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp roasted peanuts
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
Instructions
Cook curry paste in a little coconut milk until aromatic. Add beef and remaining coconut milk. Simmer with potatoes, cinnamon, and peanuts for 1 hour until tender. Season to taste.
6. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao)
Main Ingredients
- 200g ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 red chilies
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
Instructions
Stir-fry garlic and chili until fragrant. Add chicken and sauces. Once cooked, toss in basil leaves and stir until wilted. Serve with fried egg and jasmine rice.
7. Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 eggs
- 100g shrimp or chicken
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- Spring onions and cucumber for garnish
Instructions
Stir-fry garlic and protein of choice, add eggs, then stir in rice. Season with soy sauce, garnish with onions and cucumber slices.
8. Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang)
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp coriander root
- 1 tbsp garlic
- 1 tsp white pepper
Instructions
Marinate chicken with all ingredients for at least 2 hours. Grill until cooked through and golden brown. Serve with sticky rice and dipping sauce.
9. Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- 1 ripe mango
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Steam soaked sticky rice. Mix coconut milk, sugar, and salt over low heat. Combine with rice, let rest 10 minutes. Serve with sliced mango.
10. Thai Chicken Satay
Main Ingredients
- 300g chicken breast (sliced)
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp coconut milk
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Bamboo skewers
Instructions
Marinate chicken in spices and coconut milk. Thread onto skewers and grill until cooked. Serve with peanut dipping sauce and cucumber relish.
Conclusion: Easy Thai Recipes for Everyone
Mastering Thai cuisine doesn't require years of training. With access to these easy Thai food recipes for home cooking and the right ingredients, you can recreate the bold and unforgettable flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen. These top 10 Thai dishes are proof that anyone can enjoy cooking and eating Thai food at home—even on a busy schedule. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your culinary skills, these detailed recipes will guide you every step of the way.
