1. Som Tam ส้มตำ
Known across Thailand and a true staple, som tam (ส้มตำ) is one of the most famous Thai food dishes, also called green papaya salad. The base ingredients usually include shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, long beans, dried shrimp, garlic, chilies, peanuts, and depending on where you are, you might also find raw Thai eggplant or carrots added in.
There are several variations of som tam (ส้มตำ), each with its own flavor twist:
- Som tam Thai – The mildest and least pungent version, featuring thin strips of green papaya tossed in a sweet-sour lime juice dressing. While it’s refreshing and fairly healthy, the palm sugar used can sometimes make it overly sweet. I usually order it with “mai wan,” meaning less sugar.
- Som tam boo pla ra – Hugely popular among locals, especially in Thailand’s northeastern Isan region. This version combines green papaya with fermented fish sauce and crab.
- Som tam Laos – My personal favorite, the Lao version, often found in Isan eateries. It uses fermented shrimp paste instead of crab, giving it a punchy, spicy flavor without added sweetness.
Som tam pairs perfectly with sticky rice and a mix of other Isan-style Thai food dishes, making it a light yet flavor-packed choice.
2. Yam Mamuang ยำมะม่วง
Very similar to som tam Thai, yam mamuang (ยำมะม่วง) swaps papaya for shredded green mango, resulting in Thailand’s signature sour mango salad and a must-try Thai food for visitors.
What makes yam mamuang so special is the sharp tartness of the mango balanced by the saltiness of fish sauce and just a hint of palm sugar. At restaurants, you can adjust the sweetness by ordering “mai wan” (not sweet) or “sai nam tan nidnoy” (only a little sugar).
If you enjoy tangy, bold flavors, yam mamuang is a must-try healthy Thai food dish in Thailand.
3. Pad Pak Ruam Mit ผัดผักรวมมิตร
In Thailand, there’s a phrase “ahan dtam song,” meaning “made to order.” It’s used for quick stir-fried Thai food dishes that are freshly cooked after you order.
Many restaurants can whip up almost any combination of vegetables or proteins. Pad pak ruam mit is basically a stir-fry of mixed vegetables, often depending on what’s available that day.
To keep it on the lighter side, you can request “nam man nidnoy,” meaning with just a small amount of oil.
4. Pad Pak Bung Fai Daeng ผัดผักบุ้งไฟแดง
One of Bangkok’s favorite vegetable Thai food dishes is pad pak bung fai daeng – stir-fried morning glory (also called ong choy or water spinach) cooked with garlic and red chilies.
This green leafy vegetable is beloved by nearly everyone in Thailand and is served at most street food stalls and Thai restaurants. It’s considered a staple dish and is fairly healthy overall.
Cooked quickly over very high heat, the stalks stay crunchy while the leaves wilt slightly, creating the perfect texture. The seasoning often includes oyster sauce and sometimes fermented soybean paste.
Spicy, garlicky, and delicious – pad pak bung fai daeng is a Thai food favorite you’ll see (and smell) everywhere.
5. Pad Pak Gachet ผัดผักกะเฉด
Another excellent vegetarian option in Thai food is pad pak gachet, stir-fried water mimosa.
This vegetable has a tougher, slightly chewy texture and a deep earthy flavor. It’s usually stir-fried with lots of garlic, chilies, and a flavorful sauce. While its texture may surprise first-timers, that unique chewiness is exactly what makes it enjoyable.
Visit Saagar Now
Saagar is the place to go if you are in Thailand and in the mood for some real Indian food. We guarantee a memorable dining experience that will entice you to return for more, whether you are here for lunch, dinner, or a special event. So, don’t waste time and visit now.