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For many travellers, the real highlight of Thailand is not only its beaches and temples, but its unforgettable food. From sizzling street stalls in Bangkok to cosy restaurants in Chiang Mai and seaside grills in Phuket, Thai cuisine is colourful, spicy and full of fresh herbs and bold flavours.
If you are planning a Thailand tour from Pakistan with Malik Express Travel & Tours, this guide will help you discover the best food to eat in Thailand, where to find it, and how to enjoy it comfortably, including halal and family friendly options.
Thai food is built around a balance of four main tastes: spicy, sour, salty and sweet, often with a touch of bitterness for complexity. Dishes use ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilli, fish sauce and coconut milk to create that famous Thai flavour.
Knowing this will help you decide what to focus on in each city on your itinerary.
Here are some of the best dishes you should look out for on your Thailand trip. Many of these can be found easily in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and other major cities.
Probably the most famous Thai dish, Pad Thai is a stir fried rice noodle dish cooked with egg, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, chives and a tangy tamarind based sauce, topped with crushed peanuts and lime.
You can adjust the sweetness and spice using chilli flakes, sugar and lime at the table. It is widely available as street food and in restaurants, and halal versions are easy to find in areas with Muslim eateries.
Tom Yum is a hot and sour soup made with fragrant herbs like lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, often with prawns (Tom Yum Goong). It is one of the most iconic Thai dishes and is perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavours.
There are clear and creamy versions; the creamy type includes evaporated or coconut milk for a richer taste.
Originally from the Isan region, Som Tum is a shredded green papaya salad pounded with chilli, lime, fish sauce, tomatoes, long beans and sometimes dried shrimp or peanuts. It is crunchy, fresh and fiery.
Muslim and vegetarian travellers can look for versions without fish sauce or dried shrimp, often labelled vegetarian or prepared in halal restaurants.
Thai Green Curry is made from green chilli paste cooked with coconut milk, Thai basil, bamboo shoots and your choice of chicken, beef or seafood. It is aromatic, slightly sweet and often medium spicy.
Enjoy it with steamed jasmine rice or roti style flatbread.
Massaman Curry has Persian and Malay influences and is milder than many other Thai curries. It combines coconut milk, potatoes, onions and roasted peanuts with beef or chicken, flavoured with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves.
It is especially popular in southern Thailand, where there are many Muslim communities and halal restaurants.
Pad Kra Pao is a stir fried dish of minced chicken, beef or seafood cooked with garlic, chillies and holy basil, served over rice and commonly topped with a fried egg. It is a staple Thai comfort food and a favourite quick lunch.
If you do not like very spicy food, ask for less chilli when ordering.
A speciality of northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai, Khao Soi is a coconut curry noodle soup made with egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime, often topped with crispy noodles. The dish has roots in Chinese Muslim trader routes from Yunnan, which influences its flavours and use of curry spices.
This is a must try dish if your Thailand tour includes Chiang Mai.
In Isan and many Bangkok night markets, you will find Gai Yang, marinated grilled chicken cooked over charcoal, usually served with sticky rice and dipping sauces. It often appears alongside Som Tum and other grilled meats.
Look for halal stalls and restaurants in areas with mosques or Muslim communities for chicken grilled according to Islamic dietary rules.
Thailand offers many types of noodle soups, including boat noodles, which were once sold from wooden boats in Bangkok’s canals. These bowls are rich, savoury and served with thin noodles, meat, herbs and sometimes a dash of spices.
You will also find clear broth soups with fish balls or chicken, which are a comforting option if you want something mild.
No Thailand food guide is complete without Mango Sticky Rice. This dessert combines sweet sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and topped with ripe mango and a drizzle of coconut cream. It is one of the most loved Thai desserts worldwide and is widely available in markets and restaurants.
For travellers from Pakistan, one of the biggest concerns is often halal food. The good news is that Thailand has a growing number of halal restaurants and Muslim friendly options, especially in cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya and in the southern provinces with large Muslim populations.
To get the most out of Thailand’s food scene, keep these practical tips in mind.
Thai food can be very spicy. If you are not used to strong chilli, tell the vendor or waiter that you want it less spicy. You can always add chilli later from the condiments on the table.
If you need halal, vegetarian or seafood only options:
Thailand is hot and humid, so keep drinking water throughout the day. You can also enjoy Thai iced tea, fresh coconut water and fruit shakes, which are widely available and very refreshing.
One of the best things about eating in Thailand is the value for money. Street food and local restaurants are often very affordable, especially compared to international chains. A delicious meal at a market or food court can be surprisingly budget friendly, which means you can try more dishes during your trip.
Here is a simple outline you can discuss with Malik Express when building your Thailand package:
Planning a food focused trip can be overwhelming if you do not know the language or local areas. This is where Malik Express Travel & Tours makes a real difference for travellers from Pakistan.
With decades of experience, Malik Express can:
Instead of guessing where to eat and what to order, you can travel with confidence knowing your trip is planned by professionals who understand the needs of Pakistani and Muslim travellers.
From the tangy heat of Tom Yum to the sweetness of mango sticky rice, Thailand offers one of the world’s most exciting food experiences. With a little planning and guidance, you can enjoy its street food, markets and restaurants comfortably, safely and within your budget.
If you are dreaming of trying these dishes in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai or beyond, contact Malik Express Travel & Tours to start planning your Thailand holiday and turn this food guide into a real life adventure.