5 Best Local Dishes In Thailand You Haven’t Heard Of

When most people think of Thai food, they imagine pad thai, green curry, or mango sticky rice. But Thailand’s rich food culture has so much more to offer. If you’re planning a trip or just love trying new dishes, here are five lesser-known Thai foods that locals enjoy and you probably haven’t heard of.

5 Best Local Dishes In Thailand You Haven’t Heard Of

1. Khao Soi (Northern Thai Curry Noodles)

This creamy noodle soup is a northern Thai speciality, especially popular in Chiang Mai. It’s made with egg noodles, a rich coconut curry broth, and topped with crispy noodles, onions, and lime. Often served with chicken or beef, it’s both crunchy and creamy in every bite. It’s full of bold flavours and offers a unique taste different from typical Thai curries.

2. Sai Krok Isan (Fermented Northeastern Sausage)

This sour pork sausage is a famous street snack from the Isan region in northeast Thailand. Made with pork, garlic, and sticky rice, the sausage is fermented for a few days to give it a tangy flavour. It’s usually grilled and served with chillies and cabbage. It’s a fun mix of spicy, sour, and savoury, perfect for foodies who enjoy something adventurous.

3. Gaeng Som (Southern Thai Sour Curry)

This isn’t your average curry. Gaeng Som is a bright orange, spicy-sour soup made with tamarind, turmeric, and fish or prawns. It’s watery in texture but packed with punchy flavour. Often cooked with vegetables like papaya or morning glory. It’s one of the most authentic tastes of southern Thai cuisine.

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4. Khao Khluk Kapi (Rice with Shrimp Paste)

This dish looks simple, but it’s a full meal on one plate. The rice is fried with shrimp paste, then served with sweet pork, green mango, chillies, shallots, lime, and egg. Every bite has a different taste. It’s a perfect mix of textures and flavours you won’t find in any tourist restaurant.

5. Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiao (Spicy Noodle Soup)

This northern Thai noodle dish is made with fermented rice noodles in a spicy tomato-based broth. It includes pork, garlic, dried chillies, and sometimes even pork blood cubes (optional). It’s a favourite comfort food in the north. It’s a lesser-known dish even in Thailand, but locals swear by its deep, hearty flavour.

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Thai cuisine is more than just the famous dishes. If you’re ready to go beyond pad thai and explore real local food, give these hidden gems a try.

Image Credits: Freepik

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