Prepare your palate for a thrilling culinary journey as we delve into the heart of Isaan, Thailand’s northeastern region known for its rich traditions and fiery flavours. Renowned for its bold spices and unique combinations, Isaan cuisine offers a sensory explosion unlike any other. From tangy salads to smoky grilled meats, each dish is a celebration of local ingredients and ancestral recipes.

Join us as we explore the must-try dishes that define this vibrant culinary landscape, perfect for food lovers seeking an authentic taste of Thai culture.

Must-Try Isaan Dishes

1. Som Tam (Papaya Salad)

Perhaps the most famous Isaan dish, Som Tam is a spicy green papaya salad that combines shredded unripe papaya with tomatoes, carrots, peanuts, dried shrimp, runner beans, palm sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, and plenty of chillies. It’s a refreshing blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours that are sure to kickstart any meal.

Spice Level: Medium to High (depending on the restaurant — adjustable)

2. Laab (Spicy Minced Meat Salad)

Laab is a spicy salad made from minced pork, chicken, or duck mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, roasted ground rice, and fresh herbs. It’s particularly noted for its combination of fresh and cooked elements, delivering a complex flavour profile that is intensely aromatic.

Spice Level: Medium to High

3. Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken)

This street food favourite involves marinating chicken in a mixture of garlic, pepper, coriander roots, and fish sauce and grilling it to perfection. Gai Yang is often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying meal.

Spice Level: Not Spicy

4. Nam Tok (Grilled Meat Salad)

Nam Tok is a delightful dish with two variations: Nam Tok Moo, which uses grilled pork, and Nam Tok Neua, which features grilled beef. Both versions involve juicy slices of meat dressed with ground rice, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and spicy chilli flakes. The dish earns its name from the sound of juice dripping from the meat as it cooks, evoking the image of a waterfall. This flavorful salad perfectly encapsulates the bold and zesty essence of Isaan cuisine.

Spice Level: Medium to High

5. Sai Krok Isaan (Isaan Sausage)

These fermented sausages made from pork and rice are a popular snack in Isaan. They are tangy and slightly sour with herbal notes and often served with fresh ginger, cabbage, and chilli peppers as accompaniments.

Spice Level: Low

6. Koi (Isaan Cured Meat Salad)

A traditional Isaan dish reminiscent of tartare, typically made from cured minced meat or fish seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, chilli flakes, and fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. This dish is celebrated for its bold, refreshing flavours that highlight the unique character of cured meats and the freshness of its ingredients, making it a daring yet delightful choice for adventurous eaters looking to experience the authentic taste of Northeastern Thailand.

Spice Level: Medium to High (depending on the restaurant)

7. Tom Saap (Spicy & Sour Pork Soup)

This lesser-known but flavorful soup includes a variety of meat options, such as pork ribs or minced pork balls, and is loaded with typical Isaan seasonings like lime, chilli, and roasted rice powder, making it both refreshing and comforting.

Spice Level: Medium

8. Gaeng Om (Isaan Curry)

Gaeng Om is a flavourful Isaan curry that embodies the rustic and herbal character of Northeastern Thai cuisine. This spicy and aromatic stew typically features a mix of local herbs, vegetables, and either fish or meat, often chicken or beef, stewed together to create a hearty, comforting dish. Gaeng Om’s distinctiveness comes from its rich use of dill and lemongrass, making it a must-try for those who appreciate deep, complex flavours.

Spice Level: Medium to High

Tips for the Adventurous Eater

• Embrace the Spice: Isaan cuisine is known for its bold flavours, so be prepared for a spicy experience. Most restaurants offer varying spice levels, so don’t hesitate to ask for your preference.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things: Isaan cuisine offers a variety of unique ingredients and dishes. Be adventurous and explore something new – you might discover your next favourite flavour!
• Pair with Beer and Sticky Rice: Local beers or sticky rice are perfect companions to Isaan dishes. The beer helps cool the palate after a spicy bite, while the sticky rice balances the strong flavours and provides a satisfying element to the meal.

Top Isaan Restaurants in Bangkok

Wondering where to enjoy Isaan cuisine in Bangkok? Look no further! Here are the top 5 eateries that specialise in the bold and flavorful dishes of Isaan:

• Somtum Der (writer’s favourite ): This MICHELIN-listed restaurant is a favourite for its vibrant, zesty papaya salads and an extensive menu that captures the essence of traditional Isaan dishes, making it a must-visit for any Thai food enthusiast.
• Lay Lao: Known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavours, Lay Lao offers a delightful experience with dishes like grilled meats and spicy salads that truly showcase the unique taste of Isaan.
• 100 Mahaseth: A nose-to-tail eatery that serves up hearty Isaan dishes with a focus on sustainability, 100 Mahaseth is perfect for those looking to explore ethical eating without compromising on taste.
• Somtum Khun Kan: Specialising in som tum (papaya salad), this restaurant delivers a punch of flavour with each dish, perfectly introducing Isaan cuisine’s signature spice and tang.
• Phed Phed: As the name suggests, Phed Phed is all about spice. It offers a range of delectable Isaan dishes that are as flavorful as they are fiery, ideal for those who dare to turn up the heat.

Taste the Heart of Isaan

Isaan cuisine offers a mouthwatering array of dishes that are as rich in flavour as they are in cultural significance. This guide to Isaan’s spicy and soulful food not only promises an adventurous eating experience but also a deeper appreciation for Thailand’s culinary diversity. As you explore these flavours, each dish will bring you closer to the heart of Isaan culture. Don’t miss the chance to experience these delights on your next trip to Thailand!

More like this:

• Thai Food 101: 8 Dishes Every Foodie Must Try
• Street Food Safari: 10 Must-Try Dishes on Thai Streets
• Thailand’s Soup Symphony: Discovering Delicious Varieties Beyond Tom Yum

Sources: Thaiger, MICHELIN Guide, Tieland to Thailand, LIFESTYLE ASIA