Are you ready to ignite your taste buds with the fiery flavours of Thailand? Thai cuisine is renowned for its bold use of spices, and for those who love a little (or a lot) of heat, there are plenty of dishes to explore. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, these spicy Thai dishes will take your palate on an unforgettable journey.

Let’s dive into the top 10 must-try spicy Thai dishes!

1. Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

A staple in Thai cuisine, Som Tum is a refreshing salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and dried shrimp tossed in a spicy dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chillies. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy makes this dish an irresistible start to any meal.

2. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour soup that features juicy shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. The addition of fresh chillies and chilli paste gives this soup its signature fiery kick. It’s a perfect comfort food for spicy food enthusiasts.

3. Pad Kra Pao (Spicy Basil Stir-Fry)

Pad Kra Pao is a quick and flavourful stir-fry made with minced meat (commonly pork or chicken), garlic, chillies, and Thai holy basil. Served over steamed rice and often topped with a fried egg, this dish packs a punch and is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

4. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)

Gaeng Daeng, or red curry, is a creamy and spicy dish made with red curry paste, coconut milk, and your choice of meat or tofu. The curry paste, made from dried red chillies, gives the dish its vibrant colour and intense heat. Fresh herbs like Thai basil add a fragrant touch.

5. Kua Kling (Southern Thai Dry Curry)

A lesser-known but equally spicy dish, Kua Kling hails from Southern Thailand. It’s a dry curry made with ground meat, typically beef or pork, cooked with a paste of fresh chillies, lemongrass, turmeric, and other spices. It’s usually served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

6. Gaeng Som (Sour Curry)

Gaeng Som is a sour and spicy curry popular throughout Thailand, with regional variations. The spicier version is the Southern dish, which is made with tamarind, turmeric, and chillies and features fish or shrimp and various vegetables. The tangy and spicy flavours make it a unique and tantalising dish.

7. Nam Prik Ong (Northern Thai Spicy Pork Dip)

Nam Prik Ong is a spicy chilli dip from Northern Thailand made with ground pork, tomatoes, dried chillies, garlic, and shrimp paste. It’s typically served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice. The rich and spicy dip is perfect for those who love intense flavours.

8. Larb (Spicy Meat Salad)

Larb is a zesty and spicy meat salad from the northeastern region of Thailand, Isaan. It’s made with minced meat (often chicken, beef, or pork), lime juice, fish sauce, toasted rice powder, and lots of chillies. Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro add a refreshing touch to this fiery dish.

9. Gaeng Pa (Jungle Curry)

Gaeng Pa, or jungle curry, is known for its intense heat and rustic flavours. Unlike other Thai curries, it doesn’t contain coconut milk, making it lighter but spicier. It’s loaded with green vegetables, wild ginger, and fresh herbs, creating a complex and aromatic dish.

10. Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)

Pad Kee Mao, or drunken noodles, is a stir-fry dish made with wide rice noodles, meat or seafood, fresh chillies, garlic, and holy basil. The dish gets its name from its popularity as a late-night street food, often enjoyed after a night of drinking. Its bold and spicy flavours make it a hit among spice lovers.

Embrace the Spice: Dive into Thailand’s Fiery Flavours!

Thai cuisine offers a world of flavours, especially for those who crave spicy food. These ten dishes not only bring the heat but also showcase the rich culinary heritage of Thailand. So, next time you’re at a Thai restaurant or planning a culinary adventure, don’t shy away from these fiery dishes. Embrace the spice and let your taste buds dance with joy!

Similar read:

• Fermented Foods of Thailand: A Flavourful Exploration
• Thai Breakfast Delights: Morning Dishes to Start Your Day
• Thai Street Food for the Adventurous Eater
  

Sources: Michelin Guide, Yummy Thai, Culture Trip