Can you brave these bites?
Thailand boasts of everything you need for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, from adrenaline-pumping activities to scrumptious exotic food, and now the opportunity to push your eating limits with spicy dishes. This defining feature of Thai cuisine is achieved by the extensive use of chili peppers, which not only contribute a great deal of spiciness to dishes but also provide health benefits for the digestive system by decreasing parasites and bacteria.
So for those who would like to test their limits with Thai spice levels, check out these fiery hot Thai dishes on your next trip to Thailand!
1. Gaeng Pa
Gaeng pa, or "jungle curry," is a classic Thai dish whose name derives from the wide variety of herbs and spices used to prepare it. The curry is nutritious, herbal, and ferociously spicy, which is just a normal Thai spicy food scene you’d taste while in the country. Since it's made with water instead of coconut milk, this curry nonetheless packs a satisfying kick to your stomach!
Gaeng Pa Sriyan
Address: 954 2 Thanon Nakhon Chaisi Rd, Thanon Nakhon Chai Si, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Contact Information: +66 2 241 4216
2. Nahm Prik Plah Tu
This classic Thai dish is a staple in many households because of its high nutritional value and delicious flavor. In addition to shrimp paste, this Thai spicy food relies heavily on deep-fried Thai mackerel and chili relish, the latter of which is often prepared using a wide variety of chili peppers and spices, lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Steamed rice and a variety of freshly blanched veggies will complete the meal!
Tom Yum Kung Thai Restaurant
Address: 9 Chakkarapong Rd, Taladyod, Phra Nakhon Khao San Road Area, Bangkok Thailand
Contact Information: +66 84 361 7746
3. Ta Lay Pad Cha
The term "Pad Cha" derives from the Thai cooking technique of heating the wok to such a high temperature that, when the ingredients are added, they entertainingly explode. This is the secret to the dish's outstanding flavor which tourists come back for when they visit the country. This Thai spicy food may be prepared with a variety of other types of seafood, or lobster. Not only is it the ideal combination of authentic Thai herbs and spices, but it also has a mouthwatering flavor that's hard to resist!
Riverside Terrace
Address: 48 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Contact Information: +66 2 659 9000
4. Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon
The fresh river prawns used to make this creamy broth provide a multifaceted taste that includes sourness, spice, saltiness, and a hint of sweetness. Simply put, this is a sweet and smoky Thai spicy food with a kick of heat from the lime and Thai roasted chili jam. It also highlights the "Holy Trinity" of Thai food preparation which are the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Recognize the distinctive herbal kick of lime juice and fish sauce the moment you take a sip!
Mam Tom Yum Kung
Address: Soi Kraisi, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Information: +66898155531
5. Pad Krapow Gai
Among the many delicious and well-known Thai spicy food available in the country, this street food is the most popular among international tourists. This chicken stir-fry gets its kick from chili peppers, garlic, shallots, a sweet and salty sauce, and fresh basil, which is added at the end and diced or crushed for extra flavor. It's a significant element of Thai cooking, whether in a wok or a pan and can be found in almost every kind of dish served in Thai restaurants and markets.
Seo Lang
Address: 227 Chakkraphet Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
6. Kua Kling
This well-known dry curry dish is from the southern region of Thailand and is characterized by a blend of minced pig and a curry paste made up of a variety of chilies, salt, and spices. Khua Kling Pak Sod, a restaurant specializing in southern Thai cuisine, is where you'll most often find this tasty dish with fresh vegetables. Before diving into this flavorful Thai dish, you might want to have a glass of water on hand because this would definitely test your tolerance to spicy food!
Khua Kling Pak Sod
Address: 98/1 Pai Di Ma Di Klang Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Contact Information: 02-259-5189
7. Pad Prik King
Another fan-favorite dish from Thailand, this dry curry is a stir-fried Thai dish that is deep dark red in color owing to the fiery red chilies used to prepare the curry paste. The use of oil in place of the more typical coconut milk makes this curry drier than other Thai recipes. To balance out the sweetness, spiciness, and saltiness of this classic Thai entrée, you should try stirring in some crunchy long green beans!
Baan Suriyasai
Address: 174 Thanon Surawong, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Contact Information: +66 2 237 8889
8. Som Tum
This Thai salad is so popular in the country that it's hard to find a local restaurant outside of Thailand that doesn't offer it. There is a wide assortment of spices inherent in this Thai spicy food, and the spicier the dish is, the more authentic it gets. As a common Thai dish, this salad is packed with flavor and texture aside from spiciness, ranging from sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Use a traditional mortar and pestle to mash the ingredients for this dish, which pairs perfectly with sticky rice and grilled chicken.
Baan Somtum
Address: 91 Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Contact Information: +66 2 630 3486
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.