Thailand has been making a name for itself as a bonafide culinary hub. Iconic dishes like Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai and Som Tum (papaya salad) have permeated into the international food scene with world famous chefs trying their hand at recreating these traditional Thai delicacies. At the beginning of 2018, Thailand was issued its inaugural Michelin Guide, with the coveted Michelin stars awarded to the best restaurants and street food vendors across the country. If you dive deeper into the vast tapestry of Thailand’s food culture, you will uncover the incredible diversity of the country’s cuisine as it changes from region to region. We take a look at some of the dishes unique to the different regions in Thailand.
Ahan Phak Klang (or Central Region Thai Food)
The Central Thailand region covers the broad plains along the Chao Phraya River up until the Petchabun mountainous region. As the most populated region in the country, Central Thailand is home to some of the more iconic Thai dishes like Tom Yum Goong, Kaeng Khiao Wan (Thai green curry) and Phat Kaphrao (stir-fried meats with Thai holy basil). Also known as Ahan Phak Klang, where Ahan means food and Phak Klang means Central region, Central Thai cuisine features strong influences from Thai-Chinese culture, with its dishes often paired with a serving of jasmine rice.
Ahan Phak Tai (or Southern Thai Food)
From the Thailand-Malaysia border to the province of Chumphon, Southern Thailand is home to the sunny beaches of Phuket and Krabi. Southern Thai food, which directly translates to Ahan Phak Tai in Thai, is influenced by Northern Malaysia, incorporating a lot of dried spices, meats and curries. Some dishes unique to the Phak Tai region include Gaang Sôm Blah (fish curry), Kaeng Matsaman (massaman curry) Ah Pong (rolled pancake) and Sate (skewered meats).
Ahan Lanna (or Northern Thai Food)
The mountainous terrain and cooler climate of the Northern region of Bangkok is surrounded by the borders of Myanmar and Laos. Once home to the ancient Lanna Kingdom, the region’s more famous provinces include Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Influenced by Burmese and Lao cuisine, Ahan Lanna (Northern Thai cuisine) uses glutinous rice instead of jasmine rice as their staple food. Ahan Lanna is perhaps most famous for their Khantoke feasts, where multiple dishes are served on a small wooden tray with legs, which acts as a small dining table. Unique dishes in Northern Thailand include Sai Ua (Chiang Mai sausage) and Khao Soi (egg noodle curry).
Ahan Isan (or Northeastern Thai Food)
Similar to Ahan Lanna, Ahan Isan (Northeastern Thai food) draws hints of Lao culture, substituting jasmine rice for glutinous rice as their staple food. Another notable distinction of Instead of curries and thick broths that are synonymous with cuisines from other regions, Northeastern Thai food relies on fresh savoury salads to accompany their main dishes. Dishes unique to this region include Som Tum (papaya salad), Nam Tok (sliced grilled meats) and Gai Tod (fried chicken).
If you’re looking on experiencing a diverse and multi-faceted gastronomical journey through Thailand, be sure to sample some of these amazing dishes unique to each region.
[OPTIONAL SENTENCE TO ADD ONCE DISCOVERY THAILAND HAS MORE AREAS:] To get a glimpse into the different culinary offerings across the nation’s various cities as well as latest investment information in regards to properties, you can visit Sansiri’s very own Discover Thailand platform here. - to be added in when ready].