Five tastes of Thailand

August 29 2011 , Written by thediversetraveller Published on #Asia, #cuisine, #dishes, #Food, #meals, #Recommendations & Rants (tips, links and reviews), #Thailand, #travel, #Travel Kitchen (recipes and food stories from around the world)

Thailand has to be one of my favourite countries, not only because of its beautiful scenery, friendly locals and the culture in abundance to be found there, but for many, many other reasons too.

Where else can you find such contrasts between the metropolitan chic that Chiang Mai and Bangkok mix seamlessly with ancient temples, tradition galore and the exotic and exciting floating markets which the country is so famous for?

If you want white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water, then Thailand has its fair share of those too. It really is no surprise that Thailand tops the wish list for many backpackers and tourists alike, who couldn't love this country?

Perhaps my most favourite reason of all though is the countries cuisine; a mix of fresh and beautiful, taste bud stimulating, flavours, spices and ingredients which are sure to leave you hooked and begging for more.

If, like me, you've been bitten by the bug and can't get enough of Thailand and its food, here are my personal top five tastiest dishes:

1: Tom Yam Gai

My ultimate favourite when it comes to Thai food, Tom Yam Gai – or hot and sour chicken soup – is a delicious mix of clear chicken soup with chilli, lemon grass and a variety of other herbs which make for the most intense flavour and aroma (brilliant if you need to clear your sinuses). If you're not a fan of spicy food, you might want to ask for the chef to go easy on the chilli.

2: Pad Thai

A delicious national Thai dish, there are now two main variations of Pad Thai, the classic variety and the variation dish. The variation dish is more likely to be served in western influenced restaurants but the classic is, and always will be, the best.

The delicious classic dish consists of stir-fried noodles with eggs, tamarind juice, fish sauce, red chilli, bean sprouts, shrimp and tofu. It's usually served garnished with crushed peanuts and coriander and the dish is quite literally a culinary delight.

3: Panaeng

If you like your coconut (an ingredient found in a lot of Thai food), then you'll love Panaeng. Usually consisting of pork, chicken or beef with a creamy, spicy coconut sauce. Despite the chilli content it's usually quite mild and deliciously sweet. Usually served with warm steamed rice, this is a scrumptious dish which will leave you wanting more.

4: Gai Pad Med Mamuang

If you're crazy about cashew nuts like me, you'll love this simple chicken and cashew nut dish which adds sweet soy sauce, garlic, chillies and honey to the mix to make a delicious yet simple meal which you'll instantly fall in love with.

5: Thom Kha Gai

If you tire of all this spicy food (you'll find chilli in most Thai dishes) or you like your food a little milder, try Thom Kha Gai – Thai Coconut soup – it usually still has chillies in it but the coconut milk makes it much milder on the palette. Very similar to the Tom Yam Gai soup above, but an entirely different experience, owing to the added coconut and galangal (a relative of ginger); definately one soup you'll want more of!

If I've inspired you to give Thailand a go, and you're planning on hitting those beautiful beaches to try out snorkelling or scuba diving, after you've satiated your appetite with some beautiful Thai food, check your travel insurance policy first to confirm you are covered. Water sports, climbing and skiing are all common exclusions on policies, which can leave you without cover when you most need it if you don't read through the small print!

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1. Click here to check out Diverse Traveller's Travel Kitchen, and make your own Thai meal : Thai-style Barbeque Fish

2. Read more about the delight of Thai food, with Diverse Traveller Jacky, who shares her passion for travel and Thai food.

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Share your favourite Thai foodie experiences and / or receipes here or on Diverse Traveller

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