If I had to choose my favourite country, Thailand would be top of my list; with its stunning scenery, the turquoise water and white sandy beaches so typical of its islands, the welcoming locals and the thousands of years of history and culture which you’ll soak up as you travel the country, what could be a better holiday destination?
A popular destination for backpackers and holiday makers alike, Thailandreally does have something to offer everyone. If you want metropolitan chic, fancy restaurants and the latest fashion from big names, you’ll find all of this in the thoroughly modern parts of Bangkokand Chiang Mai. If you want to experience the beautiful and intricately decorated temples, sample the traditional Thai cuisine and soak up the culture, you’ll find this too as the 21st century city and ancient world seem to merge together in perfect cohesion here.
Above all else though, one thing that will keep you coming back for more is the Thai cuisine; a taste bud tingling mix of fresh, exotic flavours, spices and ingredients that will leave your mouth watering from the aroma alone.
If you’ve been bitten by the bug like me, here are 5 of the tastiest dishes on offer:
1: Pad Thai
The delicious national dish ofThailand, Pad Thai comes in 2 varieties, the classic dish and the variation dish (the latter as a result of western influences).
To experience Pad Thai in all its glory, it’s best to go for the classic dish which usually consists of stir-fried noodles with eggs, tamarind juice, red chilli, fish sauce, bean sprouts, tofu and shrimp. It’s usually served with crushed peanuts and coriander which complement the superb flavours well.
2: Tom Yam Gai
My all time favourite Thai dish, Tom Yam Gai is a delectable hot and sour chicken soup with chilli and lemon grass and a variety of other ingredients depending on the particular region you experience it in.
With an intense flavour and exotic aroma, it’ll clear your sinuses and leave you wanting more. If you don’t like your food too hot, make sure you ask the chef to go easy on the chilli.
3: Panaeng
If, like me, you can’t get enough of your coconut, you’ll love Penaeng; a mouthwatering dish consisting of pork, beef or chicken in a creamy and spicy coconut sauce with chilli for that extra bite and usually served with steamed rice.
You’ll find that chillis appear in many Thai dishes and coconut milk is also used to give dishes a creamier texture.
4: Gai Pad Med Mamuan
A delightful yet simple dish of chicken and cashew nuts (usually locally grown) with a dash of sweet soy sauce, garlic, the obligatory but welcome chillis and a splash of honey to give it even more sweetness.
This is a satiating and divine meal that you’ll instantly fall in love with and want to order time and time again.
5: Thom Kha Gai
If you fancy something a little milder, why not opt for this delicious soup which is very similar to the Tom Yam Gai soup above, but with the addition of coconut milk and Galangal (a relative of ginger) which gives it an entirely different, much mellower taste.
If the above gets your taste buds tingling and I’ve convinced you to giveThailanda visit, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go. This is relevant for whatever country you are travelling to, but particularly so if you are planning to partake in scuba diving whilst on holiday (don’t forget to check your policy for exclusions).
