The Best Thai Dishes to Enjoy with Rice

Thai cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Rice, a staple in Thailand, serves as the perfect base for many iconic dishes. Whether you're a fan of rich curries or fresh salads, here are some of the best Thai dishes to enjoy with rice.

1. Green Curry (Gaeng Khiao Wan)

Green curry is one of Thailand's most beloved dishes, known for its vibrant color and rich flavor. Made with green curry paste, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables, this dish often includes meat such as chicken or beef. Pair it with jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance your dining experience.

2. Massaman Curry

Massaman curry is a unique Thai dish that is influenced by Indian and Persian cuisines. It features a blend of warm spices, potatoes, nuts, and meat, typically beef or chicken. The creamy and slightly sweet flavor of massaman curry is perfect when served with steamed rice, making it a comforting meal.

3. Pineapple Fried Rice (Khao Pad Sapparot)

Pineapple fried rice is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines jasmine rice, fresh pineapple chunks, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp or chicken. This dish is often served in a hollowed-out pineapple, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory elements perfectly.

4. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai street food dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. While traditionally served on its own, many locals enjoy it with a side of rice. This stir-fried noodle dish, made with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime, offers a textural and flavorful delight that’s even better when combined with rice.

5. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Thai basil chicken is a quick and flavorful dish made with minced chicken, garlic, chilies, and holy basil. The spiciness of the dish is balanced out by a serving of steamed jasmine rice. The fluffy rice helps to mellow the heat while enhancing the overall flavors of the dish.

6. Red Curry (Gaeng Phed)

Red curry is another staple in Thai cuisine, characterized by its bold flavors and bright red hue. Made with red curry paste and coconut milk, this dish commonly features meat, house-made tofu, and an assortment of vegetables. Enjoying red curry with a bed of rice makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.

7. Larb (Laab)

Larb, a traditional Thai salad, is typically made with minced meat (usually pork or chicken) mixed with fresh herbs, lime juice, and chili. Some prefer to enjoy it with rice as a side dish. The refreshing flavors of larb make it a perfect pairing with rice, providing a light yet hearty combination.

8. Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup)

Tom Kha Gai is a fragrant chicken soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. While it may not traditionally be eaten with rice, many Thai people enjoy a bowl of rice alongside their soup to create a comforting and filling meal.

9. Yellow Curry (Gaeng Kari)

Yellow curry is milder compared to its red and green counterparts, featuring turmeric, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables and meats. The creamy consistency and aromatic spices pair beautifully with rice, allowing you to savor every spoonful.

10. Thai Chili Paste (Nam Prik Pao) with Rice

Nam Prik Pao, or Thai chili paste, is a versatile condiment that can elevate any dish. It's often served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. Combining this flavorful paste with rice offers a spicy, savory kick that’s ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Thai cuisine has a dish for everyone, and when enjoyed with rice, the combination is truly unbeatable. Next time you indulge in these delicious Thai dishes, be sure to have a generous serving of rice on the side!