The Best Thai Mezes You Must Try

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and intricate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. When it comes to appetizers, or as they are known in Thailand, "mezes," the selection is both delightful and diverse. Here’s a list of the best Thai mezes you must try to truly experience the essence of Thai culinary art.

1. Satay
Satay consists of marinated meat skewers, typically chicken or pork, grilled to perfection and served with a rich peanut sauce and a tangy cucumber salad. The smoky flavor combined with the creamy sauce makes it a popular choice among Thai mezes.

2. Spring Rolls (Poh Pia Tod)
These crispy rolls are filled with a mixture of vegetables and sometimes meat, wrapped in thin rice paper, and deep-fried until golden brown. Served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, they offer a satisfying crunch that’s irresistible.

3. Shrimp Chips (Khanom Buang)
Light and airy, shrimp chips are made from a mixture of ground shrimp and tapioca flour. Fried until crispy, these chips are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, accompanied by a sweet chili sauce for dipping.

4. Miang Kham
This traditional Thai snack consists of small leaf wraps filled with a mix of ingredients such as roasted coconut, peanuts, lime, and shallots, all garnished with a sweet and tangy sauce. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a unique experience.

5. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
A classic from northeastern Thailand, Som Tum is made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. The combination of fresh ingredients and sharp flavors makes it a quintessential Thai dish.

6. Thai Curry Puff (Puff Khao Kha Muu)
These flaky pastries are filled with a fragrant mixture of curried potatoes, minced chicken, or pork. Deep-fried or baked to a golden hue, curry puffs are perfect for satisfying cravings during any time of the day.

7. Larb
Larb is a salad-like dish made with minced meat (commonly chicken or beef), fresh herbs, and lime juice. Often served at room temperature, it’s a refreshing and flavorful way to start your meal, complemented by sticky rice.

8. Thai Fish Cakes (Tod Mun Pla)
These savory cakes are made from finely minced fish mixed with red curry paste and green beans. Deep-fried until crispy and golden, they often come with a sweet and sour cucumber dipping sauce, making them an irresistible starter.

9. Grilled Pork Salad (Nam Tok Moo)
Nam Tok Moo features grilled pork marinated in herbs and spices, then sliced and tossed with lime juice, fresh mint leaves, and roasted rice powder. This flavorful dish is savory and slightly spicy, making it a great way to kick off a meal.

10. Stuffed Chicken Wings (Peek Gai Yud Sai)
These wings are deboned and stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and spices, then deep-fried for a crispy exterior. Often served with a tangy sauce, they’re a deliciously indulgent choice among Thai mezes.

Exploring Thai mezes is a culinary adventure that showcases the remarkable flavors and textures of this vibrant cuisine. Each dish offers a unique experience that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, whether you are dining at a Thai restaurant or trying your hand at making these dishes at home, don’t miss out on these must-try mezes!