The Top Thai Seafood You Have to Try at Least Once

When it comes to culinary delights, Thai seafood stands out with its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse cooking styles. If you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to explore new tastes, here are some of the top Thai seafood dishes you have to try at least once.

1. Tom Yum Goong

No visit to Thailand is complete without trying Tom Yum Goong, a famous spicy and sour shrimp soup. This dish is made with fresh ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and, of course, succulent prawns. The combination of spices and herbs creates a tantalizing broth that perfectly balances heat and flavor.

2. Pla Rad Prik

Pla Rad Prik is a deep-fried fish dish served with a spicy chili sauce. Typically, snapper or grouper is used, and it is fried until crispy. The accompanying sauce is a mix of garlic, chilies, and sweet tamarind, making it a perfect companion for rice. This dish exemplifies the Thai love for bold flavors and textures.

3. Goong Pad Nam Prik Pao

Goong Pad Nam Prik Pao translates to stir-fried prawns with chili jam. The prawns are cooked with a rich and sweet-savoury sauce made from roasted chili paste, garlic, and onions. This dish is a delightful combination of flavors and is best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice.

4. Som Tum Poo

Som Tum Poo is a spicy green papaya salad often garnished with fresh crab or dried shrimp. This refreshing dish offers a wonderful contrast of crisp textures and bold flavors, including lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The addition of seafood elevates this classic Thai salad to a whole new level.

5. Yum Talay

Yum Talay is a seafood salad that brings together an assortment of seafood like squid, prawns, and mussels. Tossed in a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili, this dish is a flavorful representation of Thailand’s fresh seafood culture. Its zesty profile is refreshing and perfect for a hot day.

6. Mussaman Curry with Fish

Mussaman curry is a rich, aromatic dish traditionally made with beef, but it can also be made with fish. The coconut milk-based curry is infused with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, giving it a distinctive flavor. The addition of fish makes it lighter, and it's typically served with rice or roti.

7. Hor Mok

Hor Mok is a delightful Thai fish custard steamed in banana leaves. This dish features minced fish seasoned with red curry paste, coconut milk, and eggs, resulting in a spicy and creamy texture. It’s often garnished with Thai basil, adding a refreshing contrast that enhances the dish’s flavors.

8. Pla Nueng Manao

Pla Nueng Manao is a steamed fish dish that’s light, zesty, and packed with flavor. Typically made with barramundi or snapper, the fish is steamed and topped with a sauce of lime juice, chili, and garlic. The result is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the freshness of the seafood.

Eating Thai seafood is not just about indulgence; it’s an experience that reflects the nation’s culture and love for culinary arts. Whether you're dining at a street food stall or a fine restaurant, these top Thai seafood dishes promise to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Make sure to try them at least once on your next culinary adventure!