Phuket is known for its tropical and relaxing private pool villas and friendly locals—but if you are coming to town, you can’t possibly miss their good food!
You can enjoy a wide array of Thai appetizers with fresh and savory flavors. This article will list down some Thai appetizers you should try when you visit.
Sweet Kluai Thot
Up for some bananas? Kluai Thot is a sweet street food made of deep-fried burro bananas.
It can be topped with coconut shreds, salt, and sugar.
Enjoy the sweet and crispy crust and tasty bananas while warm and crunchy. This is often served as a snack, dessert, or appetizer.
Deep-Fried Thot Man Kao Phot Fritters
Have you tried some deep-fried corn fritters? This appetizer is made of sweet corn kernels, ground pork or shrimp, rice flour, and eggs. This is typically topped with red curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, and light soy sauce for additional flavor.
For vegetarians, there are versions of this that omit the meat and use tofu instead.
Classic Deep Fried Thot Man Kung Cakes
These are round and flat shrimp or prawn cakes rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. These golden brown and crispy treats are often paired with sweet and sour dipping sauce and some fresh cucumber and tomato slices.
Thai Pandan Chicken
What’s a visit to Thailand without some authentic pandan chicken? This delicacy is made from chicken marinated in various spices, coconut cream, lemongrass, and shallots. It is then wrapped in aromatic pandan leaves, steamed to seal in its juices, and deep-fried for the perfect crisp.
This dish is perfect with some sweet chili sauce or sesame sauce for dipping.
Besides being an appetizer, this can also be served as a side dish or main dish.
Traditional Miang Kham with Dried Shrimps and Toasted Coconut
Are you a fan of wraps? This fun appetizer has ingredients served separately so that you can wrap them in wild piper leaves known as Chaphlu.
The filling is made of ginger, chili peppers, limes, roasted peanuts, shallots, toasted coconuts, and tiny dried shrimps, all finely sliced and ready for assembly. You can then add some sweet and sour sauce with shrimp paste, sugar, tamarind, roasted coconuts, and peanuts.
Fresh Yam Nuea Yang Salad with Grilled Beef
Going for a fresh salad? The yam nuea yang has thin slices of grilled beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs coming together with a spicy, sweet, sour, and savory dressing.
This can be eaten by itself, but you can also serve it over rice noodles, sticky rice, or jasmine rice.
Traditional Tam Makhuea
This traditional dish is a combination of fried eggplants, hot chili peppers, garlic, shrimp paste, and vegetable oil. This is usually served as an appetizer or side dish.
Some Squid with Pla Muek Yang
In for some squid? This chargrilled squid dish is coated in a spicy, sweet-and-sour sauce. It is commonly sold at roadside eateries topped with peanuts and coriander leaves.
Besides being an appetizer, this may also be served as the main course or mixed with salads.
Conclusion
Thais have so many more to offer aside from these traditional ones if you are looking for more appetizers. However, these are some of the most classic and well-loved Thai appetizers offered both in roadside stalls and 5-star hotels.
These dishes will surely make people come together. It is a perfect way to break the ice and give you a taste of Thailand.
Are you looking for hotels in Phuket near Patong beach for your trip? Look no further than Diamond Cliff Phuket. We offer both stellar room and villa accommodation and authentic Thai cuisine. Book your stay today!
