Are you craving the vibrant flavours of Thailand but find yourself in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s culinary landscape offers a delectable array of Thai dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok. In this article, we will explore 18 must-try Thai dishes in Melbourne for an authentic gastronomic experience in 2024:
18 Delicious Thai Foods in Melbourne for 2024
1. Pad Thai:
A quintessential Thai dish, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that combines flat rice noodles with tofu, egg, bean sprouts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. Look for variations featuring succulent shrimp, tender chicken, or crispy tofu for a satisfying meal.
2. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers):
Moo Ping are juicy and flavorful grilled pork skewers marinated in a mixture of garlic, cilantro roots, soy sauce, and palm sugar. Often served with sticky rice and a side of spicy dipping sauce, these skewers make for a tasty and satisfying snack or appetiser.
3. Tom Yum Soup:
A hot and sour soup that is as comforting as it is flavorful, Tom Yum Soup is a favourite among Thai food enthusiasts in Melbourne. Made with fragrant lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilli peppers, this soup can be enjoyed with shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a refreshing and invigorating experience.
4. Som Tum (Papaya Salad):
Som Tum is a refreshing salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and chilli peppers, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. With its combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours, Som Tum is a perfect palate cleanser and side dish.
5. Massaman Curry:
Rich and aromatic, Massaman Curry is a Thai curry that is influenced by Persian and Indian flavours. Made with tender chunks of meat, potatoes, onions, and peanuts, this curry is simmered in a creamy coconut milk base and seasoned with a blend of spices for a truly indulgent meal.
6. Pad See Ew:
This stir-fried noodle dish features wide rice noodles cooked with soy sauce, garlic, egg, and your choice of protein, such as beef, chicken, or shrimp. With its smoky flavour and satisfying chewiness, Pad See Ew is a delicious Thai food in Melbourne that will leave you craving more.
7. Khao Soi:
Originating from Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a coconut curry noodle soup that is known for its rich and complex flavours. Made with egg noodles, tender chicken or beef, and garnished with crispy fried noodles, shallots, and lime, Khao Soi offers a delightful interplay of textures and aromas.
8. Khao Pad (Fried Rice):
Simple yet satisfying, Khao Pad is a Thai-style fried rice dish that is often enjoyed as a main course or accompaniment to other dishes. Made with jasmine rice, egg, onions, and your choice of protein, such as shrimp or pork, Khao Pad is versatile and delicious.
9. Mango Sticky Rice:
No Thai meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth. Made with ripe mangoes, sticky rice, and coconut milk, this dessert is a delightful combination of flavours and textures.
10. Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup):
Creamy and fragrant, Tom Kha Gai is a coconut milk-based soup that is infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. With its delicate balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours, this soup is a comforting and nourishing option.
11. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry):
Gaeng Daeng is another must Try Thai food in Melbourne especially if you are a curry lover. Gaeng Daeng is a flavorful Thai red curry made with red curry paste, coconut milk, meat (such as chicken, beef, or pork), and a variety of vegetables like bamboo shoots, bell peppers, and Thai eggplant. It’s often served with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
12. Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry):
Similar to Red Curry but with a distinct green colour from green curry paste, Gaeng Keow Wan is another Thai curry that’s creamy, aromatic, and slightly sweet. It’s typically made with chicken or beef and features ingredients like Thai basil, eggplant, and green beans.
13. Pla Rad Prik (Fried Fish with Chili Sauce):
Pla Rad Prik is a crispy fried fish dish topped with a spicy and tangy chilli sauce made with garlic, chilli peppers, fish sauce, and lime juice. The combination of crispy fish and flavorful sauce makes it a favourite among seafood lovers.
14. Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Stir-Fried Basil Pork):
This popular Thai street food dish features minced pork stir-fried with Thai holy basil, garlic, chilli peppers, and soy sauce. It’s typically served over rice with a fried egg on top, adding richness and flavour to the dish.
15. Pad Ped (Spicy Stir-Fry):
Pad Ped is a spicy stir-fry Thai dish that combines your choice of meat (such as chicken, beef, or shrimp) with vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, and bamboo shoots, all cooked in a spicy curry paste sauce. It’s a fiery and flavorful option for those who love heat.
16. Yam Nua (Thai Beef Salad):
Yam Nua is a refreshing and zesty salad made with grilled beef, sliced onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs like mint and cilantro, all tossed in a spicy lime dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for hot weather.
17. Pad Prik King (Dry Curry):
Pad Prik King is a dry curry dish made with your choice of meat (commonly pork or chicken) stir-fried with green beans, kaffir lime leaves, and red curry paste. It’s less saucy compared to other curries but still packs a flavorful punch of Thai dishes.
18. Kai Med Ma Muang (Cashew Chicken):
This stir-fry dish features tender chicken pieces stir-fried with cashew nuts, bell peppers, onions, and dried chilli peppers in a savoury sauce made with oyster sauce and soy sauce. It’s a delicious combination of textures and flavours.
Final Words on Melbourne’s Thai Foods
In Melbourne, enjoying Thai food isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about embracing the artistry of flavours, the warmth of hospitality, and the excitement of culinary exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious food enthusiast, the diverse range of Thai dishes in Melbourne promises something extraordinary for every palate.
So, as you embark on your next culinary adventure in Melbourne, don’t just eat Thai food—immerse yourself in its rich tapestry of tastes, textures, and traditions. Experience the soulful spices, the intricate balance of sweet and savoury, and the sheer joy that comes with every bite.
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