Get ready to embark on a mouth-watering journey through the incredible world of Thai cuisine in Australia! With a blend of diverse flavours, textures, and aromas, Thai food has become a favourite among food lovers across the country. From the classic Pad Thai to the rich and aromatic Green Curry Chicken, let’s dive into the Top 12 Must Try Thai Restaurant Dishes that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Key Takeaways
Taste the unique flavours of Thai cuisine with Pad Thai, Green Curry Chicken, Massaman Curry and more!
Refresh after your meal with a sweet and refreshing beverage like Thai Iced Tea.
Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at KB Thai in Woy Woy – offering authentic dishes & friendly service!
Pad Thai: The Classic Choice
Pad Thai, a global favorite, embodies the essence of Thai cuisine. This tantalising treat, made with rice noodles, is stir-fried with various proteins, vegetables, and a tangy tamarind sauce, creating a harmonious medley of tastes that you can’t get enough of. The main ingredients include:
Beef, prawns, crispy pork, duck, chicken, lamb, seafood or tofu/veg as protein options
Eggs
Bean sprouts
Peanuts & lemon
A sauce made with fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and tamarind.
But wait, there’s more! There are numerous exciting variations of Pad Thai to explore, such as:
Pad Thai Gai (with chicken)
Gluten Free Pad Thai
Vegetarian Pad Thai
Pad Thai with river noodles
No matter which variation you choose, it’s usually served with crunchy peanuts and zesty lime wedges, making it a perfect quick lunch to enjoy at a beer hall or any casual dining setting.
Green Curry Chicken: Aromatic Delight
Green Curry Chicken, brimming with aroma and a dash of spice, is the ultimate dish for curry enthusiasts. This delectable Thai dish is made with:
Green curry paste
Coconut milk
Chicken
A medley of vegetables
These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours. The main ingredients in Thai Green Curry Chicken are chicken, green curry paste, coconut milk, and various spices such as coriander seeds, cumin seeds, bamboo shoots, beans, broccoli, zucchini and Thai chilies.
The veggies usually included in this aromatic delight are carrots, celery, bamboo shoots, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, snow peas, and peppers. The green curry paste is typically prepared by grinding ingredients like coriander, lime, garlic, green Thai chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and white peppercorns, creating a wonderful and aromatic base for the curry.
Masaman Curry: A Taste of Southern Thailand
Savour the rich and robust flavours of Southern Thailand through Massaman Curry. This dish, with influences from Indian and Malay cuisine, features tender beef meat, potatoes, and a blend of spices that will transport your taste buds to a whole new world. Traditionally prepared in Southern Thailand, the curry paste is fried with coconut cream, and beef, potatoes, onions, tamarind paste, sugar, coconut milk, and peanuts are added to the curry.
Massaman Curry is characterised by a blend of aromatic, tantalising flavours, including:
lemongrass
chili peppers
galangal
cumin
tamarind
cardamom
star anise
cinnamon
other spices
It is fragrant and less spicy compared to other Thai curries, and the most commonly used meat is slow-cooking cuts like beef chunks.
Tom Yum Soup: Spicy and Sour Sensation
With its tangy, spicy flavours, Tom Yum Soup offers a hot and sour awakening for your senses. Made with a tasty broth, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and a variety of proteins, this soup originated in central Thailand.
It is also a great source of fiber, making it not only a delicious but also a nutritious option for a Thai meal.
Papaya Salad (Som Tum): Fresh and Fiery
Originating from Laos and later embraced by Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, the refreshing and spicy Papaya Salad, or Som Tum, is a treat to the palate. It is commonly associated with the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isaan. This salad is traditionally prepared by pounding green papaya with a combination of ingredients, including:
Peanuts
Carrot
Beans & Lemon grass
Chili
Lime juice
Cashewnuts
These ingredients are blended together to create a signature Thai salad known for its fresh colors, crunchy textures, and sour-spicy taste, making it a popular choice among Thai food enthusiasts.
There are several regional variations of Papaya Salad in Thailand, including Green Papaya Salad, Som Tum Thai with crab and fermented fish sauce, and variations with other fruits like apple, cucumber, pineapple, and green mango.
This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamin C and low in calories.
Larb: Delicious Minced Meat Salad
Originating from Laos and gaining popularity in Thailand, Larb is a wonderfully minced meat salad. This dish is often made with pork, chicken, or beef, combined with fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and roasted rice powder. The main ingredients include:
Minced meat (chicken, beef or pork)
kaffir lime
Chili flakes
Lime juice
Lemongrass
Other common ingredients like coriander and onions can also be added to enhance the flavour of the dish.
This dish has different variations in various regions of Thailand, such as Larb Isaan, which is found in Laos and northeastern Thailand and known for its spicy and tangy flavours, and Larb Lana, which is found in Chiang Mai and surrounding areas with a milder taste.
The ground meat for Larb in Thailand is typically prepared by cooking it with ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, and various herbs and spices.
Panang Curry: Creamy and Nutty
Offering a creamy and nutty delight, Panang Curry is a Thai curry that will satiate your culinary desires. This dish is made with a blend of spices, coconut milk, and a choice of protein, offering a milder and sweeter alternative to other Thai curries. Panang Curry gets its amazing flavours from ingredients like Panang curry paste, which usually includes dried chili peppers, galangal, ginger, broccoli, lemongrass, shallots, and other aromatic spices, along with coconut milk that adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
Popular protein options include pork, beef, or chicken, which can be easily incorporated into this delicious curry. So, if you’re looking for a dish with a unique blend of flavours and a creamy, nutty texture, Panang Curry with pork belly is definitely worth a try.
Black Sticky Rice: Sweet and Satisfying
If you have a sweet tooth, the perfect Thai dessert to indulge in is Black Sticky Rice. This dish is made with black sweet sticky rice, ripe mango slices or Thai Custard, and a drizzle of coconut cream, offering a satisfying and refreshing treat that will leave you craving more. Mango Sticky Rice is believed to have originated in Laos, and it later spread to Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The key ingredients for traditional Thai Mango Sticky Rice are:
Sticky rice
Coconut milk
Sugar
Ripe mangoes
The types of mangoes traditionally used in this dish are Nam Dok Mai (flower nectar mango) and Ok-Rong varieties, ensuring the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite.
Thai Fish Cakes (Tod Mun Pla): Crispy and Succulent
Seafood enthusiasts seeking a crispy and tasty dish will find delight in Thai Fish Cakes, or Tod Mun Pla. These deep-fried fish cakes are made with a blend of fish, beans, sweet chilli sauce, and various herbs, and they’re often served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce to enhance the taste even further.
The herbs and spices commonly used in Thai Fish Cakes include:
Garlic
Shallots
Galangal
Lemongrass
Coriander
Basil
Kaffir lime leaves
Turmeric
Cumin
Chilies
These ingredients give these fish cakes a unique and delectable taste profile.
To prepare the sweet and tangy dipping sauce, simply combine the following ingredients:
Brown sugar
White wine vinegar
Thinly sliced red chilies
Lemon juice
Cook the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Chiang Mai Fried Rice
Chiang Mai Fried Rice, is a Thai specialty not to be missed. This dish features fried rice with chiang mai sausage, egg, peas and other spices. Other ingredients also include Chinese broccoli, onion and tomato.
With its unique blend of flavours, textures, and ingredients, Chiang Mai Fried Rice offer a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Thai Iced Tea: Refreshing Beverage
To cool down after indulging in the divine flavours of Thai cuisine, a refreshing and sweet Thai Iced Tea is the perfect choice. This beverage is made with strong black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and ice, providing the perfect ending to a delectable Thai meal. Thai Iced Tea is traditionally made using Ceylon tea or Indian Assam black tea, steeped with star anise, cardamom, and optional cinnamon stick.
There are several exciting variations of Thai Iced Tea to explore, such as:
Homemade Thai Tea
Thai Coconut Iced Tea
Thai Lemongrass and Ginger Ice Tea
Lime Thai Tea
These variations offer different flavours and ingredients to suit every taste preference.
Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): Spicy Stir-Fry
Pad Kee Mao, or Drunken Noodles, is a spicy Thai stir-fry that promises a delightful dance of flavours for your taste buds. Made with wide rice noodles, a choice of protein (egg), and a blend of Thai basil, garlic, bamboo shoots and chili zucchini, beans, capsicum, carrot, this dish offers a bold experience like no other. The main ingredients of Drunken Noodles include rice noodles, Thai basil, chilies, and a savoury sauce.
This dish originated in the Central Plains region of Thailand and is believed to have been sold by vendors to late-night revelers. The protein traditionally used in Drunken Noodles can vary, but popular options include:
chicken
shrimp
beef
tofu
Finding the Best Thai Restaurant in Woy Woy
Now, equipped with knowledge of the top Thai dishes, it’s time to explore the best Thai restaurants in Woy Woy and indulge in these culinary delights. There’s something for every palate on Blackwall Road, just a short stroll from the state buildings, in the vibrant neighborhood of Surry Hills.
Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience, with innovative dishes, generous servings, and a welcoming atmosphere.
KB Thai
KB Thai, a standout Thai restaurant in Woy Woy, delights its guests with a diverse menu of authentic Thai dishes, friendly service, and a cozy ambiance. At KB Thai, you can indulge in deep-fried cubes of light, fluffy tofu tossed in spiced salt, fiery and authentic dishes, and grilled meats, curries, wok-fried dishes, duck, lamb, and vegetarian dishes, all bursting with mouth-watering flavours.
The atmosphere at KB Thai is spicy and innovative, with classic dishes paired with ‘90s hip hop, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The outstanding service at KB Thai ensures that you’ll have a memorable meal and can’t wait to return for more.
Summary
In conclusion, Thai cuisine offers a world of tastes and textures that will delight your senses and satisfy your cravings. From the classic Pad Thai to the refreshing Mango Sticky Rice, these top 12 must-try Thai dishes in Australia are sure to impress and inspire. So, whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or a curious foodie looking to explore new culinary horizons, there’s no better time to dive into the world of Thai cuisine and discover the irresistible flavours that await you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Thai food dish?
Pad Thai is the most popular Thai food dish, it’s a stir-fried noodle and vegetable dish that even has the word ‘Thai’ in its name! It’s a tasty treat that’s sure to satisfy any craving for authentic Thai cuisine.
What is the best Thai dish for beginners?
If you’re a Thai food beginner, nothing beats a delicious bowl of thick noodles and curry! Get a simple Thai Curry sauce, like a yellow curry with a coconut base for the perfect introduction. Add some vegetable dishes and rice for a complete Thai meal!
What is a typical Thai meal?
Enjoy a delicious and traditional Thai meal of steamed or sticky rice with stir-fried vegetables, grilled pork, curries, soups, drunken noodles, pad see ew, pad thai, and curry-noodle dishes – all eaten with a fork and spoon in the Thai fashion!
What is Thai famous delicacy?
Pad Thai is Thailand’s iconic delicacy, renowned for its intense stir-frying of thin or wide noodles with crunchy beansprouts, onions, and eggs. This dish is also flavoured with fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic or shallots, red chilli, and palm sugar, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the culinary delights of Thailand.
What are some popular protein options for Pad Thai?
Beef, chicken, prawns, Lamb, Pork, duck, seafood, and tofu are all popular protein options for Pad Thai!
KB Thai on the Central Coast
KB Thai, located in the heart of Woy Woy, is a must-visit for Thai cuisine lovers. Known for its diverse menu, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant offers a unique culinary experience. Whether you’re craving a classic Pad Thai, a spicy Green Curry, or a sweet Mango Sticky Rice, KB Thai has got you covered. Their chefs use authentic Thai ingredients and traditional cooking methods to ensure each dish is bursting with flavour. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual lunch with friends.
Make your Reservation today!