Thai cuisine - We are familiar with Japanese ramen's rich broth and Chinese dim sum's distinct umami. But did you know that another gem of Asian cuisine sits not far away from our country?

Why is Thai cuisine severely underrated? Thai dishes deserve more recognition due to its unparalleled attention to creating a medley of seemingly unending flavors.

Few cuisines rival Thai food's rich and harmonious flavors, especially when it comes to culinary delights. Thai cuisine is recognized for its exquisite balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that dance on your palette.

For a meal to be genuinely satisfying and complete, according to the Thai people, all four tastes should be present.

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To get to know more about the culinary art of the Thais, we need to examine the common ingredients in their dishes. Thai food frequently uses palm sugar, coconut milk, or fresh fruits like pineapple to add sweetness.

Lime juice, tamarind, or green mango can all be used to add sourness to a dish. Fish sauce, soy sauce, or shrimp paste are the sources of saltiness.

Last but not least, Thai food strongly emphasizes spice, with chili peppers being a typical component used to up the intensity and flavor.

While Thai and Filipino cuisines have specific tastes and elements, it's interesting to consider how their flavor profiles differ.

Filipino food features more savory and umami flavors, and soy sauce, fish sauce, and vinegar are frequently used in dishes to give them more depth. On the other hand, Thai food embraces a more enormous variety of flavor profiles.

One ingredient we can focus on is coconut milk. Gata is commonly used in the Philippines for savory and saucy dishes such as Laing, Bicol Express, and Filipino-style chicken curry. Meanwhile, Thai's famous comforting soup (Tom Kha Gai) involves boiling chicken with lemongrass and coconut milk.

Another dish central to Thai cuisine is their curries. Thai curries are recognized for their bright colors, strong flavors, and well-balanced mixture of spices and herbs. The red and green curry are the two most widely enjoyed varieties of Thai curry. However, there are many more varieties available.

COLOR: Well, the giveaway difference is in its name. The hues of both curries make the biggest difference. The red chili peppers used in creating red curry give it its name and deep reddish-brown color. Including fresh herbs like basil and coriander, as well as green chili peppers, gives green curry it's brilliant green hue.

SPICINESS: If you have high spice tolerance, you may be up for the challenge of red curry. Thai bird's eye chilies are a kind of red chili pepper that tends to be spicier than the mild green chilies used in green curry.

Besides rice, another staple in Asian cuisine is each country's noodles. Thai cuisine is another repertoire that boasts some of the most flavorful spins on its dishes.

1. Pad Thai

Pad Thai, arguably the most famous Thai noodle dish, features stir-fried rice noodles tossed with eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and an array of ingredients such as bean sprouts, chives, crushed peanuts, and a tangy tamarind-based sauce.

2. Khao Soi

Egg noodles are coated in a flavorful curry broth made with coconut milk and spices in this savory and aromatic recipe. It is typically served with tender braised meat (often chicken or beef) and garnished with crispy fried noodles, shallots, and fresh lime.

3. Comparing Thai noodles with Filipino pancit favorites

While both Thai and Filipino cuisines offer a delightful variety of noodle dishes, there are distinct differences in their flavors and preparations. Thai noodle meals frequently have intense flavor combinations that harmoniously combine sour, salty, and sweet flavors.

Filipino pancit dishes focus more on simplicity and the "comfort and ease" each dish provides. Recipes can vary from each region or home, depending on their favorite meat and vegetables. Filipino pancit favorites, such as Pancit Canton and Pancit Malabon, often feature stir-fried noodles with a combination of vegetables, meat (such as pork, chicken, or shrimp), and soy sauce for seasoning.

1. Bangkok

For a sample of some of the city's best street food noodles, head to Chinatown's Yaowarat Road. Try some of the local sellers' flavorful and filling boat noodles, or savor the flavors of Pad Thai at Thip Samai, a legendary restaurant renowned for its expertise in cuisine.

2. Phuket

Take the chance to enjoy Mee Hokkien, a local specialty made of thick yellow noodles stir-fried with shrimp, soy sauce, and vegetables - if you happen to be in Phuket. For a unique culinary experience, visit a local market or a café by the shore.

1. Mango Sticky Rice

Us Filipinos are no strangers to the delectable goodness of mangoes - it's our national fruit, after all! But if you're looking for a new spin on this all-time favorite besides the usual mango graham and shake, why not try a serving of Mango Sticky Rice?

If you're familiar with the taste of sweetened corn in coconut milk, this treat will be a pleasant surprise. This traditional Thai delicacy comprises delicious glutinous rice drenched in coconut milk and garnished with wonderfully ripe mangoes. The fragrant mangoes, creamy coconut, and sticky rice flavors work well together.

2. Kanom Krok

If Filipinos love evaporated and condensed milk in their dessert, Thailand loves coconut milk. This traditional Thai dessert is a layered cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and pandan juice. Each layer has a slightly different texture, becoming a harmonious blend of flavors and a visually appealing dessert.

Thai cuisine is a tantalizing journey for the senses, offering a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that leave a lasting impression on every palate. From the fiery heat of Tom Yum soup to the creamy richness of Green Curry, Thai dishes cater to a wide range of tastes, making it a food lover's paradise.

But experiencing the true essence of Thai cuisine goes beyond just savoring the flavors; it's about immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Thailand. To fully appreciate the culinary delights of this country, we encourage you to embark on a culinary adventure and explore the local markets, street food stalls, and renowned restaurants that grace the streets of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and more.

To make your journey seamless and enjoyable, consider booking your hotel and flight through Traveloka. With our user-friendly platform, you can find the best deals on accommodations, flights, and even discover exciting culinary tours and experiences. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable vacation, Traveloka is here to help you make your Thai culinary dreams a reality.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the extraordinary flavors of Thailand while immersing yourself in its rich culture and picturesque landscapes. Book your hotel and flight with Traveloka today and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more of Thailand's exquisite cuisine. Your taste buds and wanderlust will thank you.