Thailand has officially been named the Best Country for Food in the World 2025 by Condé Nast Traveller. In the Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, the country earned an impressive 98.33 out of 100 points, surpassing Italy in second place and Japan in third.
According to Condé Nast Traveller, this title is well-deserved—not only because of Thailand’s distinctive flavors, but also its remarkable culinary diversity across different regions. This year alone, seven restaurants in Bangkok made it into the Top 35 of the “World’s Best Restaurants” list, an extraordinary achievement for a Southeast Asian country.
A Rich Culinary Landscape
Thailand is celebrated for its incredible regional flavor diversity. Each part of the country offers a unique taste profile: the north features milder dishes with aromatic herbs, while the south is known for its bold and spicy flavors. The signature balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes has made Thai cuisine world-famous.
Beyond its fine-dining scene, Thailand’s street food culture is a major draw for travelers. Lively night markets give visitors the chance to savor authentic dishes at any hour. From steaming bowls of noodles to skewered grilled meats, Thai food is served with simplicity yet packed with flavor, capturing the heart of anyone who tastes it.
As Condé Nast Traveller perfectly puts it, “Thailand has mastered the art of delivering mouth-watering cuisine with minimal fuss, and whether you're a fan of Thai food or not, the heart-warming bowls of noodles, curries, and soups are sure to win you over, especially when served by a friendly local.”
Must-Try Food: Thailand’s Most Iconic Dishes
According to TasteAtlas, the following dishes are considered the best Thai foods to try, as they embody the country’s rich flavors and distinctive culinary identity.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai, a stir-fried rice noodle dish, is widely regarded as Thailand’s national dish. It’s made by sautéing rice noodles with tofu, dried shrimp, bean sprouts, eggs, and roasted peanuts, creating a balanced flavor of sweet, sour, and salty.
The dish originated after the 1932 revolution, when the Thai government sought a food that could symbolize a new sense of national identity.
Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a coconut milk chicken soup flavored with galangal, offering a savory and refreshing taste with a subtle hint of spice. The sharp aroma of galangal blends smoothly with the creamy coconut milk, creating a distinctive flavor typical of Central Thailand. It’s also known for its soothing effect on the digestive system.
Phanaeng Curry
Phanaeng Curry is a thick, rich curry with a sweet-savory flavor, enhanced by peanuts and coconut milk. It’s commonly prepared with beef, chicken, or pork, and seasoned with kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar, and fish sauce.
Although often associated with Penang, Malaysia, historical records indicate that this dish has deep roots in Thailand’s own culinary tradition.
Pad Kaphrao
Pad Kaphrao is a stir-fry made with minced meat or seafood, holy basil leaves, chili, garlic, and shallots. Typically served with steamed rice and a fried egg, it’s one of the most beloved dishes among both locals and tourists. It consistently ranks among the most frequently ordered foods in Thailand.
Mango Sticky Rice
To end the meal, Mango Sticky Rice is Thailand’s most iconic dessert. Soft sticky rice is drizzled with sweet coconut cream and served with ripe, juicy mango slices. Its simplicity and authentic flavor make it one of the most sought-after desserts across the country.
Chosen by Half a Million Readers Worldwide
More than half a million Condé Nast Traveller readers participated in selecting this year’s best culinary destinations. Nearly all countries that made the winners’ list scored above 94 percent, reflecting the strong global enthusiasm for culinary travel experiences.
