When most people think of Thai food, something like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Kung, Massaman Curry, or Green Curry are the names they will immediately think of. But the northeastern region of Thailand also called Isan, their cuisine offers a different experience. Their foods are known for bold flavors, sticky rice instead of white rice, and communal dining style. Isan food is a good reason why Thailand has a rich culinary diversity. For food lovers and adventurous travelers, exploring Isan’s dishes is a journey full of taste, culture, and history.
What makes Isan food unique?
Isan food is known for its spicy, sour, and savory flavors, often balanced with herbs, and fermented ingredients. Isan dishes embrace heat, pungent sauce, and herbs, unlike central Thai cuisine which usually contains sweet notes. Isan meals are served in family-style, encouraging diners to share dishes,
Common ingredients you can find in Isan cuisine:
- Sticky Rice: Instead of white rice Isan food often paired with sticky rice, they believe it gives Isan food more balance than normal rice.
- Chili and lime: Sour and Spicy are the main flavors of Isan cuisine, there are no dishes that don’t use these two ingredients.
- Fermented Fish: A strong smelling and salty ingredient used in some Isan dishes, usually papaya salad, or soup. This ingredient is a beloved ingredient for most Thai people not just Isan, but for foreigners this could be a difficult ingredient to try.
- Fresh herbs: herbs like mint, cilantro, basil, and galangal are used in Isan dishes to add freshness and aroma to the food.
Must try Isan dishes
1. Som Tum (Papaya salad)
The most famous Isan dish is a spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, chili, lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar. There are many variations of Som Tum include Som Tum Thai (less spicy and sour), Som Tum Poo Pla Ra (with fermented fish), and Som Tum Poo (salted crab). The dish is perfectly balanced with sweet, sour, spicy, and salty. You can find this dish everywhere in Thailand, try looking for Isan food vendors.
2. Larb
Larb is a minced meat salad typically made with chicken, or pork, mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, roasted rice powder, and herbs. It’s a perfect combination when you eat it with sticky rice. Same as Som Tum, you can find it at every Isan Street vendor.
3. Grilled Chicken
Marinated in herbs, garlic, and fish sauce, then grilled over charcoal, Gai Yang is juicy, smoky and it’s a perfect dish to eat along with Som Tum and sticky rice. This is often served with a spicy dipping sauce called Nam Jim Jaew. Sometimes you can find Gai Yang outside of Isan food vendor.
4. Tom Saap
A hot and sour soup made with pork ribs, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. It’s more intensely flavored than the central Thai Tom Yum and is usually served with sticky rice.
5. Sai Krok Isan
A traditional, sour pork sausage from northeastern Thailand (Isan), made with pork, rice, garlic, and salt, and fermented for a distinctive tangy flavor. It is popular as a snack, often served with fresh cabbage, ginger, bird’s eye chilies, and peanuts after being grilled or fried.
Tips for Enjoying Isan Food
- Start mild if you can’t handle heat – Many dishes are extremely spicy.
- Eat with sticky rice – It balances the flavors and cools the palate.
- Try street food – It’s the best way to taste authentic Isan dishes.
- Pair with drinks – Beers or refreshing herbal drinks complement spicy dishes.
Isan food is a journey into Thailand’s boldest flavors. this cuisine is a must-try for any traveler looking to explore the culinary heart of northeastern Thailand. Don’t just eat Isan food share it, and enjoy the culture that comes along with every bite.