Sawadee krap and welcome to Thailand

Thai cuisine is very versatile and is composed of many cultural influences. It combines Chinese, European, and Indian elements and thus generates its own style. In general, the dishes in Thailand are very meat-heavy, but there is also a variety of vegetarian dishes.

It is common for Thai dishes to be served with a choice of pork, chicken, beef, or seafood. Therefore, when preparing them, it is easy to omit the meat completely or replace it with tofu. A note such as “mang sa wirat” (no meat) or “gin jay” (vegan) is sufficient when ordering. However, it should be said that many Thai dishes are prepared with fish sauce. For example, the following dishes can be ordered as a vegetarian option.

The most popular dish among tourists is Pad Thai. This is rice ribbon noodles with eggs, fish sauce, tamarind paste, chopped garlic cloves, chili powder and mung bean sprouts. The dish is garnished with peanuts, cilantro leaves and lime.

Phat kaphrao is the most popular Thai dish and can be traditionally prepared in many variations. The classic version is made with minced pork and combined with spicy holy basil, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce and chili. Rice is served with it. The vegetarian version is prepared with tofu or mushrooms. Beware, Phat kaphrao is usually very spicy. The dish was my absolute favorite on my Thailand trip.

Khao soi is only served in northern Thailand. It is a soup-like dish made with a mixture of deep-fried crispy egg noodles and boiled egg noodles. It is accompanied by scallions, lime, fried chilies, and meat in a curry-like sauce with coconut milk. The vegetarian version is prepared with tofu. Very tasty.

There are countless other dishes in Thailand that can be prepared vegetarian. In rural areas it is helpful to know the Thai words, but in cities there are vegetarian dishes everywhere.