During my vacation in Thailand, I discovered an incredible array of flavors and culinary delights that went far beyond the countless cocktail recipes I encountered. What truly caught my attention, however, were the vibrant and delectable Thai breakfast dishes. From fresh fruits and sweets to savory rice bowls, the country’s culinary landscape is a feast for the senses. Street food markets are a must-visit when in Thailand, offering a unique opportunity to sample local specialties.
The great news is that these recipes can be easily recreated at home, providing an exciting way to bring a taste of Thailand into your daily routine. While some may find the idea of rice and curry for breakfast unconventional, I’m confident that the Thai people would similarly view our traditional egg muffins and sausage casseroles as unusual.
The beauty of culinary exploration lies in embracing new flavors and experiences, and I encourage you to do just that by trying out these 20 mouth-watering Thai breakfast recipes. You never know what might become your new favorite dish!
Thai Congee (Rice Porridge)
Savory rice pudding, also known as congee, is a popular street food staple made with fermented rice starch. A characteristic feature of this dish is its savory flavor profile, often achieved by incorporating a vegetable-rich broth and various meats, typically pork. To achieve the signature mushy texture, the rice is boiled down until it breaks apart, although reducing the cooking time can result in a chunkier consistency for those who prefer it.
While making congee requires preparing the stock and pudding separately, the resulting mixture can be stored in the fridge and served as needed throughout the day – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Khao Tom Gung (Thai Rice Soup Recipe)
While breakfast with shrimp may not be a conventional idea, this soup is an excellent remedy for a chilly morning or when you’re feeling under the weather. The trifecta of ginger, radish, and garlic ensures that it will leave you feeling warm and cozy inside. The combination of rice and shrimp provides a satisfyingly filling meal that will keep you going until lunchtime.
However, do bear in mind that shrimp cook rapidly, so be sure to give them a quick sear before stirring them into the pot once it’s been removed from heat. By the time you’re ready to serve, the shrimp should be perfectly pink and tender.
Thai Pancake – Thai Roti
In Southeast Asia, a delightful culinary tradition is the pan-fried bread known as roti. While India typically pairs this flatbread with savory dishes, Thailand has its own unique twist – serving it as a sweet treat. The classic combination involves folding the roti in half and filling it with a medley of fresh fruits and whipped cream, creating a crepe-like experience. However, Thais also enjoy their roti with a drizzle of condensed milk for an added layer of creaminess.
I opted for a banana and mango combination, but feel free to get creative – even adding chocolatey Nutella if you’re feeling decadent!
Coconut Pancakes
In my daily routine while staying in Phuket, I indulged in these delightful treats almost every day. Their lightweight, fluffy texture and tropical flavor were incredibly appealing to me. What makes them truly special is the incorporation of coconut milk, which adds a richness to their composition. Moreover, the shredded coconut within provides an excellent contrast in terms of texture, creating a harmonious balance between lightness and substance.
I particularly enjoyed my version with generous helpings of bananas and fresh fruit, which added a burst of natural sweetness and freshness.
Moo Yang (Thai-Style Grilled Pork Skewers)
Thailand’s bustling markets were a sensory delight, filled with an array of fascinating foods that left me wanting more. I found myself gravitating towards the colorful skewers, each one offering a new and exciting flavor experience. For those seeking variety, these bite-sized morsels are ideal – simply purchase a few and move on to the next tantalizing taste. The sweet, salty, and tangy flavors of these treats are expertly crafted with coconut cream, fish sauce, and cilantro.
To bring out the full potential of the pork, it’s essential to slice it thinly and allow it to marinate for at least thirty minutes, allowing the meat to absorb the rich flavors and aromas.
Easy Thai Fruit Salad
What makes this dish truly special is the perfect harmony between the vibrant flavors of the tropical fruit blend and the heavenly sauce that adds a rich and tangy dimension. To achieve the ideal balance, I recommend combining pineapple, mango, and papaya in a delightful medley. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add some less common tropical fruits like dragon fruit to give it an extra layer of excitement.
For the sauce, coconut milk provides a creamy base while lime juice adds a burst of zesty freshness, bringing everything together in perfect harmony.
Gai Yang ไก่ย่าง (Authentic Thai Grilled Chicken Recipe)
This mouthwatering chicken dish takes it to a whole new level when paired with green papaya salad and hot sticky rice. The secret to its exceptional flavor lies in its straightforward marinade, comprising palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and lemongrass. To complete the experience, a delectable side sauce adds a thrilling dimension of chili and tamarind, culminating in a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
For optimal results, grill the chicken after mastering the art of spatchcocking – don’t forget to skewer it from end to end and keep a close eye on it as you cook. Additionally, be sure to brush the leftover marinade onto the chicken periodically to prevent drying out and ensure a tender, juicy finish.
Thai Iced Coffee
As an iced coffee aficionado, I’m not alone in my obsession – the thought of being without it while traveling always keeps me up at night. But, I’ve learned that my worries are unwarranted, as iced coffee is a staple in many places around the world. During my trip to Thailand, for instance, I was thrilled to find it on every corner, and I may have indulged just a bit more than usual due to its irresistible flavor.
What takes this refreshing beverage to the next level is the addition of cardamom, which gives it a unique taste that’s hard to resist. Of course, you can always customize your iced coffee to suit your tastes – whether that means adding heavy cream for a silky texture or condensed milk for an extra sweet and indulgent treat.
Pa Thong Ko (Thai Donuts)
Indulging in donuts for breakfast without fear of judgment is the ultimate treat. The light and airy texture of these treats means you’ll need to pace yourself, as just a couple won’t suffice. What’s more, they’re ridiculously easy to make, with no fuss required about shaping them into perfect rings or balls. While they do require a couple of hours to proof, this slight delay is well worth it for the reward of a warm, freshly baked snack mid-morning.
Serve them up hot with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce and a glass of iced coffee on the side – pure bliss!
Thai-Spiced Rice Bowls
What sets Thai cuisine apart for me is its creative use of peanut butter in savory recipes. One standout dish that showcases this unique flavor combination is curry peanut soup. This vegan-friendly delight can be easily adapted to include shredded chicken if you prefer. I appreciate a bit of spice, so I typically add an abundance of chopped chilies on top. Despite the added heat, the natural flavors are so rich and satisfying that you won’t need a lot of extra seasoning.
Thai Toast With Peanut Butter, Sriracha, and Cilantro
Savoring the unexpected union of peanut butter, toast, and sriracha, this dish is sure to surprise and delight. The creamy richness of the peanut butter pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture of toasted bread, while the spicy kick from the sriracha adds a thrilling dimension. For those who prefer a milder flavor, sweet chili sauce offers a palatable alternative. To elevate the experience, serve warm with chopped peanuts for added crunch and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Thai Fried Bananas
For those who share my affinity for bananas, it’s no secret that fried bananas are the ultimate indulgence. With their intensified sweetness, velvety softness, and versatility in pairing with a variety of treats – from rich ice cream to decadent cake – it’s little wonder why they’re so beloved. The key to achieving these delectable bites lies in the batter, which when applied evenly, yields a crispy, golden exterior that perfectly balances the tender banana within.
When serving, consider complementing them with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an added layer of creamy, nutty delight.
Thai Mango Salad with Peanut Dressing
While I highly suggest doubling the amount of peanut dressing you make, I’m not surprised if you end up using it on every single dish. Its unique blend of sweetness, saltiness, and tanginess is incredibly addictive! When I’m in the mood for something light, I enjoy pairing it with a fresh salad that incorporates fruits – the vibrant colors add a delightful pop to the overall presentation.
Vegan Thai Rice Salad
Indulge in this vibrant salad, packed with a medley of colorful vegetables – red onion, cucumber, green onions, and yellow and red peppers. The recipe relies on brown rice for its foundation, though you can easily substitute it with quinoa or your preferred grain. As for the dressing, while the savory option is delightful, I have a soft spot for that creamy peanut sauce from earlier.
Kai Jeow (Thai Omelette)
The foundation of this dish lies in its simplicity: eggs, fish sauce, and green onions are all you need. When served with rice, it’s a satisfying meal that’s hard to beat. But don’t be afraid to mix things up – I’ve had great success adding ground pork and shrimp, cooked chicken chunks, or even succulent lobster. The key is to experiment and find your favorite combination.
What truly sets this dish apart from a traditional omelet is the cooking method.
Instead of a gentle heat, you’ll be cooking it in hot oil, which yields that coveted crunchy edge.
For an added layer of texture and flavor, I like to sprinkle some cheese on top. As it crisps up under the heat, it adds a delightful contrast to each bite.
Khao Niao Mamuang (Thai Mango Sticky Rice)
I’m hooked on the sticky mango rice recipe – it’s a game-changer! The key to its creamy goodness is cooking the rice in coconut milk. Add juicy mango chunks to the mix, and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Pandan leaves are an integral part of this dish, imparting a unique grassy-vanilla flavor and hint of coconut. While they’re commonly used in Thai cuisine, you can find them online or at Asian supermarkets, or opt for extract paste if needed.
If you don’t have pandan leaves on hand, the recipe will still deliver, but there’s something special about that extra layer of flavor.
Authentic Sangkaya Recipe (Thai Custard)
Imagine sinking your teeth into a delightful blend of egg, sugar, and coconut cream, where each spoonful is a harmonious balance of textures. This heavenly steamed pudding can be savored hot or cold, often paired with sticky rice for added indulgence. The result is akin to a flan-meets-Japanese-cheesecake hybrid – creamy, yet fluffy and spongy in equal measure. To unlock the full flavor potential, it’s essential to use high-quality, full-fat coconut milk.
For an added layer of richness, consider cooking your rice in coconut milk as well. If you don’t have a steamer, fret not! This pudding can be easily adapted for slow cooker preparation, requiring approximately 3 hours of simmering time. Simply monitor the progress to ensure it remains tender and doesn’t become tough.
Thai Tea Overnight Oats Recipe
It was only when I stumbled upon making overnight oats with tea that I realized how much I had been missing out. As an avid tea lover, it’s surprising I hadn’t considered combining my two passions earlier. Thai tea is a unique blend of black tea, condensed milk, and a proprietary seasoning mix that can be easily sourced from Asian grocery stores or online marketplaces.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the harmonious marriage of oats and chia seeds, which yields a delightfully chewy texture and adds an extra layer of excitement to this otherwise straightforward breakfast option.
Thai Noodle Salad with the BEST EVER Peanut Sauce
This salad is a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and abundance of nutrients. I prefer my salads with a mix of textures, which can be achieved by incorporating a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, and radishes. The best part? You can prepare this ahead of time and keep it fresh for several days to come. Feel free to elevate the dish by adding crispy fried tofu or leftover chicken from earlier – the possibilities are endless!
Easy Thai Tea Recipe
While my morning coffee is always a highlight, I developed a similar affinity for the first cup during my vacation. The flavor profile is reminiscent of chai, albeit slightly milder. A subtle balance of vanilla and orange notes prevails over the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. In contrast to bitter black tea that quickly loses its charm when steeped too long, this brew requires a leisurely 30 minutes to fully unfurl its complex flavors.
When served chilled with generous helpings of half-and-half, it’s at its creamy best.
Thai Dim Sum
While dim sum is typically associated with lunch or dinner in southern Thailand, you’ll also find it being served for breakfast. This unique twist often includes pork and shrimp dumplings accompanied by a delicious peanut dipping sauce. The best part? Making dumplings at home is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, thanks to the availability of frozen dumpling wrappers in most Asian supermarkets.
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to use pork, chicken, or even ground shrimp as fillings. To make things even more convenient, I often prepare multiple batches with different ingredients, then freeze any excess for future use. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a batch of freshly made homemade dumplings on a lazy Friday evening.
