Thailand's reputation as a foodie paradise extends far beyond pad thai and mango sticky rice. The land of smiles is also home to exciting seafood cuisine, which is a must-try for any traveler.
Why Thailand Reigns Supreme for Seafood
Thailand's long coastline and abundant fishing villages contribute to its famous seafood. From wet markets to upscale restaurants, you'll find an incredible variety of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Places like Pattaya, with its extensive coastline, are hubs for some of the freshest seafood in Thailand. Here, modern sourcing facilities and traditional fishing methods coexist, providing an abundance of fresh catches daily. So, every time you enjoy Thailand’s seafood, you also contribute to the sustainability of local fisheries.
Must-try Thailand's Famous Seafood Dishes
Let's explore eight must-try famous Thai seafood dishes to get you started.
1. Pla Kapong Nuang Manao (Steamed Fish with Lime and Garlic Sauce)
This classic dish is all about simplicity. Freshly caught white fish, such as seabass, is steamed to flaky perfection and topped with a zesty sauce made with lime juice, garlic, chilies, and fish sauce. It's a light and refreshing dish perfect for a hot Thai day.
This dish is believed to have originated in central Thailand and is a popular menu item found everywhere, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. Its simplicity reflects the resourcefulness of Thai cooks, using readily available ingredients to create a flavorful and healthy dish.
Enjoy it with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra kick.
2. Khai Jiao Pu (Thai Crab Omelet)
This simple yet delicious dish is a true treat. Khai Jiao Pu, Thai for "crab omelet," is a delightful mix of fluffy eggs and savory crabmeat. Made with whisked eggs, fish sauce, and crab meat, it's cooked till it’s soft in the middle and has crispy, golden brown edges.
Crab meat is a common ingredient in Thai markets, making Khai Jiao Pu a popular variation of the traditional deep-fried Thai-style omelet. This dish, often enjoyed as a topping on rice, is a staple in Thai households and can be satisfying enough to be served on its own.
Enjoy it hot on its own or with rice and a sweet chili sauce dip.
3. Nam Prik Khai Pu (Crab Roe With Thai Chili Paste)
Nam prik khai pu is a delicious and fiery dipping sauce that translates to "crab roe chili paste." It's a vibrant condiment made by pounding together crab roe, chilies, and other aromatics like shallots and garlic. The exact recipe may vary by region, but the core ingredients remain the same.
While there's no confirmed origin story, it's likely a dish that emerged from coastal areas in Thailand where crab is readily available.
Traditionally, nam prik khai pu is enjoyed as a dip with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, green beans, and cabbage. It can also be served alongside grilled fish or used as a flavor booster in soups and curries. The rich, salty crab roe adds a unique depth of flavor to the fiery chili base, making it a favorite among spice enthusiasts.
4. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy and Sour Shrimp Soup)
This internationally recognized popular seafood dish is a must-try in its homeland. Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour soup brimming with fragrant lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, and plump shrimp. The broth can be clear or creamy depending on the recipe, and it's always served piping hot with a side of lime wedges to adjust the sourness to your liking.
This dish is believed to have begun as a royal dish centuries ago. The fragrant broth is a perfect example of how Thailand's seafood cuisine balances bold flavors with refreshing aromatics.
Enjoy it with a bowl of steamed rice, or soak up the delicious broth with crispy wontons.
5. Pla Grapong Tod Nam Pla (Fried Seabass With Fish Sauce)
This must-try seafood dish is a staple in Thailand; it features a crispy fried sea bass topped with a savory fish sauce dressing.
The seabass is typically coated in a light batter or flour mixture and then deep-fried until golden brown and flaky. The fish sauce dressing is made with a base of fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, and sometimes chilies for a touch of heat. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the freshness of the seabass.
While there's no documented origin story, Pla Grapong Tod Nam Pla likely stems from Thailand's long tradition of using fish sauce in cooking. Its simplicity and reliance on fresh ingredients make it a staple in Thai home kitchens and restaurants alike.
Simply squeeze some fresh lime juice on top or dip it in seafood sauce, and enjoy the delicate flavors with steamed rice or noodles.
6. Pla Muek Pad Kai Kem (Fried Squid with Salted Egg Sauce)
This popular and wholesome seafood dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pla Muek Pad Kai Kem, or fried squid with salted egg sauce, combines tender squid with a rich, savoury salted egg sauce.
To make Pla Muek Pad Kai Kem, fresh squid is cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces before being lightly battered and fried to a crispy golden brown. The star of the dish, the salted egg sauce, is prepared by blending salted egg yolks with garlic, chillies, and aromatic herbs. This mixture is then stir-fried to form a creamy, umami-packed sauce that perfectly complements the crispy squid.
The origins of this dish can be traced back to traditional Thai cooking practices in the coastal regions, where salted eggs were commonly used to preserve and enhance the flavour of ingredients.
Pla Muek Pad Kai Kem is typically enjoyed as a part of a larger meal, accompanied by steamed jasmine rice and a variety of other Thai dishes. It is often garnished with fresh coriander and served with lime wedges to add a zesty contrast to the rich sauce.
7. Tod Mun Goong (Thai Prawn Cake)
Tod Mun Goong, also known as Thai prawn cakes, is a popular appetizer or finger food in Thai cuisine. It is crispy on the outside and has a flavorful, bouncy interior made with minced shrimp, aromatics like garlic and coriander root, and egg and flour. The mixture can be deep-fried or pan-fried.
These popular snacks have roots in both southern Thailand’s coastal regions and Chinese influences.
Tod Mun Goong is typically served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, often made from sweet chilli sauce, vinegar, and sometimes ground peanuts.
8. Yum Talay (Spicy Thai Seafood Salad)
This vibrant salad is a refreshing and healthy option. A variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, and mussels, is tossed with vegetables like red onion, tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a tangy and spicy lime juice dressing.
Yum Talay is believed to be a recent creation, likely influenced by the growing popularity of fresh and healthy dishes.
The salad is often served with lettuce cups for scooping, making it a fun and interactive dish.
These dishes highlight the resourcefulness of traditional Thai cooking but also the natural bounty of Thailand's waters, making them integral to the country's seafood repertoire.
Prod. | Thai Seafood Fine Dining Restaurant
If you seek an authentic and innovative seafood dining experience in Thailand, Prod. is the place to be. We are the pioneering Thai fine dining restaurant in Pattaya. Our core passion is exploring and expanding the boundaries of Thailand’s culinary heritage with seafood. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation is reflected in our Fin-to-Scale philosophy. We focus on using every part of the fish by employing daring culinary techniques and reinventing traditional Thai comfort food to offer our guests a new perspective on popular dishes.
Explore Our Innovative Menu
At Prod., we put our own spin on these famous seafood dishes in Thailand. Our "Yum" seafood salad is bathed in an exciting sauce, crowned with delicate sweet potato noodles and the irresistible crunch of crispy pork crackling. For a taste of the unexpected, try our dry-aged seabass, presented in a delightful shabu-shabu style or with chili and lime sauce. Craving something with a kick? Our stir-fried river prawn, enlivened by the fiery southern yellow chili paste and the earthiness of paco fern, will surely make a grand first impression. Prod. celebrates the art of dry and wet-aging, evident in many of our dishes, such as our smoky dry-aged mackerel and oil-blanched wet-aged crispy seabass, where the nuanced flavors of fish sauce take center stage. This is merely a sample of all that we have to offer; we invite you to come and explore the best seafood cuisine with us.
A Dining Experience Like No Other
Our restaurant itself is a visual treat. Savor your meal in a stunning glass-house-designed space filled with natural light and fresh air. The high ceilings create a feeling of spaciousness, while the chic and comfortable seating ensures a relaxed dining experience. Whether you're a couple seeking intimacy or a larger group looking for a fun gathering, Prod. offers a variety of options to suit your needs.
Ready For A Seafood Adventure?
If you're looking to explore the must-try Thai seafood dishes, Prod. is the perfect place to start. Contact us today to reserve a table.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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