7 must-try Isaan dishes

Isaan is famous for its bold and vibrant cuisine. Known for its punchy flavours — spicy, sour, salty, and sometimes bitter — Isaan food showcases a unique culinary identity shaped by local ingredients and Laotian influence. If you’re travelling to Isaan or trying its cuisine for the first time, these dishes are a must-try for a true taste of the region’s essence. Get ready to embark on a spicy, flavour-filled Isaan adventure!

Som Tam (Papaya Salad)

Som tam is the quintessential Isaan dish; a zesty and refreshing green papaya salad. It combines shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, garlic, chillies, fish sauce, lime, and palm sugar, pounded together in a mortar and pestle.

There are several variations of som tam, from som tam Thai (with peanuts and dried shrimp) to som tam pla ra (with fermented fish sauce). Each version offers a different flavour profile, but the dish always delivers a perfect harmony of spicy, sour, and sweet. It’s best enjoyed with sticky rice or grilled meat, especially grilled chicken.

Laab (Minced Meat Salad)

Another classic Isaan dish, laab is a savoury and aromatic salad made with minced meat (pork, chicken, or beef), lime juice, fish sauce, ground toasted rice, herbs, and chillies. Some versions also feature offal for added richness.

The combination of fresh mint leaves, roasted rice powder, and tangy lime juice creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. Often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables, laab is a must at any Isaan meal.

Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken)

Gai yang is a simple yet delicious dish consisting of marinated chicken grilled to perfection over charcoal. The marinade usually includes garlic, coriander root, soy sauce, and fish sauce, giving the meat an irresistible smoky aroma and savoury flavour.

This dish embodies the art of grilling that’s perfected across Isaan. The chicken is juicy with crispy skin and is traditionally served with sticky rice, som tam, and a dipping sauce called nam jim jaew, a smoky, spicy concoction made from roasted chillies, lime juice, tamarind, and fish sauce.

Nam Tok (Grilled Meat Salad)

This dish is made with grilled beef or pork that is sliced thin and tossed with lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, chillies, and roasted rice powder. In Thai, ‘nam tok‘ means ‘waterfall’ and supposedly the dish is named after the juices that flow from the meat when sliced.

Like laab, nam tok offers a mouthwatering combination of spicy, tangy, and smoky flavours. It’s often served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice, making it perfect for a shared meal with friends or family.

Tom Saap (Spicy Soup)

Tom saap is a lightly-coloured and spicy soup that features pork ribs or chicken simmered with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chillies. It’s the northeastern cousin of the famous tom yum soup, but it’s often hotter and more rustic in presentation.

The herbal broth is both comforting and invigorating, especially on a rainy day. The heat from the chillies, combined with fragrant herbs, makes every spoonful memorable. Don’t forget to have some sticky rice on hand to balance the spiciness!

Sai Krok Isaan (Isaan Sausage)

Sai krok Isaan is a fermented pork sausage that is often grilled over an open flame and served with raw cabbage, fresh chilies, and sliced ginger. The fermentation gives the sausage a distinctive tangy taste that makes it stand out from other Thai sausages.

This tasty snack represents Isaan street food at its best. The sourness from the fermented pork pairs perfectly with the crunch of raw vegetables and the heat of fresh chillies. It’s a great on-the-go snack, but it’s also a favourite during meals or with beer.

Pla Pao (Salt-Crusted Grilled Fish)

Pla pao is a whole fish (usually tilapia or snakehead) stuffed with lemongrass and herbs, coated in a thick layer of salt, and grilled over charcoal. The salt crust seals in the moisture, making the fish tender and flavourful.

Pla pao is often eaten as part of a communal meal. Once you crack open the crispy salt layer, you’ll find perfectly cooked fish inside. It’s normally served with sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and a spicy dipping sauce, making it a well-rounded meal.

Where to eat Isaan food

Of course, the best place to eat Isaan food is in northeast Thailand. However, there are Isaan food vendors and restaurants across the country, especially in Bangkok. Whether you’re exploring the Isaan region or ordering from an Isaan restaurant in Bangkok, these seven dishes are essential for a full introduction to northeastern Thai cuisine.

Enjoy your food adventure, and don’t forget: every dish is best when accompanied by khao niao (sticky rice), the heart and soul of every Isaan meal.