15 Iconic Dishes You Have to Try in Their Country of Origin

3. Thailand – Pad Thai (Bangkok)

Pad Thai might be Thailand’s most famous export, but don’t be fooled by the versions served in Western takeout containers—it tastes completely different in Bangkok. This stir-fried noodle dish combines chewy rice noodles with tangy tamarind sauce, crunchy peanuts, scrambled eggs, and shrimp or tofu, all cooked in a scorching hot wok to create that signature smokiness. What makes Bangkok’s Pad Thai so special? It’s the use of authentic ingredients: fish sauce, palm sugar, dried shrimp, fresh lime, and fiery Thai chilies—ingredients that bring an intense depth of flavor. Some of the best Pad Thai spots even add an extra twist, wrapping the noodles in a delicate egg omelet or serving them with crispy pork belly. For the best in town, visit Thip Samai, a historic street food stall known for its silky, rich Pad Thai wrapped in an egg net. Another legendary option is Jay Fai, where the Michelin-starred street food queen serves a crab-loaded Pad Thai that’s worth the wait.