When it comes to South-East Asian cuisine, you really can’t go wrong with any dish. The blend of exotic spices and fresh herbs develops flavors that utilizes many different tastes. Unlike many American dishes, which tend to stick to one flavor group, South Eastern Asian foods blend flavor profiles such as sweet and salty, hot and bitter. There are two countries seem to dominate the region though, and tend to be most popular around the world, forcing an important question: who has the best food – Thailand or Vietnam. While both are ridiculously delicious Thai food, in my opinion just can’t be beat.
But why Thai? Don’t get me wrong, I love vietnamese food. The country’s culturally unique history of French colonization greatly influenced the local cuisine with examples being seen in the classic Vietnamese sandwich the Banh Mi. In French cuisine, this sandwich is served on french bread with pâté (meat spread). The Vietnamese version is not much different. Served on french bread accompanied by pâté, the Vietnamese add cilantro, fish sauce and pickled veggies. French influence can also be seen in Pho.
“Pho (pronounced fuh, like “fun” without the “n”) is another example of French colonialism leaving its mark—the soup is a blend of Vietnamese rice noodles and French-minded meat broths.” says Erin Zimmer from Serious Eats.
Though Vietnam has some truly amazing food, nothing can beat the flavor combination of Thai cuisine. Bringing together all five major flavor elements: Sweet, spicy, salty, sour and bitter, Thailand focuses on creating dishes that really explode in your mouth. Thai food authority Mcdang commented on the cuisine saying,
“In the case of Thailand, these words come to mind: intricacy; attention to detail; texture; color; taste; and the use of ingredients with medicinal benefits, as well as good flavor.”
I couldn’t agree more. Just look how Pad Thai is made. By blending noodles tossed in sweet, salty and sour sauce topped with peanuts and cilantro you get a dish that truly encompasses every single flavor profile known to the tongue.
Don’t forget about Thai curry! This incredibly rich creamy coconut creation blends spicy and sweet elements perfectly together while incorporating fresh veggies, meat and thai basil. How can you go wrong with that? Mix in some rice and you have one of the most popular dishes in Thailand.
Thai cuisine continues to impress me. With its rise in popularity over the last couple of years, its availability has made it accessible to people who would have otherwise never tried it. By using fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations, I stand by my decision: Thailand offers the best food to offer out of all the South-East Asian countries.
Your are absolutely right! Thai food is THE BEST. It’s also really spicy and really healthy. I have so many fond memories of birds eye chili pepper salads and spicy soups. My family often makes Thai, we are always trying to find the best place in a new town with the most authentic food too!