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When talking about the New Year, most people immediately think of warm family reunions and festive meals shared with loved ones. The same goes for Thailand! The traditional Songkran festival is not only famous for its vibrant water-splashing celebrations but also for being a time when people enjoy traditional dishes to wish for a prosperous and lucky year ahead. If you have the chance to visit Thailand during the New Year, don’t miss the opportunity to savor these iconic festive dishes!
One of the indispensable dishes during Songkran is Khao Chae. This is a jasmine-infused rice dish, considered the perfect “cooling dish” for the hot summer days of Thailand.
The rice is cooked from fragrant Jasmine rice, then soaked in cool jasmine water. People often add ice to keep the dish cold. Khao Chae not only has a special rice part but is also served with many savory dishes such as braised pork, fried dried fish, sweet shrimp, fried stuffed chili… All create a symphony of delicate flavors between sweet, salty, fatty and cool. Nowadays, Khao Chae is a popular dish every Songkran, both delicious and refreshing.
One of the must-have dishes during the Songkran Festival is Khao Chae. Source: Du lich Thai Lan
While not exclusive to the Songkran Festival, Pad Thai is always a favorite dish and often appears on the Thai New Year's table. Soft and chewy rice noodles are stir-fried with fresh shrimp, eggs, tofu and bean sprouts, sprinkled with a little crispy roasted peanuts and a little green onion and coriander. The flavor of Pad Thai is a blend of sweet, sour, spicy and salty, stimulating the taste buds.
On the first days of the year, Thai people believe that eating Pad Thai will bring fullness, prosperity and luck, because the rich and colorful ingredients of this dish symbolize diversity and abundance
Pad Thai is a beloved dish that frequently appears on Thai New Year dining tables. Source: VnExpress
During the New Year, alongside chilled dishes, a steaming bowl of Tom Yum Goong adds warmth to family meals. This famous Thai hot and sour soup is beloved worldwide for its bold and aromatic flavors.
The soup is a harmonious blend of heat from chilies, fragrance from lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, the rich umami of fresh shrimp, and a touch of tanginess from lime juice. Served piping hot, it’s best enjoyed fresh, with its invigorating aroma filling the air.
In Thai culture, starting the year with Tom Yum Goong is believed to ward off bad luck and promote good health, making it an essential dish for a prosperous and vibrant New Year celebration.
A steaming bowl of Tom Yum Goong adds warmth to family meals. Source: Vietourist
Som Tum, or Thai green papaya salad, is a must-have dish during the Thai New Year, especially in the northeastern Isaan region. This refreshing salad combines crisp shredded green papaya with a perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors, enhanced by dried shrimp, roasted peanuts, cherry tomatoes, fish sauce, and fresh lime juice - creating an unforgettable taste experience.
Beyond its deliciousness, Som Tum serves as a refreshing contrast to heavier meat dishes, helping to cleanse the palate during festive feasts. It also symbolizes fresh beginnings, prosperity, and vibrant energy, making it a meaningful dish to welcome the New Year.
Som Tum, or Thai green papaya salad, is a must-have dish during the Thai New Year. Source: Kyluc.vn
Moo Dad Deaw, also known as "one-sun-dried pork," is a popular snack during the Thai New Year. This delicacy is made by marinating pork with fish sauce, garlic, pepper, and coriander seeds, then sun-drying it until slightly firm. The pork is then either deep-fried until crispy or grilled over charcoal for a smoky aroma.
With its savory, chewy, and slightly sweet taste, Moo Dad Deaw is often enjoyed with a spicy dipping sauce or paired with warm sticky rice. Beyond its deliciousness, this dish symbolizes prosperity and abundance, making it a meaningful and flavorful addition to the New Year’s feast.
Moo Dad Deaw, also known as "one-sun-dried pork," is a popular snack during the Thai New Year. Source: Authentic Thai Recipes
Thai Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) is a famous dish known for its rich, creamy texture, mild spiciness, and vibrant green color. It is traditionally made with chicken or beef, slow-cooked in coconut milk with eggplant, kaffir lime leaves, and green chilies, giving it its signature hue and bold flavor.
Typically served with steamed rice or Thai bread, this dish is a staple during the New Year. In Thai culture, green curry symbolizes growth, prosperity, and hope for a bright future, making it a meaningful and delicious way to celebrate the festive season.
Thai Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) is a famous dish known for its rich, creamy texture, mild spiciness, and vibrant green color. Source: Golden Smile Travel
No New Year feast is complete without dessert, and Khao Niew Mamuang, or Thai Mango Sticky Rice, is the perfect treat! This beloved dessert features fragrant, chewy sticky rice soaked in rich coconut milk, served with sweet, juicy mango slices. For extra flavor and texture, it is often topped with crispy mung beans or toasted sesame seeds.
More than just a delightful indulgence, this dish symbolizes happiness and sweetness in the year ahead, making it a must-have for a joyful and prosperous celebration.
Khao Niew Mamuang, or Thai Mango Sticky Rice, is the perfect treat. Source: Fan Club Thailand
During the Thai New Year, Kanom Tom is a traditional sweet often prepared for offerings and welcoming guests. These bite-sized glutinous rice balls are filled with a delicious mixture of grated coconut and palm sugar, then wrapped in a soft, chewy rice flour dough infused with pandan leaves, giving them their signature green hue.
Once shaped, the rice balls are boiled until they float, then rolled in freshly shredded coconut for an extra layer of texture and flavor. With their fragrant, chewy, and mildly sweet taste, Kanom Tom symbolizes unity, family bonds, and completeness, making it a meaningful treat for the festive season.
During the Thai New Year, Kanom Tom is a traditional sweet often prepared for offerings and welcoming guests. Source: TasteAtlas
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Laab is a signature dish from northeastern Thailand (Isaan) and a must-have during the Thai New Year. This spicy minced meat salad is made with finely chopped chicken, pork, or beef, mixed with fish sauce, lime juice, toasted rice powder, chili flakes, and fresh herbs like scallions and mint.
With its bold, tangy, and aromatic flavors, Laab is a favorite for festive gatherings. In Thai culture, eating Laab during the New Year is believed to bring "Laab" (luck and prosperity), making it an essential dish for a fortunate and abundant year ahead!
Laab is a signature dish from northeastern Thailand (Isaan) and a must-have during the Thai New Year. Source: Serious Eats
These three traditional Thai desserts are made from egg yolks and palm sugar, skillfully cooked into beautiful golden shapes, each carrying a special meaning of prosperity and good fortune.
These desserts are commonly offered to ancestors or gifted to loved ones, serving as a sweet blessing for a prosperous and lucky New Year.
Thong Yip. Source: Calforlife
Tong Yord. Source: MICHELIN Guide
Foi Thong. Source: Tour 24H
Thai New Year cuisine is not only delicious but also deeply rich in cultural significance. Each dish carries a special wish for good luck, health, family bonds, and happiness in the coming year.
If you have the chance to visit Thailand during Songkran, don’t hesitate to indulge in these festive dishes to fully experience the flavors and traditions of the Thai New Year!
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