Discover Thai Food by Bike: The Best Local Dishes

Exploring Thailand by bike with LocalRoutes isn't just about scenic landscapes and cultural encounters, it's also an amazing culinary adventure! As you ride through charming villages and bustling local markets, each stop becomes an opportunity to discover the riche, flavorful world of Thai kitchen. Here are some of our favorite dishes which you'll encounter along the way.

1. Som Tam (ส้มตำ)

Som Tam or Papaya Salad is an iconic and refreshing dish made from shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes peanuts, dried ,shrimp, chili and lime. A staple in the northeast region, this salad is the perfect pick-me-up during a sunny bike ride. It's light, crunchy and bursting with citrusy, spicy notes.

Som tum, Som tam, or simply Papaya Salad. Sometimes spicy, always refreshing!

2. Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง)

This Thai soup is a classic with bold, spicy-sour flavor made from lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and chili. Serve with shrimp, it's both refreshing and satisfying. We love recommending this dish to our riders after a long cycling day.

3. Khao Pad (ข้าวผัด)

Fried rice is a comforting and flavorful dish made by stir-frying rice with eggs, onions, often shrimp, chicken or vegetables. It's typically served with slices of cucumber and wedge of lime on the side. Simple yet delicious, Khao Pad is a perfect lunch option during your bike tour, offering a quick, hearty meal to keep you going.

4. Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย)

In Northern Thailand, especially around Chiang Mai, Khao Soi is a regional specialty. This coconut curry noodle soup is made with egg noodles, chicken or beef and topped with crispy fried noodles. It's rich and comforting, perfect after rewarding day of cycling in the mountains.

5. Gaeng Keow Wan (แกงเขียวหวาน)

This creamy and fragrant green curry is made with coconut milk, green curry paste, Thai eggplants and sweet basil, usually served with tender chicken. After a long day of cycling, it's the perfect dinner: nourishing, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy.

6. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)

This iconic Thai food, stir-fried noodle dish is a must try. Made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimps bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts, it's sweet, and tangy. On our bike tours, we often stop by small roadside stalls where locals serve up some of the best Pad Thai you'll ever taste.

Pad Thai. A classic. Does it still need introduction?

7. Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง)

Do we need to introduce it? This famous Thai desert combines sweet mango slices with coconut-infused sticky rice. it's a delicious and refreshing treat after - or even better during - a good day of riding. If you're cycling with us during mango season, you're in for real delight!

With LocalRoutes, food is not just fuel, it's an essential part of the experience. Each dish tells a story, each flavor reveals something about the region you're exploring. Have a look and find out about our tours where food is at the heart of the trip!