Food In Issan

Food History of Issan, Thailand

The cuisine of Issan, or Isan, hails from the northeastern region of Thailand and is known for its distinct, bold flavors. Influenced by both Thai and Lao culinary traditions, Issan food emphasizes the use of herbs, spices, and fermented fish sauce. It is often described as spicy, sour, and very flavorful. The people of Issan have traditionally been farmers, which influences the simplicity and heartiness of their food. Staples include sticky rice and fresh vegetables, complemented by a range of chili dips and grilled or steamed meats.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Issan, Thailand for Tourists

1. Som Tam (Non-Veg): This spicy green papaya salad usually contains fish sauce, tamarind juice, lime, palm sugar, and peanuts. It often includes dried shrimp or crab, making it a non-vegetarian dish.
2. Laab (Non-Veg): A spicy salad made from minced chicken, duck, or pork mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, mint leaves, shallots, and roasted rice powder.
3. Gai Yang (Non-Veg): Grilled chicken that's been marinated with a mixture of spices and herbs before being cooked over a charcoal grill.
4. Tam Taeng Kwaa (Veg): A cucumber salad similar to Som Tam, generally vegetarian and bursting with a blend of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors.
5. Kaeng Som (Non-Veg): A sour curry that typically contains fish or prawns, mixed with vegetables and a distinctly tangy broth.
6. Khao Niew (Veg): Sticky rice, a staple of Issan cuisine, usually accompanies meals. It's glutenous and can be eaten with the hands.
7. Jim Jum (Non-Veg): A hot pot dish where diners cook fresh vegetables, herbs, and slices of pork in a flavorful broth right at the table.
8. Naem (Non-Veg): A fermented sausage made of pork and sticky rice, which is usually served with fresh vegetables and ginger.
9. Tam Phakkat (Veg): A salad made from boiled leafy greens, such as mustard greens or cabbage, mixed with tomatoes, chilies, and sometimes carrots, tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing.
10. Tod Man Pla Krai (Non-Veg): A type of fish cake made with curried fish paste and kaffir lime leaves, then deep-fried until golden and served with a cucumber relish or dipping sauce.

Top Famous Restaurants in Issan, Thailand

Krua Issan Ban Tha Rai

Address: Udon Thani, Issan, Thailand

Famous Food: Gai Yang (Non-Veg)

Sabaijai Kaennakorn

Address: Khon Kaen, Issan, Thailand

Famous Food: Laab (Non-Veg)

Rabeab Khao Suan Kwang

Address: Khao Suan Kwang, Issan, Thailand

Famous Food: Som Tam (Non-Veg)

Tam Sang

Address: Ubon Ratchathani, Issan, Thailand

Famous Food: Khao Niew (Veg)

Som Tum Pa Sukhothai

Address: Nakhon Ratchasima, Issan, Thailand

Famous Food: Tam Taeng Kwaa (Veg)

Many restaurants in Issan serve dishes that can have meat or fish elements, so for vegetarian tourists, it is advisable to confirm ingredients with the restaurant beforehand.