No Shame in Your Foodie Game: Thai Food Edition
Did somebody say mango? Actually, a lot of somebodies did. Me included. Many times as I dined in Thailand.
Peanut butter and jelly. Mac and cheese. Coffee and… orange juice?
Yep, you read that right. Coffee and orange juice. It’s called an orange espresso, and it first crossed my taste buds in Northern Thailand, where I recently traveled with my fiancé and his three grown children (28-year-old triplets—yes, really!). This refreshing, ice-cold drink was everywhere, and let me tell you—Thailand knows coffee. And when a country is packed with incredible cafés on every corner (not complaining), you have to say yes to unexpected flavors.
Now, let’s talk about food.
Finding Your Place on the Food Adventure Spectrum
When it comes to adventurous eating, I land somewhere in the middle. Think of a scale that ranges from "picky toddler" to "reality show daredevil." If a dish is staring back at me? Hard pass. If it’s still wiggling? Not happening. And if the spice level makes my mouth feel like a five-alarm fire? I’d rather not.
That said, I love trying new foods—within reason. I won’t order the most shocking thing on the menu, but you also won’t catch me defaulting to chicken tenders (well… almost never—more on that later).
Food is such an essential part of travel. It tells the story of a place—what grows there, what flavors are celebrated, how history and culture influence every bite. But what if you’re not the type to dive straight into deep-fried scorpions or pickled herring? The good news is, you don’t have to.
If you’re more of a cautious eater, you don’t need to go from zero to mystery-meat-on-a-stick overnight. Instead, start by exploring twists on what you already love. That’s where Thailand totally stole my heart.
Chiang Mai introduced me to simple but mind-blowing flavor pairings—familiar ingredients used in completely unexpected ways. The best part? No food fear required.
A Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
Our mornings in Chiang Mai often started at Good Day Café, a charming little spot right across from our hotel. And let’s be real—no matter where you are in the world, breakfast starts with coffee.
Thai coffee is next-level: rich espresso layered with thick, creamy sweetened condensed milk.
Stirring the layers together with a tiny spoon is magically satisfying. It’s like your usual morning cup of joe got a glow-up. Or, a Joe-up, I guess.
And that orange espresso? Absolute perfection. The citrus cuts through the bitterness of the coffee, creating a drink that’s refreshing, complex, and—dare I say—life-changing.
Cereal on Eggs? Surprisingly, Yes.
One of my favorite breakfast dishes arrived in an adorable square pan:
A sizzling fried egg and cheese skillet, topped with… granola and cereal flakes.
Wait, what?
It sounded like someone had accidentally spilled their breakfast into my eggs—but it was incredible. The crunchy, slightly sweet topping balanced beautifully with the savory eggs. If you ever get the chance, you gotta try it.
Mango Sticky Rice Changed My Life
I thought I didn’t like mango. Turns out, I just don’t like artificial mango flavor.
Enter mango sticky rice—Thailand’s beloved dessert (though we shamelessly ate it at 8 a.m.). Fresh mango slices, sweet coconut rice, and a drizzle of coconut milk… chef’s kiss. The flavors were delicate, tropical, and nothing like the mango-flavored candy I’d been avoiding all my life.
Lesson learned: sometimes, your taste buds just need a second chance.
Fast Food, But Make It International
We spent Thanksgiving in Thailand, and after a very long day trip to Chiang Rai, we were exhausted and starving. The solution? KFC.
Now, I don’t eat much fast food at home, but there’s something oddly fun about checking out American chains abroad. Menus often have a regional twist—like salmon chili lime Lay’s or hot & spicy grilled squid Pringles (both real, both wild).
And remember when I said I never order chicken tenders?
Yeah… I totally did. At KFC. In Thailand. On Thanksgiving.
No regrets.
The 7-Eleven Surprise
Speaking of fun food finds—Thailand has over 14,500 7-Eleven stores. And these aren’t your average gas-station stops. Thai 7-Elevens are filled with quirky, hyper-local snacks. Pineapple Kit-Kats? Check. Wasabi-flavored chips? You bet. A cold, creamy Thai milk tea on the go? Absolutely.
If you’re nervous about trying new foods, convenience stores are the perfect playground. Pick up a few snacks, taste-test them in your hotel room, and discover your new favorite flavor—without the pressure of ordering an entire meal.
Final Thoughts: Your Food Comfort Zone Is Yours to Define
Traveling is about experiencing the world in a way that feels authentic to you. You don’t need to force yourself into eating something just because it’s "exotic" or "what the locals do." Instead, find small ways to explore—whether it’s trying a new fruit, a unique drink, or a fresh spin on a favorite dish.
Because here’s the thing: you can’t taste new flavors through photos online.
So next time you travel, start where you are. Order something just a little outside your comfort zone. Take it one bite—or sip—at a time. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite dish in the most unexpected place.
