Orlando is not just about theme parks and entertainment, its food scene is a treasure trove of flavors from around the world, including Thai cuisine. Thai dishes are famous for their vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Thai food or new to the cuisine, you’ll find plenty of must-try dishes in Orlando that will delight your palate.
Among the many Thai restaurants in town, Lim Ros Thai Restaurant stands out for its exceptional offerings. Since they opened, Lim Ros has been serving up authentic Thai dishes that have quickly become fan favorites. But there are also other places in Orlando where you can explore Thai cuisine, offering a great variety of must-try dishes.
Let’s dive into the top 10 must-try Thai dishes in Orlando, including some of the best from Lim Ros and other local gems!
Top 10 Thai Dishes
1. Pad Thai – Lim Ros Thai Restaurant
Pad Thai is one of the most iconic Thai dishes, and for good reason. The combination of stir-fried rice noodles, peanuts, bean sprouts, and fresh lime, all tossed in a sweet and savory tamarind-based sauce, makes for a delightful meal. At Lim Ros Thai Restaurant, this dish is a fan favorite. You can enjoy it with a choice of chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you coming back for more.
2. Tom Yum Soup – Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Known for its bold flavors, Tom Yum Soup is a must-try dish in Orlando. This tangy and aromatic soup features a broth made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies, delivering a perfect mix of sour and spicy notes. Hawkers Asian Street Fare offers a fantastic version of this soup, served with shrimp or your choice of protein, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
3. Green Curry – Lim Ros Thai Restaurant
Green curry is a creamy, aromatic dish that features a rich coconut milk base with green curry paste and fresh herbs. The vibrant green color comes from ingredients like cilantro, basil, and green chili, while the dish’s heat is perfectly balanced with sweetness. At Lim Ros, you can choose from chicken, beef, or tofu to complement the curry, making it a versatile dish for all taste preferences.
4. Pad See Ew – The Thai House
If you love stir-fried noodles, Pad See Ew is a must-try. This dish features wide rice noodles, egg, Chinese broccoli, and a savory soy-based sauce that caramelizes slightly during stir-frying, creating an irresistible taste. The Thai House in Orlando does a fantastic Pad See Ew, offering your choice of meat or tofu, with a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
5. Massaman Curry – Lim Ros Thai Restaurant
Massaman curry is one of the milder curries in Thai cuisine, but it’s packed with flavor. The dish combines tender chunks of protein of your choice, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, with a slightly sweet and rich coconut milk sauce. At Lim Ros, the Massaman curry is served with potatoes and peanuts, adding a comforting touch to every bite. It’s a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful yet gentle curry.
6. Moo Pad Krapow – Wok n’ Roll
If you’re in the mood for something spicy and savory, Moo Pad Krapow is the dish to try. This stir-fry features minced pork, garlic, chili, and Thai basil, making for a fragrant and flavorful experience. The dish is typically served with rice and a fried egg on top. At Wok n’ Roll, you can get this dish with your choice of protein, and it’s a perfect option for those who love a little heat.
7. Som Tum (Papaya Salad) – Tasty Thai
Papaya salad, or Som Tum, is a refreshing dish made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, carrots, and green beans, tossed in a spicy-sour dressing made from lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The Tasty Thai restaurant offers a delicious version of this salad, and it can be customized with shrimp, tofu, or chicken. The crunch of the papaya and the tang of the dressing make it a must-try for anyone visiting Orlando.
8. Thai BBQ Chicken – The Thai Orchid
Thai BBQ Chicken is an aromatic and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy any meat lover. Marinated with a blend of Thai herbs and spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky and slightly charred flavor. The Thai Orchid in Orlando does an excellent version of this dish, pairing it with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
9. Pad Kra Pao – Z Thai
Pad Kra Pao is a stir-fried dish that’s packed with garlic, chili, and Thai basil. Typically made with ground pork, beef, or chicken, this dish is savory and spicy, and it’s usually served with rice and a fried egg on top. Z Thai in Orlando offers a fantastic Pad Kra Pao, and it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
10. Thai Fried Rice – Lim Ros Thai Restaurant
Fried rice is a classic comfort food, and Thai Fried Rice takes it up a notch. At Lim Ros, the Thai Fried Rice is made with jasmine rice, mixed with vegetables, egg, and your choice of chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and a squeeze of lime for a savory and slightly tangy flavor. It’s perfect on its own or as a side to complement any other Thai dish.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Orlando, there’s no better way to dive into Thai cuisine than by trying these must-try dishes. From the rich and creamy Green Curry at Lim Ros to the vibrant and spicy Tom Yum Soup at Hawkers, Orlando offers a variety of Thai dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving.
Lim Ros Thai Restaurant has been serving delicious, authentic Thai dishes since they opened, and their menu is filled with crowd favorites like Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, and Thai Fried Rice. But don’t forget to explore other restaurants around town to experience the diverse flavors of Thai cuisine. No matter where you go, the must-try dishes in Orlando will always leave you wanting more.
