5 Thai Dishes To Try In Portsmouth, Nh

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, might be best known for its historic charm, scenic harbors, and cobblestone streets, but if you're a food enthusiast, you'll be delighted to discover its burgeoning culinary scene, especially when it comes to Thai cuisine. Thai food, with its balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavors, offers a gastronomic adventure that's hard to resist. Here's a guide to five must-try Thai dishes you can find in Portsmouth:

🌶️ Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

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Som Tum is a spicy, refreshing salad that's both light and full of flavor. This dish combines shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and dried shrimp, all pounded together with garlic, chilies, lime, and fish sauce. The explosion of textures and tastes makes Som Tum an excellent starter.

Where to Try:

• Siam Orchid Thai Bistro - This restaurant crafts a Som Tum that's both authentic and inviting, balancing the spice level to suit all palates.

Note: Some versions might include dried shrimp or crab, which can add an extra layer of flavor but might not be suitable for those with seafood allergies.

🥜 Pad Thai

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Undoubtedly one of Thailand's most famous exports, Pad Thai is a stir-fry dish with noodles, tofu, dried shrimp, bean sprouts, and scrambled eggs, tossed in a tamarind sauce. The sprinkle of crushed peanuts and a wedge of lime on the side make it perfect for personalizing.

Where to Try:

• Siam Palace - Known for their Pad Thai, this establishment ensures a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Note: The balance of Pad Thai is critical; sometimes it can be too sweet or too sour, so finding the right spot can elevate the dish.

🍜 Tom Kha Gai

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If you enjoy rich, creamy soups with a touch of heat, Tom Kha Gai might become your new favorite. This aromatic soup is made with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, and chicken, resulting in a complex, yet soothing bowl.

Where to Try:

• Chong Garden - This eatery serves a Tom Kha Gai that's both authentic and satisfyingly creamy.

Note: Be mindful if you have dietary restrictions; this soup usually contains fish sauce, which gives it its distinctive flavor.

🌊 Larb

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Larb is a meat salad popular in the northeastern region of Thailand. It's often made with minced pork, chicken, or beef, seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, roasted rice powder, and ground chili peppers. The dish is served at room temperature, which makes for a unique Thai dining experience.

Where to Try:

• Siam Heritage - Here, Larb is prepared with precision, balancing the spice and freshness.

Note: Larb can be quite spicy; check with the staff if you're sensitive to heat.

🥥 Massaman Curry

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Massaman Curry is known for its mild, sweet flavor, which comes from the use of cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, alongside the more traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass and galangal. This curry often includes potatoes and peanuts, offering a comforting and unique taste.

Where to Try:

• Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine - Their Massaman curry is a standout dish, embodying the best of southern Thai cuisine.

Note: Massaman curry has Middle Eastern influences, making it quite different from other Thai curries in flavor profile.

If you're visiting or living in Portsmouth, don't miss the chance to explore these delightful Thai dishes. Each restaurant offers something special, from traditional recipes to unique twists, ensuring that every culinary journey is memorable. The city's Thai food scene is growing, with chefs dedicating themselves to authenticity while innovating for local palates.

And remember, whether you're enjoying the fiery heat of Som Tum or the gentle warmth of Massaman Curry, Thai food in Portsmouth, NH, is an experience that transcends mere dining – it's a cultural adventure on a plate.

With such a rich selection, you can plan your evenings around tasting these exotic dishes, perhaps even savoring a Thai dessert to round off your meal. Thai restaurants in Portsmouth are not just about food; they're about the warmth of Thai hospitality, the decor that transports you to Southeast Asia, and the joy of sharing a meal in a community setting.

So, when in Portsmouth, make sure your taste buds take the journey from the lush fields of Thailand to the historical ports of New Hampshire, where the flavors of Thailand are celebrated in every bite.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these Thai dishes suitable for vegetarians?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most Thai dishes can be adjusted to be vegetarian-friendly. For instance, Pad Thai can be made without shrimp and fish sauce. However, always inform the restaurant about your dietary restrictions.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I find these dishes at any Thai restaurant in Portsmouth?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While these dishes are popular, not every restaurant will have all of them on the menu. It's best to check the menu online or call ahead to ensure availability.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How spicy are these Thai dishes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Spice levels can vary, but most Thai restaurants in Portsmouth can adjust the heat to suit your taste. Just let them know how spicy you prefer your meal to be.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>