Craving a meal that’s both exciting and comforting without leaving your house? Look no further than Thai Food Takeout. Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and satisfying dishes that travel remarkably well. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or subtly sweet, Thai takeout offers a diverse menu to please any palate. Let’s dive into some essential Thai dishes that are perfect for your next takeout night.
Why Thai Food is Perfect for Takeout
Thai food has become a go-to takeout option for good reason. Many Thai dishes are designed to be flavorful and satisfying, and they often hold up exceptionally well during transport. The foundation of many Thai meals is rice, which is easily packed and keeps well. Sauces are rich and flavorful, ensuring that dishes remain moist and delicious even after a short journey. Hearty stir-fries and flavorful curries are staples that are conveniently packaged and retain their taste and texture, making Thai food an ideal choice for a hassle-free and delicious meal at home.
Top Thai Food Takeout Dishes You Need to Try
Larb: The Spicy and Refreshing Salad
For those who appreciate a dish with a kick and a refreshing twist, Larb is an excellent takeout choice. This Northeastern Thai “salad” is traditionally made with ground meat – chicken, pork, beef, or duck are common – that’s cooked and then tossed in a vibrant dressing. As chef Cohen describes, experiencing larb in Thailand is “insane” due to its aggressively seasoned and seriously spicy profile. The meat is mixed with lime juice, shallots, cilantro, fish sauce, and plenty of chilies, creating a complex flavor profile that’s both savory and zesty.
What makes Larb particularly great for takeout is its accompaniment of fresh, raw vegetables. Typically served with cabbage, carrots, and lettuce, these crisp vegetables provide a cooling contrast to the spicy meat, acting as a palate cleanser and adding textural variety. Larb maintains its flavor even when it’s not piping hot, and the lettuce wraps can be packed separately to prevent wilting, ensuring a fresh and enjoyable experience upon arrival.
Pad Kra Pow: The Fiery Basil Stir-Fry
Pad Kra Pow, or Thai Basil Chicken (or your choice of protein), is a quintessential Thai street food dish that translates wonderfully to takeout. Chef Jet Tila notes that “everyone in Thailand eats this once a week,” highlighting its everyday popularity and deliciousness. This stir-fry is built on a foundation of hot chilies and garlic sautéed in a wok, quickly followed by ground meat, peppers, onions, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The defining ingredient is a generous handful of holy basil (or sometimes sweet basil), which infuses the dish with its unique peppery and slightly anise-like flavor.
Pad Kra Pow’s robust flavors hold up remarkably well for takeout. Stir-fries in general are convenient for transport, especially when served with a side of jasmine rice, which perfectly soaks up the flavorful sauce. Traditionally, Pad Kra Pow is served with a fried egg on top, preferably with a runny yolk. While the fried egg might not travel perfectly if you live far from the restaurant, it’s still a worthwhile addition if possible, or you can easily fry an egg at home to complete your takeout Pad Kra Pow experience.
Massaman Curry: The Rich and Aromatic Curry
If you’re seeking a Thai curry that’s a departure from the usual green or red curry, Massaman Curry is an exceptional takeout choice. Originating from Southern Thailand, this curry stands out due to its complex spice profile, influenced by Arabic cooking. As Alex McCoy of Alfie’s restaurant explains, Massaman Curry features spices like green and black cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which are toasted to enhance their aroma before being incorporated into the curry paste.
This spice-forward approach gives Massaman Curry a “wonderful roasted flavor,” further enriched by tamarind, palm sugar, and fish sauce, creating a balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes. The addition of potatoes and peanuts adds heartiness and textural contrast. Curries are inherently excellent for takeout as they are saucy, flavorful, and reheat beautifully. Massaman Curry, in particular, with its stew-like consistency and deep flavors, is a comforting and satisfying option that’s perfect for enjoying at home. As McCoy suggests, “If you like beef stew, you’d love Massaman curry,” and it’s equally delightful with chicken, tofu, or vegetables.
Kai Jeow: The Simple Yet Satisfying Omelet
Don’t underestimate the humble Kai Jeow, the Thai-style omelet. Chef Jet Tila praises its “dynamite” simplicity. Unlike a classic French omelet, Kai Jeow is whipped vigorously with fish sauce, sugar, and soy sauce until frothy and airy, then deep-fried to a golden-brown, almost crispy exterior. This cooking method results in an omelet that’s both light and substantial, with a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Kai Jeow is typically eaten with rice and often a protein, making it a complete and satisfying meal. While an omelet might not immediately come to mind as takeout-friendly, Kai Jeow holds its shape surprisingly well and remains delicious even as it cools slightly. It’s often served with sriracha on the side for those who want to add an extra layer of spice. Its comforting simplicity and flavorful profile make Kai Jeow a surprisingly delightful and easy Thai takeout option, especially when you’re looking for something less saucy but equally flavorful.
Tips for Ordering the Best Thai Food Takeout
To maximize your Thai food takeout experience, consider these tips:
- Order rice separately: This ensures your rice doesn’t get soggy from sauces during transport.
- Specify your spice level: Thai restaurants are usually happy to adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Check for takeout specials: Many restaurants offer lunch or dinner takeout specials that can provide great value.
- Don’t forget appetizers and sides: Spring rolls, satay, or tom yum soup are excellent additions to round out your meal.
Thai takeout offers a world of flavor and convenience, perfect for any night in. From spicy salads to aromatic curries and satisfying stir-fries, exploring these classic dishes will surely elevate your takeout game. So, next time you’re considering takeout, why not explore the vibrant and delicious world of Thai cuisine?
