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For travelers, Thailand presents a world of new experiences to be discovered, especially in its cuisine.
On a whole, Thai food is considered quite healthy due to the large amount of fresh herbs and vegetables used. However, some dishes can lean towards the unhealthy side, either due to the amount of oil, sugar or salt used, or the method of cooking, like deep-frying. Pad Thai, for example, is known to contain a large amount of sodium and is often fried with oil.
Fret not, health-conscious foodies, as there are healthy meals and dishes to be had in the land of smiles. The next time you’re traveling and craving for a healthy meal, look out for these:
The sweet-sourish papaya salad is a must-have while in Thailand, eaten as a side salad or a snack in itself. It’s also often served with additional condiments like sugar and chili sauce for those who want it extra sweet or spicy.
If you’re a fan of our local ulams, nam prik would definitely catch your fancy. In actuality, nam prik refers to the spicy, salsa-like sauce made of chilies, garlic, shallots and shrimp paste - similar to our belacan. It can sometimes include minced meat as well.
The mung bean glass noodle salad is a healthy and wholesome meal to have, and can usually be found throughout Thailand. Lots of lime juice is used to give a sour punch to the glass noodles that is mixed with minced meat or seafood.
Without a doubt one of the most popular exports of Thailand, tom yum, has the natural ability to pique one’s appetite and palate. If you’re looking to make healthy eating choices:
You’re likely to find this dish in many Thai restaurants or seafood restaurants.
Tasty, meaty and yet healthy - the mackerel lettuce wrap is an ideal dish for travelers of all ages. Instead of a carbohydrate-rich wrap or pita bread, Thais opt for lettuce leaves for a healthy crunch. The only thing to look out for are small fish bones if the fish is served whole.
Spring rolls are truly an Asian dish, as it can be found in many variations throughout the region. If you’re feeling hungry and craving a mid-day snack, look out for these fresh vegetable spring rolls.
You’re sure to find plenty of fruits in Thailand. Freshly cut fruit vendors are at almost every street corner, and for dessert, you can enjoy mango slices served with sticky rice (just skimp on the coconut cream and rice). It’s also easy to find freshly made pomegranate juice, baby coconuts and deliciousdragon fruit - take your pick and you’ll find yourself having your daily recommended serving of fruits each day!
For some people, traveling is the one time they let themselves feast and enjoy their food – which is well and fine, too. Trying new cuisines is half the fun of traveling, so let this article be a guide, instead of a rule book to dictate what you should or should not eat on the road. Eat what makes your taste buds (and your body) happy.
References
https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list?qlookup=12115
https://healthyforgood.heart.org/eat-smart/articles/saturated-fats
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/the-top-10-healthy-thai-dishes/
https://www.self.com/story/8-registered-dietitian-approved-thai-takeout-picks
https://www.livestrong.com/article/544354-the-nutritional-value-of-som-tam/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/276803-healthy-thai-food-choices-at-restaurants/
https://thaisq.com/facts-about-vegetarian-pad-thai/
https://www.nutriliving.com/foods/thai-basil
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/brown-rice-vs-white-rice
https://www.livestrong.com/article/337993-what-are-the-benefits-of-steamed-fish/
https://www.eatingthaifood.com/healthy-thai-food-21-delicious-dishes-that-are-actually-good-for-you/
https://www.eatingthaifood.com/steamed-fish-with-lime-and-garlic-recipe/
https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/glass-noodle-salad-v2/
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/food/article/mackerel-high-omega-3s-and-vitamin-b12
http://muaythaipros.com/the-15-healthiest-thai-food-dishes-in-thailand/
The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.