if you fancy MSG (I'm allergic to it), loads of salt, sugar and reused frying oils, then go for it. For me it's as bad as American fast food, I will only eat it sometimes. 

Bangkok I accept. Certainly not Hat Yai. Different ball game down here. 

10 minutes ago, Chris49 said:

Bangkok I accept. Certainly not Hat Yai. Different ball game down here. 

Can't live only on Southern Thai chicken, ha ha,

That's actually a good point though.

If you look at France for example, you'll find lots of amazing food in abundance in Paris and in provincial cities throughout the country.

Maybe not to that level in Thailand.

I was thinking mostly about Bangkok and I suppose the raters were as well.

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand has emerged as the world’s best country for food, according to Condé Nast Traveller's Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The prestigious survey awarded Thailand the top spot with a score of 98.33 out of 100, highlighting its bold flavors, vibrant street food culture, and exceptional fine dining scene. This recognition not only cements Thailand's status on the culinary map but also acknowledges its ability to attract food lovers from around the globe.

 

6 hours ago, bubblegum said:

I don't like it.

you don't like much of anything

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The accolade is expected to enhance Thailand's appeal as a top food destination.

 Yes indeed, there are a few delicious Thai dishes, but IMO many are ruined by chilli. Yes, I know many of you like chilli but not me!

 

I like to savour the first bite for texture and flavour, without coughing and spluttering  as the result of chopped chiilies and/or chiili oil ruining the rest of the meal! 

It is a matter of personal choice and Thai food is not at the top of my list, however, my favourite when I visit Thailand is Khao Soi, a typical northern dish. There are far better foods throughout ASEAN.

 

 

For reference Khao Soi:-

 

Khao soi is a popular and rich Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup made with a blend of soft and crispy egg noodles, a creamy, slightly spicy broth, and a variety of meat (typically chicken or beef). It is a staple dish in Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and has a unique history influenced by Chinese Muslim traders (Chin Haw) and Burmese cuisine. (it is served with side dishes of pickled cabbage, onions and cucumber) 

 

 

I love Italian food and I absolutely love Japanese food but I can't eat either of those on a daily basis, maybe twice a week. The food in Italy is incredible but it does get repetitive after a while, somehow Thai food doesn't feel that way for me. 

8 hours ago, bubblegum said:

I don't like it.

Well that sure means a lot to us. Thanks for your thoughtful and articulate contribution. 

18 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Well that sure means a lot to us. Thanks for your thoughtful and articulate contribution. 

You're welcome.

Plenty of MSG and sugar used in almost every dish, doesn't exactly make it great food, besides Obesity with locals pointing in a different direction, but that I guess is related to a healthy diet, not a tasty diet, which totally depends on individual taste and priorities. Cheap deep fried food is offered everywhere, but healthy  and tasty food without MSG and sugar is hard to find as far as I am concerned, eating homemade Thai food almost daily. Good food should be tasty and healthy, but for some people the picture/selfie is more important than the actual food taste and quality it seems.

General opinions/rankings depend mostly on the sponsor, not necessarily reflecting on reality.

4 hours ago, bendejo said:

I like to sample, if not dig in, on local food where ever I travel.  Hopefully the local hygiene is up to snuff.  Street food vendors (hawkers) can bring some surprises, you get someone's handed-down recipe etc.  Malaysia makes a big deal of this in their tourist stuff, but it's everywhere in SEA.

 

I stayed in a town in Mexico, there was a woman there who made a big pot of overcooked beef, fell apart into short strings in jus.  At dinner time she sold tacos and tortas (a taco but in bread instead).  Absolutely delicious.  I'm writing about it 50 years later.
 

Tell a Thai woman who runs a stall how good her food is you'll likely get an ear-to-ear smile.  And maybe a 5 baht discount.

 

And if you tell her not to use MSG and sugar, the big smile will change right away!

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

I love Italian food and I absolutely love Japanese food but I can't eat either of those on a daily basis, maybe twice a week. The food in Italy is incredible but it does get repetitive after a while, somehow Thai food doesn't feel that way for me. 

All depends on personal taste, food experiences, and diet priorities, especially regarding a healthy tasty diet.

Thai cuisine is indeed extremely diverse and excellent. However, an ordinary tourist rarely gets to experience this variety, because in the typical holiday destinations such as Phuket or Pattaya, almost all restaurants offer roughly the same menu – about 90 per cent identical. Even worse, the Thai dishes are often listed right at the back of the menu. A real pity.

6 minutes ago, Feingeist said:

Thai cuisine is indeed extremely diverse and excellent. However, an ordinary tourist rarely gets to experience this variety, because in the typical holiday destinations such as Phuket or Pattaya, almost all restaurants offer roughly the same menu – about 90 per cent identical. Even worse, the Thai dishes are often listed right at the back of the menu. A real pity.

Thai food is generally over rated, it's the dips that gives Thai food a unique taste.

Pity they come last for food hygiene, I've been hospitalised twice never happened in any other country. 

5 hours ago, mfd101 said:

And NZ number 6! How the world has changed since I was a child in the 50s & 60s!

Yes quite true but one thing, Kiwi food is fresh & mostly healthy! 

10 hours ago, bubblegum said:

I don't like it.

Baked beans on toast to the rescue for you then?

44 minutes ago, Chongalulu said:

Baked beans on toast to the rescue for you then?

Not English so no.

1 hour ago, paul1804 said:

Yes quite true but one thing, Kiwi food is fresh & mostly healthy! 

I absolutely agree.

New Zealand produce and products, mainly fruit and dairy products,  are widely available in supermarkets here in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The current ban and boycott of Thai goods has certainly benefitted Kiwi Land. The same goes for Australian produce. Bye Bye Thailand!

IMO, most of the Thai food is absolutely disgusting. I have some favorites, but not many. Most of the Thai dishes drown in chili, onion, garlic and sugar. To the point where it really doesn't matter what you're eating. Proteins are only used for texture as you wouldn't know it you're eating beef, pork, chicken or seafood after they drown it all in the chili and fish sauce.

And you Issanites, do not call you protein that swims in the rivers and lakes for seafood. You live several hundred kilometers from the nearest coast. Stick to your local cuisine of rats and dog meat and fermented mud crabs.

Another puff piece of a report.

I Think they have made their judgement based on the lovely photographs.

 

Chinese  'cousine' is far more diverse and internationally palatable.

On 11/20/2025 at 4:09 PM, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of Shef

 

Thailand has emerged as the world’s best country for food, according to Condé Nast Traveller's Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The prestigious survey awarded Thailand the top spot with a score of 98.33 out of 100, highlighting its bold flavors, vibrant street food culture, and exceptional fine dining scene. This recognition not only cements Thailand's status on the culinary map but also acknowledges its ability to attract food lovers from around the globe.

 

The inclusion of seven Bangkok restaurants among the world’s top 35, as reported by CNN, highlights Thailand's growing international culinary reputation. Thai cuisine, celebrated for dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and green curry, is known for leaving a lasting impression on food enthusiasts. Both street vendors and high-end restaurants contribute to dining experiences that are characterized not only by flavors but also by the cultural ambiance.

 

Italy took second place in the survey with a score of 96.92%, praised for its classic pizza and pasta offerings. Japan came third with 96.77%, earning admiration for its precision and delicate flavors in sushi and other traditional dishes. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Spain rounded out the top five, recognized for their fresh ingredients and innovative culinary practices.

 

Photo of Banthat Thong Road in Bangkok courtesy of Phuket 101

 

Ranked sixth through tenth were New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Greece, South Africa, Peru, and the Maldives, underscoring the diversity and richness of global culinary traditions. These countries were acknowledged for unique cooking styles, from New Zealand's Māori techniques to Peru's celebrated ceviche.

 

Looking ahead, Thailand’s recognition may further boost its tourism and culinary attractions, drawing even more international visitors eager to experience its renowned food culture. Other countries in the top rankings are likely to see increased attention as travelers seek diverse gastronomic experiences, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand was named the best country for food with a score of 98.33.
• Italy, Japan, Vietnam, and Spain followed in the top five for culinary prowess.
• The accolade is expected to enhance Thailand's appeal as a top food destination.

 

Related Stories

Tumbling Tastes: Bangkok's Banthat Thong Hits Hard Times

SUV Smashes Into Houston Eatery as Food Influencers Film Live

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-11-20

 

 

 

 

If we are just talking about Thai food and not just the price of Thai food in Thailand then no it is not the best, Thai food in the UK is much much tastier.

 

I had a 150 seat Thai restaurant in Chelmsford for 20+ years, the pork, beef, chicken, etc were from the UK, much better than the quality of such things in Thailand.

 

Thai village food is horrible, we only served Bangkok standard food as it is not as sharp and over spiced as village food and nicely blended.

 

Over spiced food was developed that way to compensate and hide the flavour of poor quality meat. 

 

I never worked in the restaurant but I did eat there and I can not count the number of times I was told by customers the food is much tastier than the food they had in Thailand. Including Thais. 

 

Well there was one exception, one woman left a review saying it was not at all like real Thai food, I left a comment in reply stating we base our food on the Bangkok standard and style, true it does not represent the village food a lot of Thais eat as that would not fit the pallet of Thais in many parts of Thailand and the British pallet.

 

I found out later she was from a village in the back of beyond in Isaan, that style of food is not for me and many other Thais. 

 

How do they rate the food anyway?

 

What about the cities in Europe, Paris, London etc where there are restaurants from all around the world available, they are open to anyone including good standard Thai restaurants. 

 

In Thailand I do like some Thai food, massaman curry for example made with Auzzie beef or lamb,  as I like some other non-Thai food which is available in Phuket restaurants and also from My Thai partner, she is a great cook of Thai food, spaghetti bolognaise, massaman curry etc.

 

I would not like just to eat Thai food here, but Thai, Indian, Italian, Chinese food even Shepherds Pie etc as I did when I lived in the UK like most other Brits do, the diet is varied. 

 

One thing I do know to be true, many Thai restaurants and other places which sell food in Thailand would not pass the standard hygiene inspections which are strictly enforced in the UK. 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, Feingeist said:

Thai cuisine is indeed extremely diverse and excellent. However, an ordinary tourist rarely gets to experience this variety, because in the typical holiday destinations such as Phuket or Pattaya, almost all restaurants offer roughly the same menu – about 90 per cent identical. Even worse, the Thai dishes are often listed right at the back of the menu. A real pity.

 

Like many others you base your comments on only visiting tourist areas like most non-Thai tourists do.

 

I live in Kathu, Kathu and there are many restaurants which only have Thai food for sale, the customers are 99% Thai, there are dozens of Thai restaurants in walking distance from my house.

 

When I go over the mountain to Patong a few times a year when friends visit, I feel like I am in Europe or India or China with the masses of tourists walking around, most of Phuket is not like that at all, I feel like I am in adult Disneyland etc in Patong, it does not represent real life in Phuket.

 

Patong etc covers only a small part of Phuket, most people do not seem to realise Phuket is ⅓ of the size of greater London as they stick to one area generally.

 

 

10 hours ago, gargamon said:

Yes, fish & chips and Shepherd's pie should be at the top. Or marmite and Vegemite. 

How close to the bottom is Britain anyway?

Any country whose most popular domestic dish is from India shows the local food is garbage.

Hate to think what Australia's contribution to world cuisine is, if it's any thing like they're IQ it would be right at the bottom

13 hours ago, carlf said:

Mon dieu ! Elle est où la France ?? 🥖🇫🇷🥐🍷😭

13. France. Score 94.00

3 hours ago, Kevbo said:

Hate to think what Australia's contribution to world cuisine is, if it's any thing like they're IQ it would be right at the bottom

 

The secret of Afghani cuisine in two steps:

1) kill an animal

2) either

       a) cut it up and throw it into a boiling pot of water

or   b) throw the carcass into a fire

 

That's basically it.  Spices and other condiments are optional.

 

 

20 hours ago, Tarteso said:

They meant award to Thai Glucose 😂

Went to our local temple during Loy krathong, it hag a 10-day festival, market vendors from all over the country came.

90% of the food was absolute junk.. either deep fried, buried in sugar or worse.

The only healthy food for your body has to be searched for, and you rarely find that on the streets.

9 hours ago, PopGun said:

I Think they have made their judgement based on the lovely photographs.

 

Chinese  'cousine' is far more diverse and internationally palatable.

Really??

21 hours ago, shackleton said:

There you are Thailand number 1 at dinning and eating Thai food

So why not concentrate on promoting Thailand's Cuisine to 

Family and quality tourists instead of the usual beer bars  in Pattaya and Phuket 

Show there is more to see and visit in Thailand 

I think that is the point of the article. "Food Destination" in a travel magazine. The subscription base of Conde Naste probably does not include Fitzwilliam from Blackpool.