10 Amazing Thai Fruits You Must Try

Thai fruit is renowned for its vibrant flavors, exotic appearance, and rich diversity. Thailand’s tropical climate provides the ideal conditions for growing a wide variety of delicious fruits. Thai fruits are not only popular within the country but have also gained international recognition for their unique taste and texture. Here are some notable Thai fruits:

1. Durian

Known as the “king of fruits,” durian is one of the most polarizing fruits due to its strong odor. It has a spiky exterior and custard-like flesh with a distinctive flavor that can be described as a mix of sweet, creamy, and slightly savory.

2. Mango

Thailand is famous for its sweet and fragrant mangoes. The most popular variety is the “Nam Dok Mai,” which has a smooth texture and a rich, tropical flavor. Thai mangoes are often enjoyed fresh, in salads, or in the form of sticky rice with mango (a popular dessert).

3. Mangosteen

Known as the “queen of fruits,” mangosteen has a thick purple rind and delicate, segmented white flesh. It has a sweet and tangy flavor, and its texture is often described as juicy and refreshing.

4. Pineapple

Thai pineapples are prized for their sweetness and juiciness. They have a vibrant golden color, and their flavor is a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness. Thai pineapples are often enjoyed fresh, juiced, or in various dishes like pineapple fried rice.

5. Dragon Fruit

Also known as pitaya, dragon fruit has a vibrant pink or yellow exterior with white or pink flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a refreshing texture. Dragon fruit is often consumed fresh or used in smoothies and salads.

6. Longan

Longan is a small, round fruit with a thin brownish shell. It has a translucent, juicy flesh and a sweet, floral flavor. Longan is typically eaten fresh and is also a popular ingredient in desserts and beverages.

7. Rambutan

Rambutan resembles a lychee with its hairy, spiky exterior. It has a juicy and slightly tart flesh with a flavor similar to lychee. Rambutan is enjoyed as a fresh snack or used in fruit salads and desserts.

8. Guava

Thai guavas come in different varieties, including green and pink. They have a crisp texture and a sweet-tart flavor. Guavas are often consumed fresh or used to make juices, jams, and sauces.

9. Thai Bananas

Bananas are known for their sweet flavor and creamy texture. They have a softer and creamier consistency compared to bananas found in Western countries. Depending on the variety, Thai bananas can range from mildly sweet to very sweet. You can see these bananas all year round.

10. Jackfruits

Jackfruits has a sweet and tropical flavor. It is often described as a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. The texture of the fruit varies depending on the ripeness. The ripe fruit is soft and juicy, while the unripe fruit has a firmer, meaty texture often used as a vegetable substitute.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious fruits found in Thailand. Exploring Thai fruit markets and trying the local fruits is a delightful experience for fruit enthusiasts or anyone looking to discover new flavors.

Trying Thai fruits is a must-do when visiting Thailand. The country’s bustling markets, street vendors, and fruit stalls offer a wide array of fresh and exotic fruits for tourists to enjoy.

How Thai people eat fruits?

Chili Pastes to dip with sour fruits

While Thai fruits are delicious on their own, some people enjoy adding a bit of heat and spice to enhance the flavor experience. Thai cuisine offers a variety of chili pastes that can be paired with fruits for a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Here are a few chilies pastes commonly enjoyed with Thai fruits:

1. Chili Salts

You can sprinkle or dip a small amount of the mixture onto the fruit slices or chunks. Mostly, these chili salts are popular eating with green mangoes, Pineapples, guavas or other fruits with sour taste.

2. Nam Prik Pla Wan or Fish Sauce Sweet Chili Paste

The tangy and crisp green mango pairs exceptionally well with the savory umami flavor of fish sauce and the sweet and spicy kick of chili paste.

3. Nam Prik Kapi or Shrimp Chili Paste Dip

This flavorful chili pastes mixed with salty shrimp paste, chili powder and sugar. Trying local is a more fun experience.

These chili pastes can typically be found in fruit stores, supermarkets or fruit carts. Mostly, Thai people will mix themselves Chili salts because it is fast and easy.

The most easy way to access Thai fruit

1. Fruit Carts

Fruit carts in Thailand are a common sight and an integral part of the local food scene. These carts are typically mobile stalls or carts loaded with a variety of fresh fruits, often sourced locally, that are ready to be enjoyed on the go.

Fruit cart sells cheap and simple Thai fruits. You can buy mango, guava, watermelon, papaya, yam, pineapple ,rose apple and etc. Sometimes, they have fresh coconut, cantaloupe or apple as well.

This is very easy way to try Thai Food. The vendor will prepare fruits ready to eat. You can buy a small amount and try it first and if you like any, you can go buy a big pack from the market later.

Fruit carts are easy to find in every corner of Bangkok or outside. Business district seems to be easy to find them, most office workers will carry a plastic bag with fruit on the way to return to office after lunch for a snack later. The food tour operators will pick their own fruit cart merchant and select some fruits that visitors will enjoy.

If you are a new visitor and have a limited time, it is better to get a local tour guide to help you explore more around Thailand.

2. Processed fruits for snack

Thai fruit snacks are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of Thai fruits in a convenient and portable form.

Sometimes, visitors will find pickled fruits in the carts. However, trying too much pickle can cause stomach trouble, staying close to a restroom is recommended!

3. Food tour by visiting the farm

Many Thais travel to Rayong and Chantaburi province for eating Thai fruits at an orchard — especially durian season.

Chantaburi province is 5 hours away from Bangkok, this is a land of famous Durian, Montong type.

4. Fruit Buffet at Suan Nong Nuch Pattaya

Pattaya, is one of the popular destinations, which is only 2 hours’ drive away from Bangkok.

Suan Nong Nuch is a theme park which features cultural show and tropical garden. They extend the business by opening a fruit buffet restaurant. Everything is unlimited eating except durian.