10 Must-Try Thai Christmas Food Ideas

Spice up your holiday season with these 10 must-try Thai Christmas food ideas you’ll love. These recipes are just what you need to add a tasty twist to your holiday menu, including traditional dishes, irresistible appetizers, and the best desserts around!

Collage of 10 Thai Christmas food ideas and recipes, featuring spicy fish, duck curry, spring rolls, and tom yum shrimp soup.

PS, if you’re hungry for more Thai cuisine after this roundup post, don’t miss my popular articles on most popular Thai dishes and healthy Thai food recipes.

Thai Christmas recipes

Did you know that Thailand is the place to be during the Christmas season? You can enjoy delicious traditional Thai Christmas food and the many Christmas trees lighting up the shopping centers of Bangkok.

And why not bring some unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones from Chiang Mai and celebrate Christmas with the warm-hearted Thai people?

If you prefer to stay cozy at home during the holidays, definitely try these tasty Thai recipes for Christmas. Your December festivities will be unforgettable with these 10 delightful options to impress your guests!

1. Thai Roasted Duck Curry (Gaeng Phed Ped Yang)

Gaeng phed ped yang served in a coconut bowl, topped with sweet basil, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple on banana leaves.

No Christmas dinner is complete without duck! This Thai duck curry was hands down a favorite at our Thai restaurant during the festive season.

Imagine a rich, red curry, beautifully enhanced with sweet pineapple, and the best part? You can toss in your favorite veggies like tomatoes for extra yum.

Back when I lived in Belgium, Thai curries were my ultimate comfort food during the chilly winter months. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of this recipe!

2. Thai spring rolls

Close-up of a hand holding a half-eaten Thai spring roll with vegetables filling.

Honestly, can you think of a better appetizer than Thai spring rolls? These crispy delights are a hit with everyone, young and old, and they taste even better with homemade Thai sweet chili sauce.

You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready for the big day. So easy and incredibly tasty!

3. Mookata (Thai BBQ)

Mookata, a Thai BBQ top, with grilled meat, sausages, and vegetables.

If you know anything about Thai culture, you know how incredibly important mookata is to us. It’s that dish Thai people could eat every day, not just because of the delicious food, but also because of the sense of community and togetherness it brings.

In Thailand, Thai BBQ is one of the top choices for family gatherings, and this holds true for families who love celebrating Christmas as well.

4. Thai mango sticky rice

Thai sweet sticky rice in a coconut bowl, glowing green and topped with sesame seeds, paired with cubed mango slices and a decorative pandan bundle on a rustic mat.

This dessert was a star at our Thai restaurant during Christmas and New Year, and let me tell you, everyone went crazy for it!

With this mango sticky rice recipe, you can make a delicious mango dessert at home that rivals the best from the street food markets in Thailand.

5. Thai crispy fish with tamarind sauce

Close-up of Thai fried fish with tamarind sauce topped with chilies and fresh herbs.

Personally, I think this is one of my tastiest and best recipes (and just look at how beautifully it presents!).

Thai crispy fish is a dish made for sharing with friends and family, and that’s what Christmas is all about. It can be served with steamed jasmine rice, but it also pairs perfectly as a side with other meals.

6. Tom yum soup

Tom yum talay with shrimp, onion, lime, and herbs in a rich red broth.

The best entry to your Christmas dinner is Thailand’s most famous soup, tom yum!

On this Thai food blog, you’ll find many recipes featuring the classic hot and sour tom yum flavor. Enjoy tom yum talay with juicy shrimp, tom yum gai with tender chicken, and a delicious tom yum noodle soup packed with herbs and spices.

7. Thai money bags

Fried Thai money bags served in a blue patterned bowl with lettuce and shredded carrots, surrounded by tropical decor.

Thai money bags are super fun to make with the kids and even more fun to eat.

You can fill them with your favorite protein, like pork or beef, and they’re bursting with flavor. If you haven’t tried these yet, you definitely need to give them a go. They’re absolutely worth it!

8. Thai sukiyaki

Thai sukiyaki soup with spicy sauce, pork slices, leafy greens, and vegetables in rich broth.

Thai sukiyaki is one of my family’s favorite dishes during gatherings. It’s easy to make and truly delicious with homemade suki sauce.

Add your favorite meats and vegetables, and you have a healthy meal that the whole family can enjoy!

9. Bua loy (rice balls in coconut milk)

Spoonful of colorful Thai bua loy glutinous rice balls served in sweet coconut milk, held over a coconut bowl.

Bua loy is hands down one of the most fun Thai desserts to make and, of course, to eat!

Get the kids involved – rolling those chewy rice balls is a blast and makes for an awesome family activity. Cooking together and then enjoying the festive treats, now that’s what I call holiday magic!

10. Kanom jeeb (Thai dumplings)

Kanom jeeb dipped in chili sauce with chopsticks, surrounded by a bamboo tray of dumplings.

The last snack on my list of Thai Christmas food is definitely a favorite if you’re into Asian food – delicious dumplings!

These kanom jeeb are super easy to make and packed with flavor from coriander root, black peppercorns, and garlic. Plus, you’ll find fun instructions on how to shape them just right!

More recipe roundups

Can’t get enough of the delicious food Thailand has to offer? Then be sure to check out one of these fun posts!

Conclusion

With these 10 Thai Christmas food ideas and tips, you’ll bring the magic of Thailand to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy creating unforgettable meals and memories with your loved ones during this festive season! Share your favorite dish in the comments below, and follow me on social media for more Thai recipes! Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.