Thailand is renowned worldwide for its flavoursome cuisine – and for good reason. The strength of Thai cuisine lies in the perfect interplay of four basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. No single flavour should dominate. It’s all about balance. And it is precisely that balance that we strive to bring back in every dish at NaNoi.
The magic of harmony
In Thai dishes, flavour is seen as an experience that stimulates all your senses. A creamy curry can be both spicy and a little sweet at the same time. A fresh salad combines the sourness of lime with the saltiness of fish sauce and a crunchy bite. Each mouthful is a journey of flavour layers that complement rather than overpower each other.
At NaNoi, we strive to bring that harmony to the plate. That’s why we taste each dish carefully during preparation. And we are happy to adjust it to your preference: a little less spicy? Or perhaps a bit fresher? You only need to say.
What am I actually tasting?
Below you will find the four main flavour profiles of Thai cuisine:
- Sweet - Comes from palm sugar, coconut milk, or fruits such as pineapple or mango. Often softens spicy dishes.
- Sour - Lime juice, tamarind or rice vinegar provide freshness and zest
- Salt- Is served with fish sauce, soy sauce or salty spice pastes
- Spicy - Fresh chili peppers, chili oil, or dried chili add warmth and energy.
The true Thai flavour only emerges when these four elements are in balance – and that makes the cuisine so exciting and accessible.
Typical flavour combinations on our menu
At NaNoi, you will find that balance in almost every dish:
- Pad Thai – Lightly sweet, sour, salty, and optionally spicy. One of the best examples of Thai balance artistry.
- Green curry – Creamy, spicy and hot, but also a little sweet thanks to the coconut milk.
- Som Tam (papaya salad) – Freshly zesty lime, spicy chilli, salty fish sauce and a hint of palm sugar. An explosion of flavours in one bite.
Did you know...?
- Thais often determine the spiciness of their dishes only at the table – with extra chilli or sauces to taste.
- The balance of flavours is culturally so important that even Thai children's dishes contain multiple flavours.
- Bitter is a fifth taste that sometimes occurs, especially in regional dishes such as those from Isaan.
- You can have almost any dish at NaNoi customised to your taste – from mildly spicy to extra spicy
Experience the balance yourself
The Thai cuisine is not a matter of either sweet or spicy – it is precisely the art of letting everything speak at once. Allow yourself to be surprised by the layers of flavours and discover how every meal at NaNoi feels like a small adventure on your tongue.
Discover our dishes with your favourite flavour profile – view the menu at menu
Next week in episode 3, we will take you to the streets of Thailand, where street food sets the tone for quick, pure flavours that you won't forget easily..
Until then – and enjoy your meal!