Isaan
ไก่ย่าง
Gai Yang
Isaan grilled chicken with crispy golden skin and smoky marinade — best eaten with sticky rice and som tam.
Story behind the dish
Origin
Northeastern Isaan, where charcoal grilling and bold marinades define the local cuisine.
History
Villagers traditionally grilled wild fowl with coriander root, garlic and fish sauce over low coals.
Culture
The unofficial national combo: gai yang, som tam and a basket of sticky rice.
Key ingredients
Whole chickenCoriander rootGarlicFish sauceWhite pepperPalm sugarLime
Flavor profile
Sweet
2/5
Sour
2/5
Salty
4/5
Spicy
2/5
Umami
5/5
Where to try it
Street food
Gai Yang Wichianburi, Bangkok — famous Isaan stall near Victory Monument.
Local restaurant
Som Tam Nua, Siam Square — grilled chicken with full Isaan spread.
Premium dining
Saawaan, Bangkok — smoked free-range chicken with tamarind jaew.
Recommended pairings
Drinks
- • Chang beer
- • Lao khao
Desserts
- • Mango sticky rice
Complementary dishes
- • Som tam
- • Sticky rice