A tougher dilemma than picking a gift for a lottery is the question: What to eat this New Year? After all, a year-end party isn't quite a celebration if you just serve stir-fried basil with rice.
At this joyful time, the food on the table must connect people, add excitement, and be so delicious that no one wants to put down their spoon.
Thairath Online has selected five top dishes that remain party favorites year after year. Get your shopping list ready for these ingredients.
1. Grilled Pork and Shabu-Shabu
Nothing bonds people better than sharing crispy pork belly grilled on a hot pan. The sizzling sound of meat meeting spicy sukiyaki sauce is the sweetest soundtrack for a party. This dish suits long hours of chatting across the year—eating, gossiping, and refilling broth—offering warmth for body and soul effortlessly.
2. Grilled Seafood with Spicy Dipping Sauce
After a hard year, it's time to treat yourself with large river prawns, sweet steamed blue crabs, or fragrant grilled squid. Peeling prawns dipped in spicy seafood sauce offers peak delight that erases all the year's fatigue. Serving these on large platters or in seafood buckets also makes for stunning photos.
3. Barbecue
To add activity and avoid boredom, set up a barbecue grill. Whether juicy marinated pork ribs, quality steak cuts, or skewers with pineapple and bell pepper, the charm lies in the aroma of charcoal and the fun of everyone taking turns grilling and basting sauce. These lively moments are chaotic but memorable.
4. Spicy Salad Platters and Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Party foods tend to be heavy on fried items and starches, so spicy dishes like glass noodle salad, large som tum platters, or shrimp in fish sauce are essential heroes. Their tangy and spicy flavors cut through richness, awaken the senses, and boost appetite—these dishes always clear the plate first.
5. Fried Chicken and Pizza
Finally, a reliable fallback dish that's always on the table, loved by all ages—from little kids to adults. Crispy fried chicken or cheesy pizza is a safe and tasty choice, easy to grab between games or while waiting for the countdown.
No matter which dishes you choose, the most important ingredient isn't the food's flavor but the atmosphere and happiness of being together with loved ones. This New Year, may everyone enjoy both full stomachs and full hearts, ready to welcome good things in 2026.