What to Eat and Where to Find It
Thailand’s vibrant street food scene is world-renowned, and no visit to the country is complete without indulging in the array of flavors, textures, and aromas that fill the streets. From sizzling skewers to fragrant curries, Thai street food is as diverse as it is delicious. This guide will take you through the must-try dishes, where to find them, and tips on how to navigate Thailand’s bustling street food markets.
Must-Try Thai Street Food Dishes
1. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)
What it is: Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, and peanuts.
Where to find it: Almost everywhere in Thailand, but especially in Bangkok’s streets and markets.
Average cost: 30–50 THB
Overview:
Perhaps Thailand’s most famous dish, Pad Thai is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. It’s stir-fried in a hot wok, and you can customize it with shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Where to try it:
- Thip Samai (Bangkok): Known as one of the best Pad Thai places in Bangkok, this street-side eatery serves up smoky, flavorful Pad Thai.
- Sukhumvit Soi 38 (Bangkok): A popular street food market where many vendors serve excellent Pad Thai.
2. Som Tam (ส้มตำ)
What it is: Spicy green papaya salad with lime, fish sauce, chili, and peanuts.
Where to find it: Northeastern Thailand (Isaan) and Bangkok street stalls.
Average cost: 30–60 THB
Overview:
Som Tam is a quintessential Thai street food dish that packs a punch. It’s a refreshing, tangy, and spicy papaya salad made with green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and chilies, often served with sticky rice or grilled chicken.
Where to try it:
- Or Tor Kor Market (Bangkok): A top spot to try Som Tam in a clean and organized environment.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok): Several food stalls serve this fiery salad fresh.
3. Khao Niew Moo Ping (ข้าวเหนียวหมูปิ้ง)
What it is: Grilled marinated pork skewers served with sticky rice.
Where to find it: Street vendors across Thailand, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Average cost: 10–15 THB per skewer
Overview:
These grilled pork skewers are a quick, flavorful snack often paired with sticky rice. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and coriander root, giving it a sweet and savory flavor.
Where to try it:
- Victory Monument (Bangkok): A busy street food hub where you’ll find numerous vendors selling skewers.
- Chiang Mai Gate Market (Chiang Mai): A great spot for late-night Moo Ping.
4. Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่)
What it is: Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice, served with a spicy dipping sauce and cucumber.
Where to find it: Food courts and street vendors across Thailand.
Average cost: 30–50 THB
Overview:
Khao Man Gai is Thailand’s take on Hainanese chicken rice. The chicken is poached and served over fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a spicy sauce and clear chicken soup.
Where to try it:
- Pratunam Chicken Rice (Bangkok): A famous spot for Khao Man Gai near the Pratunam market area.
- Petchaburi Soi 5 (Bangkok): Known for its array of food vendors, including excellent chicken rice.
5. Guay Teow (ก๋วยเตี๋ยว)
What it is: Thai noodle soup, often served with pork, chicken, or beef.
Where to find it: Street stalls and markets throughout Thailand.
Average cost: 30–50 THB
Overview:
Guay Teow refers to a broad category of noodle soups in Thailand. Choose between different noodles (rice, egg, or glass noodles) and add your preferred meat, tofu, or seafood. The broth is usually flavored with herbs, and it can be mild or spicy.
Where to try it:
- Victory Monument Boat Noodles (Bangkok): A popular area for trying various Guay Teow dishes.
- Chinatown (Bangkok): A food haven where you can find excellent noodle soups.
6. Pad Krapow (ผัดกะเพรา)
What it is: Stir-fried minced meat (usually pork or chicken) with holy basil, garlic, and chilies, served over rice with a fried egg.
Where to find it: Street food stalls and local restaurants nationwide.
Average cost: 40–60 THB
Overview:
A spicy favorite among locals, Pad Krapow is a simple yet flavorful stir-fry of minced meat with holy basil and chilies. It’s often topped with a crispy fried egg.
Where to try it:
- Sukhumvit Soi 38 (Bangkok): A street food haven offering many stalls that serve delicious Pad Krapow.
- Bangrak Market (Bangkok): Known for its authentic local food, including great Pad Krapow.
7. Roti Gluay (โรตีกล้วย)
What it is: Thai banana pancakes, topped with condensed milk or sugar.
Where to find it: Street vendors across Thailand, especially in tourist areas.
Average cost: 20–40 THB
Overview:
This indulgent street food dessert features thin, crispy fried dough stuffed with sliced bananas and drizzled with sweet condensed milk or sugar.
Where to try it:
- Ao Nang Beach (Krabi): Popular for its many Roti carts serving freshly made banana pancakes.
- Khao San Road (Bangkok): A backpacker hub where you’ll find plenty of vendors selling Roti Gluay.
8. Sai Oua (ไส้อั่ว)
What it is: Northern Thai spicy sausage made with pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies.
Where to find it: Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai.
Average cost: 30–50 THB per sausage
Overview:
A staple in northern Thailand, Sai Oua is packed with flavor thanks to its mix of herbs and spices. The sausage is grilled to perfection and served as a snack or with sticky rice.
Where to try it:
- Warorot Market (Chiang Mai): A great place to sample authentic Sai Oua.
- Night Bazaar (Chiang Mai): Many stalls offer freshly grilled Sai Oua with a side of sticky rice.
9. Khanom Bueang (ขนมเบื้อง)
What it is: Thai crispy pancakes filled with coconut cream, shredded coconut, or sweet egg yolk.
Where to find it: Street vendors and markets in Bangkok and beyond.
Average cost: 10–20 THB per piece
Overview:
These thin, crispy crepes are filled with sweet or savory toppings, making them a popular snack or dessert. The sweet versions are often filled with coconut cream and golden threads made from egg yolk, while the savory ones might include minced shrimp.
Where to try it:
- Sampeng Lane (Chinatown, Bangkok): A hotspot for street food, including Khanom Bueang.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok): A must-visit market offering a variety of street food, including these delicious pancakes.
10. Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง)
What it is: Sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango and coconut milk.
Where to find it: Markets and street vendors across Thailand.
Average cost: 40–80 THB
Overview:
A beloved Thai dessert, Mango Sticky Rice combines glutinous rice soaked in sweetened coconut milk with juicy, ripe mango slices. It’s refreshing, light, and the perfect end to a meal.
Where to try it:
- Mae Varee (Bangkok): Famous for serving some of the best mango sticky rice in the city.
- Or Tor Kor Market (Bangkok): A high-end market known for its quality produce and food, including mango sticky rice.
Best Street Food Markets in Thailand
1. Yaowarat (Chinatown), Bangkok
- Overview: Bangkok’s Chinatown is a street food paradise, especially in the evening. From grilled seafood to noodles and desserts, Yaowarat offers an endless variety of flavors.
- Must-Try: Guay Teow, Pad Thai, and Khanom Bueang.
2. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
- Overview: One of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak has it all, including an excellent selection of street food. Wander through the food stalls offering traditional Thai snacks and meals.
- Must-Try: Som Tam, Grilled Skewers, Mango Sticky Rice.
3. Chiang Mai Gate Market, Chiang Mai
- Overview: A nightly market that is famous for its wide variety of street food offerings, Chiang Mai Gate Market is a must-visit for any foodie in northern Thailand.
- Must-Try: Sai Oua, Khao Soi (northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup), and grilled meats.
4. Pratunam Market, Bangkok
- Overview: Located near the famous Pratunam shopping area, this market is known for its affordable and diverse street food options.
- Must-Try: Khao Man Gai, Moo Ping, and Pad Krapow.
5. Phuket Night Market
- Overview: Phuket’s street food scene is vibrant, especially at its night markets, where you’ll find everything from seafood to traditional Thai dishes.
- Must-Try: Tom Yum Goong, seafood skewers, and Roti Gluay.
Tips for Enjoying Thai Street Food
- Stick to Busy Vendors: A busy stall usually means the food is fresh and safe.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Customize: If you don’t like spicy food, ask for “mai phet” (not spicy).
- Try Local Specialties: Each region of Thailand has its specialties, so be sure to explore different flavors as you travel.
- Stay Hydrated: Thai food can be spicy, so keep plenty of water handy.
Conclusion
Thai street food is an essential part of the country’s culture and a highlight for food lovers visiting the country. Whether you’re wandering the bustling streets of Bangkok or exploring the night markets in Chiang Mai, there’s always something new and delicious to try. From savory skewers to sweet mango sticky rice, the world of Thai street food offers endless culinary delights that you won’t want to miss.
Enjoy your journey through Thailand’s vibrant street food scene, and savor every bite.