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1. Pad Thai: National Street Food, Must Try in Thailand
Stir-fried rice noodles with protein & tamarind sauce - National treasure, customizable with vegan options!
This iconic Thai dish, as the name Pad Thai suggests, is perfect for an authentic street food experience. Pad Thai is a stir-fried rice noodle extravaganza. Soaked rice noodles are stir-fried with protein (chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu), scrambled egg, bean sprouts, scallions, and a signature tamarind sauce for a sweet, savory, and tangy explosion of flavor. As a Thai national treasure food, Pad Thai is a customizable crowd-pleaser.
Sure, you might have tried it somewhere else before. But this dish is at its best and most authentic when served steaming hot, with a smile, on the streets of Thailand, the very origin of this Thai street food!
2. Tom Yum Goong: Tropical Seafood Aroma Blast!
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup), Tropical Seafood Aroma Blast!
This fragrant and intensely flavored soup is a Thai staple. Believed to have originated in central Thailand, Tom Yum Goong features lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies in a clear broth with shrimp, mushrooms, straw mushrooms, and tomatoes. The result is a complex and aromatic soup with a spicy kick and a refreshing sourness.
Yes, it's a bit spicy, especially if you are accustomed to a more western diet. But it's spicy in a most refreshing way. So do try this in Bangkok for your Thai street food experience!
3. Som Tam: Salad like Cool Thai Ocean Breeze
Som Tam (Spicy green papaya salad) - Refreshing & fiery, with adjustable spice level.
A staple in Thai street food culture, Som Tam is a salad that awakens the senses. Shredded green papaya is pounded with garlic, chilies, fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice, creating a delightful mix of sweet, salty, sour, and fiery flavors. Peanuts, tomatoes, green beans, and dried shrimp add textural contrast and savory depth, making Som Tam a truly vibrant and refreshing street food experience.
Salad as a street food in Bangkok is something else. You can actually see the making process, everything fresh mixing together right in front of you.
4. Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet Ending to Bangkok Street Food Symphony
Khao Niew Mamuang (Sweet sticky rice with ripe mango & coconut sauce) - The quintessential sweet ending, refreshing & satisfying.
As a perfect conclusion to any meal, especially a rich and mixed flavor Street Thai Food tour, this renowned Thai dessert offers a delightful experience. The process involves steaming glutinous rice with coconut milk and pandan leaf, resulting in a sweet, sticky, and fragrant foundation. To enhance the experience, the dish is complemented by slices of perfectly ripe mango and topped with a creamy coconut sauce, creating an exquisite interplay of textures and a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Just like no night is complete without a Thai massage, no street food tour is complete without Mango Sticky Rice.
5. Thai Green Curry: Iconic Street Food of Southeast Asia
Gaeng Keow Wan, A vibrant green curry made with coconut milk.
With its aromatic and vibrant nature, Thai Green Curry stands as a beloved option among street food enthusiasts. The curry paste, a fusion of green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and shrimp paste, creates an alluring fragrance. This paste is then simmered with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, eggplant, and a protein of your choice (chicken, pork, or seafood), resulting in a rich and creamy curry bursting with flavors. The green curry's complexity lies in the delicate balance between the sweetness of the coconut milk and the aromatic green chilies.
Green curry is indeed a great starting point for first-time visitors to Thailand. Its creaminess and balanced flavors make it a more accessible option on your Bangkok Street Food Cruise. Just like finding the entry point of Thai Street Food in this guide, How Plan a Trip to Thailand for First-timers.
6. Khao Man Gai: Chicken with Rice, Mild but Flavorful
Khao Man Gai (Hainanese chicken with fragrant rice) - Poached chicken & flavorful rice, a perfect duo.
Khao Man Gai, a beloved street food classic, features tender and flavorful chicken served on a bed of fragrant rice. Heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine, the chicken is poached in a flavorful broth infused with ginger and pandan leaves, resulting in moist and flavorful meat. The rice is cooked in the same broth, absorbing the aromatic flavors for a comforting and fragrant base. Accompanied by a sweet chili sauce and cucumber slices, Khao Man Gai offers a simple yet satisfying street food experience.
Many Western street foodies in Thailand simply can't get enough of Thai street food, to the point where it becomes overwhelming but they just can't stop. Therefore, we at Asia Odyssey Travel strongly recommend this street food as a mildly rejuvenating break amidst all the strong kicks & rich flavors during your travel in Thailand.
7. Khao Pad: The Best Fried Rice is Always Cooked on the Street
Street Food King - Rice with Everything Stirred on the Street
Khao Pad is a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Cooked rice is stir-fried with egg, vegetables (often onions, peas, carrots), and your choice of protein (chicken, pork, shrimp, or even crab). Seasonings like soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce add savory depth. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Why? I mean Why? Why all the Fried Rice and Fried Noodles taste way much better when you get it from the street vendor? Don't ask why. Let's just try the perfect Fried Rice in Bangkok.
8. Gai/Moo Ping: Skewers on the Go in Bangkok
Gai/Moo Ping (Grilled Shrimp/pork skewers) - Savory marinated pork, perfect with sticky rice. Street food on the go!
A ubiquitous sight on street carts, Gai Ping (grilled chicken skewers) and Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers) are widely enjoyed as popular street snacks. These skewers are marinated in a delightful combination of sweet and savory soy sauce, palm sugar, and garlic, which infuses them with a rich and delicious flavor. Grilled to perfection, they offer juicy and flavorful bites, making them an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying snack.
Foodies, you don't want to miss out on this! Amidst the bustling streets of Bangkok, these Thai skewers, served with a dipping sauce, can be the perfect cherry on top of your street food tour.
9. Boat Noodles: Find Your Boat Food in Bangkok
Boat Noodles - (Small bowls of rice noodles in flavorful broth) - Customizable & flavorful, a Bangkok classic. Have it on the Street in Bangkok or literally on a boat at a floating market.
Originated from Floating Market in Thailand, the Boat Noodles is indeed a street food cruise, which are small bowls filled with flavorful broth, rice noodles, and a variety of toppings. Street vendors often specialize in specific types of broth, such as spicy and sour Tom Yum, savory clear broth, or aromatic curry. To curate a personalized and customizable noodle experience, diners can order multiple bowls of their preferred combinations.
Boat noodles is widely recognized dish. It's boat noodles, try it at floating market in Bangkok. Street food on a Thai river makes a perfect day!
10. Miang Kham: A Mouthful Food in Bangkok with Every Flavor Possible
Miang Kham (Betel leaf parcels with various fillings) - Bite-sized bursts of flavor, sweet, salty, spicy & sour.
Street food enthusiasts in Bangkok must not miss the best of the best: Miang Kham. These delightful, visually appealing street food parcels are wrapped in betel leaves. Unwrap them, and you'll discover an exciting blend of textures and flavors: shredded roasted peanuts, dried shrimp, ginger, shallot, and a zesty lime wedge. Some versions even include coconut flakes, chilies, or lemongrass. With every bite, you experience a unique explosion of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes.
Why is this Miang Kham Street Food the best? Because it is just so unique and you can't find anything like it anywhere else in the world! The flavor is so pleasantly surprising. So do try Miang Kham in Thailand!
Best Street Food Areas to try in Bangkok: Where is The Best Street Food
Yaowarat (Chinatown): For the Classic & Adventurous:
Dive into the vibrant heart of Chinatown in Bangkok, explore narrow streets overflowing with vendors. Here, you'll find classic Thai dishes alongside Chinese-influenced specialties like dumplings and noodles. Be sure to try savory favorites like Pad Thai and noodle soups.
- Must-Try Food: Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), Khao Man Gai (Hainanese chicken with rice), Guay Tiew Rua (boat noodles), Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers)
- Go Wild Street Food: Sai Mai (silkworm pupae), Gaeng Mangon (curried mango with sticky rice), Kai Tod (deep-fried quail eggs)
Victory Monument: Tasty Quick Bite while Exploring Bangkok's Bustling Street
This bustling transportation hub is a haven for street food stalls. Sample the iconic boat noodles (Guay Tiew Rua) served in small bowls with flavorful broths, or grab a skewer of Moo Ping (grilled pork) for a satisfying bite. It's a great spot to grab a quick and delicious meal between exploring Bangkok's sights.
- Must-Try Thai Food: Guay Tiew Rua (boat noodles) in various broths (Tom Yum, clear, curry), Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers), Gai Yang (grilled chicken), Khao Pad (fried rice)
- Street Food, Mouth Food: Miang Kam (betel leaf parcels with various fillings)
Ratchawat Market & Sriyan Market (Near Wat Pho): Locals' Choice for Street Food
Escape the tourist crowds and experience a more authentic Thai market scene. These traditional markets offer a maze of stalls brimming with hidden gems. Discover fresh seafood options, regional specialties, and local favorites you won't find everywhere.
- Must-Try: Fresh seafood options (grilled fish, squid, mussels), Khanom Buang (crispy crepes with sweet or savory fillings), Yum Pla (spicy seafood salad), Khao Tom (rice porridge with various toppings)
- Local Specialty: Bami Guay Jab (yellow egg noodles with pork and wontons)
Wang Lang Market (Near Siriraj Hospital): Authentic & Diverse Street Food Options
Known for its variety, this market caters to all palates. Explore a vast selection of street food options, from savory curries and noodle dishes like Khao Soi (northern Thai noodles) to sweet desserts and refreshing drinks.
Note: You might have noticed that the areas to try street food in Bangkok do not include the famous Khao San Road. Although it is a tourist hub with many street food options, it caters more to tourists and offers a smaller variety of Thai specialties compared to the local market havens. Join our tour to get a more authentic street food experience.
How to Plan Your Thailand Trip to Thailand
Explore the best attractions in Thailand with this itinerary that focuses on key destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Customize your exploration based on your interests and pace. Remember, the suggested days are flexible, allowing you to adjust according to your preferences.
Bangkok (2-5 days):- Bangkok (1-3 days): Immerse yourself in the vibrant capital of Thailand. Discover the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, wander through bustling markets like Chatuchak, and indulge in delicious street food.
- Optional (1-3 days): Consider a day trip to Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand's former capital, or explore the Death Railway and Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi.
- Pattaya (1-3 days): Experience the lively atmosphere of Pattaya Beach with its water sports and vibrant nightlife. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the stunning wooden architectural marvel, the Sanctuary of Truth.
- Optional (2 days): Take a day trip to Khao Kheow Open Zoo for an enjoyable animal encounter or explore nearby islands like Koh Larn for a more relaxed beach experience.
- Phuket( 2-4 days): Spend 2-3 days relaxing on Phuket's stunning beaches such as Patong or Karon. Explore the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old Phuket Town or venture out to hidden coves by longtail boat.
- Optional Island Hopping(2-4 days): island hopping adventure to the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands. Marvel at Maya Bay and the surrounding beaches, and enjoy snorkeling or diving amidst vibrant coral reefs.
- Chiang Mai (2-3 days): Discover Chiang Mai's ancient city walls and charming temples such as Wat Phra Doi Suthep. Immerse yourself in the bustling Night Bazaar and learn about traditional handicrafts.
- Optional (2 days): Consider a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest peak, or visit an ethical elephant sanctuary for a meaningful experience.
- Chiang Rai (1-2 days): If you have extra time, visit Chiang Rai to see the unique White Temple and Black House museum.
- Kanchanaburi (1-2 days): Delve deeper into World War II history with visits to the Death Railway Museum and Allied War Cemetery.
- National Parks (variable): Choose from Khao Sok National Park for lush rainforests and wildlife, Khao Yai National Park for diverse ecosystems and hiking trails, or Erawan National Park for cascading waterfalls and natural pools.
- Bhutan (3-6 days): Combining a trip to Thailand with Bhutan in your itinerary creates a well-balanced experience, offering the vibrant culture of Thailand alongside the serene beauty and deep spiritual traditions of Bhutan, often referred to as the Last Shangri-la.
Check out all-rounded Thailand itinerary 7 Days Itinerary in Thailand>>, 10 Days Itinerary in Thailand>>.
Looking for a family bonding holiday with kid-friendly activities? Here's your itinerary with places to visit for family. 2 Weeks Itinerary in Thailand>>.
Preparing your visit to Thailand? Check detail Thailand Travel Guide on How Plan a Trip to Thailand>>.
Preparing your visit to Thailand? Check all-included Thailand Travel Guide>>.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, Discover New Thailand
Thailand, the Land of Smiles never disappoints. Of course when we think of Thailand the postcard worthy beaches instantly come to mind. But, at AOT, we believe it is not just the beaches that make our travelers smile.
Open a new chapter for your street adventure - Steaming Pad Thai, fiery Tom Yum soup, and refreshing Som Tam - all bursting with fresh flavors. Explore iconic dishes like these and many more at bustling street stalls or renowned markets like Chinatown or Wang Lang. Authentic, hearty, charming, the Street food awaits you in Bangkok Thailand. And the most Authentic food is always from the streets.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, Taste the Real Deal Street Food in Bangkok!
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