It is hard to differentiate often between the street food and sit-down meals in Thailand. You can grab a snack or a quick bite in one of the several stalls lined up on the street, while the diners setup simple furniture for their guests. The culinary culture in Bangkok is communal, lively, and is a rewarding and delightful experience for people who are willing to risk it all for trying new dishes. After indulging in the best street food, head to one of the stunning rooftop bars in Bangkok to enjoy a refreshing cocktail with breathtaking city views.
Street food in Bangkok is not only cheap, but it offers an amazing variety which makes it one of the best places to eat in Bangkok. Below mentioned are some of the fantastic Bangkok food that will act as a Bangkok food guide.
Most Popular Street Food in Bangkok That You Must TRY
Tom Yum Goong
A spicy Thai soup with or without shrimp is considered to be one of the ultimate Thailand food dishes. Your answer to what to eat in Bangkok. The main ingredients include mushrooms, shrimp, tomatoes, galangal, chilies, lemongrass, onions, kaffir lime leaves, and several other lively ingredients and herbs are cooked together to get this delicious dish. Guests are generally served two main versions of this dish – the clear version and the creamy version.
Kaeng Som
A reddish, sweet and sour soup that includes shrimp, an abundance of garlic, and fresh turmeric root. In southern Thailand, the soup is served with chilies and seasoned with turmeric for a local taste. You will find different variants as you go to different parts of Thailand. We assure you that your taste buds are in for a spicy treat with every slurp. If you have 3 days in Bangkok, make sure to visit iconic street food hubs like Chinatown and Chatuchak Market to savor the authentic Thai flavors.
Gaeng Hanglay
A Thai Hanglay Curry which originates from northern Thailand. This chili paste base includes chili, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste. The pork is continuously mixed with curry paste till it becomes tender and bursts with flavor. It is often served with roasted peanuts and pickled garlic for a local flavor.
Massaman Gai
A chicken peanut curry which is a popular Thai-Muslim dish with strong influences from Persia. The Arab flavors are simmered with coconut milk and this gives rise to an international acclaimed dish. Chunks of chicken and potatoes make up for a major portion of the curry and the liquid carries a nutty flavor.
Hor Mok Ma Prow Awn
A perfect assortment of seafood simmered in coconut cream and several pieces of coconut flesh before being poured into a young coconut that is served. One of the scrumptious Thai dishes which carries a sweetish taste because of the coconut. One of the most popular dishes in Thailand which you should never give a miss.
Tom Jap Chae
A Chinese originated boiled vegetable soup which is slowly boiled with cabbage and mustard greens for hours until the vegetables completely join the soup texture that gives it a great flavor. One of the common Thai dishes you will find across many street vendors in Bangkok city which use either chicken or pork in the broth giving it a meaty flavor.
Kaeng Tai Pla
A Fish Kidney curry which has origins in Southern Thailand. This stew consists of grilled fish and fish kidneys to give rise to this delicious salty fiery blend. Bamboo shoots, long beans, and carrots were added to give a hearty flavor to the stew. This dish needs an acquired taste, or else many people don’t like it.
Khanom Jeen Nam Ya Kati
This delicious coconut milk curry is served with or without fermented rice noodles which are comparable to soft spaghetti noodles. The coconut curry is prepared with fish served over soft rice noodles and seasoned with fresh raw veggies. A delicious dish which you should definitely try out.
Gai Pad Pongali
A Thai yellow egg curry which is rich and comforting. The yellow curry powder is used in abundance and is cooked with any meat of choice. The egg is added to devise a thick egg curry that simply tastes yummy. Add a round of chopped chilies, onions and celery and the dish is ready to be served. Other popular variants of this dish include the Boo Pad Pongali or the Crab Pongali curry.
Soup Neua
Consumed by many Muslims who consume beef other than pork like the majority of the southern Thai population. The chief ingredients include boiled tender beef mixed with abundant lime juice, chilies, and garnished with onions. One of the best dishes you can probably taste in Thailand.
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai
A green chicken curry which is one of the best known Thai dishes all through the world. Prepared with a rich coconut milk base mixed with chunks of chicken, round Thai eggplant, and chilies for ultimate taste. Eat it with freshly steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Tom Kha Gai
A popular Chicken Galangal soup which is generally consumed more like a curry than a soup. The chief for a rich flavor, sprigs of cilantro for freshness, and galangal for a lively earthy spice. Many vendors serve it with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to add to the sour taste.
Panang Curry
A reddish-brown dish which is sweetened with coconut milk and carries a nutty flavor. The curry just carries sufficient sauce to supplement a rice bowl. The dish is garnished with a round of freshly sliced kaffir lime leaves which gives it a delicious aroma and zesty touch.
Tom Saap
Popularly named Isaan soup by the locals, this is a perfect combination of boiled pork or fish with measured quantities of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Other optional ingredients include mushrooms, spring onions, and Thai red chili peppers.
Pad Sataw
This dish is surely going to make you drool. The Pad Sataw is fondly referred to as stink bean or bitter bean. The tiny beans carry a rich flavor which will be so pleasing to your taste buds. Prepared with either pork or shrimp, you simply can’t miss out on this dish no matter what the shape, size, style or form it is served.
Conclusion
There are many other popular Thai street food dishes which couldn’t make it to the list. But you got to get on to the street to explore the endless variety available at your disposal. Get in touch with our travel experts to know more.
Exploring the vibrant street markets and tasting local delicacies should be at the top of your list of things to do in Bangkok for an unforgettable culinary experience. Get in touch with our travel experts to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where in Bangkok can I find the best street food?
Chinatown (Yaowarat Road), Khao San Road, Chatuchak Market, Or Tor Kor Market, and Ratchada Train Night Market are a few of the best places to visit. Each provides a distinct blend of tastes and encounters.
Q2. Is it safe to eat street food in Bangkok?
Choose freshly prepared food, stay away from crowded booths with plenty of customers, and keep an eye out for hygienic standards. If you are concerned about cleanliness, stay away from raw or undercooked seafood.
Q3. Which beverages pair well with street cuisine from Thailand?
To counterbalance the spicy flavors, try sugarcane juice, Thai iced tea, fresh coconut water, or regional fruit smoothies. For alcoholics, a cold Chang or Singha beer goes well with a variety of foods.
Q4. How much does street food in Bangkok typically cost?
The majority of street food items range in price from 30 to 100 THB, making it an affordable way to experience authentic Thai cuisine.
Q5. Is it possible to find vegan and vegetarian street food in Bangkok?
Of course! You can look out for foods such as plant-based curries, Khao Pad Jay (vegetarian fried rice), Pad Pak Ruam (stir-fried veggies), and Som Tam sans fish sauce. A lot of sellers can customize dishes if you ask them to.