Fried, steamed, sauteed, grilled, flambeed—walking the streets of Bangkok, you are sure to encounter delicious eats being served up in endless variations. Bangkok, Thailand, is hands-down one of my favorite foodie cities. The flavors are so surprising, and it’s a must-visit if you love spice!
Plus, the best dining is not necessarily happening in Michelin-star restaurants—it is happening at roadside stands and market stalls. The street food scene in Bangkok is out of this world, with stalls piled high with colorful, fragrant, never-seen-before goods. I loved photographing the stalls on my visit (and, of course, tasting what they were preparing!).
I recommend sticking to Chinatown and the outdoor markets for the best taste of what Bangkok’s street food chefs have to offer. Be sure to follow up a fiery nibble of something new-to-you with a swig of refreshing coconut water—you can actually get fresh coconuts at market stands, and the purveyor will lop off the top of the coconut right in front of you!
You cannot go wrong with pretty much any street food selection—as long as your heat tolerance is high—but here are 10 Bangkok street food “classics” to keep an eye out for:
1. Som Tam:
It gets hot in Bangkok, so cool off with this refreshing, crisp, and spicy papaya salad.
2. Pork Satay:
You’ll smell it before you see it—the aroma of juicy, marinated pork skewered up and fired over a grill, often served with peanut sauce. If you are not a pork fan, get a chicken skewer instead.
3. Pad Kra Pao:
One of Thailand’s most iconic dishes, this stir fry is made with minced chicken (or another meat) and Thai holy basil, for a flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Kluay Tod:
Bangkok street food stalls are filled with all things delicious and deep fried—like these deep-fried fritters made of small, unripe bananas, like a Thai twist on fried plantains.
5. Oyster Omelet:
Yes, you can even get a deep-fried omelet in Bangkok, topped with tender Thai oysters—this crispy creation is more like a cross between a pancake and an egg omelet.
6. Mango Sticky Rice:
If you are ready to top off your street food extravaganza with dessert, you cannot go wrong with this classic, made with fresh ripe mangoes and coconut milk.
7. Kanom Buang:
Another dessert or sweet snack option, these thin, crispy, crepe-like pancakes are filled with meringue and, often, an egg yolk—or try the savory version filled with shrimp or chicken.
8. Tod Mun Pla:
Seafood lovers should definitely try these classic Thai fried fishcakes, flavored with red curry and often served with a sweet Thai chili dipping sauce.
9. Tom Yum:
There are lots of delicious soups on offer at Bangkok’s street food stalls, but the most iconic is this hot and sour soup flavored with lemongrass.
10. Kuay Teaw:
This fried noodle dish is the perfect combination of crispy and chewy—order yours with an egg served runny on top.
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