Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is renowned for its bustling streets, lively markets, and, most importantly, its incredible street food. The city's culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, offering a wide variety of dishes that cater to every palate. From savory snacks to sweet treats, Bangkok's street food is a culinary adventure that should not be missed. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the best street food to try in Bangkok, providing you with a comprehensive guide to the must-try dishes and where to find them.
1. Pad Thai
No trip to Bangkok would be complete without trying Pad Thai, the quintessential Thai dish that has won the hearts of food lovers worldwide. This stir-fried noodle dish is made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. It's typically garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro, creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Where to Try Pad Thai:
- Thip Samai: Often hailed as the best Pad Thai in Bangkok, Thip Samai is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience this iconic dish. Located near the Golden Mount, this restaurant has been serving up delicious Pad Thai for decades.
- Pad Thai Narok Taek: This street stall near Khao San Road offers a more rustic experience, with delicious Pad Thai cooked right in front of you.
2. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Som Tum, or papaya salad, is a refreshing and spicy dish that perfectly embodies the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. Made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili, this salad is both healthy and addictive.
Where to Try Som Tum:
- Som Tum Nua: Located in the Siam Square area, Som Tum Nua is famous for its flavorful papaya salad and other Isaan dishes.
- Or Tor Kor Market: This market near Chatuchak is known for its high-quality produce and street food stalls, including some excellent Som Tum vendors.
3. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai soup known for its bold and aromatic flavors. This hot and sour soup is made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili. The broth is a harmonious blend of spicy, sour, and savory notes, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Where to Try Tom Yum Goong:
- Pe Aor: Located in the Ratchathewi area, Pe Aor is famous for its rich and flavorful Tom Yum Goong, which is often considered one of the best in Bangkok.
- P'Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle: This stall in Petchaburi Soi 5 offers a delicious version of the dish with generous portions of shrimp and a robust, flavorful broth.
4. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Moo Ping, or grilled pork skewers, are a popular street food snack that you can find all over Bangkok. The pork is marinated in a mixture of garlic, coriander root, and soy sauce before being grilled to perfection over charcoal. The result is tender, flavorful meat that's perfect for eating on the go.
Where to Try Moo Ping:
- Soi 38 Night Market: This market is a great place to try Moo Ping, with several vendors offering their own delicious versions of the dish.
- Victory Monument: The area around Victory Monument is known for its street food stalls, including some excellent Moo Ping vendors.
5. Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice)
Khao Man Gai is the Thai version of Hainanese chicken rice, a dish that consists of poached chicken served over rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce and a light soup. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for any time of day.
Where to Try Khao Man Gai:
- Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam: This Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant in the Pratunam area is famous for its delicious Khao Man Gai.
- Khao Man Gai Ton Pratunam: Another popular spot in the Pratunam area, this street stall serves up tasty and affordable chicken rice.
6. Guay Teow (Thai Noodles)
Guay Teow refers to Thai noodle soup, which comes in many varieties. Whether it's boat noodles, tom yum noodles, or yen ta fo (pink noodle soup), you're sure to find a version that suits your taste. These noodle soups typically feature a flavorful broth, tender meat, and fresh vegetables, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Where to Try Guay Teow:
- Boat Noodle Alley: Located near Victory Monument, this area is famous for its boat noodles, with several vendors competing to offer the best version of the dish.
- Yen Ta Fo Wat Khaek: This street stall near Wat Khaek Silom is known for its delicious yen ta fo, a noodle soup with a pink broth made from fermented bean curd.
7. Roti Gluay (Banana Pancakes)
Roti Gluay, or banana pancakes, are a popular street food dessert in Bangkok. These crispy, flaky pancakes are filled with slices of ripe banana and often drizzled with condensed milk and chocolate sauce. They're cooked on a hot griddle and served piping hot, making for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Where to Try Roti Gluay:
- Silom Soi 20: This area is known for its street food stalls, including some excellent vendors selling Roti Gluay.
- Sukhumvit Soi 38: Another great spot for street food, Sukhumvit Soi 38 has several stalls offering delicious banana pancakes.
8. Sai Krok Isaan (Isaan Sausage)
Sai Krok Isaan is a traditional Thai sausage from the northeastern region of Isaan. These sausages are made from fermented pork and rice, giving them a unique tangy flavor. They're typically grilled over charcoal and served with fresh cabbage, ginger, and chili.
Where to Try Sai Krok Isaan:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: This massive market is a great place to try a variety of street foods, including Sai Krok Isaan.
- Rod Fai Market: Located in the Ratchada area, Rod Fai Market offers a wide range of street food options, including some excellent Isaan sausage vendors.
9. Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is a beloved Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango slices, and a sweet coconut milk sauce. The combination of the sticky rice's chewy texture and the juicy, sweet mango is simply irresistible.
Where to Try Mango Sticky Rice:
- Mae Varee Fruit Shop: Located in Thonglor, this shop is famous for its high-quality mango sticky rice.
- Mango Tango: This popular dessert shop in Siam Square specializes in mango-based desserts, including a delicious version of mango sticky rice.
10. Kanom Krok (Coconut Rice Pancakes)
Kanom Krok are small, coconut-based pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They're made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, and are cooked in a special cast-iron pan with small indentations. These bite-sized treats are often topped with sweet or savory ingredients like corn, green onions, or taro.
Where to Try Kanom Krok:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: This market is home to several vendors selling Kanom Krok, making it a great place to try these delightful snacks.
- Suan Luang Rama 9 Park: The park's weekend market is another excellent spot to find delicious Kanom Krok.
11. Kuay Teow Lui Suan (Thai Fresh Spring Rolls)
Kuay Teow Lui Suan are Thai fresh spring rolls made with rice noodles, fresh vegetables, herbs, and often some type of protein like shrimp or pork. They're typically served with a tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili.
Where to Try Kuay Teow Lui Suan:
- Sukhumvit Soi 38: This street food haven is a great place to find fresh spring rolls, along with many other delicious dishes.
- Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin: This night market offers a wide range of street food, including tasty fresh spring rolls.
12. Hoy Tod (Oyster Omelette)
Hoy Tod is a crispy oyster omelette that is a popular street food dish in Bangkok. Made with eggs, flour, and fresh oysters, this dish is cooked on a hot griddle until it reaches a perfect crispy texture. It's often served with a tangy chili sauce and garnished with fresh herbs.
Where to Try Hoy Tod:
- Nai Mong Hoy Tod: Located in Chinatown, this restaurant is famous for its delicious oyster omelettes.
- Bang Rak Market: This market near the Chao Phraya River offers a variety of street food, including some excellent Hoy Tod vendors.
13. Khao Niew Moo Ping (Sticky Rice with Grilled Pork)
Khao Niew Moo Ping is a simple yet satisfying street food dish that consists of sticky rice served with grilled pork skewers. The pork is marinated in a mixture of garlic, coriander root, and soy sauce before being grilled to perfection, while the sticky rice provides a chewy and filling accompaniment.
Where to Try Khao Niew Moo Ping:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: This market is a great place to try a variety of street foods, including Khao Niew Moo Ping.
- Victory Monument: The area around Victory Monument is known for its street food stalls, including some excellent vendors offering sticky rice with grilled pork.
14. Pla Pao (Grilled Fish)
Pla Pao is a popular Thai street food dish that features whole fish stuffed with lemongrass and coated in a layer of salt before being grilled over charcoal. The result is a flavorful and succulent fish with a crispy skin. It's typically served with a spicy seafood dipping sauce and fresh vegetables.
Where to Try Pla Pao:
- Rod Fai Market: Located in the Ratchada area, this market offers a wide range of street food options, including delicious grilled fish.
- Khlong Toei Market: This bustling market is another excellent spot to find fresh and flavorful Pla Pao.
15. Kluay Tod (Fried Bananas)
Kluay Tod are deep-fried bananas that are a popular street food dessert in Bangkok. The bananas are coated in a batter made from rice flour, coconut, and sesame seeds before being fried to a golden brown. The result is a crispy, sweet, and satisfying treat that's perfect for snacking on the go.
Where to Try Kluay Tod:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: This market is home to several vendors selling Kluay Tod, making it a great place to try these delicious snacks.
- Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin: This night market offers a wide range of street food, including some excellent fried banana vendors.
Conclusion
Bangkok's street food scene is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse array of dishes that cater to every taste. From the iconic Pad Thai and spicy Som Tum to the sweet and satisfying mango sticky rice, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, exploring Bangkok's street food is an essential part of experiencing the city's vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage. So, grab your appetite and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure through the bustling streets of Bangkok.