09 Nov. 2021

Varied and vibrant, Thai cuisine is renowned as one of the world's finest. But there's no need to dine in fancy restaurants to indulge! Street food is a genuine institution in the Land of Smiles—particularly in Bangkok, where it's a way of life—allowing you to savor delicious traditional dishes at incredibly affordable prices from countless street vendors. Discover 8 street food specialties you absolutely must try during your trip to Thailand.

1. Skewers

Grill lovers, don't miss the skewers you'll find on every street corner in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. Most skewers are made of chicken satay threaded on bamboo sticks and grilled over an open flame. They're typically served with a delicious peanut and spice sauce, accompanied by vegetables and rice. You'll also find plenty of pork or even fish skewers.

2. Som Tum, Green Papaya Salad

Known as Som Tum, green papaya salad is an emblematic Thai dish. Originating from the country's north in the Isaan region, this refreshing salad is primarily composed of shredded green papaya, chilies, tomatoes, lime juice, fish sauce, and peanuts. Depending on the region, you'll find variations of Som Tum recipes that incorporate shrimp or fermented crab. Equally beloved by locals and tourists, Thai papaya salad delivers a true fireworks display for your taste buds. Which is hardly surprising given the spices it contains. So if you're sensitive to spicy food, be sure to request "Mai Phet" when ordering, which means "not spicy" in Thai.

3. Gai Tod, Crispy Fried Chicken

While fried chicken is a street food staple worldwide, the Thai version is likely to surprise you with its distinctive flavors. Indeed, Gai Tod involves coating the chicken (wings or drumsticks) in rice flour mixed with spices, chili, and garlic. Once fried, the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender inside. Gai Tod is enjoyed with chili sauce and served with Thai rice. After tasting Gai Tod, chances are you'll find any other fried chicken rather bland by comparison…

4. The Legendary Pad Thai

No introduction needed… Pad Thai is THE emblematic Thai dish. This stir-fried rice noodle dish with tamarind, onions, bean sprouts, fish sauce, lime juice, and peanuts has the advantage of pleasing every palate. You'll find it made with chicken, shrimp, beef, seafood, tofu and/or vegetables for vegetarians… One thing is certain: it's one of the cheapest street food dishes and one of the most flavorful you can try during your trip to Thailand.

5. Kai Jeow, Thai Omelette

An authentic and traditional dish, Kai Jeow is a Thai omelette made with eggs, fish sauce, chilies, and herbs. Usually served with rice and chili sauce, Kai Jeow can also contain vegetables (in which case it's called Kai Jeow pak) or minced pork (then called Kai Jeow moo sub). While this omelette is particularly enjoyed by locals at breakfast time, you can enjoy it at any time of day in the country's numerous street restaurants.

6. Noodle Soups

Among the other street food dishes you absolutely must try, you can discover the must-try noodle soup. Prepared in large pots, noodle soups consist of noodles, broths, and numerous vegetables. You'll find all varieties with meat, fish, or vegetarian versions. Soup enthusiasts can also try tom kha kai, a coconut milk chicken soup, or tom yam kung, a spicy soup with lemongrass, sweet and sour notes, and shrimp.

7. Mango Sticky Rice

For those with a sweet tooth, Mango sticky rice is THE Thai dessert you must try. This sweet treat is enjoyed at the end of a meal or as a snack at any time of day. It's sticky rice cooked in a traditional Thai bamboo steamer basket that's mixed with coconut cream, sugar, and adorned with pieces of yellow mango and sesame seeds. Note that as street food, Mango sticky rice is often wrapped in banana leaves folded into small rectangles.

8. Banana Rotees

We conclude our culinary adventure with banana rotees. These are delicate crêpes that are both crispy and tender, filled with banana slices and condensed milk. You'll also find them in other flavors, with chocolate or other fruits like mango. An absolute delight not to be missed!

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling isn't about ticking countries off a map, but about weaving ties (often invisible but always powerful) with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her creed? To advise travelers ethically, to raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a path, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…