If you’re a food lover, Bangkok is your paradise. The city’s vibrant streets are a gastronomic wonderland, where food stalls offer a delicious array of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. From tangy salads to sweet treats, here’s a guide to some of the best street food you must try in Bangkok.
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1. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Starting our food adventure with a refreshing kick, Som Tum is a spicy green papaya salad that blends crunchy papaya strips with tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp, lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and chili. The flavors are a perfect mix of sour, salty, spicy, and sweet, making it an unforgettable experience for your palate.
2. Khanom Bueang (Thai Crispy Pancakes)
These delightful little treats are thin, crispy pancakes filled with meringue and topped with sweet or savory fillings such as shredded coconut, egg yolks, or chopped scallions. Watching street vendors expertly prepare Khanom Bueang is as enjoyable as eating them!
3. Mango Sticky Rice
No visit to Bangkok is complete without indulging in Mango Sticky Rice. This dessert features ripe, juicy mango slices paired with sticky rice soaked in sweet coconut milk. It’s a heavenly combination that’s both simple and sublime, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
4. Tom Yum Soup
Aromatic, spicy, and sour, Tom Yum Soup is a staple in Thai cuisine. This hot and sour soup typically includes shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers. It’s a burst of flavors in every spoonful and a must-try for any soup enthusiast.
5. Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)
This popular street food dish is Thailand’s answer to Hainanese chicken rice. It features tender boiled chicken served with fragrant jasmine rice, a side of chicken broth, and a special ginger-garlic-chili sauce. Simple yet satisfying, Khao Man Gai is comfort food at its best.
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6. Gai Tod (Fried Chicken)
If you’re craving something crispy and savory, look no further than Gai Tod. Thai-style fried chicken is marinated in a mixture of garlic, coriander, and pepper before being deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and utterly addictive.
7. Khao Pad (Fried Rice with Protein)
Khao Pad is a versatile dish that you can find with various proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or pork. The rice is stir-fried with garlic, onions, eggs, and vegetables, then seasoned with soy sauce and fish sauce. It’s a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for on-the-go eating.
8. Kai Jeow Moo Saap (Minced Pork and Eggs)
This Thai-style omelet is a street food staple, combining beaten eggs with minced pork, fish sauce, and sometimes green onions, then frying it until crispy. Served over rice and often accompanied by a spicy Sriracha sauce, Kai Jeow Moo Saap is a hearty and satisfying option.
9. Kuay Teow (Noodle Soup)
A bowl of Kuay Teow is the ultimate comfort food. This noodle soup comes in many variations, with different types of noodles, broths, and toppings like pork, beef, or fish balls. The broth is typically flavored with garlic, coriander, and pepper, creating a warm and soothing meal.
10. Poh Pia Tod (Spring Rolls)
These crispy spring rolls are filled with a delicious mix of pork, vegetables, and glass noodles, then deep-fried until golden brown. They’re often served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, making them a perfect snack or appetizer.
11. Kaeng Khiao Wan (Green Curry)
Last but not least, Green Curry is a creamy, spicy dish made with green curry paste, coconut milk, and your choice of meat or tofu. It’s packed with flavors from ingredients like Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, and eggplants, and usually served with steamed rice.
Exploring Bangkok’s street food scene is a journey for your senses. Each dish tells a story and offers a taste of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. So, grab your chopsticks, spoon, and an adventurous spirit, and dive into the vibrant world of Bangkok street food. You won’t be disappointed!