Joanna James
Scores of vendors line the streets of the bustling city of Bangkok, stalls bursting with delicious street foods, filling the vibrant collage of chaos with tantalising aromas. Grab a snack to go on the streets and let your taste buds wallow in flavour as you soak up the glories of this metropolis.
Thailand's national dish and a delectable treat that requires no introduction around the world, Pad Thai strikes a perfect balance between sweet, sour and salty, treating you to a flavourful taste with every mouthful you take in. The primary ingredient—rice noodles are mixed with tofu, dried shrimp, bean sprouts, and eggs, giving the dish a vibrant texture just as impressive as its blend of flavours. Pad Thai is served at almost any street food stall or restaurant around the corner and will have you reaching over for more, one portion after another.
You wouldn't travel halfway around the world only to satisfy yourself with some takeout Pad Thai which is just a phone call away from your home, now, would you? So how about a fried bug? Yep, you read that right. Put your taste buds to the test and choose from a wide assortment of fried and grilled insects, such as crickets, beetles, worms, and grasshoppers. Choose any nutty, salty, and crunchy titbit that "your heart desires" and partake in the one-of-a-kind experience.
Coming to life in a multitude of different varieties, this flavoursome papaya salad is a street food delight relished in Bangkok as well as throughout the country, although it's deeply rooted in the northeastern part of Thailand. Som tam is a mouthwatering combination of green papaya, roasted peanuts, green beans, and tomatoes, complemented by a tangy sauce. The widely popular dish is served at many street food stalls and Riverside restaurants in Bangkok including the likes offered by Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort as well as at eateries in other parts of the city.
Finish off your traditional Thai dish with a traditional Thai dessert. A mild sweet delight, Khao Niao Mamuang is a combination of sticky glutinous rice, fresh coconut milk, and juicy mangoes. The creamy white rice bed sits on a banana leaf with slices of bright yellow mango stacked alongside, making a treat for both the tongue and the eye. Unlike other street foods, Khao Niao Mamuang might not be that easy to track down but can be found in abundance during the months of April and May, when mangoes are in season.
Finally, a sight that hopefully, every tourist to the city of Bangkok is familiar with, Kai Yang is the Thai version of grilled chicken. However, the locals have added their own twist through the flavourful marinade, giving the world-famous dish a touch of authenticity.
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