Joanna James
So you're planning to head out to Bangkok? Well then, make no mistake to check out its diverse street food culture that takes on varying proportions. Given are 5 places worth every penny.
Mapping your street food journeys within Bangkok's bustle calls for plenty of patience and concentration so that you end up being served nothing short of its finest fare. To get the ball rolling, why not reserve some time for a tour through Chinatown? Also termed 'Yaowarat,' Bangkok's Chinatown is found overflowing with countless ad hoc street food stalls selling an array of aromatic flavours that will provide plenty of reason to remain here for hours on end. Your 'run of the mill' type dumplings are an easy grab in these parts but do not leave without having sampled the area's well-known dish – the oyster omelette which is a sizzling and crunchy treat.
Catering to the hunger pangs of those found working in the city's central business district, Silom Road is next on the list of 'must try' places to have a truly unforgettable street food adventure when in Thailand. Primarily, the regions of Soi 20 and Soi Convent are where one must venture to take in the delightful aromas of fried favourites and meaty dishes packed with goodness and zest, never replicated elsewhere in Bangkok. Lunchtime would be the best time to head out for a good dose or two of affordable and flavoursome cuisine.
Nestled within a hop, step and jump of the iconic Grand Palace, Banglamphu encompasses the backpacking areas of Soi Rambuttri and Khao San Road and is packed to the rafters with street food eating joints. For starters, make your way towards the far end of Khao San Road where you will be welcomed by scenes of local chefs applying their trade in a manner that will keep you glued from start to finish. Move from fish cakes and noodle soup to seafood creations and spicy curries smeared in pungent condiments that will certainly pack a punch in more ways than one.
Though small in terms of the area, Soi Rambuttri leaves no stone unturned in offering up some age-old, local street food varieties that continue to be well received and indulged in. Importantly, for the foodie yearning for time well away from the busyness of Bangkok, Soi Rambuttri's pleasing setting and environs will surely coax you into spending as much time here as possible. Further, the stalls located on the street here can be made into an ideal base where you can exchange pleasantries and make good conversation while attacking banana pancakes topped off with chocolate at 2 am!
Lined on both sides with a dazzling display of street food outlets is the ever-popular Soi 38 Sukhumvit. Located near Maitria Hotels & Residences which is arguably, the best place to stay in Bangkok, Soi 38 Sukhumvit pulls out all the stops for one riveting street fare experience you are hard to forget. Take your pick from the soury speciality of Tom Yum Goong, Khao Moo Daeng (red pork with rice) and Khao Man Gai (chicken rice) which feature amongst the long list of dishes that can be had in Soi 38 Sukhumvit; a region that will satisfy your every craving.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
