Joanna James
Street food and sit-down meals can be hard to distinguish in Thailand. You'll find a wide variety of simple stalls in which you can grab a snack to go, as well as simple plastic tables and chairs set up for dining. When it comes to Thai cuisine, risk-takers are rewarded for their bravery. Find these mouth-watering dishes at night markets and street vendors in the country.
Pad See Eiw is Thai food's equivalent of spaghetti and meatballs: warming, comforting, and filling. Chinese broccoli or cabbage can be substituted for Chinese broccoli in this dish that is made of wide rice noodles and stir-fried in dark soy sauce. While it may not be as spicy as some of the other Thai dishes, it's a great alternative for those who are unable to eat spicy Thai food. Dried chili flakes, vinegar, or a combination of the two can be added by adventurous diners.
Kluay tod, or deep fried mini-bananas, are a sweet and savoury snack or dessert. If you want to deep fry the bananas, you'll need to use less ripe ones. Desiccated coconut as well as sesame seeds are commonly used as a batter to coat the bananas. Crisp and golden brown on the surface contrasts with a soft centre that's filled with rich, nutty flavour. Freshly fried, or even room temperature, they're delicious.
If you're looking for an easy way to eat pork or chicken, Pad Kra Pao is the dish for you. It's not for the faint of heart: When combined with chilies, Thai basil has an intensely peppery flavour. In order to lessen the intensity, simply request that the vendor make it pet nit noi (only a little spicy). Additionally, chicken and an egg may be included in the recipe.
One of Thailand's most popular dishes, som tam is served in a variety of ways. Green papaya, tomato, carrot, and peanuts are the main ingredients, along with a sprinkling of chilies and a tangy fish sauce. With a mortar and pestle, the flavours meld together perfectly to create this dish. Based on your tolerance for heat, you may want to ask for this dish mai pet instead (not spicy).
Pork leg is stewed and served over rice in a dish called khao kha moo. When properly prepared, pork is juicy and tender when simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and seasonings for a long period of time. The street stalls that sell it are usually easy to locate because you can look out for huge pots of stewing pigs' legs. You can ask for mai ow nang if you prefer fewer fatty meats (no skin). Chinese broccoli and a hard-boiled egg are often served on the side.
There are also some of the best restaurants in Bangkok to try out but be sure to check out the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel for some delicious treats as well.
Served over rice, kai jeow, or Thai omelette, is one of the most affordable dishes at most food stalls. The outside of a Thai omelette is golden and crispy, as opposed to the usual fluffy interior of an omelette made in the West. Fish sauce and chilies are commonly used in the preparation of this dish, which is then drizzled with chili sauce before serving. It can be eaten at any time of the day, but many Westerners prefer to eat it first thing in the morning.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
