Listly by Joanna James
Tipped to be one of Asia's dream destinations for foodies, Bangkok offers culinary adventurers a wealth of new experiences. From tasty street snacks to local staples, here are ten dishes every traveller must dig into during a tour of the Thai capital.
As a street food item that's often compared to Singapore's Roti Prata, this sweet and delicious meal is available on nearly every Bangkok street corner. Fresh bananas and chocolate sauce are tossed together onto a hot pan with crispy dough. And condensed milk is often drizzled onto the pancake before it is served.
Also called Kanom Jeeb, this dish is comparable to Siew Mai. This wholesome snack not only includes shrimp meat and mushrooms but also water chestnuts. Served with garlic soy sauce, Thai steamed dumplings are considered both a starter and a meal in and of itself.
Known across Bangkok as Tod Mun Pla, these crispy and crunchy fish cakes are akin to deep-fried fish cakes that are fried after being dipped in a batter. Perfect for those who are in search of pub food in Thailand, these mouth-watering delights are best consumed fresh off the fryer and dipped in chilli sauce.
When it comes to salty fish dishes in Thailand, none can surpass salt-grilled fish, made the traditional way. Although tourists may be baffled at how much salt is used in the process of making the dish, the aroma of fish grilling over charcoal is likely to convert even the pickiest eaters.
Kanom Krok or Thai Traditional Sweet Rice Cakes are made using a griddle that's dedicated to preparing this dish. Considered Thailand's own variation on a lava cake, the melting centre and the crispy and elastic exterior of this rice cake are what make it a special dining experience. Prepared for local celebrations and on other occasions, these cakes are a fantastic breakfast meal.
Khanom Bueang, as it is popularly known, is another fusion dish that's available via street food vendors in Bangkok. Blending a crepe with meringue and dried coconut topping, Khanom Bueang is also made using a griddle.
As a well-loved dessert that's featured on Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok buffets and menus of most Sathorn restaurants, coconut ice cream is a must-try delicacy in the city. There's no better way to beat the heat while sightseeing in Bangkok than with a scoop of this local ice cream topped with mung beans, corn, or sticky rice.
Seafood fanatics will find that no meal in Bangkok would be complete without ordering this crispy omelette.
Called Khao Niao Mamuang in the local tongue, this signature local dessert is made using coconut cream-infused rice and fresh mangoes.
Also known as Tub Tim Krob, this sweet dessert features water chestnuts, tapioca, and sweet potatoes that are served on a bed of shaved ice and coconut milk.