Joanna James
The food scene in Bangkok is one of the most varied and lively in the world, the number of food stalls and restaurants can seem overwhelming to most foodies. Here are some dishes you should try if you ever find yourself in the capital of the Land of Smiles!
It goes without saying that when in Bangkok, you have to have the original pad Thai, topped with coriander leaves, red pepper, shrimps, eggs, tofu, peanuts, and of course, the fresh rice noodles, bathed in that tangy, spicy, sweet sauce. The favourite comfort food of many, you can try it at multiple places. Some of the best include Pad Thai Thip Samai found in the section of the old city. There is also Ban Pad Thai and Pad Thai Mae Am.
Roti Gluay is a popular sweet treat in Bangkok and a common site everywhere in the food and roti carts of Bangkok. Its preparation is quite the treat to watch, as it is to eat it! You will come across many vendors expertly and swiftly stretching the dough that becomes roti gluay. While banana is the most popular, you have the option of adding other toppings like coconut, condensed milk, chocolate sauce, honey, and even Nutella. Try it at Soi Rangnam or Sukhumvit Soi 38.
Thai steamed dumplings are a delicious on-the-go snack in Thailand and a street food item in Bangkok you must have. The dumplings are usually stuffed with crab meat, water chestnuts, pork or shrimp. These can be found at street food vendors all over the city and many riverside restaurants in Bangkok as well.
Curry was initially introduced to Thailand by Indian expatriates many years ago. But since then, curry has become a staple in Thai cuisine with many infusions and additions, making Thai curry a delicacy of its own. The curry paste is made from Thai basil leaves, green chillies, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. All these ingredients impart the curry with a green colour and fragrant aroma, while the coconut milk adds sweetness and creaminess. There are many variations to it – chicken is popular, and so are prawns and vegetables mixed with tofu. Pair the curry with a bowl of freshly cooked rice, and you have a top-notch meal right there. The likes of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort are among the many options if looking for places to stay while in Bangkok.
The Thai version of fried rice is made from local Thai jasmine rice rather than the usual long-grain variety found in China. Rice gets tossed together in a hot work with ingredients like chicken, shrimp, crab, eggs, garlic, onions and tomatoes. The rice is flavoured with a variety of seasonings like soya sauce, chilli sauce, fish sauce and brown sugar. This tantalising street food staple combines spiciness, sourness and sweetness for a mouthful of rice like no other.
Goong Ob Woonsen is a dish that includes prawns richly marinated in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and other seasonings, served alongside fresh glass noodles. Try this delicious pairing at Somsak Pu Ob, a restaurant famous for their Goong Ob Woonsen!
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