Joanna James
While Bangkok is known for its modern malls, don’t forget the Thai capital also features vibrant markets including open-air food markets that are well-suited for some gastronomic adventures! Each market offers a distinctive experience through its diverse dishes, lively atmosphere, and the shared joy of good food which you can be a part of as well. With that in mind, here are five of the city’s top open-air food markets you can add to your itinerary.
Located in the residential area of Ratchaphruek, Food Villa is a popular place for residents to go to, be it for grocery shopping or to enjoy eating out. One section is like a Thai fresh market where you will find all manner of fresh produce. Of course, a key draw here is the area where you will find diverse ready-to-eat dishes on offer catering to the eclectic palate of foodies be they looking for savoury, spicy, or sweet delights. You will also find a large Starbucks at this site, while Food Villa Ratchaphruek’s nightly transformation is worth seeing too.
Providing an authentic Thai market experience, Khlong Toei Market is another key attraction to explore. Billed as the city’s largest fresh market, it features an impressive range of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and aromatic spices that exemplify Thailand's rich culinary heritage; not surprisingly, chefs from around the city visit this site to purchase fresh ingredients to make delectable dishes be it to serve at Sathorn restaurants or eateries in the Riverside area. It’s a great place not only to visit but photograph too and it’s open 24 hours as well.
A relatively new entry to the open-air food markets in Bangkok, Thonburi Market Place lies in the suburbs, within easy reach of city properties like Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok. Amidst this huge space, you will find various zones each offering something new to discover. One zone features stalls offering flowers, fresh veggies and fruits as well as home equipment, while another has everything from seafood and meat to other uncooked ingredients. When hunger strikes, head to the zone where street food and more delicious Thai dishes are served and sold.
The nation’s first land market, the Nang Loeng Market is over 120 years old making it ideal for those looking to visit historical attractions in Bangkok as well. Situated in the district called Pom Prap Sattru Phai, this site is famed for serving authentic street food, beloved local dishes and interestingly, traditional desserts that have made it popular with residents too. While there is a section for fresh produce, the main highlights include the food court, restaurants and well-known snack vendors who will spoil you for choice when it comes to deciding what to eat.
The area where you will find the Bon Marché Market Park was once a golf course though now rather than being a place to tee off, it’s where you can savour eclectic culinary creations! Featuring a self-service canteen, this expansive open-air market has a shopping centre too where you can purchase handicrafts, jewellery, shoes, bags and more. Of course, what truly attracts foodies here is the diverse array of food stalls as well as a large outdoor food court, and air-conditioned restaurants. There’s a seating area overlooking an artificial lake too, which adds to the site’s charm.
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