Anastasia Smith
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a food lover's paradise, boasting a diverse array of street food offerings that tantalize the taste buds and delight the senses. From savoury noodles to sweet treats, the city's bustling street food scene offers a culinary adventure like no other. Here are seven exotic street foods you simply must try when visiting this foodie haven.
Pad Thai is perhaps one of the most iconic and beloved Thai dishes, and no trip to Bangkok would be complete without sampling this flavorful noodle dish. Made with stir-fried rice noodles, tender pieces of chicken or shrimp, crunchy bean sprouts, and scrambled eggs, Pad Thai is bursting with savoury-sweet flavours. Topped with crushed peanuts, fresh lime, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes, this quintessential street food dish embodies the essence of Thai cuisine.
Indulge your sweet tooth with a serving of fried banana pancakes, a popular street food snack found throughout Bangkok's bustling markets and street stalls. Made with ripe bananas wrapped in a thin pancake batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy, these delightful treats are served piping hot and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk or chocolate sauce. The combination of crispy exterior and soft, sweet bananas makes fried banana pancakes a must-try dessert option.
Step aboard Bangkok's bustling floating markets and sample a bowl of Thai boat noodles, a beloved street food dish known for its rich and aromatic broth and tender noodles. Traditionally served from small boats along Bangkok's canals, Thai boat noodles feature a hearty broth flavoured with aromatic spices, tender slices of meat (such as pork or beef), and an assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables. Enjoyed with a side of crispy pork rinds or bean sprouts, Thai boat noodles are a comforting and satisfying street food option.
Thai steamed dumplings, also known as "kanom jeeb," are bite-sized parcels of flavour that pack a punch. These delicate dumplings are filled with a savoury mixture of minced pork, shrimp, and aromatic herbs, and then steamed to perfection. Served with a side of tangy dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chilli flakes, Thai steamed dumplings are the perfect street food snack for those craving a burst of flavour in every bite.
Cool off from the Bangkok heat with a refreshing serving of Som Tam, a spicy Thai green papaya salad that is both flavorful and invigorating. Made with shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and chilli peppers, Som Tam is tossed in a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours makes Som Tam a refreshing and satisfying street food option, perfect for beating the heat.
Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of Thai cuisine with a steaming bowl of Thai green chicken curry, a fragrant and creamy dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. Made with tender pieces of chicken simmered in a coconut milk-based curry sauce infused with green curry paste, Thai eggplants, bamboo shoots, and fragrant Thai basil, this aromatic dish bursts with flavour. Served with fluffy white rice or crispy roti, Thai green chicken curry is a comforting and satisfying street food option that is perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
Indulge your sweet tooth with a serving of mango sticky rice, a beloved Thai dessert that is both delicious and refreshing. Made with ripe mangoes, coconut-scented sticky rice, and a drizzle of sweetened coconut milk, this delectable dessert is the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note. The combination of creamy coconut, fragrant mangoes, and sticky rice creates a blend of essences and textures that is sure to leave you craving more. Apart from trying out the local cuisine, Bangkok also offers visitors a journey to other nations via flavours, for example, you can experience a taste of Korea at a Korean restaurant in Bangkok the likes of Kongju by Pathumwan Princess Hotel.
