Anastasia Smith
Bangkok's bustling streets are a sensory adventure of sights, sounds, and most importantly, unforgettable flavours. Beyond the comfort of familiar restaurants lies a world of street food stalls, each offering a unique and sometimes exotic culinary adventure. For the adventurous foodie, Bangkok's street food scene is a playground for the palate. Here are 6 exotic dishes guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and challenge your preconceptions:
This seemingly simple dish packs a flavour punch. The staple salad is concocted of green papaya shreds pounded with mortar and pestle alongside a symphony of ingredients including chillies, fish sauce, lime juice, tomatoes, and peanuts. The resulting flavour is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and fiery, with textures ranging from the crunchy papaya to the soft peanuts. Som Tam is a refreshing starter you'll find at most street food stalls, and even at the top restaurants in Bangkok.
Although originally sold by vendors on boats, Thai boat noodles, also known as "Kuay Tiew Rua," can now be found at streetside stalls, and are a unique and flavorful experience. Thin rice noodles are served in a rich, flavourful broth brimming with tender pork, stewed organs, and a sprinkle of herbs. The beauty of Thai boat noodles lies in the customization - vendors often set up a condiment bar overflowing with bean sprouts, lime wedges, chillies, and a sweet brown sugar sauce, allowing you to tailor the flavours to your liking.
For the truly adventurous eater, Bangkok's street food scene offers a taste of the extraordinary – deep-fried insects! Grasshoppers, crickets, and even giant water beetles are skewered, seasoned, and then deep-fried to crispy perfection. The experience is surprisingly delightful; the exoskeletons become crunchy and flavorful, often seasoned with a hint of chilli and lime. Don't be intimidated by the appearance – take a deep breath and embrace the unique protein source!
Thailand's delightful take on crepes features taco-like shells of thin, crispy pancakes that are made from rice flour and coconut milk, and then filled with a variety of sweet or savoury ingredients. Savoury fillings include shredded chicken or minced pork with vegetables, while sweet versions filled with creamy coconut custard or sliced banana and condensed milk are a perfect afternoon snack. Khanom Bueang are often cooked to order right in front of you, ensuring a warm and crispy treat.
A refreshing and quintessentially Thai dessert, Sticky Mango is a must-try. Sweet, ripe mangoes are served with a generous portion of sticky rice, cooked in coconut milk and palm sugar. The warm rice provides a delightful contrast to the coolness of the mango, with the sweetness perfectly balanced by the subtle saltiness of the grain. This simple yet flavorful dessert is a perfect way to cleanse your palate after a spicy street food adventure.
No exploration of Bangkok's street food scene is complete without indulging in a refreshing glass of Thai Tea. This vibrant orange beverage is brewed with strong South Asian black tea, condensed milk, and a touch of orange blossom water. The resulting drink is sweet, creamy, and enveloped in a unique floral aroma. Thai Tea is a ubiquitous presence on Bangkok's streets; you'll find vendors selling it from carts and stalls throughout the city. Alternatively, for a change of scenery, enjoy a glass at any luxury city hotel's high tea buffet, including the Pathumwan Princess Hotel.
