Joanna James
Walk along the Thai streets and waft in the aromas that come from the many stalls that line up on the streets. You'd be remiss not to try every stall that your eyes lay upon. To help you, here are 10 street foods that you simply must try during your Thai vacation.
Can your Thai trip even be considered a Thai trip without copious amounts of Pad Thai throughout your trip? This stir-fried noodle dish has a base of rice noodles, that is tossed in tamarind paste, fish sauce, eggs, tofu, and shrimp or chicken. Topped with crushed peanuts, lime, and chilli flakes, it offers all the best flavour profiles. Whether you're staying at a luxury property such as Pathumwan Princess Hotel, or looking for lunch options at local restaurants, Pad Thai is a staple.
Hailing from the northeast of Thailand, Som Tam is a refreshing and spicy green papaya salad that douses shredded unripe papaya with garlic, chilli, lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Extra ingredients like peanuts and shrimp are added on occasion, giving it new depth of flavour.
Moo Ping is a popular street snack consisting of marinated pork skewers grilled over charcoal. Most spots start the marination early, so by the time you get your hands on some, the flavours will have properly set in for you to enjoy. Served with sticky rice, Moo Ping is perfect for an on-the-go meal or a late-night bite.
A favourite Thai dessert, Khao Niew Mamuang is a dish that consists of glutinous rice, fresh mango slices, with a generous drizzle of sweet coconut milk poured over the top to finish it off. The contrast between the warm, sticky rice and the cool, juicy local mangoes feels like heaven in a bite.
Hoy Tod is a crispy omelette that is stuffed with oysters and mussells, and cooked with rice flour to achieve a crunchy texture. Often served with a tangy chilli sauce, this dish is best served hot, and you can find the best ones in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Guay Teow is a comforting and customisable noodle soup that can be made with different types of broth, noodles, and proteins such as beef, pork, or chicken. The broth is typically rich and aromatic, and the dish is often garnished with herbs, lime, bean sprouts, and fried garlic.
Hailing from the Isan region, Sai Krok Isan is a fermented pork sausage known for its tangy, garlicky taste. The fermentation process gives it a unique flavour, and it is usually served with fresh cabbage, ginger, and chillies. The contrast between the smoky, slightly sour sausage and the crisp vegetables makes it a favourite street snack.
Influenced by Indian cuisine, Thai Roti is a crispy, flaky pancake often filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. Popular versions include banana and condensed milk, chocolate, or egg. Cooked on a hot griddle with butter, it is a street food staple found in night markets across Thailand.
Pla Pao is a whole fish, typically tilapia or snakehead, coated in a thick layer of salt and stuffed with lemongrass before being grilled over charcoal. The salt forms a protective crust that keeps the fish moist and flavourful. Served with spicy seafood dipping sauce, it is a must-try for seafood lovers dining in some of the top restaurants in Bangkok or at street stalls.
A popular Thai dessert, Khanom Bueang resembles tiny tacos and consists of crispy rice flour shells filled with sweet or savoury toppings. The sweet version often includes coconut cream and shredded egg yolk, while the savoury type features shrimp, coriander, and spring onions. These delicate treats are a favourite at street markets and food fairs.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
