09 Nov 2021

Diverse and vibrant, Thai cuisine is renowned as one of the world's best. And there's no need to dine in fancy restaurants to enjoy it! Street food is a true institution in the Land of Smiles—particularly in Bangkok where it's a way of life—so you can savor delicious traditional dishes at remarkably affordable prices in the countless street restaurants. Discover 8 street food specialties to taste absolutely during a trip to Thailand.

1. Skewers

Grilling enthusiasts shouldn't miss the skewers you'll find at every street corner in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. Most skewers consist of chicken satay threaded on bamboo sticks and grilled over fire. They're typically served with a delicious peanut and spice sauce, accompanied by vegetables and rice. You'll also find plenty of pork skewers or even fish options.

2. Som Tum, Green Papaya Salad

Called Som Tum, the green papaya salad is an iconic Thai dish. Originating from the north of the country in the Isaan region, this refreshing salad is primarily made from shredded green papaya, chilies, tomatoes, lime juice, fish sauce and peanuts. Depending on the region, you'll find some variations with Som Tum recipes incorporating shrimp or even fermented crab. As beloved by locals as tourists, Thai papaya salad delivers a veritable fireworks display for the taste buds. And that's putting it mildly given the spices it contains. So if you tolerate only mild spices, be sure to say « Mai Phet » when ordering, which means « not spicy » in Thai.

3. Gai Tod, Fried Chicken

While fried chicken is a must-have on most street food menus around the world, the Thai version may surprise you with its flavors. In fact, Gai Tod involves coating chicken (wings or drumsticks) in rice flour mixed with spices, chilies and garlic. Once fried, the chicken is crispy outside and tender inside. Gai Tod is enjoyed with chili sauce and served with Thai rice. After tasting Gai Tod, there's a good chance you'll find any other fried chicken rather bland…

4. The Famous Pad Thai

It needs no introduction… Pad Thai is THE iconic Thai dish. This stir-fried rice noodle dish with tamarind, onions, bean sprouts, fish sauce, lime juice and peanuts has the advantage of satisfying all tastes. You'll find it with chicken, shrimp, beef, seafood, tofu and/or vegetables for vegetarians… One thing is certain: it's one of the cheapest street food dishes and one of the most flavorful you can try during your trip to Thailand.

5. Kai Jeow, Thai Omelet

An authentic and traditional dish, Kai Jeow is a Thai omelet made with eggs, fish sauce, chilies and herbs. Usually served with rice and chili sauce, Kai Jeow can also contain vegetables (in which case it's called Kai Jeow pak) or minced pork (then called Kai Jeow moo sub). While this omelet is particularly enjoyed by locals at breakfast time, you can savor it at any time of day in the country's numerous street restaurants.

6. Noodle Soup

Among other street food dishes to absolutely try, you can discover the unmissable noodle soup. Prepared in large pots, noodle soups consist of noodles, broths and numerous vegetables. You'll find all sorts with meat, fish or vegetarian versions. Soup lovers can also try tom kha kai, a coconut chicken soup, or tom yam kung, a spicy soup with lemongrass, sweet and sour notes and shrimp.

7. Mango Sticky Rice

For those with a sweet tooth, Mango sticky rice is THE Thai dessert to try without fail. This delicacy is enjoyed at the end of a meal or as a snack anytime during the day. It consists of sticky rice cooked in a traditional Thai bamboo steamer basket, mixed with coconut cream, sugar and topped with pieces of yellow mango and sesame seeds. Note that as street food, Mango sticky rice is often wrapped in banana leaves folded into small rectangles.

8. Banana Rotees

We conclude our culinary escapade with banana rotees. These are thin crepes that are both crispy and soft, filled with banana slices and condensed milk. You'll also find them in other flavors, with chocolate or other fruits like mango. A delight not to miss under any circumstances!

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling isn't about ticking countries off a map, but weaving connections (often invisible but always powerful) with places, peoples and all sorts of creatures from the animal kingdom. Her creed? Advise travelers with ethics, raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, at the edge of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take the time to listen to…