10 Must-Try Street Foods in Thailand.
Thai street food is a feast for the senses. Bursting with flavors, colors, and aromas, it offers a culinary adventure unlike any other. From spicy noodle soups to sweet, sticky desserts, here are 10 Thai street foods that you must try on your visit to Thailand.
1. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is arguably the most famous Thai dish. This stir-fried noodle dish is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, typically made with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime. You’ll find it at virtually every street food market in Thailand.
2. Som Tam
Som Tam, or green papaya salad, is a fiery dish that hails from the northeastern region of Isaan. It’s made with shredded green papaya, chilies, tomatoes, and long beans, pounded together in a mortar and pestle. For an authentic experience, try it at Som Tam Jay So in Bangkok.
3. Khao Pad
Khao Pad, or Thai fried rice, is a staple street food dish. It’s often made with chicken, shrimp, or crab, and served with a slice of lime and cucumber. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for a quick meal. Check out this recipe from BBC Good Food if you’d like to try making it at home.
4. Tom Yum Goong
This hot and sour shrimp soup is a classic Thai dish. It’s fragrant with lemongrass, chilies, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, with juicy prawns adding to its allure. For a guide on where to find the best Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok, refer to Bangkok Food Tours.
5. Sai Krok Isaan
Sai Krok Isaan is a type of fermented sausage from the Isaan region. Made with pork and rice, it’s slightly sour, but incredibly savory and delicious. It’s usually grilled and served with fresh cabbage, ginger, and chili.
6. Mango Sticky Rice
For something sweet, you can’t miss the mango sticky rice. It’s a simple dish of glutinous rice served with ripe mango and covered in sweet coconut cream. The balance between the sweet mango, salty coconut cream, and sticky rice is simply divine.
7. Satay
Satay, skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce, is a favorite street food snack. Whether it’s chicken, pork, or beef, the meat is marinated, skewered, and grilled to perfection, then served with a rich, flavorful peanut sauce and cucumber salad.
8. Roti
Thai Roti is a sweet street food that’s especially popular in the beach towns. The thin, crispy pancakes are made to order, with fillings like banana, egg, or chocolate, and often drizzled with condensed milk. For a twist, try the savory versions filled with curry.
9. Hoy Tod
Hoy Tod is a Thai-style oyster omelette that is crispy, juicy, and flavorful. It’s a popular street food dish, particularly in coastal areas where fresh shellfish are readily available. It’s typically served with a sweet and spicy sauce.
10. Thai Iced Tea
To quench your thirst, there’s nothing like a Thai Iced Tea. This creamy, sweet drink is made with strongly brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, and lots of ice. It’s the perfect antidote to Thailand’s heat.
Final Thoughts
These dishes are just a glimpse of what Thai street food has to offer. Each region in Thailand has its own unique specialties, so take the time to explore the local street food scenes wherever you go. Happy eating!
