Street Food in Thailand: A Complete Guide for Travellers
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Thailand’s street food is renowned worldwide for its bold flavours, vibrant colours, and incredible diversity. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or visiting Thailand for the first time, exploring the country’s street food culture is an absolute must. From popular dishes like pad Thai and som tam to bizarre delicacies such as fried insects, Thailand’s street food scene is a feast for the senses.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Thailand’s street food. We’ll explore popular dishes, exotic and bizarre foods, the average prices of street food, traditional and famous dishes, and iconic street food locations. This blog is your complete guide to enjoying the best street food Thailand has to offer, with fun facts and practical tips along the way!
The Importance of Street Food in Thai Culture
Street food is an integral part of Thai culture and daily life. In Thailand, you don’t have to dine in restaurants to enjoy delicious food—street vendors offer fresh, flavourful meals at incredibly affordable prices. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, street food is available around the clock.
The rise of Thailand’s street food culture can be traced back to the country’s agricultural roots. As Thailand’s cities expanded, rural farmers and migrants moved to urban areas in search of work, bringing their food traditions with them. Over time, these food traditions evolved into the bustling street food scene we see today, with vendors specialising in quick, affordable meals that reflect Thailand’s diverse culinary landscape.
Popular Street Food Dishes You Must Try
Thai street food offers a wide variety of dishes that cater to different tastes, from spicy and savoury to sweet and sour. Here are some must-try street food dishes for any traveller exploring Thailand:
1. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)
Perhaps the most famous Thai dish globally, pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that combines rice noodles with tofu, shrimp, or chicken, bean sprouts, eggs, and peanuts. The sauce, made from tamarind, fish sauce, and sugar, gives the dish its signature sweet and savoury flavour. It’s typically served with lime wedges and chilli flakes on the side for extra seasoning.
• Price: Pad Thai is one of the most affordable street food dishes in Thailand, typically costing around 30-60 THB ($1-2 AUD).
2. Som Tam (ส้มตำ)
Som Tam, or green papaya salad, is another iconic Thai dish. This refreshing salad combines shredded green papaya with tomatoes, long beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, garlic, chilli, and lime juice. It’s known for its bold combination of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavours.
• Price: You can find som tam at street stalls for around 30-50 THB ($1-2 AUD).
3. Moo Ping (หมูปิ้ง)
Moo ping are grilled pork skewers marinated in a mixture of garlic, soy sauce, and sugar. They are grilled over charcoal and served with a side of sticky rice. These skewers are a popular street snack and are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick bite throughout the day.
• Price: Moo ping skewers typically cost between 10-20 THB ($0.50-1 AUD) each.
4. Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่)
Khao Man Gai, also known as Thai chicken rice, is a simple yet delicious dish of poached chicken served over fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. The dish comes with a side of spicy dipping sauce and a light broth. It’s one of the most popular street food meals in Thailand and is enjoyed at any time of the day.
• Price: Khao man gai usually costs between 40-60 THB ($1.50-2 AUD).
5. Gai Tod (ไก่ทอด)
Gai tod is Thailand’s version of fried chicken. These crispy, golden pieces of chicken are deep-fried to perfection and served with a side of sticky rice or chilli sauce. It’s a popular street food snack that’s perfect for grabbing on the go.
• Price: A portion of fried chicken costs around 20-50 THB ($0.50-2 AUD), depending on the serving size.
Fun Fact: Thai fried chicken is marinated in a mixture of garlic, coriander root, and fish sauce before being fried, giving it a unique and savoury flavour that sets it apart from other fried chicken varieties.
Weird and Bizarre Street Foods
Thailand is not only famous for its mainstream dishes but also for its bizarre and exotic food offerings that adventurous travellers might want to try. Here are some of the more unusual delicacies you can find on Thailand’s streets:
1. Fried Insects (แมลงทอด)
Fried insects are a popular street snack in Thailand, particularly in northern regions. You’ll find a variety of insects being fried up, including grasshoppers, crickets, silk worms, and even scorpions. These snacks are seasoned with soy sauce and salt, and locals claim they are crunchy, savoury, and packed with protein.
• Price: A bag of fried insects typically costs around 20-50 THB ($0.50-2 AUD), depending on the type of insect.
2. Larb Mote Daeng (ลาบมดแดง)
Larb Mote Daeng is a spicy salad made with red ant eggs and minced meat, usually pork or chicken. The ant eggs add a unique texture to the dish, and the flavour is enhanced with fresh herbs, lime, chilli, and fish sauce.
• Price: A plate of larb mote daeng costs around 50-100 THB ($2-4 AUD).
3. Goong Ten (กุ้งเต้น)
Literally translating to “dancing shrimp,” goong ten is a dish that consists of live baby shrimp served in a spicy salad with lime, chilli, and herbs. The shrimp are still wriggling when served, adding an element of surprise to the dining experience.
• Price: Goong ten can be found for around 50-80 THB ($2-3 AUD).
4. Kai Yiew Ma (ไข่เยี่ยวม้า)
Also known as century eggs, these preserved eggs are popular in Thai street markets. The eggs are fermented for several weeks, turning the yolk a dark green and giving the egg a distinctive, strong flavour. They are often served with rice or in a salad.
• Price: A century egg costs around 10-20 THB ($0.50-1 AUD) each.
Fun Fact: Century eggs are not only found in Thailand but are also popular in other parts of Asia, including China and Vietnam. Despite their unusual appearance, they are considered a delicacy in many cultures.
Exotic Foods to Try in Thailand
Beyond the bizarre and weird, Thailand is home to many exotic foods that you won’t find elsewhere. These dishes reflect the country’s rich biodiversity and the influence of regional food traditions.
1. Durian (ทุเรียน)
Known as the “king of fruits,” durian is famous for its strong smell and creamy texture. While many people love it, others are put off by its pungent aroma, which has been compared to rotting onions or stinky cheese. Despite the smell, durian is prized for its rich flavour and custard-like texture.
• Price: Durian is one of the more expensive fruits in Thailand, with prices ranging from 150-400 THB ($6-16 AUD) per kilogram, depending on the variety and season.
2. Nam Phrik (น้ำพริก)
Nam phrik is a traditional Thai chilli dip made with fermented shrimp paste, garlic, lime, and chilli. It’s often served with fresh or steamed vegetables and fried fish. Each region of Thailand has its own variation of nam phrik, with some versions being spicier or sweeter than others.
• Price: A serving of nam phrik with vegetables costs around 30-50 THB ($1-2 AUD).
3. Gaeng Som (แกงส้ม)
Gaeng som, or sour curry, is a spicy and sour soup made with tamarind, fish, and vegetables. It’s known for its bold flavours and is especially popular in southern Thailand. The sourness comes from the tamarind, while the spiciness is from fresh chillies.
• Price: A bowl of gaeng som typically costs around 50-80 THB ($2-3 AUD).
Famous Street Food Locations in Thailand
Thailand’s cities are filled with bustling street food markets, but some areas are especially famous for their street food offerings. Here are the top street food destinations in Thailand:
1. Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown)
Yaowarat is one of Bangkok’s most famous street food districts, offering a wide variety of dishes that reflect the influence of Chinese immigrants. From roast duck to seafood stir-fries, Yaowarat is a food lover’s paradise. Be sure to try Hoi Tod (crispy oyster omelette) and Kuay Teow Kua Gai (stir-fried rice noodles with chicken) when you visit.
2. Khao San Road (Bangkok)
Khao San Road is a favourite among backpackers, known for its lively atmosphere and budget-friendly street food. Here you can find all the classics, such as pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled skewers, alongside international favourites like falafel and pizza.
3. Chang Phueak (Chiang Mai)
Chang Phueak is Chiang Mai’s most famous street food market, located near the old city gate. This market is renowned for its northern Thai specialities, such as khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup) and sai ua (northern Thai sausage). It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Lanna cuisine.
4. Walking Street (Pattaya)
Walking Street in Pattaya is not only famous for its nightlife but also for its street food. You’ll find an array of seafood stalls, grilled meats, and snacks catering to tourists and locals alike. Don’t miss the fresh seafood skewers and Thai pancakes (khanom buang).
Average Prices of Street Food in Thailand
One of the best things about eating street food in Thailand is that it’s incredibly affordable. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking for a quick bite, street food offers great value for money. Here’s a breakdown of average prices for common street food items:
• Pad Thai: 30-60 THB ($1-2 AUD)
• Som Tam (Papaya Salad): 30-50 THB ($1-2 AUD)
• Grilled Skewers (Moo Ping, Chicken): 10-20 THB ($0.50-1 AUD) per skewer
• Fried Insects: 20-50 THB ($0.50-2 AUD)
• Fresh Fruit Smoothie: 20-40 THB ($1-2 AUD)
• Thai Iced Tea: 20-30 THB ($1 AUD)
Fun Fact: Thai iced tea, or cha yen, is a sweet and creamy drink made from black tea, sugar, and condensed milk. It’s one of the most popular beverages sold at street stalls and markets.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Thailand
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your street food experience in Thailand:
1. Hygiene: While street food in Thailand is generally safe, it’s important to choose stalls that look clean and are popular with locals. If a vendor has a lot of customers, it’s a good sign that the food is fresh.
2. Try Local Specialities: Each region of Thailand has its own unique street food dishes. In the north, try khao soi and sai ua, while in the south, look for gaeng som and fresh seafood.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Bargain: While prices are generally low, you can still haggle at some markets. However, street food prices are usually fixed, so this is more common when buying goods like souvenirs or clothing.
Conclusion
Thailand’s street food scene is a vibrant, dynamic part of the country’s culture, offering an endless variety of dishes that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re indulging in classics like pad Thai and som tam or trying more exotic offerings like fried insects and durian, street food is an essential part of any trip to Thailand. With its affordable prices, diverse flavours, and convenient locations, street food in Thailand is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
Remember to explore different regions, try local specialities, and enjoy the rich cultural experience that comes with every bite!
References:
Lonely Planet – https://www.lonelyplanet.com
Bangkok post
Read more of our Thailand blog series:
Thai Food Guide:Traditional Recipes and Street Eats
Everything Travellers Need to know
Thailand travel ebooks and language guides
Thailand Travel Apparel & Souvenir Gifts
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