Why Is Thailand Street Food So Popular?
Thai street food is famous for many reasons. For starters, it's convenient and affordable, allowing visitors to explore various dishes without breaking the bank. Street vendors typically use fresh ingredients and local flavors, making each bite unique and delicious.
The vibrant atmosphere of street markets also adds to the appeal; there's nothing quite like haggling with merchants and tasting new dishes in the same place. With fresh, flavorful food, low prices, and a vibrant atmosphere, it's no wonder why Thailand street food is so beloved by tourists worldwide.
Top 12 Most Popular Thai Street Foods You Must Try
Thailand street food offers an array of delicious dishes that will tantalize your taste buds! Here is a list of the top 12 most popular Thai street foods you must try:
Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad) is one of the most famous Thailand street foods and for good reason. This spicy salad is a refreshing mix of crunchy green papaya, tomatoes, long beans, fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, and chili peppers. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a flavorful dish without being overwhelmed by the heat. The sweet-and-sour combination of flavors will leave you wanting more!
• Som Tam can be found in almost any street market or food stall in Thailand. Look for signs that say "ส้มตำ"; it's usually served with sticky rice and other side dishes like omelets or grilled meats.
• Som Tam is a great way to cool off in the hot Thai weather, but be sure to ask for "non-spicy" if you can't handle spicy foods.
• Many street vendors also offer variations on the traditional dish, such as adding grilled pork, shrimp, or squid.
• To Order the whole Som Tam experience with a side of Nam Prik (Thai chili sauce). It will give your salad an extra kick of flavor!
• The price ranges from 40-50 baht per plate, depending on the ingredients.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is another Thailand street food dish found in almost every corner of the country. This stir-fried noodle dish is made with thin and flat rice noodles, bean sprouts, eggs, and other ingredients such as shallots, garlic, peanuts, fish sauce, and tamarind paste. It's then topped with fresh herbs like coriander leaves or spring onion slices for added flavor.
• Pad Thai is a popular street food often eaten as a snack or light meal. It is served nationwide at street vendors, night markets, and restaurant menus.
• To customize your Pad Thai to your tastes, ask the vendor to add extra veggies or protein (like chicken or shrimp).
• Pad Thai is usually served with fresh lime wedges and chili flakes (or hot sauce) for an extra kick.
• If you want a vegetarian option, ask the vendor to make your Pad Thai without eggs or fish sauce. Many vendors offer vegan options as well!
• The price ranges from 25-50 baht per plate, depending on the ingredients.
• Pad Thai is best enjoyed with a cold beer or a Thai iced tea.
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is another beloved dish popular among locals and tourists. This fragrant soup combines succulent shrimp with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and other herbs for a complex, flavorful broth. It's usually served with a side of rice and can be either mild or spicy, depending on your preferences.
• Tom Yum Goong is best when made with fresh ingredients, so ask the vendor for only the freshest options.
• For those who like extra spicy, add chili flakes or hot sauce to kick up the flavor!
• You can find this soup in almost any street market or food stall around Thailand. Some vendors even offer variations with different kinds of seafood (like squid or mussels).
• If you want something lighter than a whole bowl of soup, try ordering Tom Yum Gai (chicken version) instead.
• Tom Yum Goong usually costs around 40-50 baht per bowl.
• The key to enjoying Tom Yum Goong is to take small sips of the broth between bites to savor all its flavors.
Kai Jeow (Thai Omelet)
Kai Jeow (Thai Omelet)
Kai Jeow is a Thailand street food snack that's popular both in Thailand and around the world. This tasty omelet is made with eggs, green onion, and chili peppers, then stuffed with Thai basil or Chinese chives for added flavor. It's usually served on top of rice and accompanied by various sauces and condiments like sweet chili sauce or fish sauce.
• Kai Jeow is a great snack to have on the go as it's easy to eat and doesn't require utensils.
• Look for signs with the words "ไข่เจียว" at street markets or food stalls.
• To customize your Kai Jeow, ask the vendor to add extra veggies (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers).
• The price ranges from 10-20 baht per omelet, depending on the ingredients added.
• Kai Jeow can be enjoyed with a cold beer or glass of Thai iced tea for an extra refreshing treat!
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Khao Pad is another popular street food dish in Thailand that's perfect for those looking for a quick and flavorful meal. This fried rice dish is made with white or jasmine rice, eggs, onion, garlic, and your favorite protein (such as chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp). It's then seasoned with fish or soy sauce and served hot with cucumber slices.
• Khao Pad can be found in almost any street market or food stall around Thailand. Look for signs that say "ข้าวผัด."
• Khao Pad is a great way to get protein and carbs in one meal.
• You can customize this dish by adding extra vegetables (like bell peppers or peas) or asking the vendor for more spice if you like it hot!
• The price ranges from 25-50 baht per plate, depending on the ingredients.
• For an extra flavor kick, try squeezing some lime juice over your Khao Pad before digging in!
• If you want a vegetarian option, ask the vendor to make your Khao Pad without eggs or fish sauce. Many vendors offer vegan options as well!
Find out more in our comprehensive guide on Thailand travel guide!
Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Chicken Green Curry)
Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Chicken Green Curry)
Gaeng Keow Wan Kai is an aromatic and flavorful dish found in almost any street market or restaurant in Thailand. This traditional green curry is made with chicken, eggplant, bell peppers and other vegetables, plus a generous scoop of freshly ground herbs and spices (such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves). It's then simmered in coconut milk and served hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
• Gaeng Keow Wan Kai is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Look for signs that say "แกงเขียวหวานไก่" at street markets or food stalls.
• If you like extra spicy, ask the vendor to add chilies or hot sauce for an added kick.
• Gaeng Keow Wan Kai usually costs around 40-60 baht per plate, depending on the ingredients added.
• To make your curry even more flavorful, squeeze some fresh lime juice over it before digging in!
• For a vegetarian option, ask the vendor to make your Gaeng Keow Wan without chicken and with extra veggies instead of protein. Many vendors offer vegan options as well!
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Moo Ping is a Thailand street food staple found in almost any market or night bazaar around Thailand. This dish contains marinated pork skewers grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor. The pork is usually served with a side of sticky rice and topped with sweet chili sauce or fish sauce for added flavor.
• Moo Ping makes an excellent snack or light meal option, as the portions are usually small yet satisfying.
• Look for signs with the words "หมูปิ้ง" at street markets or food stalls to find vendors who specialize in this dish.
• Moo Ping usually costs around 20-30 baht per skewer, depending on the ingredients added.
• To customize your Moo Ping, ask the vendor to add extra vegetables (such as mushrooms or bell peppers) or more seasoning if you like it spicy!
• For a vegetarian option, many vendors offer variations with tofu or mushrooms instead of pork.
• The key to enjoying Moo Ping is to take small bites and savor all its flavors before taking the next bite!
Gai Tod (Fried Chicken)
Gai Tod (Fried Chicken)
Gai Tod is a popular Thailand street food dish found all over Thailand. This fried chicken dish is usually served with sticky rice and topped with sweet chili sauce or fish sauce for added flavor. It's made with freshly pounded herbs and spices, then deep-fried in a special batter until golden and crispy.
• Gai Tod makes an excellent snack or light meal option, as the portions are usually small yet satisfying.
• Look for signs that say "ไก่ทอด" at street markets or food stalls to find vendors who specialize in this dish.
• Gai Tod usually costs around 20-30 baht per skewer, depending on the ingredients added.
• To customize your Gai Tod, ask the vendor to add extra herbs or spices for an added kick.
• Try squeezing some lime juice over your Gai Tod before digging in for an extra flavor boost!
Kuay Teow Reua (Boat Noodle Soup)
Kuay Teow Reua (Boat Noodle Soup)
Kuay Teow Reua is another popular street food dish in Thailand. This noodle soup consists of a flavorful broth with pork or beef, bean sprouts, and rice noodles cooked in a traditional boat-shaped pot over an open flame. It's then served hot with lime wedges and fresh herbs.
• Kuay Teow Reua can be found almost anywhere in Thailand but is especially popular at night markets. Look for signs that say "ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ" to find vendors who specialize in this dish.
• Kuay Teow Reua usually costs 25-50 baht per bowl, depending on the added ingredients.
• To make your soup even more flavorful, squeeze some fresh lime juice over it before digging in!
• Kuay Teow Reua is a great way to get your fill of carbs and protein all in one meal.
Khanom Buang (Thai Crepes)
Khanom Buang (Thai Crepes)
Khanom Buang is a unique and traditional Thailand street food dish at most markets or night bazaars nationwide. This bite-sized snack consists of thin crepes made from rice flour and filled with various ingredients such as shredded coconut, pandan leaves, sugar, and egg yolks (for a sweet version). The crepes are then folded into half-moon shapes and cooked until golden brown.
• Khanom Buang makes an excellent snack or dessert option, as the portions are usually small yet satisfying.
• Look for signs that say "ขนมบ้วง" at street markets or food stalls to find vendors who specialize in this dish.
• Khanom Buang usually costs around 10-20 baht per piece, depending on the ingredients added.
• For a savory version of Khanom Buang, ask the vendor to add cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables for an extra flavor boost!
• To customize your crepes even more, add some chili flakes or fresh lime juice before digging in!
Khao Niaow Ma Muang (Sticky Rice with Mango)
Khao Niaow Ma Muang (Sticky Rice with Mango)
Khao Niaow Ma Muang is a classic Thai dessert found nationwide. This dish consists of sticky rice, freshly sliced mango, and coconut cream served in one sweet package. It's usually topped with toasted sesame seeds and raisins for added texture and flavor.
• Khao Niaow Ma Muang makes an excellent snack or light meal option as it's both delicious and nourishing.
• Look for signs that say "ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง" at street markets or food stalls to find vendors who specialize in this dish.
• Khao Niaow Ma Muang usually costs around 20-30 baht per bowl, depending on the ingredients added.
• To customize your sticky rice dessert, ask the vendor to add more mangoes for an extra fruity flavor or switch up the toppings with other nuts and dried fruits like cashews and cranberries.
• Before digging in, add a sugar sprinkle over your Khao Niaow Ma Muang for an extra sweet kick!
Khanom Krok (Coconut Pancakes)
Khanom Krok (Coconut Pancakes)
Khanom Krok is a traditional Thailand street food snack that can be found all over the country. This dish consists of small pancakes made with coconut milk, pandan leaves, and other herbs and spices cooked in special molds over an open flame until golden brown. They're then served hot with sweet chili sauce or fish sauce for added flavor.
• Khanom Krok makes an excellent snack or light meal option, as the portions are usually small yet satisfying.
• Look for signs that say "ขนมครก" at street markets or food stalls to find vendors who specialize in this dish.
• Khanom Krok usually costs around 10-20 baht per piece, depending on the ingredients added.
• To customize your Khanom Krok, ask the vendor to add extra herbs or spices for an added kick.
• For a vegetarian option, many vendors offer vegetable variations instead of coconut milk.
• Try squeezing lime juice over your Khanom Krok before digging in for an extra flavor boost!
Guide to Eating Street Food Safely in Thailand
Street food in Thailand is a must-try for adventurous foodies who want to experience the country's unique flavors and culinary culture. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, here are some tips on how to eat street food in Thailand:
• Look for busy vendors – it usually indicates that the food served is fresh and of good quality.
• Make sure the vendor uses clean utensils, cooking equipment, and hygienic practices when preparing your meal.
• Avoid eating from stalls that don't have much crowd or appear unappealing.
• Take small bites of the food before trying more significant portions, allowing your body to adjust to new flavors.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid raw or undercooked food to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
• Make sure to check how spicy your dish is before digging in! Spicy dishes can be scorching and overpowering for those not used to them.
• Always carry hand sanitizer when eating street food – it's a must!
Eating Thailand street food is an adventure that shouldn't be missed! With these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while sampling some of the country's delicious dishes.
New Asia Tours is the perfect travel partner for your Thailand tour. We offer a wide range of packages, including visits to local markets and street food stalls so that you can taste the real Thailand! Contact us today for more information on how we can help make your trip memorable. Bon appetit!
