Thailand Street Food: A Beginner's Guide
Thailand's street food culture is legendary, offering some of the world's most flavorful dishes at incredibly affordable prices. Here's everything you need to know.
Essential Thai Street Food Dishes
Pad Thai
Thailand's most famous noodle dish - rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and tamarind sauce. Look for vendors using charcoal woks for authentic flavor.
Price: 40-80 THB
Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
Spicy, sour, sweet, and savory - the perfect balance. Made fresh in a mortar and pestle. Specify "mai phet" for less spicy.
Price: 30-50 THB
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Simple but perfect when done right. Available with chicken, pork, shrimp, or crab.
Price: 40-60 THB
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Marinated pork on bamboo sticks, grilled over charcoal. Perfect with sticky rice.
Price: 10-15 THB per stick
Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua)
Small bowls of intensely flavored noodle soup, traditionally served from boats.
Price: 15-30 THB per bowl (eat multiple!)
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
The perfect Thai dessert - sweet coconut sticky rice with fresh mango.
Price: 80-120 THB
Best Street Food Areas
Bangkok
- Yaowarat (Chinatown): Best after dark for seafood and Chinese-Thai fusion
- Or Tor Kor Market: Premium quality ingredients and dishes
- Ratchawat Market: Local favorite, no tourists
Chiang Mai
- Night Bazaar: Tourist-friendly with huge variety
- Warorot Market: Authentic local experience
- Sunday Walking Street: Best for northern Thai specialties