The streets of Thailand are lined with food carts and street-side kitchens, each cooking up unique dishes bursting with flavor. From bubbling pots of curries to sizzling stir-fries, street food in Thailand is as varied as it is delicious. You can sit down with a local and enjoy small talk over a plate of curry or grab a quick bite on the go from one of the many street food vendors.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, if you’re an explorer with demanding taste buds, street food in Thailand is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Pad Thai
Wok-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, eggs, and bean sprouts, Pad Thai is a street food classic. The dish is served with a side of lime, peanuts, and chili flakes, which you can add to taste. It is one of the best street foods in Thailand and something you’ll miss when you leave. You can expect to pay about 40 THB for a plate of Pad Thai from a street vendor. For shrimp, add an additional 20 THB. But we’ll let you in on a secret – street food vendors often have generous portions, so you may not need to order as much as you think.
Pad See Ew
A street food favorite, Pad See Ew is made with wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, eggs, and your choice of meat. The noodles are stir-fried in a sweet soy sauce, giving them a unique flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. Pad See Ew is Pad Thai’s cousin but with a little less spice.
You can find this famous street food in Thailand on almost any street corner. Tourists savor it just as much as locals, so don’t be surprised if you see a few Western faces chowing down on this dish. A plate of Pad See Ew will cost you around 40 THB.
Khao Soi
A Northern Thai specialty, Khao Soi is a coconut curry soup served with egg noodles and your choice of braised chicken or beef. The soup is garnished with crispy fried noodles, pickled cabbage, lime, and cilantro. The thick shrimp paste gives this Thailand street food a unique, slightly fishy flavor. Khao Soi is usually served with a side of sticky rice, which you can use to soak up all the delicious soup. You can find Khao Soi at street food carts and vendors all over Thailand. But Chiang Mai is said to have the best Khao Soi in the country. A bowl of this delicious soup will cost you 40-50 THB.
Tom Yum Goong
A soup made with shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, Tom Yum Goong is a street food staple in Thailand. The soup is spicy, sour, and fragrant, with a flavor that is truly unique. When you stop at a stall, the display might not look like much. But don’t let that deter you – the soup is absolutely amazing. You can request the vendor to make it as spicy or mild as you like. A bowl of Tom Yum Goong will cost you around 60 THB. The sides of lime and chili flakes are complimentary. Some locals also enjoy adding a dollop of Thai chili sauce, which you can purchase for an additional 20 THB.
Kai Jeow
Egg lovers rejoice – Kai Jeow is a street food just for you. An omelet made with your choice of meat, Kai Jeow is a street food classic. The egg is cooked until it is fluffy, and the filling is generous. You can add chili sauce or Sriracha to taste. Kai Jeow is often eaten as a snack or light meal. But if you’re feeling really hungry, you can order two or three. Some people also pair it with a serving of rice. A single Kai Jeow will cost you 20-30 THB, and a plate of rice will be an additional 15 THB. If you ask us, this famous street food in Thailand is best enjoyed with a group of friends.
Gai Tod
Limb to limb, Gai Tod is street food at its finest. This dish is made with deep-fried chicken, generously tossed in a sweet chili sauce with garlic, ginger, and green onions. The result is a sticky, slightly spicy dish with crispy skin that crunches with every bite. Gai Tod is often served as an appetizer or side dish. But if you’re looking for a heartier meal, you can order it with a serving of rice. Some of the best Thailand street food spots also offer Gai Tod with a fried egg on top. A plate of this street food will cost you around 40 THB. You can find it at street food carts and vendors all over Bangkok.
Massaman Curry
Curries are the best street food in Thailand. And Massaman Curry is one of the best curries you will find. This dish is Persian and Thai fusion at its finest. The curry is made with beef or chicken, potatoes, peanuts, and coconut milk. It is then slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a thick, rich curry with unbelievable flavor. Massaman Curry is usually served with a side of rice. But some street food vendors also offer it with bread. A plate of Massaman Curry will cost you around 50-60 THB. You can have it for lunch, dinner, or even as a late-night snack. One good thing about street food in Thailand is that you can find it at any time of day or night.
Mango Sticky Rice
A famous Thailand street food, mango sticky rice is made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and mangoes. The rice is cooked until it is sticky and sweet and then served with fresh mango slices on top. Yum. Mango sticky rice is the perfect street food to enjoy on a hot day. The sweetness of the mangoes perfectly offsets the rich coconut milk, making it a refreshing and satisfying treat. Mango sticky rice is best enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon, as street food vendors typically sell out before evening. It is priced at upward of 50 THB, depending on where you purchase it.
Conclusion
Street food in Thailand is some of the best in the world. From soups and curries to omelets and sticky rice, there is something for everyone. And the best part is that street food is incredibly affordable. So next time you’re in Thailand, be sure to sample some of the amazing street food on offer. You won’t regret it.
