Top 10 Street Foods to Try in Thailand: A Foodie’s Paradise
Thailand is a country that is known for its unique and drool-worthy street food. The Thai street food scene is bustling with flavors, aromas, and spices that can leave anyone mesmerized. If you’re a foodie who’s planning to visit Thailand, then you’re in for a treat. In this blog, we have curated a list of the top 10 street foods that you must try while in Thailand.
1. The King of Street Food: Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a dish that needs no introduction. It’s a staple Thai street food made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, peanuts, and your choice of protein – chicken, shrimp or tofu. The dish is topped with a generous amount of lime juice giving it a tangy twist. You can find Pad Thai being served all over the streets of Thailand, but the best ones are located in the bustling street markets of Bangkok.
2. Mind-Blowing Thai Fried Chicken
Thai Fried Chicken, also known as “Gai Tod”, is a popular street food that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavors. The chicken marinated in a mixture of coriander root, garlic, and black peppercorns before being deep-fried to golden brown perfection. You can find this mouth-watering Thai treat across the country, from small roadside stalls to high-end restaurants.
3. The Sweet Tropical Taste of Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice, or “Khao Niew Ma Muang,” is a classic Thai dessert made from glutinous rice, topped with fresh mango slices and drizzled with sweet coconut milk. This dessert is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, with a tropical touch. You can find this dessert in almost every street market and night market in Thailand, but it’s especially famous in Chiang Mai.
4. The Iconic Tom Yum Goong Soup
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai dish that’s a hot and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chili peppers, and lime juice. This iconic soup is perfect for balancing out the flavors of all the other street foods you’ve been trying. You can find it at small street stalls, restaurants, or even take it away in a plastic bag for consumption on the go.
5. Flaky and Crispy Thai Roti
Thai Roti is a flaky and crispy flatbread made with wheat flour, egg, milk, and butter. The dough is rolled into a thin layer, then fried on a hot griddle. You can have it plain or topped with banana, chocolate, or condensed milk as per your taste preference. This Thai street food is especially famous in Phuket, where you can find it being sold on every street corner.
6. Flavorful Som Tam Salad
Som Tam Salad, also known as “green papaya salad,” is a spicy and tangy salad made with shredded unripe papaya, chilies, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice. You can add peanuts, tomatoes, or green beans to this salad as per your taste preference. Som Tam is a staple food of the northern region of Thailand, but you can find it in almost every street market in the country.
7. The Crunchy Thai Peanut Spring Rolls
Thai Peanut Spring Rolls, also known as “Popiah Tod” or “Por Piah Tod” are crunchy and crisp vegetarian rolls filled with peanuts, carrots, bean sprouts, and deep-fried to golden brown perfection. This classic Thai street food is believed to have originated in China, but it has a unique Thai twist to it. You can find Thai Peanut Spring Rolls being sold at night markets or street stalls in Bangkok.
8. The All-Time Favorite Mango Sticky Rice Pancake
Mangoango Sticky Rice Pancake, also known as “Kanom Bueng Fai Ta Lu,” is a thin and crispy pancake filled with Mango Sticky Rice, then folded into a square-shaped pocket. The pancake is then topped with finely sliced mango and sesame seeds, served hot or cold as per your preference. You can find this innovative Thai street food at the Chatuchak Market or the Pak Khlong Talat, in the heart of Bangkok.
9. The Spicy and Aromatic Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is a Thai Muslim dish, packed with flavors of peanuts, potatoes, cinnamon, and star anise seasoned with fish sauce, tamarind, and palm sugar. This dish is perfect for spice lovers and is served with a side of rice to balance its flavors. You can find Massaman Curry being sold at almost every street market or night market in Thailand.
10. The Refreshing Thai Iced Tea
Thai Iced Tea, also known as “Cha Yen,” is a refreshing iced tea made with brewed tea, condensed milk, and sugar. This tea has a unique orange color due to the added food coloring and has a creamy and sweet texture. You can find Thai Iced Tea being sold at almost every street market in Thailand, and it’s the perfect drink to cool down on a hot day.
Thailand is a foodie’s paradise, and its street food scene is nothing less than a culinary adventure. The above-mentioned dishes are just a few highlights from the plethora of street food you can try while in Thailand. From sweet to savory to spicy, Thai street food has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Thailand package today and experience the magic of Thai street food yourself.
