The first time I have been to Thailand, it was late at night when my flight arrived. I was extremely tired as the journey was like 38 hours total (ooh yeah! Traveling from Chile to Thailand is far) it was very hot outside but the most, I was hungry too!
So I went outside and it was the first time I have had Thai food in my mouth.
It was a very simple noodle soup, but that simple soup changed my foodie life forever, I was totally and absolutely loving it!
The next days I went on an ongoing quest to try new stuff. New flavors and new things were everywhere, and the best? They were super cheap and they were everywhere!
I’m a street food and market lover and I have just found food paradise in one city. Eating outside is part of the local culture, and you find it in every street and the best, it’s safe to eat.
If you want to have the best of the markets and the local food in Bangkok, I can recommend you this private tours to eat your way like a local and try some of the best Thai street food dishes.
These are some of my favorite treats I can recommend you to try on your next trip to Bangkok.
Som Tam (Papaya Salad)
This is one of the most famous signature dishes in Thailand. Made out of shredded green papaya and including carrots, tomatoes and green beans, and peanuts in a perfect balance.
The fresh, sweet and sour seasoning will melt your mouth. Also, watching them to prepare it is already so much fun!
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Perhaps one of the most simple dishes of all, it’s already cooked rice with some vegetables and delicious seasoning. Maybe you can add extra chicken, pork or prawns for extra flavor, but as simple as it is, it’s one of the tastiest dishes you will eat in Bangkok.
Search for it in any restaurant or market, there will be one place specializing in fried rice!
Pad Thai (Fried noodles)
I’m sure you have already tried this dish, but having it in Bangkok is really even better than you ever imagined. Might be the location and the vibe, or the fresh ingredients, or hearing Thai around you that gives it the best flavor ever!
You can get it with or without chicken, prawns or vegetarian and for extra flavor, I always ask it with a little bit of spice. Ask for “Pet Nit Noi” and they will get it.
Gai/Moo Bing (Grilled chicken/pork skewers)
These are everywhere, in every corner and in most of the markets you will find someone selling barbequed little bites of deliciousness.
The grilled chicken can be a great breakfast together with sticky rice as is not having many spices and strong flavors usually. The pork sticks are so good you will happily cry the first time you try them, they have a sweet and sticky sauce around giving them great flavor and unique texture, plus they are super cheap!
Tom Yum Kung
The first time I tried this soup I couldn’t believe I was living my whole life without eating this soup.
The flavors are so unique and intense that your senses will go fully on the experience. Based on a Shrimp or fish stew, and including herbs and chilly jam, every chef is having their own recipe and version of this soup. Try it in different places until you find your favorite!
Noodle Soup
In every corner and in most of the streets you will find one spot to eat noodle soup. The stalls are usually open until late at night and you can choose your favorite combination of noodles, meatballs, and sausages to add.
They are usually very simple yet delicious, a big portion and healthy option to eat for dinner.
Roti Kai Gluay (Banana Egg Prata)
Roti’s are one of my favorite treats in Thailand. It’s the Thai version of crepes and they come with many different fillings like Nutella, Eggs or my favorite, with bananas and egg.
They are not a light snack as the dough is fried but their sweetness and crunchiness will make you happy for sure!
I Tim Kati (Coconut Ice Cream)
When you see a stall or little cart selling Ice Cream don’t miss the opportunity to try it. They sometimes serve them in a half coconut shell in the more touristy areas, or also in a plastic cup in the most local places, you can add some toppings as peanuts too and they are simple but really good.
Mango with Sticky rice
My favorite Thai dessert of all is Mango Sticky Rice, when I first tried it I was a bit skeptic as the combination was sounding not very appealing to me.
After the first spoon, I have totally changed my mind, it’s very delicious!
The rice is prepared in a sticky yet thick consistency and it’s a slightly sweet, the perfect mangoes topped with a coconut sauce will make the experience unforgettable.
I love hearing about people’s experience with Thai food. Pad Thai is my favorite to cook at home. On the street, I enjoy Moo Bing because it’s so easy to eat while outside.