10 Must-Try Thai Street Foods in Bangkok 2025:
Street food is everywhere in Thailand, Popular now in Bangkok. Vendors set up stalls where you can grab something to go or you can stop to enjoy a meal at the nearby tables and chairs. If you’re unsure about what street foods to order, it can be a little overwhelming. Nevertheless, don’t hesitate to be adventurous; you might discover a new favorite dish to replicate back home. Here are some popular Thai street food dishes to seek during your travels.
01. Som Tam
Som Tam, a sweet, sour, spicy, and salty salad made from shredded green papayas, tomatoes, garlic, shrimp, peanuts, and chili peppers, is one of the most popular street foods in Thailand. You can find it in almost any area with street food. The flavor combination might be unfamiliar, but it’s delicious, refreshing, and healthy. Most Thais prefer their Som Tam spicy, so be sure to ask for a milder version if necessary.
02. Noodle Soup
Guay Teow, or noodle soup, is Thailand’s most beloved street food dish. Originally from China, it has evolved into a uniquely Thai culinary experience. The soup utilizes a chicken, pork, or beef stock, with noodles available as either rice or egg noodles (your choice). Most vendors add vegetables along with sliced meat, meatballs, or wontons. To make it distinctively Thai, condiments such as dried chili peppers, sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce are incorporated.
03. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is arguably Thailand’s most famous stir-fried noodle dish, featuring shrimp, tofu, and a hint of tamarind. While it may be known worldwide, it’s not as commonly consumed in Thailand itself. Nevertheless, most street food vendors who specialize in stir-fries feature this iconic dish.
04. Pad See Ew
Similar to Pad Thai, Pad See Ew is a more straightforward, less spicy option that has a hint of sweetness. This dish consists of wide rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, Chinese broccoli or cabbage, and dark soy sauce. Common proteins used in the dish include beef, pork, or chicken, with optional additions of dried chili flakes or vinegar.
05. Kai Jeow
Kai Jeow is a popular and economical item found at Thai street food stalls. This omelet, served over rice, boasts a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior, making it an ideal breakfast choice. It’s typically enhanced with fish sauce, chili sauce, and chilies for flavor.
06. Grilled Meats
Moo Ping, or grilled pork skewers, stands as another immensely popular street food item. However, it’s not just pork that’s grilled; chicken and, occasionally, buffalo can also be found on the skewers. Each vendor often has a unique recipe for the marinade, frequently characterized by sweet and garlicky notes.
07. Poh Pia Tod
Spring rolls, known locally as Poh Pia Tod, are also common street food offerings. Vendors typically cut them into smaller pieces, making them easy to consume on the go. Depending on the vendor, these rolls can be filled with meat, rice noodles, or assorted vegetables. For a healthier option, fresh spring rolls (Poh Pia Sod) are available and not deep-fried.
08. Thai Desserts
While Thai street food is often convenient, it can also be quite indulgent. A variety of sweets and desserts are readily available alongside the noodles and grilled meats. For instance, mango sticky rice is commonly found in bustling areas, while fresh fruit, fried bananas, and other Thai confections ring in the sweet offerings.
