First time in Bangkok? Try these popular Thai street food

Whether for merienda or for “pulutan,” there are many times that we count on street food as our go-to snack after work or school. Why not? You can easily stumble upon street food stalls that offer cheap yet delectable light meals.

In Thailand, the street food scene is so colorful and flavorful that it is often referred to as a sanctuary of the world’s best cuisine. Visiting street food markets is an everyday routine for locals while it’s something that seals in a Thailand getaway for tourists.

Are you new in Bangkok? Fret not! Here’s a list where we compiled some of the most popular Thai street food and where to find them.

Get set in your Bangkok food hunt with these travel essentials. Please don’t read on an empty stomach.

No Thailand tour is complete without having to taste one of the iconic dishes here — the Pad Thai or fried noodles. Sen Chan (rice noodles) from Chathaburi province is fried with bean sprouts, tofu, eggs, and peanuts to make its traditional recipe. It’s confusing to determine its tastes because it is sweet, sour, and salty all at the same time. But note that it is Thailand’s national dish for a reason.

If you’re curious enough to give it a try, decades-old Thip Sa Mai is serving the best Pad Thai in the capital. Unlike the usual brown-colored Pad Thai that uses chicken or pork, they mix shrimp paste into their dish for an extra twist.

Address: 313-315 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Contact Number: +66 2226 6666

Socials: Instagram

Tired of instant noodles? Tom Yum is definitely a must-try especially for those who love some extra spice. This is a hot and sour shrimp soup traditionally served with sticky rice. Ask for toppings such as cilantro, basil, green onions, or more chili to level up your street food experience.

We’ve heard Jeh O Chula offers the best Tom Yum in town, among their other well-loved Thai dishes. Enjoy your Instagrammable noodle soup here with your friends (and with a beer). It is located close to Chulalongkorn University and National Stadium BTS Station. What are you waiting for?

Address: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Contact Number: +66 64 1185 888

Hoi Tod, a stir-fried mussel and oyster omelet, is the synonym of crispiness. It’s a small dish but is big enough to stuff your tummy of plump and juicy seafood. Whether for lunch or for your midnight snack, Hoi Tod is perfect for those looking for pancake-like delectable street food.

You can expect Hoi Tod Chaw Lae to serve you the crispiest Oyster Omelet in the capital. If you don’t know about them yet, now is the time to discover the variety of street food they can offer.

Address: 25 ถนน สุขุมวิท 55 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Contact information: +66 85 128 3996

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Originally from Northern Thailand, Som Tam is a go-to snack that you can find not just in Bangkok but in almost every part of the country. Like Tom Yum, the sourness and spiciness of this dish are also overflowing. It’s a mixture of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, carrots, roasted peanuts, string beans, garlic, fish sauce, and chili.

If you want to have a wide range of options, Somtum Der has 15 different types of Som Tam that they can serve you. From crab and stinky beans to mussels and deep-fried catfish, they have a variety of this street food that will certainly suit your taste. Did we already mention that their dish cost between 60 THB to 105 THB only?

Address: Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Contact Information: +66 2 632 4499

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Who doesn’t love fried chicken? You will easily fall in love with this legendary Thai street food — Gai Tod. Its aroma alone will entice your senses, thanks to how the meat was marinated of garlic, coriander, and fish sauce. Aside from its crispy skin, its flesh is tender and juicy without the greasy feeling. Partner it best with sweet chili sauce or a cup of rice.

We know you don’t need more convincing to try Gai Tod so head onto the famous restaurant Somtamnua now! Just bring a little bit of patience as there is usually a long line of people waiting for their turn to try their crispy fried chicken. That’s a good sign though. After all, their food is amazing!

Address: 4/4 Ratchadamri Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Contact Information: 0800681022

Social: Instagram

Satay is probably the ultimate Thai street food. This dish is served on a stick and has different varieties from beef, pork, seafood or chicken. It is grilled over charcoal and is dipped in a sweet and spicy peanut sauce when cooked. A little trivia: the sauce is actually where the food takes its name from. Craving for it already? There’s most likely a thousand places to get this one but you can check out Kuang Heng for a taste!

Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Contact Information: +6622518768

Social: Facebook

Poh Pia Tod, or more commonly known elsewhere as spring roles, is something that can be easily found in most restaurants or street markets in Thailand. It can be made with a variety of fillings such as meat, vegetables or rice noodles. While there are others who would prefer its classic deep-fried version, this dish can also be served fresh. Tagged as an on-the-go-snack, poh pia tod is often served in a plastic filled with sweet chili sauce. What are you waiting for? Try this dish at Poh Pia Tod - Mian.bkk

Address: 193 Soi Chula48, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Contact Information: +66867886166

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

One of the simplest and cheapest street food you’ll see in Thailand is kai jeow. It is a Thai omelet served over rice glazed with chili sauce. Some even have it with vegetables as toppings. Although this is a perfect breakfast dish before jumping off a full day’s work or tour, that’s not to say one cannot have this for lunch, snacks or dinner. Unlike any usual omelet, this one is fluffy on the inside but crispy on the outside. Hurry and taste this delectable street food at Raan Jay Fai.

Address: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Contact Information: +6622239384

Socials: Facebook and Instagram