Six Thai Street Foods That Will Make You Salivate
We know how overwhelming it can get when deciding what to eat among a plethora of street food options in Thailand.
In Bangkok alone, there are an estimated 500,000 vendors that make up the city’s authentic eating experience. But with limited time and a list of other things to explore, you might not be able to try out everything these lovely Thai hawkers have to offer.
But fret not. We listed down the top six best Thai street foods that are sure to tickle your taste buds.
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Thai Soup)
This popular Thai soup incorporates kaffir lime leaves, garlic, tamarind paste, chilis, galangal root, lemongrass, and chicken stock for that punchy flavor. The jumbo prawns are the dish’s main feature and are the primary ingredient to make the broth. Other cooks make a creamy version of this well-loved Thai street food by using evaporated milk.
Pad Thai (Stir-fried noodles)
It’s impossible to talk about Thai street food without mentioning Pad Thai. A favorite among locals and tourists, Pad Thai is the country’s national dish and you can find a swathe of vendors offering these stir-fried noodles. Once the noodles are mixed with vegetables, scrambled eggs, and meat, you can sprinkle them with crushed nuts and garnish with lime wedges. Some of the best Pad Thai dishes in Bangkok can be found along Maha Chai Road and Surawong.
Pa Pia Sod (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Borrowing some elements from the Chinese cuisine, Pa Pia Sod has become a must-have Thai street food. These spring rolls are bite-sized and filled with lots of greens, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your diet. While the popular version comes with shrimp or chicken, you can also find fresh spring rolls made for vegetarians. If you’re craving for this appetizer, head on to downtown Bangkok and you’ll be overwhelmed with options.
Kluay Tod (Fried Banana)
This traditional Thai dessert is a popular local snack that you can find in most of Bangkok’s food markets. It is made of bananas covered in flour and shredded coconut and deep fried until golden brown. Its crunchy coating complements its sweet and warm center. As part of Thailand’s custom snack experience, you can pair these deep-friend bananas with a freshly squeezed fruit drink from a nearby kiosk.
Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
Another popular Thai street food you shouldn’t miss is Som Tam, which is made of unripe green papaya. The papaya shreds are tossed with a sour-and-spicy dressing, creating an explosion of flavors in your mouth. If you’re not a fan of anything spicy, you can ask for fewer chilis in your dressing.
Khao Niew Ma Mhuang (Sticky Rice with Mango)
Another entry from the dessert department is Thailand’s version of our beloved sticky rice. This delicacy is paired with slices of juicy mangoes and creamy coconut syrup, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The sweet taste of the coconut syrup blends well with the subtle flavor of the sticky rice and juiciness of the mangoes.
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