Embark on a culinary adventure through Bangkok with our guide to the top 8 must-try street foods. From the savoury Moo Ping to the sweet delights of Kanom Kai Nok Krata, discover where to find these iconic dishes and indulge in the vibrant flavours of the city.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, this guide promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey through Bangkok’s bustling street food scene. Dive into the rich culinary heritage and diverse tastes that make Bangkok a food lover’s paradise.
Food to try:
1. Moo Ping:
Grill thinly sliced pork shoulder marinated and skewered on a stick, brushing it with coconut cream for a creamy texture. Alternatively, stir-fry thin slices of fatty pork butt in a savory marinade, then cook over charcoal and brush with unsweetened coconut cream.
Where to eat:
- Moo Ping Hea Oven
- Pratunam Market
- Thipsamai
2. Kanom Kai Nok Krata:
These are sweet potato balls. Kanom Kai Nok Krata means ‘quail’s egg’ as the ball’s size is similar to a quail’s egg. These potato balls are crisp on the outside and fairly soft on the inside.
The only place to get these sweet potato balls in Bangkok. It is a cross of Thai desserts and snacks. Mix sweet potato with flour, sugar, and salt, then deep-fry the mixture. It is mildly sweet.
Where to eat:
- Sukhumvit Soi 38, Phra Kanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
- Soi Petchburi, Petchburi Road, Pratunam
- Silom Complex, 4 Silom, Bang Rak
3. Krok Bai Toey:
It is Thai Pandan Sweetmeat. It is an aromatic little green muffin-like staple food. Prepare this dish by combining flour, coconut milk, and pandan leaf extract. Cook it in a cast iron griddle, known as Kanon Krok, over hot burning coals.
You must eat it just after buying it to know its real taste. It is warm, soft, chewy, and has a sponge-like pillow texture. Another version of pandan sweetmeat involves grilling coconut cakes. These have added glutinous rice giving it a chewy and sticky texture.
They usually come in yellow and black colours.
Where to eat:
- Siam Pandan, Siam square
- Train Market Ratchada, Ratchadaphisek Road, Dindaeng
- Wang Lang Market, Soi Wang Lang, Siriraj
4. Gai Tod:
Prepare this famous Bangkok street food by marinating chicken wings or drumsticks in a traditional spice and aromatic mixture.
Coat them with rice flour for extra crispiness, then deep-fry and serve hot with nahm prik pao or Thai chili paste sauce.
Where to eat:
- Gai Tod Jaa Gee, Soi Sanam Klee, off Wittayu Road
- Sabai Jai Gai Yang
- Wattana Panich Restaurant
5. Kanom Jeeb:
Prepare these steamed Thai dumplings with pork, shrimp, and crunchy water chestnut. Kanom Jeeb in Thai means ‘pleated dumplings’. The majority of restaurants prepare these dumplings in advance and freeze them.
They steam the frozen dumplings when they get a customer. Top these with a beaten egg and fried fresh garlic, then serve them with a spicy sauce. People mainly eat this dish as a snack.
Where to eat:
- Tim Ho Wan
- Hong Bao
- Waraporn Salapao
6. Pla Pao:
Chefs prepare this dish by gutting and stuffing sea bream, sea bass, or a similar fish with pandanus leaves and lemongrass.
Coat the fish with flour and rock salt, then roast it slowly over charcoal. Serve the dish with fish sauce, lime, and garlic-chilli seafood dipping sauce. Don’t eat meat, not the skin.
Where to eat:
- Lang Ram Meang Pla Pao
- Racha Miang Pla Pao
- Nui Pla Pao
7. Thanom Buang:
It is also known as Thai Crispy Crepe. It is a very popular dessert in the central part of Thailand. This dish is served with two types of toppings – salty and sweet.
The salty topping is made of cream and served with chopped shrimp mixed with pepper and coriander then stir-fried with added sugar, fish sauce, and salt. The sweet one is made of egg yolks boiled in syrup.
Where to eat:
- Khanom Buang Phraeng Nara, Phra Nakhon
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi
- Siam Paragon, 911/1 Rama I Road
8. Coconut Ice Cream:
This is a must-try dessert in Bangkok. You will find a lot of vendors selling coconut ice cream in the Chatuchak market. You may have seen coconut ice cream served in styrofoam bowls but, here in Bangkok, they serve coconut ice cream in a coconut husk.
This coconut ice cream is cool, fresh, and rich which makes it a must-have on a sunny day. The ice cream is served with coconut flesh and 2 toppings on the top. The variety of toppings is sticky rice, nata de coco, peanut, corn, and top seed. You will also get a complimentary cup of fresh coconut juice.
Where to eat:
- Pier 21 Food Court
- JJ Market
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
