Street food in Thailand: Top 9 dishes you shouldn't miss

If you visit Thailand, the Land of Smiles, its street food will amaze you with a perfect blend of spicy, sweet and sour flavors. The best place to enjoy them is in Thai food markets and hubs. Join Hanoi Voyage to uncover famous street foods and vibrant markets that will elevate your journey!

Thai street food: Top 9 must-taste dishes for food lovers

As you wander through the streets and night markets of Thailand, you'll have the chance to enjoy affordable street food that offers unforgettable flavors. Be sure to keep this list of 9 tempting street dishes in mind.

Laab (Thai minced meat salad)

Laab is a distinctive Thai dish that exemplifies street food culture, celebrated for its unique blend of sour, spicy, salty and sweet flavors. This minced meat salad has rapidly gained popularity worldwide, appealing to food enthusiasts everywhere.

Originating in Thailand, Laab is prepared using raw or cooked minced meat, combined with ingredients such as lime juice, chili, garlic, sugar, fish sauce and fresh herbs. It can be made with various meats, including beef, pork, chicken or even duck, making it versatile and delicious.

💰Price: ~$1,19

🍴Restaurants to try Laab: Laab Ton Khoi (Chiang Mai), Laab Ubon Kontrakran (Bangkok), Laab Somphit (Nakhon Ratchasima)

Khao Soi (Curry soup)

Khao Soi features a rich coconut curry broth combined with a perfect blend of spices. This dish uses wheat egg noodles served with tender chicken or beef, creating a unique harmony of flavors. The crispy fried noodles on top enhance the texture, making each bite both soft and delightfully crunchy.

💰Price: ~$1,34

🍴Restaurants to try Khao Soi: Khao Soi Khun Yai (Chiang Mai), Khao Soi Islam (Chiang Mai), Hom Duan (Bangkok)

Gai Yang (Marinated grilled chicken)

Gai Yang is a beloved Thai dish featuring marinated grilled chicken, known for its flavorful seasoning. The marinade typically includes garlic, coriander root and various spices, which infuse the meat with a delicious taste and aroma as it grills.

This dish is often served with a spicy dipping sauce, sticky rice, and fresh vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal. Gai Yang is a popular choice among street food vendors in Thailand, showcasing the country’s culinary heritage and love for bold flavors.

💰Price: ~$4.76

🍴Restaurants to try Gai Yang: Gai Yang Rabeab (Mueang Khon Kaen), SP Chicken (Chiang Mai), Nittaya Kai Yang (Bangkok)

Tom Yum

Tom Yum features shrimp or other proteins cooked in a clear, spicy broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and chili peppers. It often includes mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh herbs, creating a deliciously aromatic experience.

The soup is characterized by its unique combination of sour, spicy and savory tastes, making it a beloved favorite among both locals and visitors. Tom Yum is usually served hot, accompanied by steamed rice and is enjoyed for its refreshing and invigorating qualities.

💰Price: $5 - $8

🍴Restaurants to try Tom Yum: Mit Ko Yuan (Bangkok), Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle (Bangkok), Raan Jay Fai (Bangkok)

Tom Kha Kai (Coconut chicken soup)

Tom Kha Kai is a popular Thai coconut soup known for its rich and creamy texture. The dish features tender chicken (kai) cooked in a fragrant broth made from coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves.

This soup is often seasoned with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili, creating a delightful balance of sweet, sour and spicy flavors. Tom Kha Kai is typically garnished with fresh herbs and served hot, making it a comforting and flavorful choice in Thai cuisine.

💰Price: $5 - $10

🍴Restaurants to try Tom Kha Kai: Nalin Kitchen (Bangkok), Saneh Jaan (Bangkok), Baik Baik (Bangkok)

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Satay (Skewered meat)

Satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish, including in Thailand. It consists of skewered meat, usually chicken, pork or beef, marinated in a blend of spices like turmeric, coconut milk, garlic and coriander, then grilled over charcoal.

Thai Satay is typically served with a rich peanut sauce and a tangy cucumber relish, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory and mildly spicy flavors. It is a beloved street food often found in night markets and Thai restaurants.

💰Price: $1 - $3

🍴Restaurants to try Satay: Kopitiam by Wilai (Phuket), Khun Thip's Satay (Phang Nga), Kiat Ocha (Chiang Mai)

Som Tam (Thai green papaya salad)

Som Tam is a dish known for its bold combination of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavors. It is made from shredded unripe papaya, mixed with chili, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar and roasted peanuts.

This light and zesty salad is commonly paired with sticky rice and grilled meats. As a staple street food, it is also among the Thai street food selections for vegetarians when made without seafood.

💰Price: $1,50 - $3

🍴Restaurants to try Som Tam: Som Tam Nua (Bangkok), Som Tam Jay So (Bangkok), Somtum Der (Bangkok)

Pad Thai (Stir-fried rice noodles)

Pad Thai is a famous street food in Thailand that many tourists try when exploring local cuisine. It consists of stir-fried rice noodles with tofu, red chili, tamarind paste, fish sauce and palm sugar. Crushed peanuts, garlic and vegetarian shrimp add texture and flavor, with lime for tartness.

In other countries, chefs modify Pad Thai by adding bean sprouts, chives, pickled radish or even crab, squid and chicken. Found on nearly every street corner, this iconic dish is easy to find and enjoy.

💰Price: ~$1

🍴Restaurants to try Pad Thai: Thipsamai Padthai Pratu Phi (Bangkok), The Pad Thai Shop (Phuket), Pad Thai Lady (Chiang Mai)

Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango sticky rice)

Khao Niao Mamuang is a popular and iconic Thai dessert made from sticky rice, mango and coconut. The dish features glistening sticky rice topped with rich coconut milk and served with ripe, golden mango slices, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess.

With its sweet and creamy taste, Khao Niao Mamuang is perfect for those seeking a satisfying snack or dessert. As one of the Thai street food selections for vegetarians, it offers a delicious and refreshing option for those looking for meat-free treats in Thailand.

💰Price: ~$1.19 - $1.79

🍴Restaurants to try Khao Niao Mamuang: Mae Nong Nut (Hua Hin), Mango Tango (Bangkok), Mae Varee (Bangkok)

Where to enjoy Thai street food: Top food markets in Thailand

To cater to tourists, many food markets have emerged, creating bustling streets filled with delicious street food, especially in Bangkok. Join Hanoi Voyages to explore the top food markets in Thailand!

Warorot market

Nestled on Tha Phae and Chang Moi roads in Chiang Mai, Warorot market is a food lover’s paradise. From street food and local snacks to fresh produce and ready-to-eat delicacies, this bustling market offers a rich culinary experience that captivates visitors with its vibrant flavors and aromas.

⏳Opening hour: 6 am - 7 pm

🍴Notable restaurants: Dam Rong, Big Brother Song Noodle Shop, Patongo Ko Neng

Victory Monument food hub

Victory Monument is a bustling food hub in Bangkok, offering a variety of authentic Thai street food. As one of the city's main transportation centers, it attracts large crowds. Within its small alleys, you’ll find numerous restaurants, street food stalls, and delicious local snacks.

⏳Opening hour: 10 am - 8 pm

🍴Notable restaurants: Doy Kuay Teow Reua, Boat Noodle Alley, Kuay Jab Jaedang

Krabi night market

Krabi night market is a cluster of small markets near the town center, offering a perfect blend of beach tourism and street food. Though modest in size, it attracts millions of visitors eager to enjoy its lively atmosphere and savor delicious, budget-friendly local snacks, making it a must-visit culinary destination.

⏳Opening hour: 5 pm - 10 pm

🍴Notable restaurants: Ali Baba, The Pizza Company, Gecko Cabane

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Taste Thai street food: A guide to enjoy food markets

We will provide you with important tips for enjoying Thai street food at food markets. Check them out to ensure your upcoming Thailand trip goes smoothly!

Arrive early to avoid crowds

Food markets in Thailand get very busy in the evening. Arriving early allows you to explore comfortably, choose your favorite dishes and find a good place to sit.

Check the spice level before ordering

One of the most important tips for enjoying Thai street food is to check the spice level before ordering. Thai food can be extremely spicy. If you’re not used to it, ask for “mai phet” (ไม่เผ็ด), which means “not spicy,” to avoid an overwhelming heat.

Check ingredients if you have food allergies

Some Thai dishes contain peanuts, seafood or coconut milk. If you have allergies, always ask the vendor about the ingredients before ordering.

Be aware of market closing times

Some food markets close early, around 9pm - 10 pm. Check the closing time in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on the best dishes.

Don't wait any longer, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to this country to savor its delicious street food in Thailand. Let Hanoi Voyages be your perfect travel companion for an exciting journey!