Top 9 must-try dishes in Bangkok

Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise and a must-visit destination for any traveler. Here, you can explore iconic dishes in Bangkok that showcase the bold, authentic flavors of Thailand – from humble street-side bites to beautifully crafted traditional meals. Bustling streets are filled with irresistible options, offering you a taste of the best street food in Bangkok. The perfect balance of spicy, rich, sour and fresh ingredients makes Bangkok’s cuisine truly unforgettable.

If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t miss this list of 9 must-try dishes carefully curated by Hanoi Voyages. Let us guide you on a flavorful journey and experience Bangkok at its very best!

Bangkok: Where every dish is a journey

There’s a reason why Bangkok is often called the street food capital of the world—it’s a city where every corner bursts with flavor. From the first whiff of sizzling garlic on a wok to the vibrant colors of herbs and spices piled high at local markets, the city invites you into a sensory journey like no other. The dishes in Bangkok aren’t just meals—they’re experiences. Whether it’s a fiery plate of Pad Kra Pao under neon lights or a comforting bowl of Tom Yum from a family-run stall, you’ll find that the best food in Bangkok is always just a few steps away.

Discover 9 must-try dishes in Bangkok that you should not miss

Bangkok is a paradise for food lovers, where mouthwatering street food is found on almost every corner. If you are looking for famous dishes in Bangkok, the list of 10 dishes below will be a great suggestion to help you discover the unique culinary flavors of this city.

Pad Thai

Pad Thai is the most internationally recognized dish and a delicious representation of Thai cuisine. It’s made with thin rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, tofu, dried shrimp or fresh prawns, bean sprouts, garlic and scallions. The noodles are coated in a tamarind-based sauce that blends tangy, sweet and savory flavors. Crushed peanuts and a squeeze of lime add the final touch.

Pad Thai is one of the famous dishes in Bangkok that balances simplicity and flavor, making it a must-try even for first-time visitors.

Price: ~50 THB ($1.5)

Best places to eat Pad Thai in Bangkok:

• Pad Thai Thipsamai Restaurant - 313-315 Maha Chai Rd Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 Thailand

• Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu - 115/5 Dinso Rd Wat Bowonniwetwiharn, Bangkok 10200 Thailand

• Baan Phadthai - 21-23 Soi Charoen Krung 44, Bangkok 10500 Thailand

Tom Yum Goong

Tom yum goong is a hot and sour shrimp soup made with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms and chili. The flavor is bold - sour from lime juice, spicy from chilies and aromatic from Thai herbs. Prawns (goong) are the star of the dish, often added fresh and whole. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience.

Price: 100–200 THB ($3–$6)

Best places to eat Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok:

• Pee Aor Tom Yum Goong - 68, 51 Phetchaburi Rd, Bangkok 10400

• Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu - Soi Kraisi, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon Bangkok, Thailand

• Jeh O Chula - 113/1, Soi Charat Mueang, Bangkok 10330 Thailand

Som Tum

Som tum is a fiery and tangy salad originating from the northeast of Thailand (Isaan). It features shredded unripe papaya pounded together with garlic, chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar and often dried shrimp or salted crab. The result is a crunchy, spicy and sour explosion in every bite.

It’s one of the famous dishes in Bangkok that is both refreshing and addictive, often eaten with sticky rice and grilled chicken.

Price: 40–80 THB ($1–$2.5)

Best places to eat Som Tum in Bangkok:

• Som Tam Jay So - 146 Phiphat 2, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

• Som Tam Nua - Thanon Phloen Chit Thanon Witthayu, Bangkok 10330 Thailand

• Somtum Der - 5/5 Sala Daeng Road, Bangkok 10500 Thailand

Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is Thailand’s most beloved dessert. It combines sweet glutinous rice soaked in coconut cream with slices of perfectly ripe mango. A sprinkle of mung beans or sesame seeds adds a slight crunch.

This dessert is a seasonal favorite, best enjoyed when mangoes are at their peak (March–May). Despite its simplicity, it's among the most famous dishes in Bangkok and a must-have on your Thai food checklist.

Price: 40–60 THB ($1–$1.8)

Best places to eat mango sticky rice in Bangkok:

• Mae Varee - Thong Lo 55, Bangkok Thailand

• Kor Panich - 431-433 Tanao Road, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

• Mango Tango - 258, 11-12 Siam Square Soi 3, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Pad Kra Pao

Pad Kra Pao is the ultimate Thai comfort food. Minced meat (usually pork, chicken, or beef) is stir-fried with holy basil, garlic and chili, then served over hot jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top. The dish is known for its savory and slightly spicy profile.

It’s one of the most commonly ordered meals by locals, earning its place among the famous dishes in Bangkok thanks to its speed, simplicity and full flavor.

Price: 50–90 THB ($1.5–$2.5)

Best places to try Pad Kra Pao in Bangkok:

• Phed Mark - 928 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Phra Khanong, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

• Ka Prow Khun Phor - 6/10 Soi Promsri 1, Sukhumvit 39 Road, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

Boat Noodles

Boat noodles, or Guay Tiew Ruea, are small bowls of rice noodles served in a deeply flavored pork or beef broth, often thickened with spices and a touch of pig’s blood (don’t worry – it’s safe and adds richness!). Toppings include slices of meat, pork balls, bean sprouts, morning glory and crispy pork rinds. Traditionally sold from boats on Bangkok's canals, this dish is now a staple in local noodle shops.

Boat noodles are an essential part of the famous dishes in Bangkok, especially for anyone seeking bold flavors and an authentic local experience.

Price: 15–25 THB ($0.5–$0.8)

Best places to eat Boat Noodles in Bangkok:

• Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong - 1/7 Ratchawithi Rd At Victory Monument, Bangkok 10400 Thailand

• Doy Kuay Teow Reua - Ratchawithi Soi 18, Thanon Ratchawithi, Bangkok 10400

Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew is a stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles (sen yai), soy sauce, Chinese broccoli, egg and a choice of meat, usually pork or chicken. It has a savory-sweet flavor, less spicy than Pad Thai and a slightly smoky aroma from the wok.

Pad see ew is a comfort food for many Thais and one of the famous dishes in Bangkok that’s perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.

Price: 40–70 THB ($1.2–$2)

Top places to eat Pad See Ew in Bangkok:

• Nailao Ladna - 99/4 Nang Linchi Rd, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

• Madam Saranair - 139/1 Soi Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke Soi 1 sub-district, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Khao Moo Daeng

Khao Moo Daeng is a hearty rice dish topped with slices of Chinese-style red pork (char siu), half a boiled egg and drizzled with a sweet-savory gravy. It’s often served with pickled veggies and a bowl of light soup.

This dish is an unsung hero in the street food world and often overlooked by tourists, despite being one of the best street food in Thailand for a quick and filling lunch.

Price: 40–70 THB ($1.2–$2)

Recommended places to try Khao Moo Daeng:

• Si Morakot - 80-82 Sukon 1 Alley, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

• Nai Ek Roll Noodle - 442 Soi 9, Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100 Thailand

• Khao Moo Daeng - 1161-3 Soi Phaholyothin 7, Samsennai Phayathai, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

Kanom Krok

Kanom Krok is a beloved Thai street dessert made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk and sugar, poured into a cast-iron pan with round indentations. Each piece is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, often topped with green onions, sweet corn, or taro.

This snack perfectly balances sweet and salty, making it a unique addition to Bangkok’s street food scene. Despite being simple, Kanom Krok ranks high among the famous dishes in Bangkok thanks to its nostalgic, homemade flavor.

Price: 20–40 THB ($0.6–$1.2)

Best places to eat Kanom Krok in Bangkok:

• Chatuchak Weekend Market - 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

• Khanom Krok Nai Pha - Wang Lang Road Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Wanglang Market, Bangkok 10700 Thailand

Besides immersing yourself in Bangkok’s rich traditional cuisine, the journey with Hanoi Voyages also takes you to explore the city’s unique cultural highlights and vibrant landscapes. We proudly offer tours that discover not only Bangkok but also many other beautiful regions of Thailand, allowing you to fully experience the beauty and distinctive culture of the Land of Smiles.

Thailand family tour 14 days Northern Thailand tour from Ayutthaya and the magic of the North with its landscapes, culture and nature.	Central and Southern Thailand 15 days Central and Southern Thailand 15 days exploring the vibrant cities, stunning beaches and natural wonders	Splendors of Thailand 20 days Splendors of Thailand 20 days exploring the diversity of culture, natural wonders and ending with stunning beach

Tips for enjoying dishes in Bangkok like a local

To enjoy the best dishes in Bangkok like a true local, you need to go beyond tourist traps and dig into the real food culture. Here are some practical tips to help you eat like a local.

• Start with the street food stalls: Some of the best dishes in Bangkok can be found right on the sidewalks. Don’t hesitate to try street food — it’s affordable, authentic and often better than what you’ll find in restaurants.

• Look for crowded places: A long line usually means great food. Popular stalls often serve some of the best street food in Bangkok, with fast turnover that ensures freshness.

• Stay hydrated: Thai food can be spicy and the weather hot — always carry water, or try a fresh coconut or Thai iced tea to cool down between meals.

• Know your spice tolerance: Thai cuisine is known for its heat. Don’t overestimate your spice tolerance — even locals find some dishes fiery. If you're unsure, ask for “mai phet” (not spicy) or “phet nit noi” (a little spicy). Once you're more comfortable, try going “phet mak” (very spicy) and see if you can handle the burn like a local.

• Carry cash and small change: Most street vendors and small eateries only accept cash. Keep small bills handy to make transactions quick and easy.

To truly understand Bangkok, nothing beats enjoying the best food in Bangkok like a local, from sidewalk vendors and hidden traditional gems to vibrant markets bursting with flavors. Don’t just eat to fill up—eat to discover, to connect and to fall in love with Thai culture through every bite of its unique dishes in Bangkok.

If you’re planning a memorable culinary journey to Thailand, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hanoi Voyages—a professional team ready to guide you through Bangkok in the most authentic and flavorful way.