When visiting Thailand you have to try the Thai street food. You can find it in most of the streets in Thailand, but it’s not only the Thai food. It’s the experience, while you watch the chef prepare your delicious meal in their food stall. 

It’s the heat, the noise, the smell. Something you just have to experience, I myself am a lover for Thai street food and can’t get enough of it. But what Thai street food should you try? Ofcourse everyone will have there own favorites but here is a list of 10 of the most populair Thai street food dishes.

Pad Krapao

This is my personal favorite and a classic Thai street food dish. The main ingredients are typically pork (moo) or chicken (gai), combined with oyster and dark soy sauce, along with a mix of chillies, green beans, and garlic.

Served with steamed rice and optionally topped with a fried egg (khai dao), this dish is a Thai culinary staple found in many food stalls and restaurants nationwide, offering comfort food at its best. Prices vary per location but I paid an average of 59 bath for a Pad krapao which is only $1.69!

Som Tam (papaya salad)

This irresistibly spicy papaya salad is renowned as one of Thailand’s beloved street food delights, almost a culinary emblem. While traditionally associated with the northeastern Isaan region, som tam graces food stalls and markets nationwide. If you spot a vendor armed with a mortar and pestle, chances are they’re offering som tam.

Green papaya, paired with ingredients like chillies, dried shrimps, green beans, peanuts, and tomatoes, forms the delectable mix. The fiery kick, attributed to the generous use of chillies, is integral, with some Thai aficionados insisting that som tam isn’t authentic unless it brings a tear to your eyes!

I’m not a real fan of this salad since I can’t handle the heat that well, my boyfriend on the other hand is a lover for this and would recommend everyone to try it out! Fresh and spicy, the perfect mix for a hot day in Thailand!

And for everyone who is thinking, what are the other 3 things on a photo? Well, since I can’t handle the heat of this shredded green papaya salad, I went for the grilled pork skewers and grilled chicken. Together with a bag of soy sauce that served as a dipping sauce.

Pad Thai (fried noodles)

Another iconic and maybe the most famous street food dish among tourist since it’s available in every part of Thailand and widely sold by many street stalls. You can enjoy this classic Thai dish in different ways with chicken, pork, or the tasty shrimp version called pad Thai kung sod. I enjoyed the tender chicken the most, while my boyfriend was a lover for the shrimp version.

It’s made with special flat rice noodles (sen Chan) from the Chanthaburi province. The noodles are cooked with bean sprouts, tofu, and peanuts. Squeeze some lime on top and add some chili flakes to make it even more delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the tasty treat!

Khao Niao Mamuang (mango sticky rice)

My favorite dessert might be a bit harder to find on the street, but you can usually get it at morning or evening markets. Having mango sticky rice for breakfast is a great way to start the day, or you can enjoy it as a tasty snack anytime. Sweet sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar and fresh mango slices, so easy but so delicious. 

This really is a Thai street food dish you can’t miss, the condensed milk together with the juicy sweet mango makes this a comfort food everyone will like! 

Poh Pia Tod (Spring Rolls)

Who doesn’t like spring rolls? This dish is easy to find on most Thai markets, and can contain various fillings, including meat, vegetables, and rice noodles. Spring rolls are commonly either deep-fried or served fresh, generously coated in chili sauce.

These tasty treats are conveniently packaged in a plastic bag, making them a hassle-free and quick snack when on the move. But ofcourse this isn’t only a Thai street food dish, spring rolls are also well know in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Thai Coconut Ice Cream

I love coconut ice cream, this is the perfect snack for a hot day in Thailand. I’ve really enjoyed eating this coconut cream at the Bangkok floating market.

Unlike Western ice creams made with dairy, Thailand’s coconut ice cream doesn’t have any of that. It’s crafted with rich coconut milk, coconut water, palm sugar, and white sugar for that creamy texture. The scoops of ice cream are then placed in a coconut shell and topped with roasted nuts. Delicious!

Thai Pandan Coconut Pancakes

For the last desert on this list I couldn’t leave out these tasty pancakes. Like the name says, these pancakes are made with pandan and coconut. These tasty, bite sized pieces can be found on most night markets. I would totally recommend you to try them after you’re finished with all savory Thai street food.

Hoi Tod (Oyster Omelet)

The oyster omelet is made by frying crunchy oysters in a mix of rice flour and eggs. The fried batter and eggs are served together with the dish.

The omelet turns out super crispy on the edges, a bit soft inside, and kind of slippery where the eggs and oysters meet. They make it even tastier by adding fish sauce. It’s really, really delicious!

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Tom Yum Goong is like the smell of Thailand in a dish. It has lemongrass, chili, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice, and spicy fish sauce, all mixed together in a bowl full of flavors. There’s yummy seafood and mushrooms too.

It’s the best way to start tasting Thai food because it gives you the special taste of the country. When you try other foods in Thailand, you’ll probably keep wanting to eat this dish again and again.

Massaman Gai (Massaman Curry)

Thai curries come in many colors and styles, just like a big, busy spice house. One unique curry is Massaman, which is a bit different and has influences from places like Persia. It’s made with coconut milk, chicken, and potatoes, like its friends.

But it also has roasted peanuts, cinnamon, bay leaves, tamarind sauce, and a little bit of sugar for extra flavor. If you prefer mild curries, Massaman is a good choice. If you don’t eat meat, you can use tasty local tofu instead of chicken.

Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with Cashew Nuts)

Easy yet delicious, Kai Med Ma Muang is a top choice for travelers, and you’re sure to love it. Golden fried chicken, soaked in honey and apple marinade, is paired with roasted cashews, sweet soy sauce, onions, chilies, pepper, carrot, and fresh garlic.

It’s satisfying and sweet, with a mix of fresh and colorful ingredients. It’s not too spicy, but it’s full of flavors that will make you want more, leaving you licking your lips and asking for seconds.

This classic dish is paired with a sticky rice which make it even more delicious.

Khoa Soi

Khoa koi is a noodle soup originating from northern Thailand, featuring wheat-based egg noodles immersed in a delightful coconut milk curry broth. Traditionally prepared with chicken or beef, this dish is garnished with a finishing touch of crunchy deep-fried noodles.

This dish was simply amazing, and we really enjoyed this during our stay in Chiang Mai. If you’re planning on visiting Chiang Mai you should have a look at Chiang Mai Antara Resort!

Night markets in Thailand

When you are looking for street food vendors which are offerering Thai street food you’ll need to head over to one of the many night markets Thailand has to offer. 

Ofcourse you can just find a street food vendor on the corner of the street, but the convenience of multiple options on one location is even better right?

Hopefully this blog about Thai food was helpful for you and ofcourse let me know, what’s your favorite dish from the Thai cuisine.