The Best Foods in Bangkok: A Culinary Journey

Savour the Flavours of Bangkok’s Best Foods

Bangkok has a reputation as one of the world’s best food destinations, and for good reason. The city’s vibrant street food scene, innovative culinary landscape, and fascinating cultural heritage have made Bangkok a top destination for foodies from all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sour, sweet, or savoury flavours, Bangkok has something to offer everyone.

In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey to explore the best foods in Bangkok. From the iconic Pad Thai to lesser-known street food gems, we will introduce you to the flavours that make Bangkok’s cuisine unique. So grab your chopsticks and let’s dive in!

🍜 Pad Thai: Thailand’s Most Famous Dish

No article about Thai cuisine would be complete without mentioning Pad Thai. This iconic dish of stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, and bean sprouts, is a must-try for any visitor to Bangkok. It’s often served with a wedge of lime, roasted peanuts, and chili flakes on the side, allowing you to customise the flavour to your liking. You can find Pad Thai in restaurants and street food stalls all over Bangkok, but some of the best can be found on the streets of Chinatown.

How is Pad Thai made?

Pad Thai is made by stir-frying rice noodles along with eggs, tofu, and protein (usually shrimp or chicken). The dish is then flavoured with fish sauce, tamarind sauce, and palm sugar. It’s topped with bean sprouts, scallions, and crushed roasted peanuts.

Is Pad Thai spicy?

It can be, but not always. Most restaurants and street food vendors will ask you how spicy you want your Pad Thai before serving it to you. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, ask for it mai ped (not spicy).

🍲 Tom Yum Goong: A Spicy and Sour Soup

Tom Yum Goong is another iconic Thai dish that you simply must try. This spicy and sour soup is made with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, and fish sauce. It’s often served with rice and is perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. You can find Tom Yum Goong in most Thai restaurants, but some of the best can be found on the streets of Yaowarat (Chinatown).

How spicy is Tom Yum Goong?

Tom Yum Goong is known for its spicy and sour flavour, but the level of spiciness can vary depending on the chef. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, ask for it mai ped (not spicy).

Can I make Tom Yum Goong at home?

Yes, you can! There are plenty of online recipes that you can follow to make Tom Yum Goong at home. However, some of the ingredients (like lemongrass and galangal) can be hard to find outside of Thailand.

🍛 Khao Soi: A Northern Thai Specialty

Khao Soi is a spicy and fragrant curry noodle soup that originates from Northern Thailand. It’s made with egg noodles, coconut milk, and chicken or beef, and is flavoured with a blend of spices and herbs. Khao Soi is usually topped with crispy fried noodles and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. You can find Khao Soi in most Northern Thai restaurants in Bangkok, especially in areas like Ari and Thonglor.

Is Khao Soi spicy?

Yes, Khao Soi is known for its spiciness. However, the level of spiciness can vary depending on the restaurant. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, ask for it mai ped (not spicy).

Can I make Khao Soi at home?

Yes, you can! There are plenty of online recipes that you can follow to make Khao Soi at home. However, some of the ingredients (like certain spices and herbs) can be hard to find outside of Thailand.

🍢 Moo Ping: Grilled Pork Skewers

If you’re a fan of grilled meat, you won’t want to miss out on Moo Ping. These tasty and affordable pork skewers are a popular street food snack in Bangkok. The pork is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and garlic before being grilled over charcoal. Moo Ping is usually served with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce. You can find Moo Ping at most street food vendors in Bangkok, especially around the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

How many Moo Ping should I order?

It’s up to you! Moo Ping is usually sold in sets of two or three skewers, so order as many as you like. They’re affordable, so you can always order more if you’re still hungry.

Is Moo Ping spicy?

Not usually, but some vendors may serve it with a spicy dipping sauce. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, ask for the dipping sauce mai ped (not spicy).

🍜 Boat Noodles: A Hearty Noodle Soup

Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Rua) is a popular noodle soup that is typically served in small portions. These hearty bowls of noodles are packed with meat (often pork or beef), herbs, and spices. The broth is flavoured with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, giving it a unique and flavourful taste. Boat Noodles originated from the floating markets of Bangkok, where vendors would sell them from boats. Today, you can find Boat Noodles in most Thai restaurants in Bangkok.

Why are they called Boat Noodles?

Boat Noodles got their name from the floating markets of Bangkok, where vendors would sell them from boats. Today, most Boat Noodle restaurants in Bangkok are on land, but the name has stuck.

Are Boat Noodles spicy?

Boat Noodles can be spicy, but not always. Most restaurants and street food vendors will ask you how spicy you want your noodles before serving them to you. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, ask for them mai ped (not spicy).

🐟 Pla Pao: Grilled Fish

Pla Pao is a whole grilled fish that is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices before being grilled over charcoal. The fish is usually served with a spicy dipping sauce and sticky rice. Pla Pao is a popular dish in Thailand, especially in coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant. You can find Pla Pao in most seafood restaurants in Bangkok, but some of the best can be found at the Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market.

What kind of fish is used for Pla Pao?

The most common fish used for Pla Pao is tilapia, but other types of fish can be used as well.

Is Pla Pao spicy?

The fish itself isn’t usually spicy, but it’s usually served with a spicy dipping sauce. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, ask for the dipping sauce mai ped (not spicy).

🥟 Guay Teow Kua Gai: Fried Noodle with Chicken

Guay Teow Kua Gai is a popular street food dish in Bangkok that consists of stir-fried flat noodles with chicken, eggs, and vegetables. The noodles are stir-fried with a blend of seasonings, including soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, giving them a savoury and slightly sweet flavour. Guay Teow Kua Gai is usually served with a side of crushed peanuts, chili flakes, and lime wedges. You can find this dish at most street food vendors and markets in Bangkok.

Is Guay Teow Kua Gai spicy?

Not usually, but some vendors may add chili flakes for an extra kick. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, ask for it mai ped (not spicy).

What kind of noodles are used for Guay Teow Kua Gai?

Flat rice noodles are typically used for this dish.

🍢 Sai Krok Isan: Northeastern Thai Sausage

Sai Krok Isan is a type of sausage that originates from the Northeastern region of Thailand. It’s made with ground pork, garlic, and a blend of spices, including coriander, black pepper, and cumin. The sausage is usually grilled over charcoal and served with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce. Sai Krok Isan can be found in most Northeastern Thai restaurants in