Bangkok, Thailand is home to some of the most legendary street food in the world. From pad thai to fried bananas, you’ll never run out of different street foods to try in Bangkok.
However, knowing where to find the best food stands, what to sample, and which neighborhoods have the best food can be daunting with so many options. Luckily, we’ve answered all these questions and more below!
Is it safe to eat street food in Bangkok?
Absolutely! While many travelers believe that street food can be risky, it actually has the same risk as dining in a restaurant. When eating street food in Bangkok, you are more likely to be served fresh food, and you can also see it prepared in front of you. Since you can witness how the food is cooked, you can go elsewhere if the conditions seem dirty or unsafe.
How much does street food cost in Bangkok?
While prices have seen a modest increase due to the recent inflation, Bangkok street food is still generally very cheap. The current average price of a simple dish, such as pad gaprow (stir fry with Thai holy basil) or khao man gai (Thai chicken and rice), can be as little as 45 to 60 baht ($1.25-$1.70). Expect to pay a bit more than this around popular tourist areas, such as lower Sukhumvit.
What are the best areas to stay in Bangkok for street food?
While you can find street food literally everywhere in Bangkok, these areas offer especially fantastic street food options:
Chinatown
Also known as Yaowarat, this area is a foodie’s paradise! Chinatown has seemingly endless street food options: choose from Chinese donuts, noodle bowls, blood cockles, curry, soup, and more. We recommend visiting between Tuesday and Sunday, as most street food vendors are closed on Monday.
Old Town
This vibrant area, also referred to as Rattanakosin, is home to both incredible street food vendors and Michelin-starred restaurants, like Jay Fai. Khao San Road offers endless street food options including fishball noodles, pad thai, deep-fried spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and more.
Victory Monument
This monument isn’t just a popular attraction — it is also surrounded by some of the most delicious street food in the area. Phaya Thai, a street that connects to the area, also has a wide variety of options for food. One particular side street, Pectchaburi Soi 5, has an abundance of restaurants and street food vendors selling salads, fruit, noodles and more.
Ekkamai
While in Ekkamai, be sure to sample the beef noodle soup at Wattana Panich; the story goes that the legendary broth has been simmering since the restaurant owner was a child, over 45 years! Other good options to look for in this area are Thai chicken noodles, often served with fresh sweet basil, raw bitter melon, vinegar, and chili flakes, creating a unique blend of flavors.
Silom
This neighborhood is one of Bangkok’s main business districts, so you will likely see local office workers enjoying and ordering lunch or dinner during the day and after work. While you’re here, you can sample several different noodle or rice dishes, including Kao Kaeng, a build-your-own curry on rice.
Talad Phlu
Also known as Phlu Market, Talad Phlu is a great place to find cheaper and underrated food vendors. Look out for Thai crepes, BBQ pork and rice, yen ta fo noodles, and several traditional Thai desserts.
Where can you eat Michelin Star street food in Bangkok?
There are several places in Bangkok where you can find street food that has made it into the definitive publication for food lovers everywhere. Here are a few of our picks:
Jay Fai: This is the one and only street food vendor with a Michelin star. Owned by Supinya ‘Jay Fai’ Junsuta, this vendor specializes in seafood dishes, such as her famous khai jeaw poo (crab omelette) and pad kee mao talay (seafood drunken noodle). Although a much pricier option compared to your typical Thai eatery, with some dishes going for around 1,500 baht ($45), travellers come from all over the world to taste Jay Fai’s renowned dishes. Advance bookings are highly recommended.
These street food vendors are recipients of the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand Award:
Kaeng Pa: This eatery specializes in using game meats and herbs from the forest. The signature dish of kaeng pa is a jungle curry soup with hand-minced fish, which includes vibrant ingredients like turkey berry, fingerroot, and red chili.
Fried Banana Rama 5: If you have a sweet tooth, you have to check out this stand! Fried Banana Rama 5 specializes in deep-fried battered bananas, along with taro, potato, and deep-fried potato dough balls.
Ket O Cha: This joint is always crowded, and for good reason! Ket O Cha has incredible noodle soup, slow-cooked beef, blanched beef slices, and homemade beef balls.
Are there any street food tours in Bangkok?
We welcome you to join our Electric Scooter Tour Talat Phlu to experience some of Bangkok’s hidden gems. While this isn’t strictly a food tour, you will get to experience the wonderful Talad Phlu Market, sample some excellent street food, and explore Bangkok’s temples and hidden alleyways.
What are some unusual street foods to try in Bangkok?
- Fried scorpions: Make your way to Khao San Road, where you can try fried scorpions and a variety of other insects, perfect for those who love an adventure!
- Silkworms: Also known as hon mhai, this dish involves deep frying the worms, then seasoning them with salt, pepper, and a secret sauce.
- Developing tadpoles: Find any Isaan food vendor and you may find a dish called mok huak. Typically served with fermented fish sauce, this is definitely one of the most bizarre street foods in Bangkok.
There’s no better way to experience authentic Thai culture than by sampling Bangkok’s variety of street food. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or simply want to sample some of the best Thai food in the world, Bangkok street vendors have it all!
