Food Guide

What to Eat in Thailand

From sizzling street stalls to Michelin-starred night markets — your complete guide to Thai cuisine.

Thai food is consistently ranked among the best cuisines in the world — and for good reason. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours makes every dish an experience. The best part? Street food in Thailand costs just ฿30–80 per dish, meaning you can eat like royalty on a backpacker's budget.

Whether you're navigating the smoky lanes of Bangkok's Chinatown, exploring the northern specialities of Chiang Mai, or feasting on fresh Andaman seafood in Phuket, this guide covers everything you need to know about eating your way through Thailand.

Must-Try Thai Dishes

Pad Thai

Thailand's signature stir-fried rice noodles tossed with tamarind sauce, crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and your choice of prawns, chicken, or tofu. Street vendors serve it for as little as ฿40–60.

Tom Yum Goong

A hot and sour soup bursting with prawns, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bird's eye chilli. The creamy "nam khon" version adds evaporated milk for a richer broth.

Khao Soi

Chiang Mai's legendary curry noodle soup features egg noodles in a coconut-curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, and shallots. A northern Thai masterpiece.

Som Tum

Green papaya salad pounded in a mortar with chillies, lime, fish sauce, tomatoes, and peanuts. Ask for "mai phet" if you can't handle the heat, or "phet mak" if you dare.

Mango Sticky Rice

Thailand's most beloved dessert pairs sweet glutinous rice drenched in warm coconut cream with slices of perfectly ripe mango. Peak season runs from March to June.

Pad Kra Pao

Stir-fried holy basil with minced pork or chicken served over steaming rice, crowned with a crispy fried egg. This is what most Thais eat for lunch every single day.

Best Night Markets by City

Bangkok

Jodd Fairs, Rot Fai Train Market, Yaowarat (Chinatown)

Yaowarat Road transforms into a seafood paradise after dark — grilled giant prawns, charcoal-roasted oysters, and Michelin-starred street stalls.

Chiang Mai

Sunday Walking Street, Warorot Market, Chang Phueak Gate

The northern night markets offer unique dishes you won't find elsewhere — Sai Ua sausage, Khao Soi, and Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiao.

Phuket

Chillva Market, Phuket Weekend Market, Old Town Sunday

Phuket's markets specialise in southern Thai cuisine — spicier, richer curries and incredible fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea.

Street Food Tips

Follow the locals. A long queue at a street stall almost always means the food is exceptional. Thais are passionate about their food and won't waste time at a mediocre stall.

Eat where it's cooked fresh. Avoid pre-made dishes sitting on trays in the sun. Look for stalls where the wok is firing and each plate is made to order.

Carry cash. Most street food vendors and small restaurants don't accept credit cards. ฿200–400 in cash is enough for a full day of eating.

Start mild and add heat. Thai food can be incredibly spicy. Say "mai phet" (not spicy) when ordering and add chilli yourself from the condiment tray.

Join a Guided Food Tour

Walk the night markets with a local guide who knows every hidden stall and secret dish.

Browse Food Tours

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