Many tourists visiting Bangkok often wonder about the local cuisine. Known for its stunning golden temples, the city is famous for its unique and irresistibly delicious food, considered among the best in Asia. Predominantly featuring affordable street food that’s easy to find and eat, Bangkok offers a culinary experience that should not be missed. In this article, we’ll introduce you to nine must-try specialties in Bangkok, Thailand.
1. Pad Thai, must-try dish in Bangkok
- Price: About 5,9 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok for Pad Thai: Tamnak Isan Ekkamai: 86/1 Sukhumvit Road Prakhanong Nue, Watthana, Bangkok
Pad Thai, must-try food in Bangkok. Photo: Collected
Pad Thai is a popular dish featuring Thailand's signature stir-fried noodles, showcasing a distinct flavor that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. The dish typically includes noodles (or vermicelli in the Thai style), bean sprouts, tofu, eggs, and various spices, complemented by a wedge of lime and chili peppers for a delightful balance of sour and spicy flavors.
2. Thai hotpot, top specialties in Bangkok
- Price: About 12 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok for Thai hot pot: 133 Sunthon Kosa Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Thai hotpot, top specialties in Bangkok. Photo: Collected
When considering what to eat in Bangkok, Thai hot pot is a must-mention. This spicy and sour dish offers a unique blend of seafood, vegetables, and fruits, setting it apart from other hot pot varieties with its distinctive flavors. It's a delicious experience that shouldn't be overlooked.
3. Tom Yum, one of best street food in Bangkok
- Price: About 11.8 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Tom Yum, one of best street food in Bangkok. Photo: Collected
Tom Yum is a renowned Thai soup known for its spiciness and has gained international fame. This dish combines fresh seafood with a mix of spices, resulting in a tangy and intensely spicy flavor. The specific ingredients can vary depending on the region, featuring different types of seafood.
4. Thai papaya salad, street food in Bangkok
- Price: About 4 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok for Thai papaya salad: 392, 12-14 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Thai papaya salad, known as Som Tam or Som Tum. Photo: Collected
Thai papaya salad, commonly known as Som Tam or Som Tum, is a popular street food in Thailand. It showcases the signature sweet and sour flavors of a salad, infused with the spiciness that is characteristic of many Thai dishes.
5. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
- Price: About 1,38 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok for Moo Ping: 76 Si Lom, Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers). Photo: Collected
Street food in Bangkok is a significant draw for tourists, with Moo Ping—delicious pork skewers—being one of the top favorites. Found throughout the city's night markets and streets, these skewers are grilled over hot coals, filling the air with an irresistible sweet aroma that tempts anyone nearby.
6. Miang Pla Pao, top street food in Thailand
- Price: About 8 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok for Miang Pla Pao : 295, Rat U-thit Road, Saensaep, Khet Minburi, Bangkok
One of top specialities in Bangkok with a tantalizing aroma is salt-grilled fish. Photo: Collected
One of the standout specialties in Bangkok, known for its tantalizing aroma, is salt-grilled fish. This dish is incredibly delicious, featuring a sweet and chewy texture that many tourists adore. On cooler days, savoring salt-grilled fish alongside a glass of wine creates a warm and cozy experience.
7. Thai fried rice (Khao Pad Poo)
- Price: About 4 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok for Thai fried rice: 42 Ram Buttri, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
The process of making Thai fried rice is quite elaborate. Photo: Collected
Khao Pad is a Thai crab fried rice dish that shares some ingredients with Phu Quoc's crab fried rice but offers a much more distinctive flavor, thanks to the addition of garlic and a generous amount of chili. The preparation of Thai fried rice is quite intricate. First, live crabs are steamed or boiled, after which the shells are removed, and the meat is carefully extracted. The rice is cooked and allowed to cool slightly. In a pan, oil is heated, followed by garlic, crab meat, and eggs, which are stir-fried until the eggs are cooked. Then, the rice is added and stir-fried together with chili, fish sauce, sugar, and Maggi seasoning until the rice grains are firm. Finally, the heat is turned off, and the dish is plated, garnished with scallions and herbs.
8. Panang Thai, must-try dish in Bangkok
- Price: About 6 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok for Panang Thai: 59 Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Talat Yot, Bangkok
Panang curry is sweeter and not as spicy as red curry. Photo: Collected
Thai cuisine encompasses four main types of curry: red curry, green curry, Panang curry, and Massaman curry. Red curry is the most widely used, characterized by its rich coconut milk and notably spicy flavor. Panang curry is sweeter and milder in heat compared to red curry. Meanwhile, Massaman curry is a specialty from the southern and coastal regions of Thailand.
9. Khao Neow Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)
- Price: About 3.15 USD
- Best restaurant in Bangkok for Mango Sticky Rice: 458/6-9 Siam Square Soi 8, Rama 1 Road | Patumwan District, Bangkok
Khao Neow Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice). Photo: Collected
For Thai people, mango sticky rice is a beloved and iconic snack that represents the country. Its uniqueness comes from its use of well-known ingredients from the Land of Smiles, including glutinous rice, ripe mango, and coconut.
If you're still unsure about what to eat in Bangkok, be sure to check out the nine specialties mentioned above. These dishes not only showcase the local cuisine but also reflect the cultural essence of the Land of Smiles. Additionally, consider reaching our travel agent (Asia Top Travel) for a more meaningful journey to Thailand, allowing you to experience Bangkok's delectable food firsthand.
Contact Asia Top Travel to craft a holiday to explore these specialties! Click here