Not only is Thailand full of scenic views and ancient structures, but it has plenty of mouth-watering food as well. The enticing smell of the food wafting from the stalls are enough to make you hungry. Let's find something to eat!
Let’s kick off with a biggie. If you’ve got just one evening to delve into Bangkok street food, make it Yaowarat, the capital’s Chinatown.
To many this might come as a surprise. Why visit Thailand and eat in Chinatown? And how can Chinatown be one of the best places for street food in Bangkok?
Well, Chinese influence over centuries of immigration has permeated almost every part of Thai culture including the cuisine. Many Thai dishes’ roots can be traced back to the Asian behemoth and most people in Bangkok consider it to be one of the best places to eat in the city.
Don’t come expecting the type of Cantonese cuisine you might find in your local takeaway, there’s some seriously good Sino-Thai street eats getting served up along the neon-light main drag and backstreets of Yaowarat.
Look out for steamy bowls of peppery kway chap noodle soup, piles of colourful crabs being mercilessly devoured by hungry Bangkokians, delicate birds’ nest soup and all types of meat sizzling over charcoal.
If you’re looking for the best place for street food in Bangkok, you’ve just found it.
The capital’s transport hub is awash with street vendors and tiny eateries. This isn’t a place for fine dining, nor is it first-date proof. The ramshackle markets that lead off the main roundabout may not be pretty but nab one of the tiny tables that sit next to the rickety old stands and you’ll find this to be one of the best places for street food in Bangkok.
Alternatively, make a beeline for the row of boat noodle shops that line the canal nearby and dive into 15-baht bowls of silky white rice noodles topped with beef balls, crispy pork and a rich, dark broth. Trust us, one is never enough.
The province of Issan might be 500 miles north of the capital, but that hasn’t stopped the little restaurants flanking nearby Soi Rang Nam from knocking out some fine North-eastern Thai food. Expect zingy som tum papaya salads, grilled pork and crispy fried fish.
Nang Loeng Market is little visited by foreigners other than those joining one of our chef-designed Bangkok food tours. This is somewhat of a surprise as it’s close to the infamous backpacker district Khao San Road and is, without a doubt, one of the best places for street food in Bangkok.
Come hungry because it’s hard to resist feasting your way through Bangkok street food here where everything from gaeng keow wan green curries to grilled Thai sausage have been refined since the indoor market opened in the late 19th-century.
While you’re there, be sure to take some time to wander around this peaceful old district and visit what’s left of Bangkok’s oldest silent cinema.
Don’t leave without gorging on the desserts. Expect bananas slow cooked in sticky syrup, pandan leaf cakes, kanom buang Thai crepes and steamed coconut cups.
Chatuchak Market stands out as the largest market in Bangkok, boasting a sprawling expanse of approximately 8000 stalls divided into 30 sections. Given its substantial size, we recommend allocating 4-5 hours for an immersive experience.
While Bangkok boasts numerous upscale department stores, no visit is truly fulfilled without experiencing its vibrant markets. Among these, we highly suggest exploring the renowned Chatuchak Weekend Market – the capital's largest and most captivating marketplace.
The Jodd Fairs Night Market is a fantastic destination in Bangkok, situated in the Rama 9 neighbourhood.
With more than 700 stalls, this market offers a diverse range of food, drinks, and clothing. It’s easy to get to using public transport, making it an ideal spot for dinner and drinks while exploring the city.
It’s one of our top picks in Bangkok, which is why we’ve included it on our four-day itinerary for the city.