Six Must-try street foods in Thailand

World-class cuisine: Thai street food

Thailand’s street food scene is a vibrant feast for the senses, showcasing the nation’s rich culinary heritage. Every street corner and market alley offers a tantalizing array of flavours, aromas, and textures, from the sizzling skewers of marinated meat to the fragrant pots of steaming curries. Vendors work their magic over sizzling woks, creating dishes that bring together the perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. The diverse textures, from the crunch of spring rolls to the tenderness of meats and the creaminess of coconut milk, add to this delightful experience. In this street food paradise, each dish is an invitation to savour Thailand’s bold flavours and culinary artistry.

1. Pad Thai

2. Tom Yum Goong

3. Gaeng Keow Wan

This dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious, and is often considered a comfort food for native Thais. Creamy coconut milk is blended with green curry paste, fresh chilies, and fragrant herbs, creating a vibrant base that perfectly complements tender chicken and soft, juicy eggplant. The dish’s tangy and savoury flavours are traditionally balanced with a hint of sweetness, making it both complex and comforting. Typically served with steamed jasmine rice, green curry is a true staple of Thai cuisine, celebrated for its rich, aromatic profile and satisfying warmth. (If more comfort food is what you’re craving, check out our guide on the heart-warming flavours of Ireland.)

4. Som Tum

Som Tum is one of many pounded salads that have become an integral part of Thai cuisine. Prepared using a mortar and pestle, chilies, ginger, and turmeric are crushed to release their bold aromas before being blended with shredded green papaya, dried shrimp, long beans, and juicy tomatoes. This dish balances spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavours, often heightened by a squeeze of lime and a dash of fish sauce. Its simplicity and vibrant taste make it a favourite for locals and a must-try for those looking to experience authentic Thai flavours.

5. Tod Mun Pla

Tod Mun Pla is a beloved staple in Thailand, found everywhere from bustling street food stalls to high-end restaurants. Typically served as a snack or appetizer, these fish cakes are made by combining fresh fish, spicy red curry paste, and egg to form a fragrant, flavour-packed mixture. Fried to a crispy, golden perfection, they are often served with a side of Thai sweet chili sauce, which adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Their irresistible texture and bold flavours make them a crowd-pleaser for locals and visitors alike. (You can see more mouth-watering seafood dishes like this in our guide to Mediterranean cuisine.)

6. Mango sticky rice

The name says it all! Mango sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert that brings together steamed glutinous rice soaked in sweet coconut syrup, topped with crispy mung beans for a touch of crunch, and paired with ripe, juicy mango slices. This indulgent treat offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavours. Often enjoyed during Thailand’s mango season, which runs from March to June, it’s a seasonal favourite that highlights the natural sweetness of the country’s tropical produce.

Ingredients:

4 cups water
4 Thai tea bags (or 1/4 cup loose Thai tea leaves)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup condensed milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Boil water: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

Brew tea: Add the Thai tea bags or loose tea leaves to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes.

Sweeten tea: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the tea into a pitcher if using loose leaves. Stir in the sugar until it is completely dissolved. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

Prepare glasses: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full. Slowly pour condensed milk and evaporated milk over the top of the tea, creating a layered effect.

Stir and serve: Stir gently to combine before drinking. Adjust the sweetness and creaminess to your preference by adding more condensed or evaporated milk if desired.

Enjoy your refreshing glass of Thai Iced Tea!