Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a city where the culinary landscape is as dynamic as its vibrant street life. From bustling street markets to high-end restaurants, Bangkok offers many delectable Thai dishes that cater to every palate. This guide will take you on a gastronomic journey through 20 essential Thai foods you must try in Bangkok, providing a comprehensive look at the city’s rich food culture.
In this Foods You Must Try in Bangkok Guide, we’ll take a look at:
1. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is arguably the most iconic Thai dish and a must-try when visiting Bangkok. This stir-fried noodle dish features rice noodles sautéed with shrimp, chicken, or tofu and flavored with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and chili peppers. It’s typically garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and bean sprouts. For an unforgettable Pad Thai experience, head to Thip Samai, renowned for its delicious and authentic version of this classic dish.
2. Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a quintessential Thai soup known for its spicy and sour flavor. Made with fresh shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers, this soup is both aromatic and tangy. The combination of spices and herbs makes it a beloved choice among locals and visitors. Pe Aor is famous for its flavorful Tom Yum Goong, providing a memorable taste of this traditional dish.
3. Som Tum
Som Tum, or green papaya salad, is a refreshing and zesty dish that balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Shredded green papaya is mixed with tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and dried shrimp, all tossed in a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. For a top-notch Som Tum, visit Som Tum Nua, where you can enjoy a perfectly balanced version of this popular salad.
4. Green Curry
Green Curry, or Gaeng Keow Wan, is a rich, aromatic curry made with green chili paste and coconut milk. The curry typically includes chicken, beef, or tofu and is characterized by its vibrant green color. The creamy texture and complex flavors make Green Curry a comforting dish that’s hard to resist. The Local offers an authentic Green Curry experience that showcases the depth of Thai flavors.
5. Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice (or Khao Niew Mamuang) is a must-try Thai sweet for dessert. This delightful treat consists of glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with ripe mango slices. The creamy rice and sweet mango perfectly balance flavors and textures. Mango Tango is a popular destination for savoring this classic Thai dessert.
6. Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew is a savory stir-fried noodle dish with wide rice noodles, soy sauce, and vegetables. Often prepared with chicken, pork, or beef, this dish is known for its deep, smoky flavor and satisfying texture. Siam Street is a great spot to enjoy a delicious Pad See Ew that captures the essence of this beloved Thai staple.
7. Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is a rich, mild curry that is a combination of Thai and Persian influences. Made with tender chunks of meat, potatoes, and peanuts in a creamy, spiced coconut milk sauce, this curry offers a unique blend of flavors. Sorn is renowned for its exceptional Massaman Curry, providing a taste of Southern Thai culinary traditions.
8. Khao Pad
Khao Pad, or Thai fried rice, is a versatile dish with various proteins, including shrimp, chicken, or pork. Flavored with soy sauce, fish sauce, and sometimes curry powder, Khao Pad is a simple yet satisfying meal. Khao Pad Savoey is known for its flavorful and authentic Khao Pad, perfectly showcasing this Thai favorite.
9. Moo Pad Krapow
Moo Pad Krapow is a flavorful stir-fry made with ground pork, Thai basil, and chili peppers. Often served with a fried egg on top, this dish is known for its spicy and savory flavor. Baan Mhan offers a delicious version of Moo Pad Krapow that captures the essence of this beloved Thai comfort food.
10. Larb
Larb is a traditional Thai salad made with minced meat, typically chicken or pork, mixed with fresh herbs, lime juice, and fish sauce. The result is a tangy, spicy, refreshing, and flavorful salad. Larb Moo is a great place to try Larb, offering an authentic taste of this Thai specialty.
11. Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a creamy coconut milk soup that features chicken, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. This soup is known for its delicate balance of sweet and sour flavors. The Spice Market is a popular spot to enjoy a rich and satisfying bowl of Tom Kha Gai.
12. Yam Mamuang
Yam Mamuang, or green mango salad, is a tangy and crunchy salad made with shredded green mango, tomatoes, and peanuts. Tossed in a spicy lime dressing, this salad offers a refreshing and vibrant flavor. Nara Thai is known for its excellent Yam Mamuang, providing a delightful twist on traditional Thai salads.
13. Pad Kee Mao
Pad Kee Mao, also known as Drunken Noodles, is a spicy stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, Thai basil, and a mix of vegetables. The dish is known for its bold flavors and spicy kick. Siam Thai Restaurant’s fantastic version of Pad Kee Mao highlights this popular dish’s bold and spicy characteristics.
14. Gai Yang
Gai Yang, or Thai grilled chicken, is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs before being perfectly grilled. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken often served with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce. Baan Khanitha offers an excellent Gai Yang experience, providing a taste of traditional Thai barbecue.
15. Moo Hong
Moo Hong is a slow-cooked Thai-style braised pork belly dish in a savory and sweet sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and palm sugar. The result is tender, flavorful pork that’s often served with rice. Rongros is a great place to try Moo Hong, offering a delicious and authentic version of this Thai classic.
16. Pla Rad Prik
Pla Rad Prik is a crispy fried fish dish with spicy and tangy chili sauce. The crispy fish is paired with a flavorful garlic, chilies, and tamarind sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. Baan Puen is known for its excellent Pla Rad Prik, providing a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
17. Kanom Jeen
Kanom Jeen is a traditional Thai noodle dish with soft, thin rice noodles served with various curry sauces. Popular options include green curry, red curry, and fermented fish curry. Kanom Jeen Nai Mong offers a variety of Kanom Jeen dishes, allowing you to sample different curry flavors with this beloved Thai noodle dish.
18. Moo Pad Thai
Moo Pad Thai is a variation of the classic Pad Thai, featuring stir-fried noodles with pork instead of shrimp or chicken. The dish has the same flavorful tamarind paste garnished with peanuts and lime. Rim Klong is known for its delicious Moo Pad Thai, offering a tasty twist on the traditional Pad Thai.
19. Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a Northern Thai curry noodle soup that features egg noodles in a rich and creamy curry broth. Topped with crispy noodles and served with pickled vegetables, this dish offers a unique and flavorful experience. Khao Soi Lam Duan is a great place to try Khao Soi, showcasing the distinctive flavors of Northern Thai cuisine.
20. Hor Mok
Hor Mok is a Thai steamed curry custard made with fish or seafood, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. The custard is steamed in banana leaves, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful dish. Baan Kanom offers an excellent Hor Mok, providing a unique and delicious taste of Thai steamed curry.
Conclusion: 20 Foods You Must Try in Bangkok
Bangkok is a city where food is necessary and a way of life. The 20 Thai foods listed here represent diverse flavors and culinary traditions, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich food culture. From savory stir-fries and aromatic curries to refreshing salads and sweet desserts, Bangkok’s culinary landscape will surely impress and satisfy.
Table of Summary
Dish | Description | Recommended Spot |
Pad Thai | Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, peanuts, and bean sprouts | Thip Samai |
Tom Yum Goong | Spicy and sour shrimp soup | Pe Aor |
Som Tum | Green papaya salad with a tangy dressing | Som Tum Nua |
Green Curry | Coconut milk curry with green chili paste | The Local |
Mango Sticky Rice | Glutinous rice with coconut milk and ripe mango | Mango Tango |
Pad See Ew | Stir-fried wide rice noodles with soy sauce and vegetables | Siam Street |
Massaman Curry | Mild curry with meat, potatoes, and peanuts | Sorn |
Khao Pad | Thai fried rice with various proteins | Khao Pad Savoey |
Moo Pad Krapow | Stir-fried ground pork with Thai basil and chili peppers | Baan Mhan |
Larb | Minced meat salad with fresh herbs and lime juice | Larb Moo |
Tom Kha Gai | Creamy coconut milk soup with chicken and galangal | The Spice Market |
Yam Mamuang | Green mango salad with a spicy lime dressing | Nara Thai |
Pad Kee Mao | Spicy stir-fried wide rice noodles with Thai basil | Siam Thai Restaurant |
Gai Yang | Thai grilled chicken with a flavorful marinade | Baan Khanitha |
Moo Hong | Braised pork belly in a savory sweet sauce | Rongros |
Pla Rad Prik | Crispy fried fish with spicy chili sauce | Baan Puen |
Kanom Jeen | Soft rice noodles served with various curry sauces | Kanom Jeen Nai Mong |
Moo Pad Thai | Pork stir-fried noodles with tamarind and peanuts | Rim Klong |
Khao Soi | Northern Thai curry noodle soup with crispy noodles | Khao Soi Lam Duan |
Hor Mok | Steamed curry custard made with fish or seafood | Baan Kanom |
By sampling these essential Thai foods, you’ll better appreciate the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage that define Bangkok’s food scene. Enjoy your culinary adventure in this extraordinary city!
Foods You Must Try in Bangkok FAQ
What are the most famous street foods in Bangkok?
Bangkok is renowned for its street food, and some of the most famous street foods include Pad Thai, Som Tum (green papaya salad), and Moo Pad Krapow (stir-fried ground pork with Thai basil). These dishes are widely available from street vendors throughout the city and are beloved for their bold flavors and affordable prices. Pad Thai is particularly popular, featuring stir-fried rice noodles with a combination of tamarind, peanuts, and bean sprouts. Som Tum offers a refreshing balance of spicy, sour, and sweet flavors, while Moo Pad Krapow is known for its spicy kick and savory taste.
Where can I find authentic Thai desserts in Bangkok?
Bangkok offers a variety of places to enjoy authentic Thai desserts. For a classic Mango Sticky Rice experience, visit Mango Tango, known for its excellent preparation of this sweet treat. Another great spot for traditional Thai desserts is Baan Kanom, where you can try Hor Mok, a steamed curry custard made with fish or seafood. Additionally, Siam Paragon has several dessert cafes offering a range of Thai sweets, including Kanom Jeen and Taro Custard.
What are the best areas in Bangkok to experience local Thai cuisine?
To experience the best of local Thai cuisine, consider visiting these popular areas in Bangkok:
▪︎ Chinatown (Yaowarat): Known for its bustling street food scene, Chinatown offers a diverse range of dishes, including ▪︎ Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and various dim sum options.
▪︎ Khao San Road: This area is famous among tourists for its vibrant atmosphere, wide selection of street foods, and local eateries.
▪︎ Silom: The neighborhood around Silom Road features numerous food stalls and restaurants serving traditional Thai dishes, including Green Curry and Moo Hong.
▪︎ Chatuchak Market: A sprawling market where you can sample a variety of Thai street foods, from Som Tum to Khao Pad.