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When we talk about Bangkok, we can't overlook the incredible food scene in the capital of the Land of Smiles. Wondering what to eat in Bangkok? Which dishes should you absolutely try? Let's find out!
Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is not just a hub for culture and history, but also a food paradise for culinary enthusiasts. This city brings together the best of Southeast Asian cuisine, with diverse ingredients, unique cooking techniques, and mouthwatering dishes.
Wondering what to eat in Bangkok? This is undoubtedly a question many travelers have when planning their trip. In Bangkok, you'll find yourself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of night markets, savoring iconic street foods like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Som Tum. Or you may stumble upon hidden alleyways, where family-run restaurants serve unforgettable traditional flavors.
Join Mytour Vietnam and explore the exceptional culinary scene of Thailand along with its super-tasty dishes in Bangkok!
1. Khao Pad - Thai Fried Rice
Khao Pad, also known as Thai fried rice, is a popular street food you definitely shouldn't miss when in Bangkok. Made with Thai jasmine rice, this dish is served with a choice of meat (chicken, pork, shrimp, or crab), eggs, onions, garlic, and tomatoes in a sizzling pan. The flavors come together with soy sauce, brown sugar, chili sauce, and fish sauce, creating a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy.
To enjoy a delicious plate of Khao Pad, head to Khaosan restaurant at 4/33 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng. You can also find Khao Pad at food stalls in Chinatown and Banglamphu, with prices ranging from 50-100 baht.
2. Khao Soi - Thai Curry Noodle Soup
Khao Soi is a signature dish from northern Thailand, but you can easily find it in Bangkok too. It combines egg noodles, chicken or beef, and a creamy coconut curry broth. Topped with shallots, pickled vegetables, and roasted chili powder, the unique flavor of cardamom and turmeric gives the dish a beautiful golden color and unforgettable taste.
To savor a delicious Khao Soi in Bangkok, visit North Restaurant at Sukhumvit or Market Cafe at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit. A bowl of Khao Soi in Bangkok costs around 100-150 baht, offering a filling and flavorful meal at a reasonable price.
3. Pad Thai - Thai Style Stir-Fried Noodles
Considered the soul of Thai cuisine, Pad Thai is a must-try dish when visiting Bangkok. This iconic dish consists of stir-fried noodles with shrimp or chicken, chili, palm sugar, tamarind, lime juice, eggs, and roasted peanuts. It offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
For the best Pad Thai experience, head to Thipsamai Pad Thai on Maha Chai Rd, Phra Nakhon, one of the oldest and most famous Pad Thai spots in Bangkok. You can also try Pad Thai Goong Sod Nai Sa Nga at Surawong or You&Mee Restaurant at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. The price is incredibly reasonable, ranging from 60-200 THB.
4. Laeng Saeb - Spicy Ribs of Bangkok
One of the must-try specialties in Bangkok is Laeng Saeb, or spicy ribs. This dish is made from tender ribs slowly cooked with chili, radish, green onions, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves. The ribs are stacked in an impressive tower, and when you dig in, the soft meat melts in your mouth, immersed in a rich, spicy, and sour sauce.
You can enjoy Laeng Saeb at the Ratchada Night Market or Jodd Fair Night Market, where a large 'XXL' portion of ribs costs around 599 THB.
5. Guay Tiew Ruea - Thai Boat Noodles
If you're planning to explore Bangkok's culinary delights, don't miss Guay Tiew Ruea, or Thai Boat Noodles, one of the city's signature dishes. While you can't enjoy it on a boat like in the past, you can still find this dish at riverfront stalls.
For the best Guay Tiew Ruea experience, head to the area around the Victory Monument in Bangkok, where you'll find famous boat noodle stalls such as 75, Soi Ratchawithi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Prices range from 20-100 THB per bowl, depending on the restaurant and toppings.
6. Tom Yum - Thai Hot and Sour Soup
No list of must-try dishes in Bangkok would be complete without Tom Yum, one of Thailand's culinary icons. With its bold balance of spicy and sour flavors, the fragrant notes of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger, combined with the sweetness of shrimp, Tom Yum offers a truly unique and unforgettable taste experience.
For the best Tom Yum in Bangkok, visit Rung Rueang at 10/1 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Ban Khun Mae at Siam Square, or Saffron Contemporary Thai Signature Rooftop at Banyan Tree Bangkok. Prices range from 120-200 THB.
7. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai - Thai Green Curry Chicken Soup
Curry was introduced to Thailand by Indian immigrants many years ago and has since become an essential part of Thai cuisine. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai, or Thai green curry chicken soup, is a specialty you should definitely try when in Bangkok. Made with green chilies, Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, and eggplant, this dish offers a fresh and vibrant color and flavor.
You can enjoy Gaeng Keow Wan Gai at two famous restaurants in Bangkok: Krua Apsorn, Baan Glom Gig, and Anya Authentic Thai Cuisine, with prices ranging from 220-280 THB.
8. Som Tam - Thai Green Papaya Salad
One of Thailand's traditional and iconic dishes is Som Tam, or green papaya salad. The chef shreds green papaya into thin strips, then pounds it in a mortar with lime, chili, fish sauce, palm sugar, and other seasonings according to the customer's preference. Thanks to the traditional pounding process, the papaya retains its crunchiness, creating a perfect balance of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
For the best Som Tam in Bangkok, visit places like Som Tam Jay So, Somtam Nua, or Hai Som Tam Convent in Silom, with prices ranging from 40-60 THB.
9. Khao Man Gai - Thai Hainanese Chicken Rice
The Thai version of Hainanese chicken rice, Khao Man Gai, is a beloved dish in Thailand. The word 'Khao' means rice, and 'Man' refers to fat, so 'Khao Man Gai' essentially means rice cooked in chicken fat. The chicken is perfectly boiled, then sliced and served over a plate of jasmine rice cooked in the chicken broth. The dish is served with a dipping sauce made of chili, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
For the best Khao Man Gai in Bangkok, head to Phra Sumen Road, near the Khao San area, where you can enjoy this dish for around 60-150 THB.
10. Pla Pao - Thai Grilled Fish
One of the iconic dishes of Bangkok that you should try is Pla Pao, a Thai-style grilled fish. This dish is often made with fish like tilapia, catfish, or snakehead fish. After cleaning the fish, it's stuffed with fragrant pandan leaves and lemongrass, then coated in coarse salt and flour before being grilled over charcoal. The result is a deliciously fragrant fish with crispy skin.
To enjoy Pla Pao in Bangkok, visit Lang Ram Meang Pla Pao, where the price ranges from 150-200 THB. You can also check out Khao Jaan Prod Restaurant in CentralWorld Bangkok, which offers a variety of other delicious grilled dishes.
11. Gaeng Massaman - Massaman Curry
Gaeng Massaman, a Thai curry influenced by Malay and Indian flavors, is a must-try dish in Bangkok. Known for its mild taste, this curry is made with coconut milk, tamarind, and a blend of dry spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and coriander leaves.
Gaeng Massaman can be made with various meats like beef, pork, duck, chicken, or even tofu. The balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors is what makes this dish truly unique. You can enjoy Gaeng Massaman at Krua Asom in Khet Phra Nakhon or Nimitr Rooftop by 137 Pillars Bangkok, with prices ranging from 150-250 THB.
12. Moo Satay - Thai Grilled Pork Skewers
One of the famous street foods in Bangkok that’s perfect for snacking is Moo Satay, or Thai grilled pork skewers. The pork is marinated in a flavorful mix of turmeric, lemongrass, and coconut milk, then skewered and grilled over charcoal. The grilling process makes the meat tender and infuses it with the sweetness of coconut milk and a mild spiciness from the spices. Moo Satay is usually served with a rich peanut sauce and a side of pickled cucumbers, providing the perfect balance of flavors.
To taste authentic Moo Satay, head to Jay Eng on Sukhumvit Soi 38. Each skewer of Moo Satay costs around 10-15 baht, making it an affordable and delicious snack.
13. Khao Kha Moo - Thai Braised Pork Leg
One of the most beloved and traditional dishes in Thailand is Khao Kha Moo, a slow-cooked pork leg stew. The dish consists of tender pork leg simmered in a savory-sweet sauce until the meat falls off the bone. The distinctive flavor of Khao Kha Moo originates from Chinese cuisine. If you're not fond of spicy food, this is definitely a perfect choice for your meal. It is typically served with rice, boiled vegetables, or a hard-boiled egg.
A popular place to enjoy Khao Kha Moo is at the 'Raan Jay Fai' restaurant in the Rattanakosin area. Prices range from 50 to 100 baht per serving.
14. Thai Wanton Mee - Thai Wonton Noodles
Thai Wanton Mee, also known as Bak Mee Moo Daeng, is a famous noodle dish in Bangkok. It features a unique blend of noodles, pork fat, and Thai spicy sauce. The wonton noodles can be served dry or with a small amount of broth.
Pork is the traditional ingredient used in Thai Wanton Mee, but there are also variations with chicken, beef, or seafood. This variety makes Thai Wanton Mee one of the most popular dishes in Bangkok. You can find Thai Wanton Mee at many local eateries in the city center, with prices ranging from 60 to 100 THB.
15. Poo Aob Woonsen - Thai Seafood Glass Noodle Salad
Poo Aob Woon Sen, a variation of the famous Crab Bee Hoon from Singapore, is a unique dish in Thai cuisine. The dish features Thai-style glass noodles stir-fried with fresh seafood and vegetables, offering a distinct and flavorful taste. The tangy and spicy sauce combined with fresh cilantro and Thai chilies adds to the dish's irresistible appeal.
You can enjoy Poo Aob Woon Sen at eateries like Som Sak Poo Ob located at 124/17 Krung Thon Buri Rd or Tang Jai Dee Poo Ob at the Rod Fai Night Market, with prices ranging from 270 to 450 THB.
16. Khao Neow Mamuang - Mango Sticky Rice
No discussion of Thai cuisine would be complete without mentioning Khao Neow Mamuang, the beloved mango sticky rice that captivates travelers. Sweet, ripe mango slices are served atop sticky rice, often sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds, creating a wonderfully appealing combination.
Some people even opt to substitute the mango with durian, creating a unique flavor variation. Despite this twist, Khao Neow Mamuang remains an essential dessert to try when visiting Bangkok.
You can find Khao Neow Mamuang at popular spots like Pier 21, Mae Varee, or YenlyYours Mango Sticky Rice and Mango Smoothie in Bangkok, with prices ranging from 40 to 100 THB.
17. I-dtim Mat Phrao - Coconut Ice Cream
In addition to the famous mango sticky rice, Bangkok offers another incredibly refreshing dessert: coconut ice cream. This treat combines the sweet, creamy flavor of coconut ice cream with the crunch of corn and peanuts, creating a delightful culinary experience.
You can find I-dtim Mat Phrao at many locations, such as Chatuchak, where it costs around 50 THB, or in rural areas for as little as 10 THB. You can also enjoy this coconut ice cream at places like The Jim Thompson House or Divana Cafe in Emsphere at the EM District, where the quality is exceptional.
18. Cha Yen - Thai Tea
Green Thai tea and red Thai tea have undoubtedly become popular among bubble tea enthusiasts. When you're in Bangkok, don't miss the chance to enjoy an authentic cup of Thai milk tea, rich and flavorful, just as it’s served in Thailand.
Cha Yen can be found all over Bangkok, from street food stalls to bubble tea shops. A well-known spot to try Cha Yen is Mont Nom Sod, located near the city center. For about 30-50 Baht, you can enjoy a perfectly made Cha Yen, loaded with delicious toppings.
19. Khanom Bueang - Thai Crepes
For those traveling to Bangkok in search of both delicious and Instagram-worthy treats, don't miss out on the adorable Khanom Bueang. These mini crepes resemble tiny tacos, filled with whipped cream, shredded coconut, and roasted peanuts, making them a perfect snack for any foodie.
With their eye-catching appearance and sweet, delightful flavor, Khanom Bueang is sure to become one of your favorite street snacks. You can enjoy these tasty treats at places like the 4th floor of MBK, Pratunam, or the Khanom Bueang Phraeng Nara restaurant at 91 Nan Road, Chao Phraya, with prices ranging from 30 to 50 THB.
20. Roti Gluay - Thai Grilled Banana Pancakes
When it comes to Bangkok street food, Roti Gluay - grilled banana pancakes - is an absolute must-try. Vendors selling these banana pancakes line the streets, filling the air with their sweet aroma. You’ll even get to witness the skillful preparation and grilling process right before your eyes.
In addition to traditional grilled bananas, you can customize your Roti Gluay with various toppings such as coconut, sugar, honey, or Nutella. The combination of the rich, sweet pancake and these delightful toppings will keep you coming back for more!
You can find Roti Gluay in areas like Soi Rangnam and Sukhumvit Soi 38 in Bangkok, with prices ranging from 15 to 40 THB.
Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is a food lover's paradise that no traveler should miss. From iconic dishes like som tam and pad Thai to flavorful street foods such as moo satay skewers, grilled bananas, and delightful desserts, there's something for everyone.
Don't forget to check out Mytour Blog for the latest travel tips and guides to Bangkok: Bangkok Skytrain System, How to Buy Tickets & Get Around, What to Do in Bangkok? Top 20 Tourist Destinations in Bangkok, 13 Popular Restaurants in Bangkok Only Foodies Know, Bangkok & Pattaya Travel, Don't Miss These 10 Attractions!, What to Eat in Siam? 15 Places to Eat Around Siam & BTS Chit Lom,...
With this list of must-try dishes, do you now know what to eat in Bangkok? So why wait? Pack your bags and head to Bangkok for an unforgettable food tour experience!
