5 Street Foods You Can’t Leave Thailand Without Eating

Libby Ryan

We know street food gets a scary rep, but friends, you gotta eat it in Thailand. It’s not that restaurants aren’t cooking up some absolute delights… it’s just that Thai street food is a must when visiting the foodie country. Here’s where you should buy the best of the best.

1. Fruit Smoothies

Libby Ryan

This one is easy: Everywhere. If you don’t begin your walk through a Thai market, you’re doing it wrong. The only warning sign not to purchase a smoothie (especially if you haven’t had your typhoid vaccination) is if you see someone tossing ice in the blender that’s coming out of a cooler also keeping food cold. Pro tip: Go for mango plus another fruit like papaya or pineapple.

2. Fish And Seafood

Libby Ryan

For sure-to-impress fish, you want to be fairly close to the sea in order to cut down on transit time. We suggest Bangkok’s Chinatown, which is full of fish stalls. From there, follow the locals who probably have the in on who serves the best bites. We also like Kata Night Market in Phuket for seafood (try some scallops cooked in the shell — they’re delicious).

3. Spring Rolls

Libby Ryan

The only rule about spring rolls is that you need a stall that gives you plenty of yummy dipping sauce. The best ones are often served chopped up and refried in front of your eyes with various dipping sauces on the side (go for a spicy one). Or if you’re eating on the go, take a bag and put the sauce straight in there.

4. Pancakes

Libby Ryan

Thailand’s pancakes aren’t quite like ours, but they’re not quite like European-style crepes, either. If you’re choosing one pancake to eat, snack on a cake from Khao San Road in Bangkok. We suggest the banana and Nutella combo. It’s the perfect food to take on the go while you marvel at the bright lights.

5. Mango Sticky Rice

Libby Ryan

The best mango sticky rice we’ve eaten (and we’ve made a point to sample quite a bit) is in Chiang Mai’s Chang Phuek Market market. You want to look for the ripest mangos and a sprinkling of toasted mung beans on top.

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