Thailand is a paradise for street food lovers, and there are countless delicious and affordable dishes to be found on the streets. Street food is an integral part of Thai culture and cuisine.

The history of streetfood in Thailand dates back to the 19th century, when street vendors began selling food to locals and travelers passing through the country. The popularity of street food increased in the 60s and 70s, as the Thai economy began to grow and urbanization increased. Many people moved to the cities in search of work and more busy streets and markets emerged where street food vendors could sell their wares.

Traditionally, most of the street food dishes originated from the northern and central regions of Thailand, but as more travelers came to the country, street food from all parts of Thailand became popular and spread all over the country.

One of the reasons street food has become so popular in Thailand is because it is affordable and easy to find. It is also an important part of the Thai social and cultural scene, where people gather to eat, socialize and enjoy street life.

Although the Thai government sometimes takes measures to improve the hygiene and safety of street food, it remains an important part of Thai food culture. Nowadays, many tourists flock to Thailand specifically for the street food experience and to enjoy the delicious, authentic dishes sold on the street.

(Editorial Credit: project1photography / Shutterstock.com)

10 most popular street food dishes for tourists in Thailand

Here are the 10 most popular street food dishes in Thailand for tourists:

  1. pad Thai - pad Thai is probably the most famous Thai dish in the world. It is a stir-fry of noodles, tofu, egg, shrimp or chicken, peanuts, and a spicy, sweet and sour sauce.
  2. Som Tam - Som Tam is a delicious Thai papaya salad with tomatoes, lime, chili, fish sauce and sugar. It is a deliciously spicy dish that you really have to try.
  3. Mo Ping – Moo Ping is a grilled pork dish on a stick that is marinated in a combination of garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and other spices.
  4. Gai Yang – Gai Yang is grilled chicken on a stick, marinated in a sauce of garlic, lemongrass, coriander, and other spices. It is often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
  5. Khao pad – Khao Pad is a popular Thai fried rice dish with vegetables, egg and meat or shrimp.
  6. Gai Med Ma Moung – Gai Med Ma Moung is a chicken stir-fry with cashew nuts and vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce.
  7. Tom yum goong – Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour soup with shrimps, tomatoes, mushrooms, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and other spices.
  8. Toad Krapow – Pad Krapow is a stir-fry dish with minced meat or chicken, hot basil, chili, garlic and vegetables. It is often served with rice and a fried egg.
  9. Khao soi – Khao Soi is a noodle soup from northern Thailand with chicken or beef, coconut milk, curry paste, noodles, and various toppings such as pickled mustard vegetables, onion, lime and chili peppers.
  10. Wheels - Wheels is a thin pancake baked on the street and often filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as banana, chocolate, cheese or egg. It is a delicious snack or dessert.

There are of course many more delicious street food dishes to discover in Thailand, but these are some of the most popular. Don't forget to enjoy the food while in Thailand and let your adventurous taste buds taste all that Thai cuisine has to offer!

1 thought on “10 most popular street food dishes for tourists in Thailand”

  1. Kees Scheepsma says up

    Excellent information. Very handy.


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