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Bangkok food guide

Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Bangkok.

Photo by Streets of Food on Unsplash

What to eat in Bangkok

6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.

Must-try dishes

Pad Krapow Moo

$1.5–$5

Stir-fried minced pork with holy basil, chilies, and garlic, served over rice with a fried egg. The fragrant basil and fiery chilies create an addictive savory and spicy kick.

Where to try: Any reputable street food stall in the Silom or Sukhumvit areas, particularly Jay Fai's (though expect a wait and higher price for her Michelin-starred version).

Tom Yum Goong

$3–$8

A hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. Its complex, aromatic broth is a quintessential Thai flavor profile.

Where to try: Thip Samai Pad Thai (despite the name, their Tom Yum is legendary) or a local eatery in the Bang Rak district.

Som Tum Thai

$1–$4

Green papaya salad, pounded with tomatoes, long beans, peanuts, chilies, lime juice, and fish sauce. It's a refreshing explosion of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

Where to try: Street vendors in the Ari neighborhood or at markets like Or Tor Kor.

Khao Soi

$2.5–$6

A Northern Thai curry noodle soup with chicken or beef, topped with crispy fried noodles and pickled mustard greens. It's rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful.

Where to try: Baan Yai (for authentic Northern Thai) or various stalls at the Train Night Market Ratchada.

Gaeng Keow Wan Gai

$4–$10

Green curry with chicken, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, Thai eggplant, and basil. The balance of creamy coconut and spicy green chilies is exquisite.

Where to try: Restaurants in the Old Town (Rattanakosin Island) or upscale Thai eateries like Nahm.

Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)

$2–$5

Sweet sticky rice steamed with coconut milk, served with fresh, ripe mango and a drizzle of coconut cream. A perfect sweet ending to any meal.

Where to try: Mae Varee (famous for its consistent quality) or street stalls during mango season (April-June).

Where locals eat — best neighborhoods

Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Bustling, vibrant street food mecca, especially at night.

street foodseafoodlate-night eats

Silom

A mix of upscale restaurants, hidden street food alleys, and rooftop bars.

diverse optionsbusiness lunchnightlife

Ari

Trendy, bohemian, with a concentration of independent cafes and modern Thai eateries.

brunchspecialty coffeehipster cafes

Sukhumvit

Expansive, modern, with a huge range of international and Thai dining options, from street stalls to fine dining.

international cuisineshopping breaksvariety

Dietary notes

Thai cuisine is generally heavy on fish sauce, shrimp paste, and meat. While vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in tourist areas and dedicated restaurants, many street food dishes will contain animal products. Gluten-free can also be challenging due to soy sauce and other common ingredients.

Local etiquette

•Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (leave small change or round up).
•It's polite to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain shops/temples.
•Use your right hand when giving or receiving anything, especially food.
•Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious icons; the feet are considered the lowest part of the body.
•When eating from communal dishes, use a separate serving spoon, not your personal one.

Plan the rest of your Bangkok trip

Full itinerary →Budget Day trips