Thailand · tool
Bangkok food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Bangkok.
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
Stir-fried minced pork with holy basil, chilies, and garlic, served over rice with a fried egg. The fiery basil and savory pork make it an addictive, comforting staple.
Tom Yum Goong
A hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. Its complex, aromatic broth is both invigorating and deeply flavorful.
Som Tum Thai
Green papaya salad pounded with chilies, garlic, tomatoes, long beans, peanuts, and lime juice. It's a vibrant explosion of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Khao Pad Sapparot
Pineapple fried rice, often served in a hollowed-out pineapple, with chicken or shrimp, cashews, raisins, and curry powder. It's a visually appealing dish with a delightful sweet and savory balance.
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai
Green chicken curry made with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, Thai basil, and eggplant. The creamy, spicy, and fragrant curry is best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice.
Moo Ping
Grilled marinated pork skewers, often brushed with coconut milk and served with a sticky rice. The smoky, sweet, and tender pork is a perfect snack or light meal.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Bustling, vibrant night market with endless street food stalls.
Modern and diverse, offering everything from upscale dining to casual street food.
Historic district known for its traditional Thai eateries and iconic street food.
Trendy and laid-back, popular with locals for its cafes, restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere.
Dietary notes
Thai cuisine heavily relies on fish sauce, shrimp paste, and meat broths, making strict vegetarian or vegan diets challenging without careful communication. Gluten-free options can also be difficult to find due to soy sauce and wheat-based noodles. However, many dishes can be adapted if you clearly state your requirements.
Local etiquette
- •When eating street food, look for stalls with a high turnover of customers.
- •It is customary to use a spoon and fork for most dishes; the fork is used to push food onto the spoon.
- •Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, usually rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount.
- •Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments.
- •Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious symbols, as feet are considered the lowest part of the body.