To understand the Bangkok food scene, we must first go over the fundamentals of Thai cuisine and the unique relationship between locals and their food.
First, Thai cuisine is not about simplicity. It incorporates at least three fundamental taste senses: bitter, sour, salty, sweet, and umami. The delicate balance of mixing such different taste profiles into one dish or meal makes Thai cuisine shine.
Another unique factor in the Thai food scene is the term "sum rap Thai," which describes how Thai people eat. Locals pay close attention to a dish's flavors, appearance, aroma, and how it complements every other part of the meal.
This complete experience, combining strong attention to detail, flavor, texture, color, and even medicinal benefits of the ingredients, makes eating in Thailand unforgettably exciting.
Naturally, there's no better place to glimpse it than at its capital, Bangkok. From back alley kitchens to tuk-tuk caravans, below are my first-hand rendezvous recommendations and dishes to try on your first dive into Bangkok's food scene.
The Roots of Thai Cuisine in Chinatown
Did you know several of the most celebrated Thai dishes are spin-offs of Chinese food? Moreover, well-known cooking techniques such as stir-frying, deep-frying, and wok usage were introduced by Chinese immigrants, mainly Hokkien and Teochew, starting in the 15th century.
I was introduced to the very roots of Thai cuisine in Chinatown by Taste of Thailand at night. Yaowarat Street lights up with life after the sun sets, drastically contrasting from its daylight flow. It was nearly unrecognizable to me, as most food vendors don't open shop until late at night!
Some treats you must try:
- Chinese donuts (yau char kuai)
- Fish ball soup (yen ta fo)
- Thai coconut noodle dessert (lod chong)
- Pork belly and offal noodle soup (kuay jab nam sai)
- Chinese dumplings (dim sum, of course)
Cheapest Street Food Showdown at Sukhumvit Soi 38
Arguably, the cheapest street food in Thailand is found at Sukhumvit Soi 38. The food market in this Bangkok district is famous for its variety and convenience.
Most of the action starts around 6:30 p.m., slowly evolving throughout the night--with a few stalls open until sunrise. Think of stuffing your face for 150 baht (about $4.20) or less. WHAT?
Some must-tries:
- Burmese-influenced, crispy egg noodle curry soup (khao soi)
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Barbecued red pork and rice (khao moo daeng)
- Rice stir fried with shrimp paste, with sides such as Chinese sausage and sweet pork (khao kluk kapi)
- Thai coconut ice cream
Foodie Crawl by Tuk-Tuk
Imagine a caravan of tuk-tuks scouring the most incredible night eats around the city?! Taking a midnight food tour by tuk-tuk that began at 8 p.m., I saw how many of the city's stalls slowly spring to life. This was my most memorable experience exploring the Bangkok food scene for the first time.
I discovered mouth-watering bites in back alley kitchens, shopped in local night markets, had a few drinks at a secret bar with stunning views of one of Bangkok's landmarks, and even visited a popular temple in solitude at 11 p.m.
It wasn't just a foodie outing but a well-rounded cultural experience. Worthy dishes, though?
- A sweeter version of Isaan's green papaya salad (som tum)
- Sticky rice with mango (khao neeo mamuang)
- Coconut crêpe taco (khanom bueang)
- Egg-wrapped phat thai (phat thai hor khai)
Four Types of Regional Cuisine in Historic Bang Rak
While many argue that the Bangkok food scene is best enjoyed at night, some hidden gems can be explored in broad daylight. Bang Rak, meaning "Village of Love" in Thai, is a historic, authentic neighborhood hiding some of the roots of Thailand's Royal cuisine.
How so? Well, in that neighborhood lies an eatery where you can sample dishes cooked by direct descendants of the royal family!
Moreover, you can have unadulterated dishes from all the main Thai regions:
- Central Plains (around Bangkok's Delta)
- North (around Chiang Mai)
- Northeast (Isaan plateau)
- South (on the Malay Peninsula)
Some must-try dishes in Bang Rak?
- Spicy, fermented fish innards curry (kaeng tai pla)
- Green curry (gaeng kiaw wan)
- Rice soaked in jasmine-scented water (khao chae)
- Gaeng massaman + braised beef + stir-fried crab with curry powder + pan-fried fish + mushroom salad + chili paste with fresh veggies + sago and black beans, a true royal set (sum-rub)
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Special thanks to Taste of Thailand and Bangkok Food Tours for introducing me to the vast, exciting Bangkok food scene free of charge. All opinions, dish selections, and rendezvous mentioned in this article are my honest opinion, though. These are my personal favorites.
