In Thailand, street food and night markets are where the best eating is. This guide focuses on reliable areas and signature dishes.
All over Bangkok
Thailand's signature noodle dish: rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, tofu, and bean sprouts in a sweet and sour sauce. You can get it everywhere, from street stalls to famous restaurants.
Tip Squeeze in some lime and season to taste with crushed peanuts and chili flakes.
Photo: Takeaway / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Bangkok
A sour and spicy shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. It comes two ways: rich with coconut milk or clear.
Tip The aromatic leaves are for flavor, so set them aside instead of eating them.
Photo: Andy Li / CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Bangkok
A one-plate dish of tender poached chicken over rice cooked in chicken broth. It's mild, so kids and adults alike love it.
Tip Dip generously in the ginger sauce that comes with it.
Photo: Pauloleong2002 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
All over Bangkok
A dessert of sweet coconut milk sticky rice served with ripe mango. It's especially good in spring, when mangoes are in season.
Tip It's also great to get it to go at a market and eat back at your hotel.
Photo: Dennis Wong from Hong Kong, Hong Kong / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Chinatown, Bangkok
When the sun goes down, stalls line the main road through Chinatown. Try oyster omelets, dim sum, crab dishes, and bird's nest desserts all in one go.
Tip It's an easy walk from MRT Wat Mangkon Station.
Photo: Ninara from Helsinki, Finland / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Jodd Fairs & Chatuchak, Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Jodd Fairs night market are must-visits in Bangkok for food and shopping together. Coconut ice cream and grilled skewers are favorites.
Tip Chatuchak is open on weekends only. It gets hot, so go early in the morning.
Photo: Deror Avi / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand's signature noodle dish, with boiled and crispy fried noodles in a coconut curry broth. A must-try in Chiang Mai.
Tip Adjust the flavor with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime.
Photo: Chainwit. / CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Rawai, Phuket
Pick and buy your seafood at the market, and the restaurants next door will cook it right away however you like. Enjoy fresh lobster, prawns, and fish.
Tip Check the price per weight and the cooking fee before you choose.
Photo: PattayaPatrol / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Bophut, Koh Samui
On Friday nights, the beachside lanes of Bophut turn into a Walking Street. Grab some barbecue, pad thai, or a fruit shake and stroll by the sea.
Tip Plan your schedule around a Friday evening.
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Last updated: 2026-10-30