Delicious meals at a real value can be found everywhere in Bangkok, from street corners to department stores to five star eateries. Here, we’ve compiled some of our favorites. Get out there and explore our wonderful city, but don’t forget to enjoy eating!
BBQ Street eats
BBQ street eats are one of Thailand’s favorite street foods. Literally found on every corner, the street BBQ is not only full of flavor, it is also a must try. Grilled skewers of pork, chicken and meatballs are marinated and then threaded on a bamboo stick, grilled on an open flame and served with sticky rice. Pair grilled meats with a spicy sauce called nam jim jaew for an undeniable kick. If you are looking for a special treat, try the varieties of BBQ fish. Tilapia, catfish or snakehead, stuffed with pandanus leaves and coated with flour and rock salt, are all delicious BBQ options worth trying.
Quick Thai favorite
A staple Thai dish which never disappoints is ‘Pad Krapow.’ A delightful stir-fried dish with the fantastic of Thai holy basil, Pad Krapow is spicy and full of flavor. It is one of the most ordered dishes amongst locals, and nearly every eatery offers it on their menu. Raan Jay Fai is where you can find an exceptionally delicious Pad Krapow. The restaurant is commanded by an elderly lady called Jay Fai who can be found at the outdoor side kitchen cooking up delicious cuisine in her woks.
Tel: +662 223 9384
Open daily: 14:00 to 01:00 (closed on Sundays)
Noodlin' Around
While exploring Bangkok, don’t forget to try an array of authentic Thai noodle dishes. Made from rice, wheat or mung bean flour, Thailand’s noodles can be enjoy stir-fried and famous choices include Pad Thai, Pad Si Ew or Guay Tiew KuaGai. Thick, rich, gravy laden noodles called Lad Nah are also a popular choice, however, most people tend to enjoy noodle soup dishes. Slurp up such noodle soup dishes as Guay Tiew Rua, Guya Tiew Sukhothai, Guay Tiew Yen Tah Foe, Bamee Moo Daeng or the northern Thai specialty of curried noodles, Khao Soy. Don’t forget to use chopsticks for noodles - it’s the only time Thais use the wooden utensils to eat. Indulge and enjoy!
Rice varieties
Thailand is famous for its rice and within the country there are many varieties. The most popular rice variety is Thai Jasmine White Rice which is served as a staple to nearly every dish. A popular brand featuring rice with a distinctive purple color is Rice Berry. The taste and aroma of the rice is often described as soft and sticky. Rice Berry is high in folic acid, Vitamin E and antioxidants making it a wise, healthy choice when dining in Bangkok. Hom Nil Rice is 100% black in color. This variety also has a unique flavor and aroma. As it’s a rare commodity, it tends to be a bit more expensive than other types of rice. However, it is well worth the price. Brown Rice is becoming increasingly popular in Thailand and more readily available. Light in color, brown rice is highly nutritious and has a delightful nutty taste and chewy texture. If you are looking to eat healthily in Thailand, the nutrient-rich brown and colored rice varieties are best.
Seafood in Bangkok is a "MUST!"
When in Bangkok, and on the lookout for great seafood, foodies must visit the delicious Somboon and Laemgate Seafood restaurants. Somboon has opened up its seventh store recently. Operating over 45 years, Somboon has become synonymous with crab curry. The red, spicy gravy concocted with nam prik pao chili paste is what makes this dish especially enticing. Known for its crab egg chili paste dish, Laemgate Seafood has been around for more than 30 years in Pattaya, and has a branch in Bangkok located on Ari Soi 4.