Bangkok’s street food stalls belong as much to the image of the capital as temples and traffic jam. In fact, they are one of the causes why the pavements are so overcrowded. Far and wide, next to shopping malls, in markets or anywhere possible where a small cart has place, street vendors will setup their stands transforming major street corners, empty lots and alleys into lively food plazas. It is an absolute must for every visitor to the land of smiles to taste the colorful and mouth-watering dishes such as Pat Thai (stir fried noodles – picture right), Som Tam (papaya salad) and Khao Pat (fried rice) only to name a few of a nearly endless list.

In general, every street vendor uses fresh and clean ingredients and changes the frying oil regularly. However, there is this one small thing you should start considering now already…what will you eat? Many first time visitors are standing astound in front of the endless chain of food stalls, wondering what to degust first - something sweet and sour or rather something spicy? This question only you and your growling stomach can answer; but most dishes are unseasoned so you can flavor it to your individual taste with several condiments such as fish sauce, chili peppers, crushed peanuts, sour-chili-sauce, sugar and other spices.

To help you guide trough the endless choice of different fast food dishes, we have made a small food glossary with the most popular dishes listed. Click on a name to view an image.

Street Food Glossary
 

Ba mee nam - egg noodle soup with wonton
Iohk - rice soup
Khao mun gai tod - fried chicken on rice cooked in chicken broth
Khao moo daeng - red pork with rice
Khao pad - fried rice
Sai-Gok - Look-chin - meat or fish balls
Moo pad ga-prow - fried pork with basil and rice
Pad see iew - pan fried noodles
Pad Thai - fried noodles with dried shrimp and tofu
Rat naa - noodles and pork in thick gravy
Som Tam - spicy papaya salad