This collection of 20 Thai street food recipes is perfect for home cooks who want to try some of Thailand’s most iconic snacks and dishes. Every single one of these is an absolute must-try and seriously delicious when homemade, including pork satay and that sweet Thai mango sticky rice that’s just too good to pass up.
What’s the best thing about Thailand? Food markets! A loud street lined with stalls, the aroma of moo ping sizzling on the grill, and the pounding of a Thai mortar and pestle preparing a crunchy som tum Thai.
Back when I lived in Belgium, I missed it like crazy. Day in, day out, all I could think about was getting back to those Thai markets. We’d go back to Thailand once a year, and I was so excited, I’d pack my bags weeks before we left.
Those fancy restaurants in Belgium were not my thing. What really makes me happy is the simple stuff – a charcoal grill with some Thai chicken wings, a steaming bowl of noodle soup, and a spicy pad kra pao (holy basil stir-fry).
Seriously, I think the best Thai food is found on the streets. If you’re ever in Thailand, go check out that little food stall tucked away in some alley. Might just be the best street food you’ll ever try!
What is Thai street food
Thai street food is a collection of snacks and dishes you find on the street in Thailand. It ranges from noodle dishes like the classic chicken pad Thai to crispy snacks like Thai fried bananas and even a refreshing iced coffee.
I’m not sure if green mango counts as street food, but it’s definitely one of my favorite on-the-go snacks!
Honestly, sitting here and pinning down what exactly counts as Thai street food is so, so hard. Thai street food markets are full of everything! I’ve seen Thai green curry, pla pao (grilled fish), and even khao lam cooked in bamboo.
Finding the right Thai recipes to bring you was really a challenge. You can spot almost any dish at a Thai market, right?
But, I’ve put together a bunch of recipes that, to me, are Thai street food. Not everyone might agree on what makes the list, but one thing’s for sure – they’re all equally delicious!
Street food recipes
Each one of these recipes comes with easy instructions and step-by-step images so you can recreate them at home. Enjoy!
Authentic Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Pad Thai is a classic Thai street food made with stir-fried rice noodles, bean sprouts, and a tamarind-based sauce. Itโs a dish youโll see sizzling away at food stalls across Thailand, and itโs one that tourists keep coming back for.
Pad kra pao is a lunch staple in Thailand, made with minced meat stir-fried in garlic, chili, and holy basil for an intense, fragrant kick. Itโs always served over hot jasmine rice, and you'll love it with a crispy fried egg on top!
Green papaya salad is a staple in Thai cuisine, especially popular in Isan, the northeastern part of Thailand. It's made with shredded papaya, chilies, garlic, lime, fish sauce, and other seasonings. It has a nice balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. My hubby and I love it with sticky rice and grilled chicken.
Kanom jeeb, or Thai steamed dumplings, are filled with a savory mix of minced pork, sometimes shrimp, and seasonings. Topped with fried garlic and served with a tangy soy dipping sauce, theyโre a delicious treat thatโs perfect for enjoying on the go + very cheap in Thailand!
Pad see ew is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, soy sauce, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of protein. The rice noodles are charred in a pan over high heat, giving them a nice smoky touch. It's super delicious fresh off the wok while still smoking hot!
Boat noodles are one of my personal favoritesโdonโt miss visiting a boat noodle shop when youโre in Thailand! It's a super tasty noodle soup that's seasoned with a rich, flavorful broth, topped with meat, fresh herbs, and lots of chili.
Khao Man Gai Recipe (Thai Chicken Rice) เธเนเธฒเธงเธกเธฑเธเนเธเน
The Thai version of chicken and rice is a simple dish thatโs light yet very delicious. Tender chicken is served over fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat, with a tangy dipping sauce and a clear soup always on the side. Itโs a favorite among Thai people!
Roti, a beloved Thai street snack, is a flaky, pan-fried flatbread often drizzled with sweetened condensed milk and sprinkled with sugar. Vendors stuff it with bananas or other fillings, creating a crispy, soft, and irresistibly delicious treat!
Larb is a tasty minced meat salad that's especially popular in Isan. It's made by tossing cooked ground pork, chicken, or beef with lime juice, fish sauce, toasted rice powder, and fresh herbs like mint and coriander. It's usually served with sticky rice and is also makes a great side dish!
Green curry is a fragrant and spicy Thai favorite made with coconut milk, green curry paste, and your choice of protein or vegetables. We simmer the curry with ingredients like Thai eggplants, bamboo shoots, and sweet basil, creating a rich, flavorful dish often served with steamed jasmine rice.
Moo ping, or Thai grilled pork skewers, is a popular street food thatโs smoky, tender, and slightly sweet. Vendors marinate the pork in a blend of garlic, soy sauce, and coconut milk before grilling it over charcoal. Itโs best enjoyed hot off the grill with sticky rice on the side!
Mango sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert made with sweet, glutinous rice, ripe mango slices, and rich coconut m ilk. Itโs the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and fruity!
Shaved ice, or nam kang sai, is Thailandโs ultimate hot-day treatโa colorful mountain of finely shaved ice topped with syrups, jellies, and sweetened condensed milk. Vendors let you customize it with fun toppings like red rubies, grass jelly, and sweet corn, making every bite a refreshing and unique experience!
Thai tea, or cha yen, is the most popular Thai drink, known for its vibrant orange hue and creamy, sweet flavor. Made by brewing a strong Thai tea mix, itโs combined with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice.
Khao kha moo, or Thai braised pork leg, is a comforting dish served over fluffy jasmine rice. The pork is slow-cooked until tender in a rich, aromatic sauce with soy, garlic, and spices, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Topped with pickled mustard greens, a hard-boiled egg, and a splash of chili vinegar, itโs a hearty meal locals canโt get enough of!
Thai congee, or jok, is a warm, comforting rice porridge thatโs a favorite breakfast dish in Thailand. Simmered until smooth, itโs typically served with minced pork, a soft-boiled egg, and garnished with fresh ginger, scallions, and a dash of white pepper. Perfect for a cozy morning start or whenever you need a little comfort in a bowl!
Ba mee moo dang, or Thai egg noodles with red pork, is a street food classic youโll find at noodle stalls across Thailand. Chewy egg noodles are topped with slices of sweet and savory roasted red pork (moo dang), fresh greens, and a drizzle of fragrant soy-based sauce. Itโs often served with a side of broth and optional chili flakes for a customizable, flavorful meal!
Fried bananas, or kluay tod, are a beloved Thai snack thatโs crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside. Vendors coat ripe bananas in a batter made with rice flour, sesame seeds, and shredded coconut before deep-frying them to golden perfection. Hot and crunchy, theyโre an irresistible treat thatโs perfect for sharingโor not!
Khao soi is a Northern Thai curry noodle dish thatโs rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. Made with egg noodles in a coconut milk curry broth, itโs topped with tender chicken or beef, crispy fried noodles, and a squeeze of lime. Served with pickled mustard greens and chili oil, itโs a comforting bowl youโll never forget!
Thai fried rice, or khao pad, is a quick and flavorful dish made with jasmine rice, eggs, and your choice of protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of fish sauce, itโs finished with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of green onions. Simple, comforting, and perfect for any meal of the day!
These were some of my favorite Thai street food recipes. Let me know in the comment section if you’ve tried any of these, and don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Hi, Iโm Praew! I was born in Isan, Thailand, where I started helping my grandmother cook from a young age. When I was six, I moved to Belgium and later spent years working in Thai takeout restaurants โ I even ran my own Thai restaurant there. These days, Iโm back in rural Thailand, sharing the recipes I know by heart here on my blog, straight from my open-air kitchen surrounded by rice fields.
