20 Thai Street Food Recipes for Home Cooks

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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.

A collage of popular Thai street food dishes including pad Thai, kanom jeeb (dumplings), boat noodles, and pad kra pao.

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.

Customers shopping at a Thai market stalls with fresh fruits like green mangoes.
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!

1
Authentic chicken pad Thai served in a traditional bamboo dish, accompanied by chili flakes and a lime wedge.
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. It’s a dish you’ll see sizzling away at food stalls across Thailand, and it’s one that tourists keep coming back for.
Check out this recipe
2
Authentic pad kra pao pork served over rice with a fried egg.
Pad Kra Pao Recipe (Authentic Thai Basil Pork)
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. It’s always served over hot jasmine rice, and you'll love it with a crispy fried egg on top!
Check out this recipe
3
Close-up of sum tum Thai, a green papaya salad.
Som Tum Thai Recipe (Green Papaya Salad)
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.
Check out this recipe
4
Steamed kanom jeeb, Thai dumplings, with crispy garlic topping, served with a spicy soy dipping sauce.
Kanom Jeeb (Thai Dumplings Recipe)
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, they’re a delicious treat that’s perfect for enjoying on the go + very cheap in Thailand!
Check out this recipe
5
Thai beef pad see ew in a clay dish with Chinese broccoli, onions, and garlic. On the plate is a pair of wooden chopsticks, and next to it is a glass cup with red chili flakes.
Beef Pad See Ew Recipe (Thai Rice Noodles)
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!
Check out this recipe
6
Thai boat noodles, or kuay teow reua, with pork and meatballs served in a traditional clay dish.
Thai Boat Noodles Recipe (Kuay Teow Reua)
Boat noodles are one of my personal favorites—don’t miss visiting a boat noodle shop when you’re 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.
Check out this recipe
7
Khao man gai with chili sauce, accompanied by cucumber, steamed rice, and fried chicken.
Khao Man Gai Recipe (Thai Chicken Rice) ข้าวมันไก่
The Thai version of chicken and rice is a simple dish that’s 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. It’s a favorite among Thai people!
Check out this recipe
8
Thai roti pancakes drizzled with sweetened condensed milk.
Authentic Thai Roti Dessert Recipe
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!
Check out this recipe
9
Close-up of authentic Thai pork salad served in a white dish with a side of fresh vegetables.
Authentic Thai Pork Larb Recipe
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!
Check out this recipe
10
Close-up of Thai green curry pork, gaeng keow wan, with eggplants and beans, served in a coconut bowl.
Thai Green Curry Pork (Gaeng Keow Wan Recipe)
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.
Check out this recipe
11
Close-up of moo ping, Thai grilled pork skewers.
Moo Ping Recipe (Thai Pork Skewers)
Moo ping, or Thai grilled pork skewers, is a popular street food that’s smoky, tender, and slightly sweet. Vendors marinate the pork in a blend of garlic, soy sauce, and coconut milk before grilling it over charcoal. It’s best enjoyed hot off the grill with sticky rice on the side!
Check out this recipe
12
Thai sticky rice served in a coconut shell, garnished with sesame seeds, accompanied by sliced mango on a woven mat with pandan leaves for decoration.
Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe (Khao Niao Mamuang)
Mango sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert made with sweet, glutinous rice, ripe mango slices, and rich coconut m ilk. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and fruity!
Check out this recipe
13
Top-view of shaved ice dessert with toppings like sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, grass jelly, and toasted bread.
Shaved Ice Recipe (Nam Kang Sai)
Shaved ice, or nam kang sai, is Thailand’s ultimate hot-day treat—a 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!
Check out this recipe
14
Close-up of Thai tea, cha yen, iced.
How to Make Thai Tea (Cha Yen)
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, it’s combined with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice.
Check out this recipe
15
Close-up of khao kha moo, Thai braised pork leg, served with boiled eggs and jasmine rice.
Khao Kha Moo (Thai Braised Pork Leg Recipe)
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, it’s a hearty meal locals can’t get enough of!
Check out this recipe
16
Thai congee, jok rice porridge, with pork meatballs, coriander, ginger, and egg.
Thai Congee Recipe (Rice Porridge) Jok
Thai congee, or jok, is a warm, comforting rice porridge that’s a favorite breakfast dish in Thailand. Simmered until smooth, it’s 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!
Check out this recipe
17
Ba mee moo dang with slices of red pork over egg noodles, topped with a rich, savory sauce and served with fresh greens.
Ba Mee Moo Dang Recipe (BBQ Pork Noodle Soup)
Ba mee moo dang, or Thai egg noodles with red pork, is a street food classic you’ll 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. It’s often served with a side of broth and optional chili flakes for a customizable, flavorful meal!
Check out this recipe
18
Close-up of Thai fried bananas in a bamboo woven dish.
Thai Fried Bananas Recipe (Authentic Kluay Kaek)
Fried bananas, or kluay tod, are a beloved Thai snack that’s 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, they’re an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing—or not!
Check out this recipe
19
Close-up of chicken khao soi with noodles, lime, and more garnishes.
Chicken Khao Soi Recipe (Thai Curry Noodle Soup)
Khao soi is a Northern Thai curry noodle dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. Made with egg noodles in a coconut milk curry broth, it’s topped with tender chicken or beef, crispy fried noodles, and a squeeze of lime. Served with pickled mustard greens and chili oil, it’s a comforting bowl you’ll never forget!
Check out this recipe
20
Easy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
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, it’s finished with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of green onions. Simple, comforting, and perfect for any meal of the day!
Check out this recipe

For those who still can’t get enough, I have many healthy Thai food recipes, more than 60 easy Thai recipes, and some of the best traditional mortar and pestle recipes waiting for you!

Conclusion

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 FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest.

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