Bangkok is one of the most thrilling culinary cities in the world, where smoky street carts, gilded restaurants and riverfront cafés all offer something unforgettable. This is a city that eats late, eats often and eats boldly. Sweet, sour, spicy and salty flavors swirl together in perfect balance, creating a food culture that is rich, exciting and endlessly craveable.
If you're wondering what to eat in Bangkok, this guide walks you through the dishes that define the city — from world-famous street food to regional specialties you’ll never forget.
1. Pad Thai
No list of famous food in Bangkok would be complete without pad Thai. This stir-fried noodle dish is sweet, savory and slightly tangy, often made with shrimp or chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts and lime. It's fast, flavorful and widely available everywhere from upscale restaurants to sidewalk stalls.
2. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Fragrant, fiery and deeply satisfying, tom yum goong is a hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and chili. The balance of spice and citrus is pure Bangkok in a bowl — bold, bright and unforgettable.
3. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
A staple of Isaan cuisine that has become a Bangkok food essential, som tum is made from shredded green papaya pounded with lime, chili, garlic, peanuts and fish sauce. It’s crunchy, spicy, sweet and sour all at once — a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
4. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
Simple yet beloved, Thai-style fried rice is stir-fried with egg, garlic and your choice of meat or seafood, then garnished with lime and cucumber. It’s a satisfying comfort dish and a great way to sample the best food in Bangkok if you're new to Thai flavors.
5. Massaman Curry
This rich and creamy curry has Muslim roots and features tender chunks of beef or chicken simmered in coconut milk with potatoes, peanuts, cinnamon and cardamom. It’s a milder option that still delivers deep, warming spice.
6. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
These sweet and smoky grilled pork skewers are marinated in soy, fish sauce and garlic, then cooked over open flames and served with sticky rice. Moo ping is a favorite Bangkok street snack — especially in the early morning hours.
7. Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice)
Thailand’s answer to Hainanese chicken rice, this comforting dish features poached chicken served with fragrant rice, a savory dipping sauce and a clear chicken broth on the side. It’s subtle, satisfying and incredibly popular among locals.
8. Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry)
A staple of central Thai cuisine, green curry is made from green chilies, coconut milk, Thai basil and eggplant, usually with chicken or fish balls. It’s spicy, creamy and utterly aromatic — best served with jasmine rice.
9. Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua)
Originally sold from boats on Bangkok’s canals, these richly spiced noodle bowls are packed with pork, beef, morning glory and a touch of pig’s blood to thicken the broth. Served in small portions, you’ll likely want more than one.
10. Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir-Fry)
This bold stir-fry is made with minced pork or chicken, garlic, chili and Thai holy basil, often topped with a crispy fried egg. Served over rice, it’s one of the best dishes in Bangkok for anyone craving bold spice and quick satisfaction.
11. Kuay Teow (Thai Noodle Soup)
A comforting bowl of rice noodles in a clear or dark broth, this dish is a go-to meal throughout the city. Choose from beef, pork or fish balls and top it with chili flakes, sugar, vinegar and fish sauce to make it your own.
12. Hoy Tod (Oyster Omelet)
Crispy and chewy all at once, hoy tod features oysters or mussels fried with eggs and a starchy batter, served sizzling hot with chili sauce. It’s a popular night market dish that locals line up for.
13. Khanom Buang (Thai Crispy Pancakes)
A sweet-savory street dessert, these mini crepes are filled with coconut cream and topped with shredded coconut, golden egg yolk threads or even scallions. They’re light, crunchy and totally addictive.
14. Mango Sticky Rice
Thailand’s most beloved dessert pairs ripe mango with sweet coconut milk-soaked sticky rice and a sprinkle of mung beans for crunch. It’s a seasonal specialty, but in Bangkok, you can often find it year-round.
15. Roti Gluay (Banana Roti)
This Thai-style banana pancake is fried on a hot griddle until crispy and golden, then drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Sold on nearly every street corner, it’s the perfect indulgence after a spicy meal.
Discover Food Excursions in Bangkok
Uncover Thailand’s bold flavors and intricate culture on immersive food-focused excursions that pair cuisine with unforgettable sights:
- Pattaya Floating Market
- Delve into the dynamic culture of seaside Pattaya, as you tour the massive and ornate Sanctuary of Truth temple and shop at the local floating market. Journey along the glittering coast to explore Pattaya, a vibrant Thai beach town. Peruse the bazaar-style floating market where local merchants sell handmade crafts and Thai street food. A stop will also be made at Gems Gallery before returning to port.
What To Eat in Bangkok?
If you're wondering what to eat in Bangkok, start with iconic street dishes like pad Thai, tom yum soup and mango sticky rice. From fiery stir-fries and rich curries to banana roti and grilled pork skewers, the best food in Bangkok blends bold flavors with cultural tradition.
