15 Must-Try Foods For First-Timers In Bangkok, Thailand

I’ve been completely and utterly obsessed with Thai food ever since my Berkeley days, when I fell in love with the dozens of amazing Thai restaurants scattered around the college campus.

But nothing could have prepared me for the real deal when I finally made it to Thailand with Papu.

As a seasoned foodie (and a Thailand veteran with three or four trips already under his belt), Papu took the lead, guiding me through the intricately chaotic world of Bangkok’s street food vendors and night markets.

My first few hours in Bangkok were spent in complete wide-eyed shock and awe. We had popped into centralwOrld (the largest mall in BKK) for some air-conditioning and discovered a slice of night market culture located indoors…within the mall.

The sheer number of food vendors, the complex smells of crispy pork, the sights of coconuts and colorful desserts had my heart waaaaay too giddy with excitement! It was sensory overload for the eyes and the tastebuds–in the best way possible, of course!

We ate our way through the city–from fragrant pad kra pows to creamy coconut desserts to papaya salads that were far too spicy for our digestive tracts to handle, we were nonstop! We even opted for a Michelin Guide food tour that took us to a bunch of amazing food spots in the city by tuk-tuk!

Food was the main reason we were in Bangkok, so taking a food tour was a no-brainer.

A couple of years later, we returned to Thailand. This time, we brought along my cousin (a first-timer!), and decided to kick off our 5 days in Bangkok with yet another guided food tour.

Even though we thought we knew a ton about Thai food already, this second tour opened our eyes to the stories behind the dishes, the local businesses, and the rich culture that makes Thai cuisine so special.

After sampling dozens of dishes over the years (both on our own and with local guides), we’ve narrowed it down to the top 15 foods every first-timer should try in Bangkok.

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Pad Thai

Let’s start with the obvious and the most beginner-friendly dish—Pad Thai. This is Thailand’s most well-known dish. This stir-fried noodle dish is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory, topped with peanuts, lime, and fresh herbs.

If you’re looking to try the place that’s been hailed as the “best” pad Thai, go to Thip Samai, known as the Pad Thai king.

I tried Thip Samai’s pad thai at their food court kiosk at the Paragon Mall food court, and you know what? I wasn’t quite sold on it being the “best.” Try it from the actual location and report back–I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

Som Tam (Papaya Salad)

This spicy, tangy salad should be no stranger to you. Papaya salad, or som tam, is a flavor explosion in every bite, made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and chilies.

You can get som tam almost anywhere, but Papu and I personally love getting it at local Thai sit-down restaurants (like Inter Restaurant and Grandmother Restaurant).

But be warned… “Thai spicy” in Thailand is more spicy than in your home country. Ask for “mai pet” (no spice) if you can’t handle the heat!

Mango Sticky Rice

My #1 favorite dessert ever! No matter how many times I visit Thailand, I need to eat this at least once a day. Sweet, ripe mango paired with sticky rice and coconut milk? YES.

It’s often served with a drizzle of white sauce—a salty-sweet coconut cream that takes the flavors to a whole new level. You’ll often get toasted sesame seeds or shredded coconut to garnish the dessert, providing that pleasing crunch that’s emblematic of many Thai dishes.

It’s cheap, delicious, and makes you feel “healthy” because, you know, fruit.

Pa Tong Go (Chinese Donuts)

A Chinatown staple, these fluffy Chinese donuts are served with an addictively delicious pandan dipping sauce. The combination of the crispy donuts and the sweet, aromatic sauce is pure magic.

We’ve done two food tours in Bangkok, and both places took us to Pa Tong Go Savoey—which tells you how beloved this local spot is. They are Chinese donut legends, whipping up the all-time best Chinese donuts in the city!

Each bag comes with a few sticks of donuts, soft and doughy on the inside with a tender crispiness on the outside. One order is perfect for sharing (or not!). Do NOT skip the pandan dipping sauce!

Khao Man Gai (Thai Chicken Rice)

If you’re craving something comforting and not too spicy, khao man gai is going to be your new best friend in Thailand. As someone who can’t tolerate that much heat, it certainly was my BFF of a dish!

This Thai version of Hainanese chicken rice features tender poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and a side of tangy ginger-garlic sauce. The combo is simple but oh-so-satisfying.

I always get it with fried chicken on the side because the fried version can sometimes taste even better than the poached version. Get the combo so you can get the best of both worlds. Drizzle on the sauce they give you to elevate your meal that much more.

My go-to spots are Chicken Rice by J’Bo (on Banthat Thong Road, a foodie hotspot) and Go-Ang Pratunam (where the lines are long but the chicken is SO worth it).

Pad Kra Pow (Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

If you’re looking for a quick meal that packs quite the flavor punch, you’ve gotta get your hands on a plate of comforting pad kra pow.

This stir-fry features minced meat (usually pork or chicken) cooked with garlic, chilies, and holy basil, served over steamed rice. Here’s the thing though–it has to come with a fried egg on top.

If it doesn’t, order one immediately—the crispy edges of the egg white and runny yolk mixed with the spicy, savory stir-fry is chef’s kiss! I’ve had this dish everywhere, from street stalls to fancy restaurants, and it never disappoints.

Khao Kha Moo (Stewed Pork Leg)

If you’re craving a spice-free meal that’s still packed with flavor, khao kha moo is your answer. This dish features tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork leg braised in a rich, savory sauce, served over steamed rice with a side of pickled greens and a boiled egg.

The fattiness of the pork is so addicting, and those tangy pickled greens? I’d eat them by the bucket if I could. This is one of my go-to comfort dishes in Bangkok, and it needs to be on your must-try list!

Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about it long after you leave.

Thai Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua)

If there’s just one soup noodle dish I’m obsessed with, it’s Thai boat noodles. This rich, flavorful broth is made with a mix of pork or beef blood (sounds wild, but trust me), spices, and herbs, served with rice noodles, meatballs, and tender slices of beef or pork.

It’s bold, savory, and topped with crispy pork rinds and fresh herbs for extra texture.

I love it so much that I seek it out both in and outside of Thailand. In Bangkok, my go-to spots are Boat Noodle Alley near Victory Monument (where you can try mini bowls for just a few baht each) and Thong Smith, a fancier chain that nails the flavors every time.

If you’re a soup lover, this dish is a must-try—just be prepared to crave it forever.

Pad Pak Boong (Morning Glory)

When you need a break from all the meat and carbs, stir-fried morning glory is here to save the day! This stir-fried water spinach dish is garlicky, slightly spicy, and often topped with crispy fried garlic.

It’s so simple yet so delicious, and you’ll be hard-pressed not to find it on the menu when you flip to the veggie section. I order it every time I need a “healthy” moment—though let’s be real, it’s mostly because it’s delicious.

Gui Chai Tod (Chive Dumplings)

These pan-fried dumplings are a hidden gem in Bangkok’s street food scene. The chewy, slightly charred edges and the savory chive filling make them strangely addicting. How something so simple can be so freakin’ good is beyond me.

I first discovered them when I went on the Bangkok Backstreets food tour–they’re definitely one of Yaowarat Road’s finest finds!

Fish Ball Noodles

When it comes to Bangkok’s street food scene, you won’t get far before running into a stall that specializes in fish ball noodles. This dish features bouncy fish balls, chewy noodles, and a flavorful broth (or sauce, if you go dry).

My go-to spot is Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle in Chinatown—pro tip: get it dry. Not only is it more flavorful (in my opinion), but it’s also a better option when Bangkok’s heat is cranked up to max.

I love this dish so much that I’ve sought it out all over the city! You can also try it at Rung Rueang Pork Noodle or Fa Pla Tahn (at Emsphere Mall).

Itim Kati (Young Coconut Ice Cream)

After a hot day exploring Bangkok’s night markets, young coconut ice cream is the ultimate treat. And no, we’re not talking about ice cream that comes served in a waffle cone. No, no, you need the real deal in Thailand.

Served in a coconut shell and topped with peanuts, sticky rice, and sometimes even young coconut meat, the Thai version of coconut ice cream is downright heavenly.

It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect way to cool down on a really hot afternoon. Expect a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with an irresistible coconutty punch.

You’ll find coconut ice cream at dessert shops, night markets, and even at the mall food courts.

Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry Chicken)

I’ll admit it: I was always kind of “whatever” about green curry—until I tried the life-changing version at Jek Pui Curry in Bangkok.

This spot is already famous (thanks to Netflix’s Street Food Asia docuseries), but I discovered it through my Bangkok Backstreets food tour, and wow, it blew my mind more than I thought green curry ever could.

The local favorite? A version with winter melon and dried sausage–both ingredients add a subtle sweetness and balance the rich, spicy coconut broth.

Having a local guide order for us was a game-changer—they knew exactly what to get, steering us toward the version locals love rather than the “safe” one most tourists end up with. 

Nam Dok Anchan (Butterfly Pea Tea)

Move over, Thai tea—there’s a new colorful drink in town! Nam dok anchan is made from the petals of the butterfly pea flower, which gives it a pretty purple-blue hue.

It’s naturally caffeine-free, slightly floral, and often sweetened with honey or sugar. You’ll find it on the menu at sit-down restaurants, sometimes served with a squeeze of lime that magically turns it pink!

If a cutesy afternoon tea time is on your itinerary (which it should be), you can find it on the menu at spots like The Siam Tea Room or Erawan Tea Room.

Khanom Buang (Thai Crispy Pancakes)

These delicate, crispy pancakes are as tasty as they are cute! You can easily find them all over Thailand, often filled with sweet or savory toppings like coconut cream, shredded coconut, or meringue.

If you’re a savory kind of person, try the savory one, filled with a creamy mixture of shredded coconut, chopped scallions, and minced shrimp or pork.

For something more dessert-like, try the sweet one. You’ll often find them topped with shredded coconut or sweetened egg yolk strands.

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Take A Food Tour To Try These Thai Staples

If you’re new to Thai food + culture, I recommend going on a food tour!

With so many incredible dishes to try and food markets to navigate, I personally think a guided food tour is going to be the easiest way for you to explore Bangkok’s culinary scene.

You’ll get insider access to local favorites, learn more about Thai food and local culture, and save time figuring out where to eat (and what to order once you get there).

After going on two food tours in Bangkok and two food tours in Kuala Lumpur, I’m officially sold on how fun, enriching, and informational these tours are!

Not only do you get REALLY full on an incredible variety of dishes, but you also learn the history, cooking techniques, and cultural stories behind everything you taste.

In Bangkok, our favorite food tour was with A Chef’s Tour; we did their Bangkok Backstreets food tour which focuses on foods in the famed Chinatown area.

I did this tour with my cousin and my partner, and all three of us loved it because we literally got to taste 15+ different foods, just like they advertised.

And it wasn’t just a baby bite of everything; at nearly all the stops, we were invited to order our own FULL serving of everything (which we politely declined at most of the spots for fear of getting way too full!).

So yes, you should come hungry.

You can book food tours by A Chef’s Tour here:

• Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour – Explore China’s centuries-long influence on Thai cuisine and culture on Bangkok’s #1 food tour
• Old Siam Food Tour – Water taxi up the klong canals to an old district of Bangkok known for its lip-smackingly good street eats

USE MY DISCOUNT CODE! For a limited time, use the promo code CHEFSFRIEND5 for an additional 5% off your food tour when booking on their official site. This code is valid for all food tours in any of their destinations!

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