Explore Thailand 2015

Street Food

Bangkok’s is one of the world’s biggest and most vibrant cities that seamlessly meld the old and historic with the modern and cosmopolitan. Always on the move, it draws a constant stream of visitors eager to wander its streets, visit the temples and grab themselves a bargain.

When you head anywhere around Bangkok, something you won’t need to do is pinch that bread roll and slice of cheese from the breakfast buffet because you won’t need it. One thing there’s no shortage of on this city’s streets is good, cheap and totally delicious food.

Markets such as Wang Lang on the banks of the Chao Praya River with its maze of laneways and shops are always so much fun to explore and, going where the locals go to shop, adds another dimension to your Bangkok retail experience. It’s guaranteed there’s plenty to spend your baht on. Of course, central to any good market is good food.

There are plenty of tasty treats. Try the Tokyo pancakes. It has nothing to do with Japan; Tokyo pancake is a totally Thai pancake. There are both savoury and sweet versions. Sweet version may be batter with a sweet curd, while savoury pancakes consist of quail egg or crab. Tastes wonderful.

No matter what time of the day, you’ll never go hungry in Bangkok. By day, Bangkok’s street cuisine is fantastic however at night Bangkok’s Chinatown cranks it up another gear. Known locally as Yaowarat – Chinatown is a truly fascinating area of Bangkok, with action at all hours and surprises at every turn. This popular tourist attraction is a food haven for the masses whose main street transforms into a one-kilometre open-air eatery as soon as dusk approaches.

The choice of street Food in Bangkok’s Chinatown seems endless. No excuses for going hungry or thirsty here. At only $1.50 for a bottle off freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, this is why eating out in Bangkok is so popular.

The market stalls and street-side restaurants on the footpaths and commandeered lanes are packed with locals and visitors who flock here to explore Chinatown’s vibrant street-side cuisine.

This place oozes energy. From the satisfied patron to the stallholders, keen to show off their deft culinary skills and serve up a treat to another happy customer.

Street food in Bangkok is without doubt one of the world’s best, and it’s not all about Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup or Papaya Salad. There are so many more culinary delights on the outdoor menu.

How about you try the durian, often sold as street food in Bangkok. It has a sickly sweet smell – and this tropical fruit is said to taste like heaven but smell like hell. It is even discouraged from being transported on public transport due to its strong smell.

If you have a sweet tooth, why not try bird’s nest soup? You guessed it – it is made from parts of a bird’s nest. The nest is boiled and syrup added to make it sweet…and this forms the basis of the soup. Tasty!

For some eating from a street vendor may be a bit adventurous, but hey, isn’t that what going on holiday is all about – having an adventure. It’s just another part of the authentic taste of Thailand!

Be adventurous

For more information, visit www.tourismthailand.org