Chatuchak Weekend Market is no doubt the most well-known day market in Bangkok and for many good reasons too—the sheer size of this outdoor market makes it impossible for you to cover the entire place in a day.
Covering 27 acres of land in total, Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Bangkok and is home to over 8,000 stalls featuring Thai street food, fashion, homeware, flowers and so much more.
For first-timers to Chatuchak Weekend Market, it can be quite intimidating to try and navigate your way around. However, you have nothing to fear! Our guide to all the amazing street food you have to try there will help you narrow down your choices so you know what to look out for.
Here is a guide on 12 Street Food At Chatuchak Weekend Market You Have To Try.
#1 FISH CAKES
Thai fish cake or known as “tod mun pla krai” in Thai is a snack that is extremely popular among the locals. You will find a few stalls offering this delicious finger food when you walk down Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Apart from deep frying the fish cakes, there are also pan-fried versions which may be slightly healthier as there is significantly less oil used. Of course, we think that every diet plan should be thrown out of the window when you visit this weekend market!
#2 FRIED QUAIL EGGS
For those who have been to Bangkok, you would know that fried quail eggs or “khai nok kra-ta” is a common street food found in most night markets. Try it for yourself to see why this simple recipe is a local favourite!
#3 GRILLED SKEWERS
You can tell that a stall is selling grilled skewers on charcoal from afar—the heavenly aroma will hit you first before you even set eyes on it. From meat to seafood and fish cakes, there is really no stopping once you start indulging in them!
#4 GRILLED SAUSAGES
Many of you will agree with us that sausages are one of the best light bites to munch on. If you are not feeling adventurous that day, you can always fall back on grilled sausages because the taste will never go wrong.
#5 KEBAB
There is no such thing as too much meat and a kebab is probably the best way to get all the energy you need for shopping around the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Market.
#6 THAI CRISPY PANCAKES
Also known as “Khanom Bueang”, these crispy pancakes make wonderful snacks if you are not looking for anything too heavy. The pancakes are made from rice flour and filled with coconut cream.
Decide on which toppings you prefer; there are sweet and savoury ones such as shredded coconut and fried egg yolk.
#7 TOASTED BREAD
Don’t be surprised to see stalls selling warm toasted bread when you are at Chatuchak Weekend Market. While it looks unassuming as compared to other street food, it is a comforting snack to munch in between full-flavoured food.
#8 RED RUBY
It is easy to be tempted by a bowl of Red Ruby dessert when you are walking in the sweltering heat. For those who have no idea what a Red Ruby is, you will find some water chestnuts and glutinous rice flour balls in sweet coconut milk.
#9 TRADITIONAL THAI MILK TEA
Thai milk tea is possibly one of the best beverages you can find at Chatuchak Weekend Market. We were so amazed by their ‘tea pulling’ technique which involves pouring the milk tea from one tin jug to the other. Sometimes, those who are really skilled can even make a full turn while pouring the tea!
Of course, there is also the ready-made version of Thai milk tea sold in many stalls along the way as well.
#10 COCONUT ICE CREAM
Coconut ice cream is iconic in Thailand and you have to try it at least once during your trip. Scoops of coconut ice cream are served on coconut husks and some come with extra toppings including peanut, aloe vera and atap seed.
#11 ICE POPSICLES
The street vendors pour in juice and soft drinks to make ice popsicles and they can be found along the streets of Chatuchak Weekend Market. Not only do they make great desserts, these colourful ice popsicles also brighten up your Instagram feed!
#12 ICE CREAM CUBES
We found this small stall selling creamy ice cream in cubes. Nothing really outstanding in particular but you can choose a number of flavours and prices are very affordable.
OTHER INTERESTING STALLS TO SEE
Fresh fruit juice for you? There are plenty of street stalls offering fruit juice and whole coconuts for you to quench your thirst.
Those who want to escape the heat can choose among many established eateries or restaurants in Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can also find classic Thai dishes there but bear in mind that prices are generally higher and the places are more commercialised.
Once you are feeling full from all the food you have been enjoying, go ahead with some retail therapy! You can find many decent deals and bargains at the day market, no matter what you are looking for.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd
Bangkok, Thailand
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Mo Chit
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Read our Bangkok food and travel guides to find the best places to visit in Bangkok.
The photo just below your #1 fish cakes entry with something being fried in a giant metal pan is actually Squid Eggs and not fish cake lol.
What I love about going to Chatuchak is that it also has lots of stalls where you can eat scrumptious Thai food. Whether you’re craving for street food or fruits. You can assure that you can find it in Chatuchak.