We will never run out of things to eat in Bangkok. Period.

This gluttons paradise is home to a smorgasbord of scrumptious grub that we wouldn’t mind getting fat for. From cooling husks of coconut ice cream to fiery bowls of Thai green curry, Bangkok hands down has some of the best food that we have ever tasted.

Whether it’s your first time stepping foot into this food heaven or if you’re a frequent traveller to Bangkok, we have here a guide of local food and snacks to give you some ideas on what you need to try on your next trip to the land of smiles.

BOAT NOODLES 

There are few things as addictive as boat noodles and we love the satisfying feeling of stacking all those finished bowls up high. The great thing about boat noodles is that because the portions are all so small and cheap, you get to try a variety of different broths and noodles till your heart’s content without feeling a pinch in your wallet.

Where to get it: Lung Prathunam Boat Noodles, Kin Tiew Kan, Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong, Doy Kuay Teow Reua Boat Noodles

COCONUT ICE CREAM 

The Bangkok heat can get pretty unbearable at times and that’s why we love indulging ourselves in some Thai coconut ice-cream to cool ourselves down. We absolutely love the rich coconut cream base and we like to garnish our ice creams a sprinkling of peanuts, fruits, and candies.

 Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Hua Mum Night Market, Natthaphon Coconut Ice Cream

CHARCOAL CREPES 

Choose to have your crepes savoury or sweet—we had our charcoal crepe with sliced bananas. You are likely to find crepes in most night markets of Bangkok as it is a common snack you can find even on the streets itself.

Where to get it: Rot Fai Market Ratchada

Photo Credit: erikhasoewito

CRISPY PANCAKES (KHANOM BUANG) 

Khanom buang is a must-eat snack when you are in Thailand. It’s a Thai-style crepe that looks like a crunchy taco. It’s made with rice flour and stuffed with sweet meringue or savoury cream. Toppings vary from egg yolk threads to shredded coconut or chopped shrimp.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Rot Fai Market Ratchada 

DUCK RICE/NOODLES 

If you love duck, we insist that you try the Thai’s rendition of duck noodles and rice. We prefer it over Singapore’s any day and we love how their version features more tender and succulent cuts of duck.

Where to get it: Buay Pochana, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Pondtip Pratunam, Tung Sui Heng Pochana

Photo Credit: feebz9210

FRIED BUGS

This one isn’t for the faint-hearted (and that includes us). If you’re a brave soul who loves trying out new things, we recommend that you have a go at some fried bugs. Bangkok is one of the few places in the world that dishes out these critters like delicacies and you can often get your hands on some at most of the night markets there.

Where to get it: Rot Fai Market Ratchada, Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin, Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy, Klong Toey Market

FRIED QUAIL EGGS 

Fried quail eggs are one of our favourite street snacks in Bangkok. They taste great, albeit extremely simple. The special seasoning used is a sauce that elevates the savoury taste. The egg is also usually not fully cooked, so the yolk bursts once you bite into it.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chinatown, Ramkhamhaeng University Night Market, Hua Mak

LENG SAAP 

Leng Saap essentially translates to ‘Spicy Pork Bone Soup’ and it basically consists of giant portions of pork ribs and spine that are generously doused in a rich and addictively spicy broth as well as plenty of lime, coriander and chilli. We’ve tried the one at Golden Mile Tower back in Singapore and were instantly hooked, and we pleased to say that the ones here in Bangkok taste even better.

Where to get it: Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin, Rot Fai Market Ratchada

MANGO STICKY RICE

The vast abundance of street food might be a tad too overwhelming for first-timers to Thailand, but one will never go wrong with this classic Thai dessert. Made with coconut milk, fresh mangoes and sticky glutinous rice, this dessert is a delightful contrast of sweet and saltiness.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Talad Neon Night Market, Rot Fai Market Ratchada, Mae Varee Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango, Boonsap Thai Desserts, Muhammad Roddee, Je Meaw Sukhumvit 38

OLIVE RICE 

If you’re tired of plain white rice, why not try some of Thailands olive rice? We love how the rice has an aromatic olive flavour that pairs well with whatever dish it is served with it. It also tastes great eaten on its own!

Where to get it: Street outside Union Mall, Sanguan Sri Restaurant

PAD THAI

It would be a crime to come to Bangkok and not have tried the pad Thai here. This classic stir-fried noodle dish is chock full of different flavours from all its various components such as the nuttiness from the peanuts to the sweetness of the prawns and chilli. It isn’t hard to see why it’s so popular amongst both locals and tourists alike!

Where to get it: Thipsamai, Baan Phad Thai, Pad Thai Mae Am

PAN-FRIED SQUID EGGS 

Squid eggs do sound a little intimidating to people who have never tried them before but we promise you that they taste way better than they sound! Most places serve them in two ways: deep-fried or pan-fried. We prefer the deep-fried version which is first coated with batter for a crispy outer layer, before being deep-fried in hot oil and then drizzled with a tangy green chilli sauce for extra oomph.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Rot Fai Market Ratchada 

PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE (KHAO OP SAPPAROT) 

Nothing beats an iconic plate of pineapple fried rice and this well-loved Thai dish features fluffy Jasmine rice cooked with juicy pineapple chunks. Some places even serve up the dish in a hollowed-out pineapple which makes for a great photo opportunity for the gram.

Where to get it: Ko Eay Ko Kafaa, Tealicious Cafe

PORK TROTTERS RICE (KHAO KAA MOO) 

Whenever we are in Bangkok, we love to indulge ourselves in a sinful plate of pork trotters rice. Here, outrageously tender chunks of braised pork trotters lie atop a bed of white rice and then doused in a generous amount of braising gravy. We honestly wouldn’t mind getting a heart attack for this dish.

Where to get it: Bamee Sawang, Khao Kha Moo Truk Sung

Photo Credit: linhlengkeng

SALTED GRILLED FISH 

The Thai’s prepare their salted fish very differently from the Chinese. Here, they coat the entire fish in a layer of salt while discarding the skin. This interesting technique helps to preserve the moisture of the fishes flesh during the grilling process, keeping it nice, moist and chock full of flavour.

Where to get it: Rot Fai Market Ratchada, Pa Porn Pla Phao, Talad Neon

SOM TUM

For the uninitiated, som tum is essentially Thai-style green papaya salad. There are many roadside stalls selling fresh som tum that is prepared to order. Unripened green papaya is shredded and mixed with chilli, sugar, garlic, lime, fish sauce, tomatoes and several other ingredients to produce a spicy-sour taste that will have you lingering for more.

Where to get it: B-Story Cafe, MBK Mall, Chatuchak Weekend Market

THAI CHICKEN RICE 

While Thai-style chicken rice is somewhat similar to Singapore’s, the chicken is much drier and the rice is a little less oily. Many stalls specialise in both fried and steamed chicken rice and we sometimes have a hard time choosing between the two. We love the chilli sauce that accompanies the dish and it provides anything that is dunked into it with a savoury and fiery touch that packs a punch.

Where to get it: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice, Kuang Heng, Kaiton Pratunam Chicken Rice

THAI ICED MILK TEA

To combat the sweltering heat, we love to get ourselves a cup of satisfyingly cooling Thai iced milk tea. Renditions of this popular drink can be found in many places around the world but nothing beats going back to the original. While the drink may get too cloyingly sweet at times, we still can’t help but slurp it down because it’s just so addictive.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Khao San Road, Rot Fai Market Ratchada, Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin 

THAI GREEN CURRY 

We love how creamy yet fiery a good bowl of Thai green curry is. The green chillies used give the dish its murky green colour and this is further enhanced with basil leaves and lemongrass. If you can’t take spicy food, be warned that this dish might be a bit too much for you.

Where to get it: Krua Apsorn, Methavalai Sorndaeng, The Sixth

THAI FISH CAKE 

Thai fish cakes are one of our favourite snacks in Bangkok and we love how they are easily available.  If you are lucky, these fish cakes will be freshly deep-fried in front of you, so you can have it piping hot with a generous drizzle of Thai sweet chilli sauce.

Where to get it: Pratunam Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market

THAI-STYLE OMELETTE 

There is something very addictive about Thai-style omelettes that make us prefer it to any other omelette out there. For some unbeknownst reason, the omelettes in Bangkok are the fluffiest and sweetest. Pair it with some rice and Thai green chilli sauce and you’ve got yourself a simple yet satisfying meal that’ll substantially fill you up.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, The Sixth, Raan Jay Fai, Nhong Rim Klong

TOM YUM KOONG 

Common but oh-so-addictive, a hearty bowl of tom yum koong is an ideal centrepiece for meals with large groups of people. The dish is creamy, spicy and tangy all at once and we could easily just eat it doused over a plate of rice without anything else.

Where to get it: The Sixth, The Place 168, Pee Aor

WANTON NOODLES 

If you love Singapore’s wanton noodles, you may wanna give the Thai version a try. Here, springy egg noodles are tossed in oil, soya sauce and chilli, accompanied with greens, small dumplings and slices of honeyed pork. We admittedly can’t decide if we prefer the Thai or Singapore rendition!

Where to get it: Sukhumvit Soi 38, Bamee Sawang, Nai Meng Ba Mee Poo, Odean Noodle

Just recently, news has been going around about a stall at Golden Mile Tower that specialises in a popular Thai dish called Leng Saap. Since then, the internet has been splattered with pictures of a gargantuan mountain of pork and everyone has been scrambling to try this Instagram-worthy pile of meat.

Leng Saap essentially translates to ‘Spicy Pork Bone Soup’ and it basically consists of giant portions of pork ribs and spine that are generously doused in a rich and addictively spicy broth as well as plenty of lime, coriander and chilli.

We’ve tried the one at Golden Mile Tower and were instantly hooked, so naturally, when we were in Bangkok, we HAD to try the original to see how it measured up. And boy, were we impressed.

Leng Saap can be found in a number of places in Bangkok but the more popular spots are at the Rot Fai Train Markets. We had ours at the Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin Night Market but if it is too far for you, you can always hop on over to Ratchada Rot Fai Train Night Market instead. 

With Leng Saap, you either go big or go home, so we went straight ahead and ordered ourselves an XL (290 baht). If you are aren’t a picky eater, they have smaller portions available in M (150 baht) and L (220 baht) and if you’re coming with a big group of friends, go ahead and order yourselves an XXL for just 599 baht. For the amount of meat you’re getting, it is a complete steal.

If you can’t handle spice very well, we recommend that you tell them to go gently on the amount of chilli because Leng Saap can get unbearably spicy at times.

Skip the forks and spoons and just dig right in with your hand; the great thing about this place is that they provide plastic gloves for those of you who don’t like to get your hands all nitty-gritty.

We were blown away by how tender and lip-smackingly good the pork was; it was the literal definition of fall-off-the-bone. We didn’t need to do too much with our hands to get all that succulent meat out and we love how the fat to meat ratio on each piece was just right.

What truly elevated the dish was the pork bone soup which consists of crushed green chillis, a generous scattering of cilantro as well as plenty of zesty lime. Each mouthful of this ambrosial soup was tangy, savoury and spicy all at once and despite it being so spicy, we couldn’t help but gulp it down with tears in our eyes and dripping noses (no exaggeration here, the broth is REALLY very spicy).

While Singapore’s Leng Saap is phenomenal, trying the original is absolutely life-changing and if you don’t have this while you’re in Bangkok, you are completely missing out. Plus, this towering sight makes for a great picture for the gram!

Leng Saap
Soi Srinagarindra 51
Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250, Thailand
Thu to Sun: 5pm – 1pm
(Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) 

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Singaporeans who love visiting Bangkok’s most well-known night market Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin should be glad to know that their sister market has opened in the Ratchada area of Bangkok.

Although the market is smaller than the Srinakarin branch, it is conveniently located just a few minutes walk away from National Cultural Center MRT Station. The night market’s central location and wide variety of food and fashion stalls make it a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Not sure what you can find at The New Rot Fai Market Ratchada? We share some of our best finds with you!

If there is one reason why you must visit Rot Fai Market Ratchada, it has to be the mouthwatering array of food you get there. The bazaar has rows and rows of food stalls where cooking is done on site.

#1 SEAFOOD

Fancy some seafood? We ordered this as a snack while we were walking through Rot Fai Market Ratchada—it is similar to a Japanese takoyaki where you get seafood on batter. You can choose to have individual seafood items or mix them up like we did.

#2 FRIED NOODLES

Those who are looking to get something more filling can look forward to having some fried noodles which are very fragrant and comes with the right amount of seasoning. On top of that, there is also the addition of roast meat, a sausage and vegetables for a complete meal.

#3 MEAT SKEWERS

Meat skewers are great for eating on the go so you can continue doing your shopping while snacking at the same time. You will find a variety of such stalls at Rot Fai Market Ratchada.

#4 MARINATED SQUID

This humble stall may look unassuming, but the marinated squid that they offer is one of the best we have tried. It is extremely flavourful and we polished it off within seconds.

If you are pressed for time, skip the popular stalls at the night market and give these stalls a chance. You may just find something better instead!

#5 CREPES

It is impossible to resist getting some crepes because they look so delicious! With most crepe stalls offering both savoury and sweet delights, getting a crepe at Rot Fai Market Ratchada is something you must not skip.

We got Charcoal Crepe with Banana and it tasted amazing. Fresh from the hot pan, the warm crepe came with generous portions of melted butter and warm, sticky banana slices.

#6 WATERMELON ICE

Remember to drink plenty of water after indulging in all the street food! Those who are looking for something to spice up their Instagram feeds can opt for this Watermelon Ice which you can find easily at the night market.

#7 CASUAL EATERIES

While street food is the main attraction at Rot Fai Market Ratchada, those who are looking to get a full meal can also pop by any casual dining eatery there as well. These small eateries usually serve Thai local food and you can satisfy all your cravings at one destination!

Tom Yum Goong is a local delicacy in Thailand. Unless you do not take spicy food, there is no reason why you should not be trying this before you leave the land of smiles. The spicy and sour broth comes with a hint of lemongrass and plenty of seafood inside.

#8 SHOP ALL NIGHT

Everyone knows that night markets are where you can find the best bargains in Bangkok. We prefer shopping at these lively night markets where you to glimpse at how locals lead their everyday life.

#9 BAR HOP

Besides food and retail, Rot Fai Market Ratchada is also home to many exciting bars and some of them even offer live bands. Go for a beer at one of these bars to unwind for the night and join in the fun.

Rot Fai Market Ratchada
Ratcadaphisek Road
Thu to Sun: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest MRT: National Cultural Centre

For more recommendations, read our guide on the 28 Best Bangkok Cafes To Visit

Ask any Singaporean which Asian city is their favourite for shopping and most would tell you Bangkok.

For the Thais, night markets are a way of life. The congregation of local vendors is a common sight and for many natives, their livelihoods depend on these bustling night bazaars.

Here’s our guide to 8 Night Markets in Bangkok That Are Worth Checking Out.

ARTBOX

Artbox is a massive pop-up night market with an ever-changing location. With a focus on local products, visitors can look forward to an eclectic mix of affordable vintage fashion, quirky lifestyle products, modern home decors, Instagram-worthy snacks and whatnot.

The current venue is at Chatuchak and Artbox will be occupying the space until 30 April 2017.

1 Khwaeng Chatuchak
Khet Chatuchak
Krung Thep Maha
Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Mon to Thu: Closed
Fri to Sun: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kamphaeng Phet

Source: Our Happy Jar

ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT

Asiatique The Riverfront might not be as authentic as the other localised night markets, but it is suitable for those who are after a spacious and comfortable shopping experience. The area boasts 1,500 shops and prices are evidently pricier.

This higher end night market opens till midnight daily.

Asiatique The Riverfront
Charoenkrung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai,
Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Daily: 5pm to 12am
Nearest Terminal: Wat Rajsingkorn

CHANGCHUI

The term ‘”chui” refers to being disorganised in the Thai language but do not be deceived by its name—the huge lifestyle space is a one-stop destination for everything art related.

Think fashion apparel stalls, concept cafes, food trucks and a vintage cinema for the film buffs. There is an old aeroplane right smack in the middle of ChangChui market—yes, that is how massive that night market is.

Dessert cafes, coffee speciality houses, all-day brunch food… everything you desire, Bangkok probably has it. Here’s our guide to the 28 best cafes in Bangkok.

Source: Meowsyy

HUA MUM NIGHT MARKET

Hua Mum Night Market is considered a hidden gem because most foreigners probably don’t know about it nor wouldn’t discover it on their own—and evidently, that is its main draw.The under-the-radar localised market is not as congested as the other popular tourist attractions and you can shop for absolutely everything i.e. handcrafted handbags, customised key rings, trendy apparel.

The under-the-radar localised market is not as congested as the other popular tourists’ attractions and you can shop for absolutely everything, i.e. handcrafted handbags, customised key rings, trendy apparel etc.

11 Kaset-Nawamin Rd
Lat Phrao, Bangkok 10230
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Lad Phrao

Source: Bangkok Info Guide

PATPONG NIGHT MARKET

Patpong Night Market has made a name for itself with its sheer number of counterfeit goods. The night market is jam-packed with tourists and visitors—and you either hate it or love it.

It is important to note that the bazaar is located in the red light district, hence it isn’t necessarily the most children-friendly area.

Phat Pong 2 Alley
Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 1am
Sun: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sala Daeng

Take a stroll down anywhere in the city of Bangkok and you will be greeted with street food of all kinds. There are so many interesting street food options just waiting for you to explore. Here is a list of the Street Food in Bangkok you must try.

ROT FAI MARKET (RATCHADA)

The new Rot Fai market at Ratchada is smaller than the Srinakarin branch and it is conveniently located just a few minutes walk away from National Cultural Center MRT Station.

Its central location and a wide variety of food and fashion stalls make it a popular destination for locals and tourists. The bazaar has rows and rows of food stalls where cooking is done on site.

Ratcadaphisek Road
Thu to Sun: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest MRT: National Cultural Centre

Source: Bangkok

ROT FAI MARKET (SRINAKARIN)

Rot Fai Market (Srinakarin) is a dream come true for shopaholics. Caution: Do not let your wife know about this place.

There are thousands of shops here and you will not have enough time to cover all the vendors in one night. It will take stamina to strike off this attraction in your list but hey, they don’t call shopping as Singapore’s national sport for nothing! Challenge accepted?

Srinakarin Road Soi 51
Srinagarindra 51 Alley,
Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Mon to Wed: Closed
Thu to Sat: 4pm – 1am
Sun: 4pm – 12am
Nearest BTS: On Nut

TALAD NEON

Talad Neon is a new night market in Bangkok that has been making rounds on social media this year. It is just like any other night market in Bangkok but here’s what sets them apart from the rest—they offer extremely photogenic or ‘Instagram-worthy’ food which will gain the envy of all your friends.

1087 Khwaeng Makkasan
Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Bangkok, Thailand
Thu to Sun: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest BTS: Chitlom

Read our guides on Bangkok to find the best places to go to in the city.