Often, the best way to experience a country's culture and heritage is through food. The dishes that people eat regularly say a lot about their traditions and values. So, if you're interested in Thailand, what better way to get to know more about it than by eating some top-notch dishes? 

While you might be familiar with famous options like Pad Thai and Tom Yum, the dining experience goes well beyond the restaurant. Thai street food is an entirely unique facet of the country's culture, full of delicious options that are just begging to be eaten

So, join us on this culinary journey from the streets of Bangkok to way back in Thailand's history to discover the ultimate guide to Thai street food 

What is Thai street food?

If you ever visit Thailand, especially Bangkok, you'll be amazed at the number and variety of stalls and carts selling food on the street. Wherever you go in the world, vendors are always willing to fill your belly in exchange for a few bucks. Fortunately, US dollars go pretty far in Thailand,so you can get your fill without breaking the bank. Even stateside, these dishes are affordable without sacrificing quality or, most importantly, flavor. You can never accuse Thai cuisine, street or otherwise, of being dull or bland

For many years, "street" food was sold this way, and you can still find floating markets today. If you're interested in a one-of-a-kind experience, we highly recommend touring one of these markets to see what they have to offer. You can't get street food like this anywhere else!

Modern street food began during the seismic shift of the 1960s. As urbanization swept the country, more people moved into cities, driving up the demand for quick, affordable, and delicious dishes. As the cities grew, vendors became more abundant. Today, you can find a mix of mobile carts, permanent stalls, and even outdoor dining at some brick-and-mortar restaurants. 

Overall, Thailand takes its street food seriously, so you should too. Also, if you're unfamiliar with traditional Thai cuisine, we recommend keeping an open mind, as some dishes are pretty unique. Thai street food has many origins mixed together to create something special. Elements of Chinese,

Southeast Asian, and European cooking are found in many of these dishes. For example, Pad Thai became a thing after Chinese immigrants brought stir-frying techniques to the country.

Know Before You Chow - A Basic Overview of Thai Street Food Etiquette

If you're going to appreciate a culture by eating its food, you also have to respect its traditions and practices. So, here are some elements to keep in mind before chowing down on some Thai street food authentic recipes: 

• No Chopsticks - In 1939, Siam became Thailand after a bloodless coup by a dictator named Phibun. Before the change, Chinese influences were prevalent in the country, including its cooking styles. However, Phibun wanted to modernize Thailand and make it a unique entity within the region. So, you won't find chopsticks anywhere. Instead, eat with the right hand or a fork or spoon. 
• Spice is the Spice of Life - If you're familiar with Asian cooking, you know that some dishes can be pretty spicy. However, if you haven't tried authentic Thai spices before, be sure to sample a little before committing to anything. Locals have become accustomed to the spiciness, but tourists often aren't. Save yourself the hassle (and pain) and ask for food with little to no spice. Once you become accustomed, you can incorporate it into your dishes. 
• Customization is Customary - Almost all street vendors will offer multiple sauces to help you complement your meal. You can choose between chili flakes, fish sauce, and a Thai sauce that combines garlic, vinegar, and salt. Some vendors may have more condiments, while others might have fewer. Overall, don't feel bad about adding sauces to anything - it's expected and welcomed. 
• Don't Forget Dessert - While savory dishes abound, there are some traditional Thai street food desserts as well. One example is Thai marzipan, which is made from mung beans and painted to look like fruit pieces. Some dishes will be a bit sweeter than you might imagine, so be ready. 

Some Examples of Authentic Thai Street Food

No matter where you turn, authentic Thai street food recipes abound. While there are far too many traditional dishes to list here, we'll start with the more unique offerings and work our way to items you might be familiar with already.

Fried Bugs - Light and On-the-Go Snack

As we mentioned, it helps to keep an open mind when visiting Thai street food stalls or carts. Fried bugs are pretty common in the country, and you'll see vendors selling seasoned insects in most markets. Standard options include crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, locusts, and the Thai water bug (which resembles a cockroach). Usually, the insects are dipped in sauce and served on a stick, but not always. 

Grilled Prawns - Light Snack

Along with bugs, seafood is also heavily featured on street food menus across the country. River prawns are especially common and delicious, as they're often grilled on an open flame. You can also usually find squid and other seafood options cooking next to the prawns. When ordering, keep in mind that the prawn will be whole - they won't peel or decapitate it for you.

Grilled Pork Stick or Chicken Satay - Light, On-the-Go Snack

Most Thai restaurants offer chicken Satay, which is basically a meat skewer with unique Thai spices. However, moo ping (pork sticks) is also pretty prevalent in the street food scene. The meat is marinated in palm sugar, fish sauce, and garlic for a truly unique flavor. Plus, since these dishes are already on sticks, they're made for on-the-go snacking.

Duck Noodles or Rice

Duck is another staple of Asian cooking, and Thai chefs know how to use this animal in their dishes. You can find either Kuay Teow Bpet or Khao Na Bpet, or sometimes both. The secret is boiling the broth with duck bones and juicy duck meat for a flavorful yet relatively mild experience. Along with the duck, the dish also has pickled ginger, dark soy, and various chilies. 



Saku Sai Moo (Stuffed Rice Balls)

Most Thai food uses Jasmine rice instead of other varieties. Sau Sai Moon is made by stuffing rice balls with ground peanuts and pork. The rice itself is cooked in garlic oil to help add some extra flavor to it. This street food has a crunchy and soft texture, making it a hit with locals and visitors alike.

The Best Thai Restaurants Near Me

As you can see, Thai street food covers many flavors and ingredients. If you want the best street food and find yourself searching for “Thai restaurants near me”, visit an authentic local restaurant, Rickshaw Thai Street Food. Whether you're in the mood for grilled calamari, Pad Thai, or something else, you're eating a part of Thailand, including its history and culture at Rickshaw. Give us a try today by ordering online or visiting us in person in Alpharetta.