Khao mok gai
ขาวหมกไก
Loosely translated as “chicken buried in a mountain of rice”, this Thai-Muslim chicken dish usually features a chicken leg accompanied by rice colored yellow by turmeric, topped with deep-fried shallots and a spicy-tart chicken broth.
Khao na ped/moo
ขาวหนาเป็ ด/หมู
Rice topped with barbecued duck or pork. Both are usually served at the same food stall.
Khao niew gai yang/gai tod
ข้าวเหนียวไก่ย่าง/ไก่ทอด
This Northeastern Thai dish comprises sticky rice accompanied by barbecued or fried chicken and, usually, som tum (green papaya salad). It is among the more popular street food options in Bangkok.
Khao pad
ขาวผัด
Fried rice, usually served as part of an aharn tham sung cart but occasionally offered by noodle vendors to placate customers who either want something extra or aren’t in the mood for noodles.
Khao tom
ขาวตม
This Thai rice porridge is either served plain with a number of small side dishes or with a variety of proteins included in the broth (usually fish, assorted seafood, pork or chicken).
APPETIZERS
AND SNACKS
อาหารวาง
Thais are often described as “inveterate snackers” and their fondness for grazing usually leads them to one of these types of snacks between meals:
Guaythiew lod
กวยเตี๋ยวหลอด
Another type of flat noodle, this one is stuffed with pork or seafood and drizzled with a delicious sauce. The best examples of this are found in Chinatown.
Hoy tod
หอยทอด
Oysters fried in omelet, served with a sweet red chili sauce. These vendors usually also serve pad Thai.
Khanom jeeb
ขนมจีบ
These steamed Chinese dumplings include pork and seafood. The best examples can be found throughout Chinatown.
Krapho pla
กระเพาะปลา
Fish maw soup. The best examples are again found in Chinatown.
Nuea khem
เนื้อเค็ม
Translated as “salty beef”, this form of beef jerky—traditionally dried in the sun—is usually eaten with sticky rice. It keeps well.
Samosa
ซาโมซา
The Indian deep-fried dumpling with a savory, tart stuffing. Also sometimes accompanied by tikki, a deep-fried soft patty with a spicy stuffing.
Satay
สะเตะ
Available as pork or chicken, the protein is grilled on a bamboo skewer and coated with coconut milk. It is accompanied by peanut sauce and a cucumber and shallot relish.
DESSERTS
ของหวาน
Thais are known to harbor a fondness for sweets so it’s no surprise that street food desserts abound.
Bamee wan
บะหมี่หวาน
Egg noodles served with an assortment of Thai-Chinese delicacies in syrup and topped with shaved ice.
Bua loy kai waan
บัวลอยไขหวาน
Translated as “floating lotus sweet egg”, these dumplings are served in heated coconut milk with an egg or egg white.
Bua loy nam khing
บัวลอยน้ําขิง
Translated as “floating lotus with ginger water”, this Chinese dessert comprises dumplings stuffed with ground sesame seeds served in a sweet, invigorating ginger syrup.
Chao guay
เฉาก วย
This Chinese jelly, served in a syrup with ice, is reminiscent of sweetened black coffee and is a light, refreshing treat at the end of a big meal.
Khanom bueang
ขนมเบื้อง
These interesting taco-like desserts mix elements of the sweet with the savory.
Khao niew mamuang
ขาวเหนียวมะมวง
Sticky rice with mango and coconut milk. One of Thailand’s best-loved desserts.
Lotchong
ลอดชอง
These green “tapioca squiggles”