Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Thailand
Thai food is one of the great reasons to visit. From the pad thai stalls of Bangkok to the khao soi of Chiang Mai and the fresh seafood of the southern coasts, each region has its own flavours worth seeking out.
By Ploy Saetang · Updated June 20, 2026
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Food by region
Bangkok Street Food
The capital has some of the world's best street food: boat noodles, mango sticky rice and the night markets of Yaowarat.
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Chiang Mai & the North
Northern cuisine has its own character: khao soi curry noodles, sai oua sausage and the Saturday-Sunday walking-street markets.
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Southern Seafood
Fresh catch on the Andaman coast: grilled fish, green curry with seafood and the massaman curries of the Muslim south.
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Gulf Coast Flavours
Koh Samui and the Gulf islands: fresh fish, coconut-rich curries and the beachside grills that most visitors remember longest.
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Floating Markets
Visit a floating market for paddles and produce — vendors sell fresh dishes straight from the boat.
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Food Tours
A guided food tour in Bangkok or Chiang Mai covers more ground, more dishes and more stalls than going it alone.
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Food & market experiences
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Eat well from day one
How to navigate Thai food
On a tight budget
Street stalls and market vendors serve the same dishes as restaurants for a fraction of the price. Look for a stall with a queue and a busy wok.
Spice level
Thai food can be genuinely hot. Say "pet nit noi" (a little spicy) when ordering. Most vendors will adjust — ask at the start, not after.
Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian options exist but fish sauce turns up in most dishes. "Jay" is the Thai word for strict vegan food; look for yellow-flag jay stalls at markets.
Good to know
Food questions, answered
What food should I try in Thailand?
Pad thai, green curry, massaman curry, khao soi (in the north), mango sticky rice and fresh papaya salad are the dishes most visitors remember. Each region adds its own versions.
Is street food safe to eat in Thailand?
Generally yes, if the stall is busy and the food is cooked fresh in front of you. High turnover means the ingredients are fresh. Avoid pre-cooked dishes that have been sitting out.
How cheap is eating out in Thailand?
Very. A full meal from a street stall costs a fraction of what you would pay at a restaurant in Europe. Even a sit-down restaurant is inexpensive by most Western standards.
Can vegetarians eat well in Thailand?
Better than in many countries. Tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries and rice-based meals are everywhere. The main challenge is hidden fish sauce, so learning a few Thai phrases helps a lot.
What is the best food city in Thailand?
Bangkok for sheer variety and the highest concentration of great stalls. Chiang Mai for distinctive northern dishes and relaxed night markets. Both are worth spending real time in for the food alone.
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