Bangkok Street Food Guide

If you know me, you know that I love street food, and Bangkok, Thailand is the best city in the world for it. From sidewalk vendors selling fresh mango sticky rice to street food stalls that have been awarded Michelin stars, Bangkok's vibrant culinary scene is like no other and should be at the top of every foodie's bucket list. Last summer, we spent two weeks in Bangkok, and savored every meal there. Here's a roundup of the best street food we tried, as well as a few notable local restaurants and desserts.

1. Jay Fai

As soon as we landed in Bangkok and dropped off our bags, we made our way to Jay Fai. I remember first learning about Jay Fai (both the restaurant and the name of the chef) in Netflix Street Food Asia and being captivated by her story. Jay Fai is a local chef legend, becoming the city's first street food stall to earn a Michelin star. As the sole chef and owner, she personally cooks every dish, wearing her trademark beanie and ski goggles to protect her eyes over the intense heat of the charcoal-fired stoves. Even on a Sunday at 3 p.m., we waited for hours for her signature crab omelette, filled with chunks of sweet crab and fried golden-brown. We also ordered the drunken noodles, which included huge, fresh prawns. It was truly an honor to eat at Jay Fai's restaurant and watch her in action.

Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid a long queue, and expect a wait for your food after you order, as Jay Fai is the only chef.

2. Thipsamai

Pad thai is the most famous Thai dish, so of course, I was on the hunt to find the best one in the country's capital. My research led me to Thipsamai. Started as a street food vendor in the 1950s by the current owner's grandmother, Thipsamai is the oldest and arguably best pad thai restaurant in Thailand. Preserving the family's original recipe, the restaurant only serves pad thai, with a few variations to choose from. We ordered the pad thai that was wrapped with an egg so thin and delicate that we could see the noodles inside. It was definitely one of the best pad thai dishes I've ever had.

Tip: In addition to the pad thai, their fresh orange juice is also phenomenal - don't miss it!

3. Phed Mark

If I had to choose a favorite YouTuber, it would be Mark Wiens. I love his happy energy, interaction with local restaurant owners, and of course, his well-known, dramatic reaction to trying delicious food. So when I found out he opened a restaurant in Bangkok, I had to pay a visit. Phed Mark serves one dish only - pad kaprao, or spicy basil stir fry - but has perfected it. Pad krapao is a beloved comfort food dish in Thailand, consisting of stir fried chilies, garlic, pork and holy basil. It's served with steamed rice and a fried duck egg on top. The only thing you need to choose is the spice level, and as Mark is known for his love of spicy food, make sure not to make the decision lightly. You can pick “non-spicy” up to “very spicy,” which is sure to be one of the hottest dishes you may ever try. The dish itself was incredibly flavorful and satisfying, and the duck egg was crispy and fried to perfection.

Tip: When in doubt, do yourself a favor and choose the lower spice level.

4. Chinatown

Bangkok has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, with a buzzing atmosphere, vibrant colors, and of course, a variety of Thai-Chinese street food. Our first stop was Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai, which serves fried noodles that are crispy on the outside, while soft on the inside. The unique flavor comes from the cooking method, in which the noodles are cooked with pork fat in high heat. This simple, yet delicious dish has earned the street food vendor a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Our next stop was Lek & Rut Seafood. Located at the intersection of Chinatown's busiest streets, Lek & Rut Seafood is known for its bustling atmosphere and fresh seafood. The highlight was the crab curry, made with fresh crab and a hearty, spicy sauce, paired perfectly with steamed rice.

Tip: Visit Chinatown at night to experience the area's street food atmosphere at its liveliest.

5. Cute Corner Cuisine

Finding this restaurant was a complete accident, but it turned out to be one of my favorite meals in Bangkok. We were staying at an Airbnb located above this restaurant, and passed by every morning as we left for the day. One morning, we asked the owner if we could make a reservation for dinner later that week. We confirmed our order a day in advance, and followed the chef's recommendation. The restaurant itself is small and intimate, made up of one long table, and the experience feels like you're at a friend's house for a home-cooked meal. When the dishes came out, we were blown away. The garlic butter grilled river prawns were the biggest I've ever tried - nearly the size of lobster tails. We also ordered the steak and lamb chops, which were accompanied with roasted potatoes and vegetables. Overall, it was an amazing experience, with a cozy atmosphere and the most incredible food.

Tip: Reservations and advance orders are required, so make sure you plan ahead.

Desserts

When in Thailand, always leave room for dessert. One of the many things that I love about Thai desserts is how they incorporate their local, fresh fruit into them. Here are a few must-try dishes and cafes:

Mango Sticky Rice: This dessert needs no introduction. Similar to pad thai, mango sticky rice is the most popular Thai dessert globally, and with good reason. Thailand produces some of the sweetest and juiciest mangoes in the world, which are then paired with sticky rice and coconut milk. Name a more perfect combination. While there isn't a specific place in mind that serves the best version, mango sticky rice can be found at nearly every street corner.

Coconut Ice Cream: During a day trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, I spontaneously ordered coconut ice cream from a woman selling it on a boat and it was divine. This dish was served in a coconut and topped with sticky rice and peanuts - perfect for the hot weather!

After You Dessert Cafe: If you're looking for a sit-down dessert cafe, look no further than After You. This dessert cafe has become increasingly popular over the last few years, serving a range of desserts. However, the star is the cafe's take on kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice dessert. After You takes it to the next level with the mango sticky rice version, which was filled with fresh mango pieces and topped with coconut milk cream. We were pleasantly surprised to find sticky rice towards the bottom of the bowl, which completed the whole experience.

With so many incredible dishes to be found on every street corner, Bangkok is truly a food lover's paradise. I hope that eating at the spots on this list will give you as much joy as it gave me. For more everyday videos and clips from our trip to Bangkok, check out my Instagram Story Highlights.