Pad Thai
No list of Thai foods is complete without mentioning Pad Thai. This beloved stir-fried noodle dish features rice noodles tossed with prawns or chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, and crushed roasted peanuts, finished with a squeeze of lime. Found everywhere, from roadside stalls to upscale restaurants, Pad Thai is Bangkok’s go-to comfort dish.
Tom Yum Goong
Famous for its bold flavour, Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and chilli. It’s a perfect representation of Thai cuisine’s delicate balance of spicy, sour, salty, and savoury notes.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
A refreshing contrast to heavier dishes, Som Tum is a spicy green papaya salad made with shredded raw papaya, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, tomatoes, palm sugar and roasted peanuts. It packs a punch and is especially popular as a street-side snack.
Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
Creamy and rich, Green Curry is made with coconut milk, green chillies, basil, and your choice of meat, usually chicken or beef. It’s fragrant, spicy, and best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice to absorb the flavourful sauce.
Mango Sticky Rice
For dessert, Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) is an irresistible favourite. Slices of sweet, ripe mango are paired with sticky glutinous rice soaked in coconut milk, offering a balance of sweetness and texture that’s uniquely Thai.
Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua)
Originally served from boats along Bangkok’s canals, Boat Noodles are small bowls of intensely flavoured beef or pork noodle soup, often spiced with vinegar, chilli, and herbs. Today, you can find them stacked high on tables at eateries near Victory Monument.
Massaman Curry
With Persian influence, Massaman Curry is a mellow, slightly sweet curry featuring tender beef or chicken, potatoes, onions and roasted peanuts. It’s a wonderful option for those who prefer a milder Thai curry.
Stir-fried Holy Basil (Pad Kra Pao)
Simple yet satisfying, Pad Kra Pao is a spicy stir-fry of minced chicken or pork, holy basil, garlic, and chillies. Usually served over steamed rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, it remains one of Bangkok’s most beloved everyday dishes.
Tom Kha Kai
A milder cousin of Tom Yum, Tom Kha Kai is a coconut-based chicken soup infused with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Creamy yet aromatic, it delivers a soothing and fragrant dining experience.
Where to Enjoy Popular Thai Food in Bangkok
Bangkok’s food scene caters to every taste and budget. For the most authentic experiences, head to Sukhumvit Soi 38 or Yaowarat Road (Chinatown), where street vendors serve up timeless classics with unmatched flavour. Places like the Ratchada Train Market's night market are perfect for trying a variety of dishes in a single visit. If you're in the mood for a more refined dining experience, Bangkok’s fine dining restaurants offer sophisticated takes on traditional recipes, often paired with beautiful city views.
Dine at Flava – Night Hotel Bangkok
For those staying in Sukhumvit, you don’t even need to leave your hotel to enjoy some of the city’s best-loved dishes. Flava Restaurant at Night Hotel Bangkok offers a curated menu featuring Thai favourites such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Tom Kha Kai, Stir-Fried Holy Basil, and Thai Fried Rice, all prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavour. It’s the ideal choice for guests who want to savour classic Thai cuisine in a stylish, convenient setting.