10 Street Foods to Try Near Khao San

One of the best reasons to stay near Khao San Road is the food. Within a few minutes' walk you can eat a full meal for very little, and the choices change from street to street. Here are ten dishes worth trying.

The 10 street foods to try

1. Pad thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, peanuts and lime. It is the classic first Thai dish for a reason, and you can watch it cooked in front of you.

2. Mango sticky rice

Sweet sticky rice with coconut cream and slices of ripe mango. It is best in the hot season when mangoes are at their peak.

3. Grilled pork skewers (moo ping)

Marinated pork on a stick, cooked over charcoal. Cheap, smoky and perfect for a snack on the go.

4. Papaya salad (som tam)

Shredded green papaya pounded with chilli, lime, garlic and peanuts. Ask for it mild if you are new to Thai spice.

5. Banana roti

A thin, crispy pancake filled with banana and drizzled with condensed milk. Look for the stalls with a hot griddle and a small queue.

6. Noodle soup (kuay teow)

A comforting bowl with rice noodles, broth, and your choice of meat or fish balls. Great for lunch.

7. Fried rice (khao pad)

Simple, filling and easy to order with chicken, shrimp or just vegetables.

8. Grilled chicken (gai yang)

Marinated chicken served with sticky rice and a sweet chilli dipping sauce.

9. Thai iced tea

Strong tea with milk and sugar over ice. It is very sweet, so ask for less sugar if you prefer.

10. Coconut ice cream

Often served in a coconut shell or a bun and topped with peanuts, sweet corn and sticky rice. A great way to cool off.

Tips for eating street food

• Choose busy stalls. A steady line of locals usually means fresh food.

• Watch it cooked. Food made in front of you and served hot is the safest choice.

• Say how spicy you want it. "Mai phet" means not spicy, and "phet nit noi" means a little spicy.

• Carry small notes. Most dishes cost roughly 50 to 100 baht, and vendors prefer cash.

• Vegetarian? Look for signs with the word "jay", which marks food made without meat.

• Drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid tap water and check that ice comes from a sealed source.

Feeling adventurous?

Some stalls near Khao San sell fried insects such as crickets and grasshoppers. They taste crunchy and salty, a little like a savoury snack, and they make a good story for later.