Thailand is renowned for its incredible street food scene. From bustling night markets to roadside stalls, the variety of delicious dishes available is a dream for any foodie. For tourists and expats alike, especially those on a DTV Visa Thailand, getting familiar with local favorites and knowing how to order them can enhance your travel experience. Here’s a guide to must-try Thai street foods and tips on how to order like a local.

1. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)

What it is: Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish with ingredients like eggs, tofu, shrimp, peanuts, and bean sprouts, flavored with tamarind sauce, lime, and chili.

How to order:
"Pad Thai, mai pet khrub/ka" (ผัดไทย ไม่เผ็ด ครับ/ค่ะ) – Pad Thai, not spicy, please.
"Pad Thai, sai kung khrub/ka" (ผัดไทย ใส่กุ้ง ครับ/ค่ะ) – Pad Thai with shrimp, please.

2. Som Tum (ส้มตำ)

What it is: Som Tum is a spicy green papaya salad mixed with chili, lime, fish sauce, tomatoes, and peanuts. It’s a flavorful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy.

How to order:
"Som Tum, mai pet khrub/ka" (ส้มตำ ไม่เผ็ด ครับ/ค่ะ) – Som Tum, not spicy, please.
"Som Tum, pet nit noy khrub/ka" (ส้มตำ เผ็ดนิดหน่อย ครับ/ค่ะ) – Som Tum, just a little spicy, please.

3. Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง)

What it is: A popular dessert consisting of ripe mango slices served with sweet sticky rice, topped with coconut milk and a pinch of salt.

How to order:
"Khao Niew Ma Muang khrub/ka" (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง ครับ/ค่ะ) – Mango sticky rice, please.

4. Grilled Meat Skewers (หมูปิ้ง)

What it is: These flavorful skewers of marinated pork (or chicken) are grilled over charcoal and served with sticky rice. They’re a quick and filling snack available almost everywhere.

How to order:
"Mu Ping, song mai khrub/ka" (หมูปิ้ง สองไม้ ครับ/ค่ะ) – Two pork skewers, please.

5. Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่)

What it is: This dish features tender boiled chicken served with rice cooked in chicken broth and garlic, alongside a flavorful dipping sauce and a side of clear soup.

How to order:
"Khao Man Gai khrub/ka" (ข้าวมันไก่ ครับ/ค่ะ) – Chicken with rice, please.

6. Roti (โรตี)

What it is: A popular street food dessert, roti is a fried flatbread often topped with condensed milk, sugar, bananas, or Nutella.

How to order:
"Roti, sai gluay khrub/ka" (โรตี ใส่กล้วย ครับ/ค่ะ) – Roti with banana, please.
"Roti, sai namtan khrub/ka" (โรตี ใส่น้ำตาล ครับ/ค่ะ) – Roti with sugar, please.

7. Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง)

What it is: A hot and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili paste. It’s one of Thailand’s most iconic dishes.

How to order:
"Tom Yum Goong, mai pet khrub/ka" (ต้มยำกุ้ง ไม่เผ็ด ครับ/ค่ะ) – Tom Yum soup, not spicy, please.

8. Kanom Krok (ขนมครก)

What it is: These bite-sized coconut pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, usually topped with spring onions or corn.

How to order:
"Kanom Krok nueng set khrub/ka" (ขนมครก หนึ่งเซ็ท ครับ/ค่ะ) – One set of Kanom Krok, please.

9. Gai Tod (ไก่ทอด)

What it is: Gai Tod is crispy fried chicken, often served with sticky rice and a dipping sauce. It’s a popular snack at markets.

How to order:
"Gai Tod, song chun khrub/ka" (ไก่ทอด สองชิ้น ครับ/ค่ะ) – Two pieces of fried chicken, please.

Conclusion

Street food is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Thai culture, and learning how to order confidently enhances the experience. Whether you’re exploring Thailand on a short trip or planning a long stay with a DTV Visa Thailand, these dishes are a must-try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors, but always remember to adjust the spice level to your liking!