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Thai Grilled Chicken: Gai Yang

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Gai Yang

Gai Yang, or grilled chicken, is one of the classic Thai street foods. The Thai way of grilling chicken, known as Gai Yang (Gai = Chicken, Yang = Grill), you will see used amidst the vast cacophony od street food vendors. Throughout Thailand you’ll find many different types of grilled chicken, depending on regional location and different styles because of personal family recipes. The Thai-style grilled chicken marinate base that gives it its amazing flavors is made from a heap of garlic, lemongrass, black peppercorns, and coriander roots, which is then grilled over charcoal. Gai Yang is especially common to eat along with Som Tam (green papaya salad), and hot fresh sticky rice.

Cost: 30-120 baht
Spicy Level: 0

Thai Deep Fried Spring Rolls: Por Piah Tod

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Por Piah Tod

Deep fried spring rolls, known as Po Pia Tod in Thai, most commonly use vermicelli (noodles glass), bean sprouts and wood ear mushrooms, creating the unmistakable aroma of a quintessential garlic-cilantro root-peppercorn paste.

Fried Spring Rolls are usually found sold on the street in Thailand. Typically, the vendors who sell them also sell deep fried tofu triangles, fried shredded taro cakes, fried shredded turnip cakes and fried corn cakes as delicious alternatives. You decide which ones you want (you can mix them) and the vendor dumps them in a bag, tops it with sauce and gives you a wooden stick to harpoon the food. You can also get spring rolls at some restaurants, usually of Chinese-Thai origin. The restaurant version usually is a lot nicer, with shredded vegetables and meat, sometimes seafood. There is another variety of spring roll which has one shrimp inside each roll, which are simply delicious.

Cost: 20-50 baht
Spicy Level: 0-1

Thai Salt-Crusted Grilled Fish: Pla Phai Kleua

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Pla Phao Kleua

Pla Phao Kleua, more commonly known by Westerners as Salt-Crusted Grilled Fish, is a common Thai street food, grilled on big open charcoal fire, attracting everyone with its smoky aroma.

The three different kinds of this popular Thai street food fish are a red hybrid tilapia fish known as Pla Tabtim; a tilapia fish known as Pla Nil; and snapper fish known as Pla Kaphong. The Thai way of grilling a whole fish is one of the best methods, coated in a crust of salt, all-purpose flour, and a little water, stuffed with lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves. A thick layer of salt crust covers the whole fish so the flesh inside keeps moist and succulent throughout the grilling process. The salt crust is removed before serving, but as the skin retains a little of the salt, it helps to flavor the meat, with the contrast of salty and sweet being really delicious. This is normally accompanied by a seafood dipping sauce made from lime juice, palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and chili, alongside fresh vegetables. Thai grilled fish makes for an amazing meal!

Cost: 150-200 baht
Spicy Level: 1-2

Thai Fruits: Pon La Mai

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Pon La Mai

Thailand is a country of fertile plains and hot tropical weather, as well as its more temperate northern regions, culminating in pretty much anything growing here. Thailand has many fruits that you might have never seen before that are simply scrumptious, and the best part is that you can find them easily on the streets or even when you’re relaxing on the beach or sitting in bar. Not only is fruit cheap, healthy and nutritious, it’s also a great way to rehydrate and is a superb snack. A piece of watermelon helps you to rehydrate after being out in the sun. Thai pineapples are very sweet and succulent, with a soft, fragrant pulp. Occasionally, a sprinkle of salt is added to temper its bite. Try some delicious Guava or green mango if feeling really adventurous, or experience it the Thai way by dipping it in salt, sugar and chili. You can’t come to Thailand without trying out its amazing fruits.

Cost: 10-40 baht
Spicy Level: 0-1 (Depends on dipping)

Thai Fried Pork with Sticky Rice: Khao Neow Moo Tod

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Khao Neow Moo Tod

Khao Niew Moo Tod is known as Fried Pork with Sticky Rice and is one of the most popular and eaten dishes found in not just street vendors and restaurants, but also in places such as 7-Eleven. This is one of the more basic street foods in Thailand, using salted and marinated fried pork, garlic and fish sauce, served with hot and soft sticky rice. Fried pork with sticky rice is one of the best choices for those looking for a quick meal that is filling and inexpensive.

Location: Restaurants and street food vendors
Cost: 20-30 baht
Spicy Level: 0

Thai Mango Sticky Rice dessert: Khao Neow Mamuang

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Khao Neow Mamuang

 

Khao Neow Mamuang, otherwise known Mango sticky rice, is a Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango and coconut milk. It is a traditional Thai food eaten with a fork, spoon, or sometimes with your hands. It is prepared with glutinous rice, commonly called sticky rice. Unlike other desserts, mango sticky rice is served warm or at room temperature. It is among the most popular Thai desserts to eat in and outside of Thailand. You’ll find mango sticky rice all over during mango season. The best types of mangoes to use are the Nam Dok Mai (flower nectar mango). Mango sticky rice is widely revered in Thailand and is without a doubt the number one Thai dessert of all time. If you’ve been to Thailand and have sampled street food, the chances are that you’ve eaten mango sticky rice as it’s absolutely everywhere you go and a must-try dish!

Location: Restaurants and street food vendors
Cost: 50-120 baht
Spicy Level: 0

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