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Thai Food — What to Eat and What It Costs

Thai Food — What to Eat and What It Costs

Street food, must-try dishes, and what it actually costs.

Thai street food is some of the best in the world, and it's cheap: a full meal from a street stall runs $1–3, a sit-down restaurant meal $3–8, and a nice dinner out $10–20 per person. Must-try dishes: pad thai, tom yum goong, khao soi (Chiang Mai's coconut curry noodle soup), mango sticky rice, and khao man gai. Bottled water only — don't drink tap water.

Thai food is, on its own, a completely legitimate reason to book a flight. This guide covers what to actually order, roughly what it costs in USD and baht, and how to eat like a local without spending your whole trip side-eyeing your own stomach.

Thai Street Food: What to Eat and What It Costs
Food

Thai Street Food: What to Eat and What It Costs

Must-try dishes, real prices, and how to eat safely.

Regional Thai Food: Isaan and Southern Curry
Food

Regional Thai Food: Isaan and Southern Curry

Som tam, larb, and fish curries hot enough to clear your sinuses.

Bangkok Street Food and the Michelin Guide
Food

Bangkok Street Food and the Michelin Guide

Jay Fai's crab omelette, and where else the Michelin Guide points.

Questions people actually ask

Is Thai street food safe to eat?
Generally yes — look for stalls with a high turnover and a queue of locals, food cooked fresh in front of you, and avoid anything that's been sitting out. Bottled water always; ice at busy restaurants is normally fine (it's made from filtered water at a factory).
How much does food cost in Thailand?
Street food: $1–3 per dish. Casual restaurant: $3–8 per person. Nicer restaurant: $10–20 per person. A beer at a bar runs $2–5 depending on the venue and how touristy the area is.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian and vegan travelers do well in Thailand — just say 'mangsawirat' (vegetarian) or ask for 'no fish sauce,' since it's used widely even in vegetable dishes. Halal food is easy to find in Muslim-majority southern Thailand and in most cities. Nut and shellfish allergies need extra care — peanuts and shrimp paste show up in unexpected dishes, so always ask.