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.
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.