Examples of Thai Street Food Recipes

Discover easy and authentic Thai street food recipes you can make at home.
By Taylor

Exploring Thai Street Food Recipes

Thai street food is famous for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and the ability to be enjoyed on the go. From savory snacks to refreshing desserts, these dishes reflect the rich culinary heritage of Thailand. Below are three diverse and practical examples of Thai street food recipes that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.

1. Pad Thai: Thailand’s Iconic Stir-Fried Noodles

Pad Thai is a popular street food dish that is loved by both locals and tourists. Often sold by street vendors, this savory stir-fried noodle dish is a perfect option for a quick lunch or dinner.

To make Pad Thai, you’ll need:

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup chopped tofu or shrimp (optional)
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Crushed peanuts and lime wedges for garnish
  1. Soak the noodles: Start by soaking the rice noodles in hot water for about 30 minutes or until soft.
  2. Cook the eggs: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. Stir-fry: In the same pan, add tofu or shrimp if using, and stir-fry for a few minutes. Then, add the drained noodles, bean sprouts, and green onions.
  4. Season: Mix in fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. Stir everything well until the noodles are coated and heated through.
  5. Serve: Top with scrambled eggs, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges. Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai!

Notes: You can customize this dish by adding other proteins like chicken or by making it vegetarian by skipping the fish sauce or using soy sauce instead.

2. Som Tum: Spicy Green Papaya Salad

Som Tum is a refreshing and spicy salad that is a staple in Thai street food markets. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal, especially on warm days.

For this recipe, you’ll need:

  • 2 cups shredded green papaya
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
  1. Pound the aromatics: In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies together to create a paste.
  2. Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded papaya, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and green beans. Add the chili-garlic paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Toss everything together until well mixed.
  3. Taste and adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more lime juice or fish sauce if desired.
  4. Serve: Enjoy your Som Tum fresh, possibly with sticky rice on the side.

Variations: You can also add peanuts for crunch or swap green papaya for cucumber for a different twist.

3. Mango Sticky Rice: A Sweet Thai Delight

Mango Sticky Rice, or Khao Niew Mamuang, is a beloved Thai dessert that beautifully combines sweet, ripe mango with creamy coconut sticky rice. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • 1 cup glutinous rice
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 ripe mangoes, sliced
  • Sesame seeds or mung beans for garnish (optional)
  1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the glutinous rice until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Cook the rice: Drain and steam the rice in a bamboo or metal steamer for about 20-30 minutes until cooked and sticky.
  3. Make the coconut sauce: In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk, sugar, and salt over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Set aside about 1/4 cup of this mixture for serving.
  4. Combine: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and pour the remaining coconut mixture over it. Stir gently until the rice absorbs the coconut milk.
  5. Serve: To serve, place a portion of sticky rice on a plate alongside mango slices. Drizzle with the reserved coconut sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds or mung beans if desired.

Notes: For an extra touch, you can serve this dessert warm or cold, depending on your preference. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar in the coconut sauce.

These Examples of Thai Street Food Recipes are not only delicious but also fun to make at home. Each dish carries the vibrant essence of Thailand, bringing a little piece of the streets into your kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure!