Street Eats

Food is a central ingredient in the stew of Bangkok's culture.The city is famed for its scrumptious street food. Bangkokians eat out day and night, and locals know exactly what to get and where. On every street you'll spot mobile vendors; some open for lunch only, others open all night. You'll often find clusters of vendors in one place, selling all kinds of rice and noodle dishes.You can always eat out in restaurants, but don't miss some of the wonderful street specialties.

Street Food Hotspots

SUKHUMVIT SOI 38 Directly beneath the Thong Lor BTS station, the mouth of this soi fills up with food vendors selling late night delicacies to Bangkok's revellers. Sample the delicate, handmade egg noodles, or Hong Kong Noodles; and never head home without trying the Sticky Rice with Mango.

SURAWONG A long row of street vendors offers special noodle dishes along this street near the Patpong Night Market. In front of the Wall Street Building, be sure to try the Stewed Chicken Noodles in Herbal Soup. Stalls arc open from 10pm until 4am.

PRATUNAM Midnight Chicken Rice! There are two shops at the intersection; the first one is brighter and good, but if you like your sauce authentic-with lots of ginger- go to the second one. Also, try the Pork Satay with Peanut Sauce.

CHINA TOWN Shops fill the streets after dark. There's an amazing range to sample, but a must-try for seafood fans is the vendor at the corner of Soi Texas. A bit further on the other side of the street you can get delicious Egg Noodles with Barbecue Pork. For dessert, try fantastic Black Sesame Seed Dumplings in Ginger Soup next door

Food Courts

Nearly all Bangkok department stores and malls dedicate ample space to food courts, culinary havens where you'll find all the best local street food and more in air-conditioned surroundings. They are super-clean, plenty cheap and many stands display pictures of the dishes -- food courts make for the perfect initiation to Thai street food. Pick and choose -- it will be tallied up as you go; you pay as you leave.Among our faves, try Central Chitlorn, Central World, Siam Paragon, Emporium and MBK.