Thanon Temptations
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Whenever I think of street food, a myriad of images comes to mind; an old lady standing at a her mini stainless steel kitchen-on-wheels chopping pork legs over a steaming urn of soup or an old man patiently frying chicken legs all day in the scorching sun. From Chiang Rai to Phuket, you can’t avoid the sights and smells of this heavenly wonder.
For me, the most common sight amongst street food vendors is definitely that of the lady mashing up raw grated papaya with a whole concoction of sauces and vegetables to make the famous somtam salad. Is your treat going to be a bowl of steaming hot chicken and noodle soup or will you opt for something a little more daring? Whatever your taste, it can easily be found on most streets, under bridges, in car parks, on road sides, in front of gas stations, in fact, anywhere there is a space to wheel in a stall and park a few tables and plastic chairs.
Of course, no trip to Thailand is complete without at least a dish or two of what could turn out to be some of the best Thai food you have ever tried. Many vendors specialise in just one or two dishes, for which many locals will make the extra effort to visit. Indeed, much of this street cuisine can easily rival many of the best gourmet restaurants around the planet with many dishes rarely seen on their menus.
For less than a dollar, both table and belly will be happily filled. Washed down with a bottle of water or a beer…but where do you start? Quite simply, most meals are served around rice or noodles. If rice is your thing then try any of the curries, fish, or vegetable dishes on offer. One popular dish (khaoo man gai) is chicken on rice. Most dishes are served with a sauce or dip of your choice as well, and a half-dozen slices of cucumber. Noodles come in many forms, thin, thick, and flat, dried, fresh…either served in a bowl or stir fried.
I’d point out at this stage that a basic knowledge of Thai would really help you out, but it’s not necessary. If you like what you see or smell, point and smile and rub your tummy, and they will soon get the message.
Here’s one last note: if you have ever wondered what those small containers of suspicious looking sauces and sprinkles are, that’s the beauty of Thai food… BALANCE! You chose whether you want your meal to be sweet (sugar), sour (vinegar), salty (fish sauce), or hot (Chilli). Maybe one of your first Thai phrases should be ‘mai pet krap’ (not spicy please).
If in doubt, do what I do, and follow the locals. If it’s busy then it sure must be good!