Bangkok, the city of food on sticks

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Posted at 12:02PM, 14 April 2008 by Holly Jones - researcher, bbcgoodfood.com

The sounds and sights of Thailand's capital city are a shock to the senses; the bustling traffic, the wide-mouthed tourists, friendly locals going about everyday life, together blend to form a world of the unknown. But the thing that strikes most, as a first-timer in this fascinating city, is the abundance of street vendors selling their food wares from what are little more than barbecues on wheels.

With Bart in my wallet and my first day traveller nerves fading, I headed out with my friendly Tuk Tuk driver to explore the Bangkok food scene. I had been told that Thai street food was amongst some of the best Thai you can eat, so despite an apprehensive start I peservered on my Tuk Tuk to explore the city.

My first true encounter with street food was around the Grand Palace. A small square off from the palace is home to around 80 different vendors, many selling similar foods, mostly on sticks.

I stood in wonder and observed people buying - I was not sure what as I couldn't decipher what was on the sticks - but it sold fast. The unknown aromas filled up the small space between the vendors and it was quite amazing.

I struggle to whip up the perfect pad thai on my four-ring gas burner with a fully stocked kitchen, so I was completely in awe of the way the Thai people cook, churning out noodles and pancakes with ease. It was my first day in Thailand and I felt like a true tourist, standing and watching things that were a basic everyday occurrence to the locals, but a complete wonder to me.

That said, I was too scared to order anything! With an abundance of choices, jet lag, the unfamiliar heat (it was December and hot), and currency confusion, it was hard to approach the stalls to buy anything. I know it sounds ridiculous but first-time nerves took over and it took me a while to find my feet.

For all the pink eggs, bizarre sausage-looking snacks on sticks in plastic bags, with sauce poured over them, (does anyone know what these actually are?) and other foodie wonders, I was only gutsy enough to try some barbequed corn on the cob. Maybe next time...

Are you straight to the front of the line or loitering in awe when you encounter foreign street food?

Comments

tattookitten

14 April, 3:39PM
tattookitten

When my boyfriend and I visited Bangkok we were really overwhelmed like you were and we got a bit nervous about buying street food, instead we went to a couple of out door market restaurants. When our holiday finished we were disappointed with ourselves for not trying anything, so when we went to Hong Kong we went with the advice of "if theres a queue of people buying food, its safe" and we tried some really yummy things! We're not entirely sure what some of the mystery meat contained but it was still delicious! Go on take the plunge!!

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Jonathan1

14 April, 3:43PM
Jonathan1

Thai street food is indeed the best way to eat whilst in Bangkok its not only the cheapest but the tastiest. All I can say is that if your not sure what it is buy a portion and have a try at around 20-50 baht 20-80p a dish if you really dont like it its not going to hurt your wallet. Nothing ventured nothing gained and all that. So grab a plastic chair and tuk tuk in.

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EC

14 April, 4:11PM
EC

if you want authentic - eat the food from the little stalls in the market... it was cheap, full of aromas and different tastes...i learn a good lesson and I cant wait to go back again to eat and to relax in their beautiful country!!

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whiteychris

15 April, 1:19PM
whiteychris

Awesome the memories came flooding back - fresh food made with the best ingredients, within minutes as you waited. My favourite was the fresh mango with sticky rice!

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Rajus-Rani

6 June, 5:33AM
Rajus-Rani

The old adage "..if there is a queue...." really goes for everywhere else in the world. We have never been suffering from stomach upsets on our many travels, Thai street food and our food here in South India is one of the safest - after all local people would not queue at a stall which has a bad reputation.

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