This Popular Southeast Asian City Is A Must-Add To Any Food Lovers Bucket List

Bangkok, Thailand is one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations for many reasons. Between its beautiful ancient temples, vibrant contemporary art scene, and bustling nightlife, there is an endless list of attractions in Thailand's capital city. But, for foodies, there is one attraction that takes the cake — Bangkok's culinary scene. With over 300,000 vendors and one of the world's largest street markets, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the city's abundance of options.

At the cross-section of dishes from Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, India, and Malaysia, you'll find Thailand's unique cuisine. Thai holy basil, lemongrass, and cumin are some of the common aromatic spices that infuse and accent Bangkok's curry, noodles, rice, and vegetable dishes. With every bite, you'll discover complex, tantalizing combinations of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors that have earned the country its global reputation. From its world-class street food stalls to luxurious sit-down restaurants, this city is a food lover's paradise.

You will have absolutely no problem finding good, budget-friendly food in Bangkok, Thailand. But, with so many options, it's definitely helpful to have a general idea of where to go and what to try. One of the best places to browse food stalls is considered Bangkok's Chinatown, and the most popular street in the area is Yaowarat Road. It's worth navigating the massive crowds as you'll be able to find tasty, high-quality versions of anything you're looking for.

Another, less touristy spot for top-notch Thai street food is, surprisingly, Bangkok's indoor shopping malls. Over the summer, the city's temperatures skyrocket and locals are always seeking an air-conditioned escape. Not only do Bangkok's malls offer respite from the boiling temperatures, but they also offer delicious dishes that are often less expensive than the more popular street market stalls.

Wherever you find yourself in Bangkok's maze of eating and drinking, there are some traditional dishes that we suggest you seek out during your trip. And because Pad Thai is actually considered to be more Chinese and Western than Thai, it is not on our must-eat recommendations. Look out for local staples like papaya salad, a signature lemongrass Thai curry, or the stir-fried rice dish, kaprow. Order a khanom krok to try a unique coconut-rice pancake with green onions and corn or a hoy tod for an unforgettable oyster omelet.

We haven't even begun to scratch the surface of the extensive food line-up that Bangkok offers its visitors. But, you could spend a year chowing down in the city and still leave without trying a fraction of its incredible bites. To ensure you get a good survey of what the city has to offer, you can book a food tour. To make sure you get your money's worth, we recommend you try walking through Bangkok with Secret Food Tour. This top-rated tour includes a tasting of about 11 dishes. With a small group and knowledgeable guide, you'll learn your way around the best of Bangkok's local cuisine.

To get an even more immersive experience with Thai cuisine, consider signing up for a cooking class at House of Taste Cooking School in Silom. You'll be led through the local food market and learn how to cook one of the country's beloved and authentic dishes. In a little over three hours, you'll gain a better understanding of Thai ingredients and learn a recipe you can use to impress your friends back home.