10 Thai street foods foreigners rate as the worst, but locals love them

 

Thailand’s street food scene is beloved for its bold flavours, affordability, and vibrant culture. But not every dish lands the same way for every diner. According to TasteAtlas, a global platform dedicated to traditional food and travel, some well-loved Thai street foods are ranked among the least favourite by international visitors.

 

In its 2025 list of 12 Worst Rated Thai Street Food, the site highlights dishes that locals enjoy regularly but which might be a little challenging for newcomers. Here’s a closer look at the list, why these dishes are popular in Thailand, and why they may not appeal to all travellers.

12 Thai street foods loved by locals but rated worst by Thais

1. Fried silkworms (รถด่วน)

Also known as rod duan, these crispy silkworms are often found at roadside stalls across Bangkok and other cities. Vendors fry the larvae until golden and crunchy, then season them with salt, pepper, and sometimes a proprietary blend of spices.

 

They’re praised for being protein-rich and sustainable, and some locals even believe they offer health benefits. Still, for visitors not used to insect-based foods, the texture and slightly bitter flavour can be a surprise.

2. Crispy oyster omelette (หอยทอด)

 

Hoi tod (หอยทอด) is a popular night market dish that combines a batter of egg and flour with oysters or mussels, fried until crispy and aromatic. It’s usually served with green onions and various dipping sauces like chilli vinegar or fish sauce with sliced chillies.

While the crispy, savoury profile makes it a hit with locals, some travellers may find the combination of seafood and fried batter a bit too rich or intense.

3. Shrimp paste fried rice (ข้าวคลุกกะปิ)

 

This aromatic dish is made with stir-fried rice and kapi, a fermented shrimp paste, and typically comes with sides like sweet pork, shredded green mango, chillies, and shallots.

The combination delivers a deeply savoury, complex taste that locals crave. However, the strong smell and bold fermented flavour may be unfamiliar to those who haven’t encountered shrimp paste before.

4. Grilled meatballs (ลูกชิ้นปิ้ง)

Another dish on the list includes grilled meatballs (ลูกชิ้นปิ้ง), often found on skewers and served with sweet chilli sauce. While common and affordable, some visitors mention that the texture differs from Western-style meatballs and may feel overly processed.

5. Thai hot pot (จิ้มจุ่ม)

Thai hot pot (จิ้มจุ่ม), known for its fragrant herbal broth cooked in a clay pot, is a comforting meal in many parts of Thailand. However, its strong herbal notes from lemongrass and galangal can be intense for diners who are new to Thai cuisine.

 

6. Yen ta fo (เย็นตาโฟ)

 

The vibrant pink noodle soup yen ta fo (เย็นตาโฟ), coloured with fermented red bean curd, includes ingredients like fish balls, tofu, and morning glory. It is visually striking and full of flavour, but the colour and fermented components may take some getting used to.

7. Grilled squid (ปลาหมึกย่าง)

 

Grilled squid (ปลาหมึกย่าง) is often sold at night markets and served with spicy seafood sauce. The chewy texture and distinct seafood aroma may not appeal to every palate. Even then, you will find a lot of Thais lining up at the stalls to get them.

8. Fried pork cracklings (แคบหมูทอด)

 

Fried pork cracklings (แคบหมูทอด), or kaeb moo, are a crunchy snack made from pork skin. While they’re enjoyed for their savoury crispiness, some visitors find them too dry or fatty.

9. Crab omelette (ไข่เจียวปู)

 

The rich and indulgent crab omelette (ไข่เจียวปู), famously served at Bangkok’s Jay Fai restaurant, packs real crab meat into a deep-fried egg wrap. Though highly rated by locals and food critics alike, some travellers describe it as too oily or heavy.

10. Rice porridge (โจ๊ก)

 

A breakfast dish like rice porridge or jok/chok (โจ๊ก) is comforting and easy on the stomach; its mild flavours and soft textures may feel too plain for those expecting bolder tastes. Usually best enjoyed with some meat, eggs, mushrooms, pork flakes or etc., it is a versatile base for any meal.

 

 

Taste is always subjective, and when it comes to Thai street food, even more so. Dishes that may seem unusual at first can become favourites with time, just as familiar comfort foods might not travel well across cultures. This list from TasteAtlas isn’t a criticism of Thai cuisine, but a reflection of how diverse and surprising food preferences can be around the world.

For adventurous eaters, these dishes offer a chance to dive deeper into Thai culinary culture, one bite at a time.

 

Thailand is a treasure trove aof great food and wherever you go, you will find something you like, and some that are unforgettable, for many reasons.

 

BBQ chicken hearts and BBQ chicken livers beat all those in the list imo.

Fried silkworms and grilled squid no thank you.  Everything else absolutely.  

7 hours ago, wombat said:

BBQ chicken hearts and BBQ chicken livers beat all those in the list imo.

The chicken arse is nice and crunchy though.

 

I like all on the list except 1 which I have never tried and don’t want to.

 

I wonder what is in them those beef balls. I don’t think they are authentic as most of the bulls I have seen have balls a lot bigger than those little things.

 

Hoy Tort I often eat when drunk to help to lessen the hangover the next day.

 

I had Hot Pot for dinner tonight with some Thais but probably would not order if I was alone. 

 

Jok is ok with chilli and plenty of ginger and egg.

 

Kap Moo goes good with beer.

 

The thai omlettes are greasy but they are flavorsome.

 

Gapi is generally good, some is great, some is average.

 

tasty food is one of the reasons I love Thailand

Except for insects, fried or otherwise, I like all of those foods. 

I wouldn't eat 1,6 or 7. The rest look okay to me.

Nothing beats crusty, fresh bread n butter.

 

They are just wasting their time even trying 

For me, my favourite street food is:-

 

 Rad Na, (also known as Lad Na) which consists of wide soft noodles and pork in a thick savory gravy, served with Chinese broccoli.

It is the gravy which makes it delicious. On my previous visit to Chiang Mai it cost 40 baht per bowl.

 

 

Used to eat snake and silkworms in the past but rarely eat street food after marriage.

6 hours ago, FruitPudding said:

Nothing beats crusty, fresh bread n butter.

 

They are just wasting their time even trying 

What exactly does that have to do with Thai street food?

16 minutes ago, nahkit said:

 

Clickbait garbage

 

What exactly does that have to do with Thai street food?

All but the bugs. The pork skins are great with laab kwai. Needs a little Chang or lab khao. Sate murgh is one of my go to party snacks. Always a hit. Don't forget the hot sauce.

 

You can’t see what you’re eating, but the taste lives somewhere between chicken and white fish.

 

i implore anyone to try out the thai omelet with chili, it beats every other omelet

12 minutes ago, mordothailand said:

i implore anyone to try out the thai omelet with chili, it beats every other omelet

 

Assuming you mean the OP's omelet with oysters, I've had too many bad street food experiences with seafood that's way past its prime, especially shrimp.   Not every time, but often enough...

 

So I stick to chicken or pork for the meat.  I agree that the omelets themselves are great.  But the seafood is hit and miss after it's been in the heat for a few hours.

 

7 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

Assuming you mean the OP's omelet with oysters, I've had too many bad street food experiences with seafood that's way past its prime, especially shrimp.   Not every time, but often enough...

 

So I stick to chicken or pork for the meat.  I agree that the omelets themselves are great.  But the seafood is hit and miss after it's been in the heat for a few hours.

 

yeah, i only ever had with pork, but its the chili and the crisp that does it

On 10/10/2025 at 10:51 AM, CharlieH said:

Thailand is a treasure trove aof great food and wherever you go, you will find something you like, and some that are unforgettable, for many reasons.

You left out Abong-o (แอ๊บอ่องออ) which was one of the first foods offered to me by some newly acquainted friends, after eating the absolutely delicious gift, inquired about what it was, translated to “pork brain”…yuk!

I don't eat in the street, avoid open air eateries in cities too.

On 11/1/2025 at 2:26 AM, FruitPudding said:

Nothing beats crusty, fresh bread n butter.

 

They are just wasting their time even trying 

Oh the memories, fresh baked bread warm enough for butter to soften up a bit with havati cheese and cold cuts. Italian salad with cold red cabbage.

On 10/12/2025 at 2:09 PM, wombat said:

BBQ chicken hearts and BBQ chicken livers beat all those in the list imo.

And Chicken feet - yum!

15 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

And Chicken feet - yum!

Needed in no toothpicks on the table 

On 11/16/2025 at 1:02 PM, Peter Crow said:

I don't eat in the street, avoid open air eateries in cities too.

heaven on a stick

I would only eat grilled fresh squid.

 

Grilled fresh squid is a low-calorie, high-protein food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. A typical 4 oz serving contains approximately 185 calories, 16g of protein, and 11g of fat, with minimal carbohydrates. It is also a good source of B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus, and potassium, supporting heart health and energy production

The crispy oyster omlette would be delicious.

 

Not into bugs, but grilled shrimp would do it.

14 minutes ago, wombat said:

heaven on a stick

 

those carts dont have "nam tjim tjao" isaan sauce though