Street Food

[Jaffy]

Just the other day, I was speaking with some friends of mine who had just returned from Thailand. We discussed thai food & I was interested in finding out where my friends had eaten and what they thought of the food they sampled.

To my surprise, I learned that they, like many other tourists & farangs alike, avoid street food / vendor carts as they deem it to be unhygenic / unsafe. Of course, I was astonished at this attitude and told them that I really think they missed out!

It does seem that many visitors are unduly terrified that they will die if they eat street food!!!! This cannot be further from the truth! I have now visited Thailand no less than 6 times & lived in BKK for 1 year. During this time, sometimes for weeks on end, the only food I would eat was from food stalls.

Generally, thais are very clean & hygene is not an issue in most establishments. The advantage of eating at a food stall rather than at a restaurant is that you can see the standard of cleanliness, something you can't always do at a restaurant with a "closed" kitchen. Also, some foodstalls have amazing reputations whereby people in the know travel from far & wide to eat there! My favourite kway teow vendor near oh nut has a number of flash mercedes parked next to it that wealthy thais have travelled down in. The wealthy thais sit alongside 150b a day labourers each enjoying the tasty noodles on offer! This is a great equalizer and just goes to show that great food knows no boundaries.

In fact, the only time I have ever been sick with food poisoning in LOS was after one particular meal eaten at a 5 star hotel! Contrary to popular belief, eating street food is not going to kill you! In fact, it may well build up your resitance & help you to overcome food poisoning / stomach upset later during your trip. Of course, some people do get upset stomachs when on holiday. However, I think this is down more to; drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, fragile digestions or simply due to new kinds of bacteria not present in their host country.

By avoiding street food, I feel one is missing out not only on the tastiest, most authentic thai food but also missing out on an experience that is quintessentially Thai!

[BambinA]

(im talking about tourist)

1 yes.. maybe look not enuf hygiene

2 maybe they worry to get "traveler diarrhea" - -its not food poisioning (can happend with clean food also) just they just have diff. normal flora in gut ..

well for me .. im TH , i use to it .. i like it..but i choose the clean vendor( noticed from the seller / plate /etc etc

[mrbojangles]

Got to agree with you Jaffy, i love the street vendor food. However, my stomach has been so used to being abused from travelling and eating foreign food, that i think only street vendor food from Mars could upset it now

However, for the more delicate stomach, street vendor food can cause problems (especially the soups) but i think it is more to do with the fact that they don't have a constant supply of fresh water to clean the utensils properly. In my own experience it is best NOT to use the wooden chopsticks (as i think they harbour germs easily) and make sure you wipe spoons etc before eating.

[Rinrada]

Get some of this down you and you will never look back.....(might kill you but wot the heck )

Thai Street Food Aroi Mak Mak....

8-12 Thai chillies (bird peppers), each cut into 3-4 segments

8 cloves garlic, peeled and cut each into 2-3 pieces

2 Tbs. small dried shrimp

4 cups julienned peeled unripe papaya - in strips 2-3 inches long and 1/8 inch thick

1 cup cut long beans - 1 1/2-inch-long segments

1 julienned carrot

1/4 cup tamarind juice the thickness of fruit concentrate

Juice of 2-3 limes, to taste

2-3 Tbs. fish sauce, to taste

2-3 Tbs. palm sugar, melted with 1 Tbs. water into a thick syrup - use as needed

2 small tomatoes, cut into bite-size wedges; or 12 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts

Guess what this is....????

[BambinA]

Somtam Thai (no pooh khem)

[lomatopo]

I eat street food at least once per day, except on Mondays when most vendors are prohibited from selling. On average I’d say I’ve gotten food poisoning no more frequently here than in the U.S., maybe once every 6 – 8 weeks. For me it lasts 4 ~ 8 hours and is generally mild.

I walk or run at least one hour each day, on the streets of Bangkok, and having worked in restaurants (in college), and as an interested observer, I can say that the sanitary conditions of the average food stall/cart are well below anything in the U.S. The food storage techniques are abhorrent. I cannot offer comments or observations on the hygiene of the cooks/servers other than to say I hope they are more thorough than the average Thai male I observe in the public toilets, where washing your hands after seems to be optional. Most stalls do seem to adhere to the three-stage washing process, for plates, silverware, etc. although I have seen a soi dog lifting his leg once on/near a tray filled with just cleaned plates! I sure hope those got re-washed! Did I mention that fine spray that gets kicked up by the passing cars/motorbikes after a rainstorm? And you thought “gourmet powder” was bad for you.

Having said all that, I do know that the city has made efforts to “clean up” the food cart/stall trade. I think there is some sort of sticker that a stall operator can get certifying their training/compliance, but sometimes these are hard to see as they are covered with dirt, grease, grime and who knows what else.

I still continue to eat street food with the knowledge that if it does not kill me it may make me stronger.

I do not take visitors to eat street food unless they insist, and they sign a waiver absolving me of any future claims.

[Rinrada]

Somtam Thai (no pooh khem)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Bambina...Well Done.....wot about this one?

Ingredients

1/2 lb. dried thin gkuay dtiow or rice noodles

(also known as ban pho to the Vietnamese)

3 Tbs. fish sauce, to taste

3 or more Tbs. tamarind juice the thickness of fruit concentrate, to taste

2 Tbs. palm or coconut sugar, to taste

4 Tbs. peanut oil

1/3 lb. fresh shrimp, shelled, deveined and butterflied

3/4 cup firm pressed tofu, cut into thin strips about an inch long, half an inch wide and a quarter inch thick

4-5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3 shallots, thinly sliced (or substitute with half a medium onion)

1/4 cup small dried shrimp

1/4 cup chopped sweetened salted radish

2-3 tsp. ground dried red chillies, to desired hotness

3 eggs

3 cups fresh bean sprouts

1 cup garlic chives, cut into 1 1/2-inch-long segments (optional)

Garnish

2/3 cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts

1 lime, cut into small wedges

A few short cilantro sprigs

4 green onions - trim off root tip and half of green leaves and place in a glass with white end in cold water to crisp (optional)

[BambinA]

Phad Thai Goong Sod(fresh shrimp)

gosh now im hungry

[Rinrada]

Phad Thai Goong Sod(fresh shrimp)

gosh now  im  hungry

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

SPOT ON...again.....

Wha..whee....and make it three.......

Ingredients

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger

1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock

1/2 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream

1/2 pound boiling potatoes (about 2), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 cup cashews

[Jaffy]

Phad Thai Goong Sod(fresh shrimp)

gosh now  im  hungry

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

SPOT ON...again.....

Wha..whee....and make it three.......

Ingredients

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger

1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock

1/2 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream

1/2 pound boiling potatoes (about 2), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 cup cashews

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

apologies Bambina for stealing your thunder but surely this is Kaeng Massaman???

[Jaffy]

Got to agree with you Jaffy, i love the street vendor food. However, my stomach has been so used to being abused from travelling and eating foreign food, that i think only street vendor food from Mars could upset it now 

However, for the more delicate stomach, street vendor food can cause problems (especially the soups) but i think it is more to do with the fact that they don't have a constant supply of fresh water to clean the utensils properly. In my own experience it is best NOT to use the wooden chopsticks (as i think they harbour germs easily) and make sure you wipe spoons etc before eating.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Most street vendors will, upon request, provide you with a cup of boiling water that you can dip your utensils in to steralise.

[britmaveric]

Good stuff - some of the finest food is cooked out of street stalls. I highly recommend it and btw its rather cheap.

[BambinA]

apologies Bambina for stealing your thunder but surely this is Kaeng Massaman???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

this recipe .. i give up ...it just likes apply recipe for farang

but when u said Kaeng Massaman ..it makes sense

coz in original dish , we use peanut( not cashews )

never tried this recipe..but sound yummy .. love cashews moi

but ..if its curry ..why no chilly ??

[Jaffy]

apologies Bambina for stealing your thunder but surely this is Kaeng Massaman???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

this recipe .. i give up ...it just likes apply recipe for farang

but when u said Kaeng Massaman ..it makes sense

coz in original dish , we use peanut( not cashews )

never tried this recipe..but sound yummy .. love cashews moi

but ..if its curry ..why no chilly ??

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Peanuts seem to be used commonly but I have seem variations with cashews in Phuket. But you are quite right....

where are the chillies???

even a mild kaeng massaman has chillies!

[Jaffy]

As well as eating at street vendors carts , I also enjoy eating at foodcourts cos you can order a selection of dishes from different stalls & mix & match tastes, flavas & regional styles!

My fav' foodcourts are:

Foodloft - located on top floor of central Chit Lom. Very swish for a foodcourt & prices little higher than other places but represents excellent value as taste, presentation & choice is a cut above other places & most restaurants! really good pasta outlet with spicy fusion style dishes as well as good japanese & thai outlets.

Sukhumvit Plaza - located at the junction of Thanon Sukhumvit & soi 3 but don't let the "farang kee nok" location put you off! This foodcourt has an excellent stall that serves tasty southern dishes including a delicious Khao Mok Gai.

MBK - Ok, not exactly an inspired choice but I have included this place cos they have a really good Isaan outlet right at the far end that serves the best som tam isaan ( with tiny pickled black crabs). I prefer my som tam from the street! but this place is good for those of you who want safe som tam in sterile surrounds!

Any other recommendations???

Edited December 20, 2005 by Jaffy

[sabaijai]

Phad Thai Goong Sod(fresh shrimp)

gosh now  im  hungry

SPOT ON...again.....

Wha..whee....and make it three.......

Ingredients

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger

1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock

1/2 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream

1/2 pound boiling potatoes (about 2), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 cup cashews

Thai cooking, farang style.

[BambinA]

@sabaijai - lol

@Rinrada -your ID name meaning = rejoice girl , right? ..why i know?? its my real Name...doh

[Rinrada]

Gaeng Massaman Kai.......well done....

oops gotta meeting...need to be quick back later

[Guest endure]

I find that 'American breakfasts' always upset my stomach.

[Jaffy]

I find that 'American breakfasts' always upset my stomach.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I find that Americans always upset my stomach!

[Curt]

I find that 'American breakfasts' always upset my stomach.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I find that Americans always upset my stomach!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fortunately, in Bangkok, we aren't that difficult to avoid.

In fact, I've spent months without encountering one.

But, then again, I don't encounter many Westerners of any ilk.

If you are worried about hygiene, you can always look for the green star.

Although I'm not sure what the standards are, these are awarded to vendors who meet them.

Although there is a "Muslim Chicken" stall that's not bad, I've never been impressed with MBK's foodcourt.

And, since they went "upscale", and did the beer garden thing, it definitely went downhill.

I included it in my site simply because MBK is an institution.

And, it's "sanitary atmosphere" is less intimidating to tourists.

***link to member's own website deleted by moderator, not permitted.***

Edited December 25, 2005 by sabaijai

[p_brownstone]

Get some of this down you and you will never look back.....(might kill you but wot the heck )

Thai Street Food Aroi Mak Mak....

8-12 Thai chillies (bird peppers), each cut into 3-4 segments

8 cloves garlic, peeled and cut each into 2-3 pieces

2 Tbs. small dried shrimp

4 cups julienned peeled unripe papaya - in strips 2-3 inches long and 1/8 inch thick

1 cup cut long beans - 1 1/2-inch-long segments

1 julienned carrot

1/4 cup tamarind juice the thickness of fruit concentrate

Juice of 2-3 limes, to taste

2-3 Tbs. fish sauce, to taste

2-3 Tbs. palm sugar, melted with 1 Tbs. water into a thick syrup - use as needed

2 small tomatoes, cut into bite-size wedges; or 12 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts

Guess what this is....????

Som Tam with carrot!??

Careful - you may have your visa revoked!

Patrick

[Tyree D.]

I just think it's their problem if they are missing out. I am satisfied with everything I do and don't do, therefore I stopped caring about anyone else. People used to laugh at me for paying 400 baht for a "fake" watch that ended up lasting for years on the same battery. Then I was like, "Never doubt me again." They said, "Tyree, you da man." Now most people listen to me and those who still don't eventually will. More people eat street food now because they I'm still not dead.

[chonabot]

More people eat street food now because they I'm still not dead.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

2 questions , what drugs is you on boy? Where can I get me some?

[Soph]

I just think it's their problem if they are missing out.  I am satisfied with everything I do and don't do, therefore I stopped caring about anyone else.  People used to laugh at me for paying 400 baht for a "fake" watch that ended up lasting for years on the same battery.  Then I was like, "Never doubt me again."  They said, "Tyree, you da man."  Now most people listen to me and those who still don't eventually will.  More people eat street food now because they I'm still not dead.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Glad to hear it....

Anyway, I just ate street food for lunch - there were - as the OP said, Thai labourors, there were the girls from my office, there were some lawyer looking types - people from all walks of Thai life eating delicious food at 25 baht a go.

Yummmy

[Jaffy]

Hey Curt,

Great little site!

very usefull info & a few places I have not yet heard of but will soon be trying after your recommendations.

Would love to accompany you the next time you go out to add more great eating places to your "collection"!

Also, has anyone heard about Polo fried chicken?

Located on soi polo just off Wireless Rd, it serves the most amazingly crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside fried chicken and lovely dipping sauces to go with it. Check it out & I guarantee you will not be dissapointed...

[Curt]

Also, has anyone heard about Polo fried chicken?

Located on soi polo just off Wireless Rd, it serves the most amazingly crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside fried chicken and lovely dipping sauces to go with it. Check it out & I guarantee you will not be dissapointed...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ate there last visit; it was the only time I took ill from BKK food.

Amazingly, the chicken was bone dry, yet extremely greasy.

The pork was all fat.

This was during the lunch rush, not during an off period.

I had enjoyed it years ago, but this encounter was just awful.

That's why I didn't include the often praised Polo Chicken in my site.

I'll drive to Khun Phen's [***member's personal URL deleted***] anytime!

We have a few things to wrap up here, then plan to move back to Bangkok.

This summer we plan to research and expand the site.

Would love any recommendations to check out.

One can never have too many great dining spots.

[The Dan Sai Kid]

In my own experience it is best NOT to use the wooden chopsticks (as i think they harbour germs easily) and make sure you wipe spoons etc before eating.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually, the Environmental Health in the UK have recently changed their attitude towards this.

They say that bacteria dry out and die very quickly, so wooden chopping boards and wooden eating utensils are not a problem. In the past these would not pass a risk assessment test (which would not allow them to be used commercialy unless under special conditions)

[sabaijai]

Lots of street vendors add carrot to somtam, ditto for Isan restos in general. There are many varieties of tam made with all kinds of vegetables ...

Get some of this down you and you will never look back.....(might kill you but wot the heck )

Thai Street Food Aroi Mak Mak....

8-12 Thai chillies (bird peppers), each cut into 3-4 segments

8 cloves garlic, peeled and cut each into 2-3 pieces

2 Tbs. small dried shrimp

4 cups julienned peeled unripe papaya - in strips 2-3 inches long and 1/8 inch thick

1 cup cut long beans - 1 1/2-inch-long segments

1 julienned carrot

1/4 cup tamarind juice the thickness of fruit concentrate

Juice of 2-3 limes, to taste

2-3 Tbs. fish sauce, to taste

2-3 Tbs. palm sugar, melted with 1 Tbs. water into a thick syrup - use as needed

2 small tomatoes, cut into bite-size wedges; or 12 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts

Guess what this is....????

Som Tam with carrot!??

Careful - you may have your visa revoked!

Patrick

[sabaijai]

Also, has anyone heard about Polo fried chicken?

Located on soi polo just off Wireless Rd, it serves the most amazingly crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside fried chicken and lovely dipping sauces to go with it. Check it out & I guarantee you will not be dissapointed...

Ate there last visit; it was the only time I took ill from BKK food.

Amazingly, the chicken was bone dry, yet extremely greasy.

The pork was all fat.

This was during the lunch rush, not during an off period.

I had enjoyed it years ago, but this encounter was just awful.

That's why I didn't include the often praised Polo Chicken in my site.

I'll drive to Khun Phen's [***member's personal URL deleted***] anytime!

We have a few things to wrap up here, then plan to move back to Bangkok.

This summer we plan to research and expand the site.

Would love any recommendations to check out.

One can never have too many great dining spots.

That looks like grilled chicken (ไก่ย่าง kai yaang) rather than fried chicken (ไก่ทอด kai thawt) to me ... but it does like good.