Thailand’s street food landscape remains one of the most expressive in the world: fast-paced, flavor-packed, and rooted in family traditions passed down like heirlooms. Bangkok holds the lion’s share of these stalls, but a generous scatter across Phuket, Chiang Mai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Chon Buri ensures that a Michelin-approved bite is not too far away.
Seafood leads the conversation here, shaped by the country’s vast coastline, though a few enduring desserts shine just as brightly. Jay Fai remains in the spotlight: her now-legendary, golden-brown crab omelette—crisp on the outside, custardy within—is still the country’s most sought-after street food experience. Just a short walk away, the family-run K. Panich, serving its iconic mango sticky rice for over 80 years, continues to draw long lines for its ripe mangoes and barely-sweet coconut cream.
In Chiang Mai, the offerings start at Tue Ka Ko Na Prince, the crispy, deep-fried taro served with sweet chilli sauce is a simple staple. Meanwhile, Go Neng has become something of a local legend for its deep-fried dough sticks shaped like dinosaurs, dragons, and other animated creatures, a delightful snack that younger visitors especially favor. Travel south to Chon Buri for Khao Lam Mae Khai Toon Klao, where sweetened sticky rice cooked inside bamboo with fresh coconut milk offers a rustic take on the dessert. And in Phuket, O Tao Bang Niao has been serving O Tao, a stir-fried dish found only in this region, since 1982. Built on taro, seafood, eggs, and a punchy gravy, it’s the kind of hyperlocal speciality you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
Malaysia
Number of Michelin-approved street food spots: 27
Red Garden Food Paradise, George Town, MalaysiaRichard I’Anson / Getty Images