How to Eat like a Local in Bangkok - Tips on Wining and Dining like a Resident when in Bangkok

Ranked among the world's top holiday destinations for food lovers and culinary fanatics, Bangkok offers visitors a wealth of delectable experiences. Whether you are a fan of Thai cuisine or are simply hankering for a delicious alternative to continental fare, there's bound to be an array of options to whet your pallet. From exploring the Thai capital's thriving street food scene to exploring local delicacies, here are some tips on winning and dining like a local on a trip to Bangkok.

1. Hit the Streets

Those who are interested in how local residents wine and dine must head to the streets of Bangkok to discover a world of culinary experiences. Home to one of the best street food on the planet, the highways and byways of the bustling Thai capital is lined with food carts and kiosks selling everything from warm bowls of Pad Thai to chocolate sauce-infused waffles. Fried yams, fresh fruit, juices, milkshakes and health beverages are also sold on the streets of Bangkok where one can grab a full Asian breakfast from a street corner. Tourists with adventurous pallets can also dip their chopsticks into fried roaches and creepy crawlies that are considered crunchy snacks in Thailand. The best aspect of immersing yourself in street food culture is witnessing how certain dishes are prepared from scratch before your very eyes.

MOs810, Thai Food in street, CC BY-SA 4.0 

2. Dine at Night Markets and Local Bazaars

Bangkok's vibrant weekend markets and night markets also offer travellers the chance to explore unique snacks and local dishes. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs at the Chatuchak Weekend Market or marvelling at the Bangkok Floating Markets or the Sathorn market, there's always a host of food vendors nearby selling a plethora of freshly prepared goodies. Bangkok markets are great places to enjoy barbequed items, especially seafood, while sweet and savoury dishes that are part of the Thai fusion cannon are also frequently sold alongside popular snacks. Just as inexpensive as street food, one can dine one's way through a marketplace regardless of the time of the day.

3. Check Out the Cafeteria Scene

Office workers in Bangkok often step outside to the massive parking lots outside of their buildings to enjoy their lunch break and tourists can jump in on the action if they are prowling around Bangkok on a weekday. Food trucks and street food cafeterias prop up around these parking lots in a matter of minutes and visitors can savour some of the staple meals that Bangkok office employees dig into on a daily basis by following suit.

4. Enjoy Authentic Thai Food

Whether you are based at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort or any other location, there are countless local eateries that specialise in genuine Thai cuisine. Riverside restaurants in Bangkok often specialise in Thai delicacies while there are several fine dining hubs and shophouse restaurants that serve traditional meals. Some tried and true favourites in Bangkok's restaurant scene include Nahm Restaurant, Issaya Siamese Club and Thanying Royal Cuisine. The latter is where travellers can explore the wonderful world of Thai royal cuisine, which is a branch of Thai cooking that's been developed over the centuries to serve the royal family.

5. Sign Up for a Food Tour

Tourists who are interested in uncovering authentic dishes, fusion favourites or mouthwatering dessert options in Bangkok can also sign up for a food tour. There are countless local tour operators organising special food tours for travellers who wish to experience the coffee culture, bakery scene or street food hotspots in Bangkok. Picking a comprehensive tour is all about finding one that not only has good reviews online but also one that fits one's budget.