The “Land of Smiles” is known for their vibrant night markets and rich culture, attracting people all year round – especially with their Thai snacks!
We know that you’ll visit Thailand frequently once you have the opportunity to, and if you can find time away from shopping for clothes and beauty products, then consider shopping for snacks that you can bring home (to remember your trip by!) or as great souvenirs for your friends.
Here are 30 Thai snacks that we absolutely love.
Thai snacks available along the streets
1. Mango sticky rice
Perhaps the most famous Thai snack from Thailand, Mango Sticky Rice can be found anywhere in the country – even along the streets! This Thai snack is so popular that it is possible to find variations of the rice offered along with the mango.
If you’re in Bangkok, you can consider packing a couple of your favourite variations home to share with your family and friends – because, thankfully, they should be able to survive the short three-hour flight home.
2. Thai crepe snack
Khanom Buang, also known as Thai Crepes in English, is a Thai snack that can be found everywhere along the streets in Thailand. They look like tacos and are stuffed with either sweet or savoury fillings.
Those golden yellow strands at the top are egg yolk threads that give extra flavour to this bite-sized dish. Buy these on the last day of your trip, pack them in sealed containers, and bring them home!
3. Tom Yum shrimps
Shrimps marinated in delicious Tom Yum Goong – yummy! This intriguing snack is recommended by locals and is well-loved for its addictive tangy and spicy flavour. Bring more of this authentic Thai snack home because we can guarantee you that your friends and family will be fighting for this!
4. Grilled squid with green chilli sauce
Other than its unique flavoured crisps, Thailand is also known for its street food, and one of the most popular Thai snacks you can get along the streets is grilled squid with green chilli sauce.
The squid is grilled to perfection and sliced into bite-sized pieces so that you can easily eat them on the go. Remember to dip these pieces in the green chilli dipping sauce for an extra fiery kick that takes the grilled squid to a whole other level!
5. Thai fish cake
When we visit Thai restaurants in Singapore, we often order Thai fish cake because it’s one of their signature Thai snacks to have. So when it comes to visiting the country itself, it’s no question that we would have to order it too.
Look out for these little deep-fried golden brown fish cakes when you’re walking along the night markets. They usually come in a pack of three to five pieces, and come served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce. Just like what we enjoy in Singapore, these Thai fish cakes are not at all spicy. Instead, they’re full of fragrance and flavour.
6. Custard sticky rice
Everyone knows about mango sticky rice, but there is also another similar treat that many locals tend to love. In fact, this is one of their most favourite Thai snacks of all-time! The custard sticky rice is a snack that comes wrapped in a leaf, and it features coconut egg custard on a bed of coconut sticky rice.
If you love mango sticky rice and you love coconuts, this would be like a dream come true for you.
7. Green mango slices
A common sighting at night markets in Thailand, green mango salad is one of the Thai snacks that you have to purchase when you arrive in the country. Street vendors usually sell this snack in small plastic bags and serve it with a side of dipping powder containing sugar, salt, and dried chillies.
If you want to know what the flavour profile of Thailand is, just try this snack and you’ll taste all of it – sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
8. Thai fried bananas
When it comes to Thailand, you can’t miss out on one of the most well-liked Thai snacks ever – Thai fried bananas. They are usually sold by street vendors at night markets, and you should be able to spot them easily with its sweet aroma wafting through the air. They’re similar to our goreng pisang, but also slightly different. You just have to try it for yourself to know what we mean!
9. Thai fermented sour sausage
Another one of the must-try Thai snacks is Thai fermented sour sausage. You might be turned off by its name, but this snack is actually really good despite the tanginess. The sausage is chewy and also has hints of garlic, butter, and smokiness from being grilled.
They are usually sold in skewers or in a container of five to 10 balls along with ginger, chopped raw cabbage, and prik kee noo chillis.
Thai snacks available in stores
10. Lay’s potato chips
We know what you’re thinking: aren’t Lay’s chips found in every supermarket and convenience store in Singapore too?
Well, we’re talking about levelling up with unique flavours that can only be found in Thailand (and not Singapore). Upgrade your regular cheese-flavoured chips to Italian Cheese Supreme or if you’re feeling adventurous, try some local flavours such as the Nam Prik Pao, Miang Kham, Grilled Prawn Seafood, Salted Egg, and Green Curry!
Available at Big C or any 7-11 convenience stores. Selection varies with location.
11. Fried chicken skin
A packet of crispy, fried chicken skin without any fuss? Count us in! Some describe it as a quick fast food fix for when KFC seems too far away. We know that Singapore also has a few brands that sell packets of fried chicken skin, but you’re certainly going to want to purchase them from Thailand because they’re so much cheaper!
This Thai snack is fragrant and tasty and will make a great match with beer. If you love fried chicken but hate getting grease all over your hands, this is the perfect snack for you.
Tip: Bring more packs home because they’ll be gone before you know it!
Available at Big C supermarkets.
12. Hajima salmon skin crackers
Fish skin snacks are said to be healthier than regular potato chips – we can’t verify this claim but we’d believe it if it makes us feel better!
One of the popular Thai snacks that you have to bring home are these Hajima Salmon Skin snacks. It comes in two flavours: Original and Wasabi.
If you’re up for it, go for Wasabi, which is said to pack a punch – it’s spicy enough to numb your tongue!
Available at Big C supermarkets.
13. Koh Kae peanuts
Think “Thai snacks” and these will come to mind. The Koh Kae peanuts come in hardy cans that will survive all the bumps and bruises on your flight home.
They come in your classic flavours such as Chicken, Spicy Shrimp and Wasabi, but are also available in unique flavours like salty-sweet Coconut Milk and Coffee, if you have adventurous tastebuds! These will make great souvenirs to give to family and friends.
Available at Big C supermarkets.
14. Thai cup noodles
Did you really go to Thailand if you didn’t come home with Thai cup noodles? We recommend grabbing some MAMA instant noodles to help cope with your post-vacation withdrawals.
MAMA instant noodles are available in local flavours such as Green Curry, Pad Thai, and even Basil Stir-Fried Noodles. Muslim readers, take note: they’re also halal!
Available at Big C supermarkets.
15. Egg rolls with pork floss
One of the most sought after Thai snacks, these Egg Rolls are filled with Pork Floss. Intending to host a few friends over? Stock these up because they will definitely be a crowd-pleaser!
The crunchy outer shell of the egg roll coupled with the generous amount of floss makes for a wonderful burst of flavour.
Available at Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown).
16. Freeze-dried fruits
It might be difficult to bring home fresh durians from Thailand, so your closest bet are freeze-dried ones. Besides durian, you can also find other types of fruits such as mango and rambutan. They make for great everyday snacks and can be kept for a long time.
Available at Big C supermarkets.
17. Coconut tapioca cookies
These tiny cookies are called Khanom Phing and they are one of the most popular Thai snacks out there. If you’re familiar with Malay cookies, they are quite similar to Kueh Bangkit. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these coconut-flavoured cookies will melt in your mouth. The coconut taste can be quite strong so avoid these if you don’t fancy coconuts!
Available at local Thai bakeries.
18. Fruit chips
Another fruity snack, this is great compared to freeze-dried fruits (#8) if you enjoy thin crisp with more crunch. The taste of the fruits is also more subtle compared to the freeze-dried ones, making them very popular Thai snacks among those who have a lighter palate.
Available at Big C supermarkets and any 7-11 convenience stores.
19. Hi-Chew Sours candies
Hi-Chew can be found in most supermarkets in Singapore and it is a chewy, flavoured candy loved by many. However, instead of just carrying the sweet ones, Thailand also carries the sour versions!
These candies make for pick-me-up snacks, especially if you need to combat a food coma after lunch. They’re also available in packets other than the regular sticks that you find in Singapore.
Available at Big C supermarket.
20. Crispy insects
If you’re feeling a little adventurous or you simply want to play a prank on a friend, grab some Crispy Insects from Thailand. This is one of the most popular Thai snacks available in Thailand, and they’re often sold on the streets, freshly fried. They’re also available in supermarkets and convenience stores in Thailand, and you’ll find crickets or silkworms in a variety of flavours that include seaweed and cheese. If you’re bringing it back to Singapore, opt for the ones that come packaged so that you can bring them back with ease.
Available at local convenience stores.
21. Squid chips
These chips are extremely crispy but are packed into a tin in bite-sized rolls for minimal fallout. The squid smell can be quite fragrant – or pungent, depending on how much you like squid.
This is certainly one of the most popular Thai snacks that most people buy home from Thailand because of its great taste and ease of sharing. This Thai snack is also available in a spicy version!
Available at Big C supermarkets.
22. Kalamare
Kalamare, or Kan-mare, is a sweet and sticky dessert found in Thailand. It is often served during weddings as an auspicious dessert so that the couple will have a sweet and lasting marriage. Kalamare is made from coconut and sticky rice and can be found in small pieces wrapped in leaves or paper.
Available at Big C supermarkets.
23. Milk tablets
This snack might sound unusual and maybe a little “childish”, but trust us, it’s enjoyed by people of all ages. Its taste is a little similar to the White Rabbit candies we are familiar with, but unlike our childhood sweet, these are hard-candies.
They are made from real milk and provide calcium – sort of a healthy option compared to other Thai snacks out there!
Available at Big C supermarkets.
24. Pretz and Pocky snacks
Yes, we can find Pretz and Pocky snacks easily in Singapore, but Thailand offers a wider range of flavours, with many unique ones that can only be found in Thailand.
Look out for banana-flavoured Pocky sticks, which are manufactured and sold in Thailand, and are harder to find outside of the country.
For Pretz, you can check out the Larb flavour, made to taste like a type of spicy minced meat salad found in Thailand.
Available at Big C supermarkets.
25. Bangkok Banana
We bet you’ve heard of Tokyo Banana. Guess what – Thailand has its own version: Bangkok Banana. Similarly, these are individually-packed soft spongey cakes with a layer of banana cream that oozes out once you sink your teeth into them.
Take note that these are one of the most popular Thai snacks and they’re often sold out in stores. So if you see them, grab them – because we can’t guarantee they’ll always be in stock!
Available at 7-11 convenience stores.
26. Thai milk tea
A must-have when you’re in Thailand, Thai milk tea is extremely fragrant, has an irresistible taste, and a distinctive colour. Relive your Thailand trip by bringing home a packet of Thai milk tea mix, and make them at home for yourself!
Available at Big C supermarkets.
27. Little Farm Bread Snacks
This is another one of the most popular Thai snacks available. Unlike your usual chips, this snack comes in the form of super crisp flavoured bread. The bread is baked and coated with flavourings such as butter, garlic, pizza, tomyum, and more!
With this, you’ll always be able to have your “toast” no matter where you go.
Available at Big C supermarkets.
28. Sugared coconut strips
Attention to all coconut fans! This Thai snack is certainly a must-buy when you visit Thailand. These sugared coconut strips are called Ma Praw Kaew and they have a crunchy texture to them.
These make for the perfect snack to munch on as you catch up on your favourite shows!
Available at Big C supermarkets.
29. Dried pitted longans
Most of us enjoy eating longans as the fruit provides a burst of sweet juice every time we bite into it. We also commonly use canned ones in our desserts, but have you tried dried pitted longans?
Thailand is famous for this snack and if you’re visiting the country, you should definitely grab a pack of this. You can choose to eat it as is or boil them to make soup and tea. Talk about versatility, right?
Available at Big C supermarkets.
30. Manora Fried Taro Chips
We’ve tried potato chips, and even sweet potato chips, but how many of us have actually seen and tried taro chips? Well, if you’re visiting Thailand, you’ll get the chance to try it, because the Manora Fried Taro Chips is one of the most popular Thai snacks available.
They taste similar to the wheel-shaped snacks we had during our childhood, but even better. These are light on the palate and super crispy, making them highly addictive to have.
Available at Big C supermarkets.
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