Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a metropolitan city that is a place of constant hustle and bustle. It is a great place to explore, and seems to have something for you no matter what your preference is. The same can be said for its food. You can find five-star high end restaurants and simple street food off a cart, both delicious in their own ways.
Some might think street food in Bangkok for Muslim travelers is not a possibility, but all you need is to do some research beforehand, find out what the names of the dishes are and where to eat Halal food in Bangkok, and you’re good to go! Here’s a starter kit of your Halal street food guide to Bangkok.
Most Common Halal Street Food Dishes in Bangkok
1) Som Tam (Papaya Salad)
A sweet and spicy dish that is made using raw green papaya. It is not only delicious but also one of the healthiest street food in Bangkok for Muslim travelers, as it is usually completely vegetarian. Sometimes it is served with some sort of meat or seafood. Soft-shell crabs are one of the best options to go for as a topping!
2) Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Rice is one of the staples of Thailand’s cuisine, which is why you’ll find a variety of delicious rice dishes no matter where you go. From Thai-style fried rice, yellow rice, steamed rice, and even Thai-style biryani!
3) Pad Thai (Noodles)
There is a variety of noodle dishes that you can find, in varieties of chicken, beef, seafood, vegetarian, and more. The noodles used vary from egg noodles, to flour noodles, rice noodles, and even wontons.
4) Pla Pao (Barbecued Fish)
Delicious fish grilled with garlic, lime, and chili and served with a dipping sauce. The skin is usually crispy while the inside is soft, flaky, and piping hot!
5) Chicken Dishes
You can find a variety of skewered chicken dishes amongst the street food stalls, usually served with a dipping sauce. Thai Fried chicken is also a must-try Halal street food in Bangkok. It will definitely beat out KFC, hands down!
6) Soups
Soups are also quite common in Thai cuisine, and it’s no surprise that you can find them at street food stalls all around the city. As with the other dishes, you’ll have a variety of options from meats, seafood, and vegetables. Tom Yum and Thai Noodle Soup are two of the most famous varieties.
7) Mango Sticky Rice
This is a traditional Thai dessert and pudding that is made using fluffy boiled rice and sweet, juicy mangoes. It’s a classic, and everyone loves it.
Where to Find Halal Street Food in Bangkok
1) Chinatown (Yaorawat)
This is the first place any local would recommend when you enquire about street food, and rightfully so! The streets are filled with shops, people, vehicles, you name it. Lining the roads are cart after cart serving up some of the best street food in Bangkok. Not all of them serve Halal street food, though, so be careful to enquire. You can always go for the seafood and vegetarian options, which are just as good and just as mouthwatering.
2) Petchaburi Road Soi 7
Darul Aman Mosque sits at the center of this street, around which a small community of Thai Muslims have made their living. This is one of the places where you can find top Halal street food in Bangkok for Muslim travelers, with a mixed variety of traditional Thai, Arabic and Indian food.
3) Bobae Market
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Along Krung Kasem Road sits Mahnak Mosque. Similar to the area around Darul Aman Mosque, this is another place where you can easily find Halal street food in Bangkok.
4) Sukhumvit Soi 3
Situated near the Nana BTS station, the Sukhumvit Night Food Market is a great place to find some of the must-try street food in Bangkok. You can find just about anything here, from kebabs to award-winning pad Thais. Yum!
5) Ramkhamhaeng Street
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The street houses a couple universities and a national stadium. You can find many Halal street food vendors here, most of them serving traditional southern-style Thai food. There are also a few other coffee shops and restaurants owned by Muslims, which you should definitely give a visit!
6) Asoke Road
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Asoke Road is located on Sukhumvit 23, near the entrance of Srinakharinwirot University. The area is usually bustling with students gathered around a few street food stalls lining the street as well as inside the food court. This is the best place to find those finger-licking, lip-smacking Thai Fried Chicken!
7) South Charoen Krung Road
Opposite Assalafiyah Mosque, situated on South Charoen Krung Road are a few street food sellers selling a variety of sweet and savory dishes. The most popular stall here is the Hasan Roasted Duck stall, which serves 100% Halal food, mostly based on delicious roasted duck!
A Few Other Tips for Trying Street Food in Bangkok For Muslim Travelers
1) Pick the right time. Most street food vendors operate from around 6 in the evening to around 12 a.m.
2) Most local mosques are usually surrounded by Muslims, and as a result, become the best places where you can eat Halal food in Bangkok.
3) Always check with the specific vendors whether the food is Halal.
4) Make sure that even vegetarian or seafood is safe from being contaminated by non-Halal ingredients (i.e. if the stall also sells pork, it’s a good idea to avoid it entirely).
5) When ordering your food, if the option is available, always go for the “mild” choice when it comes to spiciness. Trust us, even if you love super spicy food, that’s still probably all you will be able to handle.
6) It’s a good idea to learn a few essential words and phrases in Thai, since not everyone understands English. This will help you communicate more clearly and eliminate any room for misconception. Some words and phrases worth learning are “lard”, “pork”, “alcohol”, and is “is this Halal?”
