If you really want to taste Bangkok, skip the tourist favorites and sit down where the locals eat. Step into a neighborhood restaurant and you’ll find the dishes that Thai families actually order when they sit down for dinner. Unlike the typical “tourist menu,” these meals are bold, comforting, and made to be shared with rice. If you want to eat like a local, here are ten must-try dishes that truly capture the flavors of Bangkok.
1. Pad Kra Pao Moo Sap (ผัดกะเพราหมูสับ)
Spicy, garlicky, and topped with a crispy fried egg, this holy basil stir-fry with minced pork is Bangkok’s ultimate comfort food. Ask any local — this is the dish they crave after a long day.
2. Gaeng Som (แกงส้ม)
A southern-style sour curry made with tamarind, vegetables, and fish. Light, spicy, and tangy, it’s often chosen as a refreshing contrast to richer coconut-based curries.
3. Pla Kapong Neung Manao (ปลากะพงนึ่งมะนาว)
A whole sea bass steamed with lime, garlic, and chilies, served sizzling on a platter. Fresh, zesty, and perfect for sharing, it’s a star of many Bangkok seafood dinners.
4. Yam Pla Duk Foo (ยำปลาดุกฟู)
This crunchy favorite combines crispy fried catfish flakes with a green mango salad. It’s both light and flavorful, making it a perfect starter to balance heavier dishes.
5. Kai Jeow (ไข่เจียว)
A Thai-style omelette that’s fluffy on the inside and crispy on the edges. Served with rice and chili sauce, it’s a simple dish but beloved as true Thai comfort food.
6. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (แกงเขียวหวานไก่)
Green curry with chicken, Thai eggplants, and sweet basil. Creamy, aromatic, and slightly spicy, it’s a must-order dish that shows up on nearly every Bangkok dinner table.
7. Nam Prik Kapi (น้ำพริกกะปิ)
For the adventurous eater, this shrimp paste chili dip is a classic. Served with fresh vegetables and fried mackerel, it’s pungent, fiery, and deeply Thai.
8. Kuay Teow Rad Na (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวราดหน้า)
Wide rice noodles drenched in a savory gravy with pork, chicken, or seafood. Locals love this hearty noodle dish for dinner when they want something quick yet filling.
9. Moo Tod Kratiem (หมูทอดกระเทียม)
Garlic-fried pork with crispy edges and a savory punch. Best paired with rice and a spicy dipping sauce, it’s a humble but addictive dish found at many local eateries.
10. Som Tum + Gai Yang + Khao Niew (ส้มตำ + ไก่ย่าง + ข้าวเหนียว)
The ultimate Isaan dinner set: spicy papaya salad, smoky grilled chicken, and sticky rice. This trio is one of Bangkok’s most popular shared meals, especially for groups.
Local Dining Tip: Thai dinners are all about variety. Don’t just order one dish for yourself — share a mix of stir-fries, curries, and salads with rice on the side. That’s how locals enjoy their meals every night.