Whether you’re kicking back at a Bangkok rooftop bar or relaxing in a cozy beachside shack in Phuket, Thai bar snacks are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. These small but flavorful bites pack a punch — and when paired with the right drink, they elevate your night from good to unforgettable.
Here are 7 popular Thai bar snacks and the best drinks to pair them with, for a deliciously authentic Thai drinking experience.
1. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, savory
Best Drink Pairing: Light lager or a Thai basil mojito
These juicy pork skewers are marinated in a blend of garlic, palm sugar, and soy sauce before being grilled to caramelized perfection. A crisp Thai lager like Singha cuts through the sweetness and enhances the smokiness. Prefer a cocktail? A basil mojito brings a refreshing herbal twist.
2. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
Flavor Profile: Spicy, sour, umami
Best Drink Pairing: Wheat beer or a tamarind whiskey sour
A staple on any Thai menu, this fiery salad is made from shredded unripe papaya, bird’s eye chili, lime juice, and fish sauce. A smooth wheat beer softens the heat, while a tangy tamarind whiskey sour complements the salad’s bold, sour notes.
3. Gai Tod (Thai Fried Chicken)
Flavor Profile: Crispy, garlicky, peppery
Best Drink Pairing: IPA or a Thai iced tea with rum
Golden, crunchy, and marinated in garlic and pepper, Thai fried chicken is a comforting snack. A hoppy IPA cuts through the richness. For something unique, try a boozy Thai iced tea — the creamy sweetness works surprisingly well with the saltiness.
4. Goong Che Nam Pla (Raw Shrimp in Fish Sauce)
Flavor Profile: Briny, spicy, sharp
Best Drink Pairing: Lager or a chili-rimmed margarita
This adventurous dish features raw shrimp marinated in lime juice, garlic, and fish sauce. It’s bold and zesty — and needs a clean, crisp lager to wash it down. For cocktail lovers, a margarita with a Thai chili salt rim mirrors the sharp flavors beautifully.
5. Tua Tod (Fried Peanuts with Garlic & Kaffir Lime)
Flavor Profile: Crunchy, aromatic, salty
Best Drink Pairing: Local Thai beer or a whiskey soda
A common bar snack across Thailand, these fragrant fried peanuts are perfect for casual munching. Pair with a classic Thai beer like Leo or Chang, or go with a clean whiskey soda that keeps things simple and satisfying.
6. Pla Meuk Yang (Grilled Squid with Spicy Seafood Sauce)
Flavor Profile: Charred, chewy, tangy
Best Drink Pairing: Pilsner or a gin & tonic with lemongrass
Grilled squid is a Thai bar staple, often served with a green chili-lime dipping sauce. A crisp pilsner or a botanical G&T cuts through the chew and spice, refreshing your palate after every bite.
7. Tung Tong (Thai Money Bags)
Flavor Profile: Crispy, savory, slightly sweet
Best Drink Pairing: Amber ale or a lychee martini
These golden-fried dumplings, often filled with pork or shrimp, resemble tiny pouches of flavor. An amber ale balances the sweetness of the filling and crispness of the wrapper. Or go fancy with a lychee martini — sweet, floral, and very Instagrammable.
Final Sip
Whether you’re bar hopping in Bangkok or hosting a Thai-themed happy hour at home, these snack and drink pairings offer an authentic taste of Thailand’s dynamic food culture. From spicy to savory, and beer to cocktail, there’s a perfect combo for every craving.
Craving more Thai food ideas? Check out our guide to the iconic street foods and night bazaars in Bangkok.