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Food Tour By Tuk Tuk In Bangkok With Noah

Hi, my name is Noah. After years riding through the streets of Bangkok on foot, bike, and motorcycle I figured it was time to explore this city in my own way: one tuk-tuk ride at a time with a hint of aroma wafting me in every direction. This time, I went on a food tour by tuk-tuk in Bangkok so that we can explore some of the most delicious streets of the capital city. Each stop, from lively alleys to local eateries, showed me a different part of this city I already knew so intimately. If you plan the same, then get in touch with a local incoming agency, Autour Asia offers authentic tours. Well, if you are absolutely hooked onto the street food of Bangkok, then follow me on this quick culinary trail.

I. Why choose to visit Bangkok by tuk-tuk ?

Taking a food tour by tuk-tuk in Bangkok means treating yourself to a unique and thrilling immersion in the city: an experience that stands in stark contrast to long, impersonal metro rides or expensive and comfortable taxi trips. On board this iconic vehicle, you can truly smell the incense wafting through the streets near the temples, catch the spicy aromas of street food vendors, and feel the vibrations of the traffic beneath the wheels.

It's also speedy and cleverly able to navigate the convoluted streets that cars can often not reach. Every stop is an opportunity to observe the colorful spectacle of Bangkok in action before photographers, and even more simply for the curious: a congested market, a stray temple, or a sidewalk vendor singing happiness with a great big smile. And on top of this, a tuk-tuk tour in Bangkok will help to introduce you to the friendly driver, who may have something in common with you; they might tell you about his insider tips, elaborate exotic stories or recommend an unknown place. So, in the end, a tuk-tuk voyage off-the-beaten-path is advisable only for those kindred spirits who wish to experience the weird energy of an alien land or be utterly baffled — and who do not mind developing a soft spot for Bangkok.

Read more: How to get around Bangkok, Thailand

II. Enjoying street food in Thailand by tuk-tuk

1. Moo Ping at a stall in Chatuchak Market

• Address: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hxfKYmzMVhGkwWVc6
• Price: 5 THB – 10 THB (around $0.2 – $0.3) per skewer

Early in the morning, from my hotel, I jumped into a tuk-tuk, impatient to start my gastronomic journey by tuk-tuk in Bangkok with a typical Thai breakfast. I was ready to taste everything that came my way. After all, I was heading to Chatuchak market, one of the biggest markets in Bangkok. My palate would surely be satisfied. As soon as I got off at the destination, a mouthwatering smell of grilled food guided me somewhere. I followed my nose through the still quiet aisles of the market to come across a Moo Ping stall – marinated pork skewers carefully grilled and bags of sticky rice on the side, still steaming fresh from the bag.

It was a perfect start to my food tour by tuk-tuk in Bangkok. Those skewers though… oh lordy, the outside was just slightly caramelized and crispy while the inside was about as tender and juicy as it gets. The marinade, very lightly sweetened with bits of garlic and white pepper, slightly teased my palate. Use of hands for eating as the locals do, made the experience even more authentic. This morning tasting immediately plunged me into the atmosphere of Bangkok street food — simple, direct, and terribly good.

2. Khao Niew Mamuang at Mae Varee Sweet Sticky Rice

• Address: 1 Thong Lor, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N5FvoNrenLL6JYCc8
• Price: 120 THB – 150 THB (around $3.35 – $4.20)

The best pork skewers of my life eaten, I needed a sweet plate to mark the end of my most intense breakfast during the food tour. I got back into the tuk-tuk, to go to Mae Varee Sweet Sticky Rice, a bakery located in Thonglor, which is known for preparing one of the best Khao Niew Mamuang in Bangkok. Mae Varee Sweet Sticky Rice is located almost 10 kilometers from the Chatuchak Market. It took more time than usual due to the traffic inherent to Bangkok. But I must say that a tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok is one of the most entertaining experiences you can have. It’s a concentrate of all the city’s sounds, combined with the freezing air and the music that is played at full blast in the streets. In fact: the tuk-tuk is one of the coolest experiences of a food tour by tuk-tuk in Bangkok !

Barely arrived, I was greeted by the colorful stalls of ripe and shiny mangoes, carefully arranged. The Khao Niew Mamuang here is a true masterpiece: the sticky rice is perfectly cooked, soft and slightly salty, topped with smooth coconut milk, and served with generous slices of sweet yellow mango to taste. The whole is sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds which add a very pleasant crunchy note. A tropical delight full of softness, ideal to continue the day with a smile. Honestly, I understand why this little shop attracts locals as well as tourists — it is an essential stop to eat in Bangkok, even early in the morning.

3. Gai Yang at Sabai Jai Gai Yang

• Address: 87, Soi Ekkamai 3, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R1haa1vVecX9DKsu9
• Price: 150 THB – 200 THB (around $4.20 – $5.60) per person

My third stop on this food tour by tuk-tuk in Bangkok took me about twenty minutes from there, still aboard my sputtering tuk-tuk. This time, heading to Ekkamai, a slightly more residential and peaceful neighborhood, where a true local institution is hidden: Sabai Jai Gai Yang. It was only about 8 kilometers, but the ride, even though midday was becoming crowded with abundant attendants of all kinds, was almost fun as my driver slalomed skillfully between cars. As soon as I arrived, I knew it was the right place. I sat under the trees, surrounded by Thai families and groups of friends who were feasting, the smile lit up my face. And then came the star dish: the Gai Yang, or Thai grilled chicken. Just from the smoky and caramelized smell, I was already salivating.

The skin was golden, crispy as desired, slightly sweet, while the flesh inside was still moist and tender. Every piece exposed the complexity of the marinade: garlic, coriander root, fish sauce and undoubtedly, a smidge of palm sugar. All of this is accompanied by that tiny piece of sweet-and-sour sauce, slightly irritating, which makes every bite taste better. I ordered a small plate of Som Tam on the side – that ever ubiquitous shredded green papaya salad to freshen up and lighten everything. It is tangy, delicately spicy and tenderly crunchy – it offset the richness of grilled chicken perfectly. Some thin strips of fresh cucumber, still warm sticky rice… crispy soft salty sweet everything. A true moment of happiness, quietly savored in the heart of Bangkok street food, before getting back on the road in the tuk-tuk toward my next stop.

4. Miang Pla Pao at Khun Ple Pla Pao

• Address: Soi Ari 1, Phahonyothin Road, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
• Price: 150 THB – 250 THB (around $4.20 – $7)

After my midday feast of Gai Yang and Som Tam, I wanted something lighter. Heading to Khun Ple Pla Pao by tuk-tuk, to taste the famous Miang Pla Pao — a salt-grilled fish to enjoy with herbs and lettuce leaves. The ride to the Wang Lang neighborhood took about thirty minutes. Careful, the place doesn’t have a clearly visible sign so it is better to either write down the address in Thai or have a picture of the dish that you can show them at earliest. It takes a while to get there but once you have reached it, it's worth every bit of it — The aroma of the fish being grilled and some freshly seasoned herbs can turn this moment into pure joy with their home-made sauces. It is the charm of a tuk-tuk food tour: every ride is an adventure that promises good food.

Arriving safely, I was welcomed by the captivating smell of salt-grilled fish. Miang Pla Pao is a whole fish stuffed with lemongrass and aromatic herbs, slowly roasted in a salt crust, then served with a variety of lettuce leaves, fresh herbs, thin rice noodles, and an absolutely addictive tamarind spicy sauce. What did I love ? The interactive aspect of the dish: you take a bit of still-warm fish flesh, wrap it in a leaf, add some herbs, a touch of sauce… and enjoy each bite like a little roll of freshness and flavor. This gourmet moment, experienced during a Bangkok tuk-tuk food tour, offered a light pause but just as fragrant and generous as the Gai Yang enjoyed earlier.

5. Pad Thai with shrimp at Thipsamai Pad Thai

• Address: 313–315 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Bangkok, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qaNb8PzM8KPnm6Vo8
• Price: around 150 THB (around $4.20)

After this light and refreshing break with the Miang Pla Pao, I got back into my trusty tuk-tuk heading towards the Samran Rat district, for a legendary spot that I absolutely could not miss during my food tour by tuk-tuk in Bangkok: Thipsamai Pad Thai. With the reputation of being the best Pad Thai place in the entire country, it’s no surprise that every day, this institution is overrun with tourists and their official residence. Thus, I was able to enter the establishment around 6 p.m., which is well before the dinner rush. There were already a few people, but fortunately, the wait wasn’t too long — the timing was perfect to avoid the dinner crowd.

The ride took a little over 20 minutes, between the honking horns and the sharp turns, but as always, the tuk-tuk makes every kilometer flavorful. Once I arrived, the characteristic smell of the wok immediately wrapped around me. It was a mesmerizing show in the kitchen as flames leapt, eggs sizzled and noodles danced their way through those huge burning-hot pans. I went with a traditional shrimp Pad Thai, surrounded by what they call an omelette wrapper. It bursts right from the first bite — the sweetness of tamarind and sourness of lime, the pungency of chives and juiciness of shrimp. It was a simple dish, yet complex in construct and execution; this is the classic Thai specialty that many mention when asked what to eat in Bangkok.

6. Tom Yum Goong at P’Aor Tom Yum Goong Noodles

• Address: 68/51 Soi Phetchaburi, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wLJBfNLN9NL1o9eo7
• Price: 100 THB – 220 THB (around $2.80 – $6.10)

To end this gourmet day beautifully, I chose one last emblematic stop: P’Aor Tom Yum Goong Noodles, a simple but cult address for all lovers of this iconic Thai soup. After the Pad Thai from Thipsamai, I got on my tuk-tuk one last time, heading towards the Ratchathewi neighborhood. 15 minutes later, I couldn’t hold on any longer, and quite tired after this long day, I was eager to discover this last flavor. The sun had already set and the city was getting ready to light up for the night, and the different stalls on the road were still offering a few tempting smells. I couldn’t imagine a better way to end my food tour by tuk-tuk in Bangkok.

At P’Aor, no fuss: a few plastic tables, a lively counter, and above all an absolutely unforgettable bowl of Tom Yum Goong Noodles. Spicy, sweet with a citrus tang and topped with the silk of evaporated milk that smooths one bodied full cream broth. Shrimps are plump and nicely cooked, noodles a good chew to soak up all flavors. You get a bit of heat, freshness and also a bit of familiarity with every spoonful. As I sat there with a steaming bowl in front of me, the sounds of the city in the background — this is how I wanted to wrap up our little gastronomic visit by tuk-tuk in Bangkok. Indeed, Bangkok and its gastronomic treasures.

By the time I am returned back to my hotel door, having spent an entire day zigzagging through Bangkok streets in frenzy aboard a tuk-tuk as part of this food tour by tuk-tuk in Bangkok, I will carry with me a contented soul, taste buds tingling and thankfully plump stomach! Every stop gave me a puzzle piece of Thai cuisine: the fall-apart tender Gai Yang, the bite of Miang Pla Pao, or even if possible — the warmth and melt you with happiness flavor of Tom Yum Goong. And aside from the meals, it is most importantly this particular ambience: The genuineness of the chefs, the aroma of seasonings in mid-air, all those lit quarters — making this visit unforgettable. If you’re wondering what to eat in Bangkok, look no further: let yourself be guided by Autour Asia, your local travel agency in Thailand. Their tuk-tuk food tour is much more than a simple meal – it’s a sensory dive into the soul of the city, off the beaten path. One thing is certain: I will come back.

Learn more:

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