Bangkok Street Food Breakfast: 8 Local Dishes You Need to Try

Hello,from Bangkok!
I’m Briko✮
I’ve been living in this city for 15 years.

One of the things I love most about life in Bangkok is the food scene—especially breakfast from the countless street food stalls.

In the early morning, stalls line the streets, and locals grab something to eat before heading to work. Some eat at the stall, others bring their food to the office. Either way, breakfast is quick, cheap, and delicious.

Here are 8 popular Thai street food breakfasts you should definitely try during your stay.

1. Patongo (ปาท่องโก๋) – Thai Fried Dough Sticks

Think of them as Thai-style doughnuts or Chinese crullers. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside.

Vendors usually sell two shapes:

• Butterfly-shaped (savory)

• Nugget-shaped (slightly sweet)

They’re sold by price—just ask for 20 baht worth and you’ll get a bag full.

Thais love eating patongo with soy milk or congee, while some dip them in condensed milk. Personally, I enjoy them plain. But go early—by 8:30 am, they’re often sold out!

2. Kuay Teow (ก๋วยเตี๋ยว) – Thai Noodle Soup

Street-side noodle soup is everywhere in Bangkok, at any time of day. Prices are usually 40–50 baht.

First, you choose your noodle type:

• Sen Mee (thin rice noodles)

• Sen Lek (medium rice noodles)

• Sen Yai (wide, flat rice noodles)

• Ba Mee (egg noodles)

• Mama (instant noodles)

Then, pick your soup:

• Nam Sai (clear broth)

• Tom Yum Nam Sai (spicy-sour clear broth)

• Tom Yum Nam Khon (spicy-sour with coconut milk, rich and creamy)

My favorite? Sen Lek with Nam Sai—light and refreshing!

3. Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่) – Thai Chicken Rice

A true Thai classic. Steamed rice cooked with chicken fat, topped with tender chicken slices, and served with a spicy-sour sauce.

Price: around 40–50 baht.

There are two versions:

• Steamed chicken (Khao Man Gai Tom)

• Fried chicken (Khao Man Gai Tod)

I personally prefer the crispy fried one.

4. Som Tam (ส้มตำ) – Papaya Salad

Thailand’s most famous salad, made with shredded green papaya, lime, chili, and fish sauce.

Yes, locals eat it for breakfast too! Thais are obsessed with Som Tam and don’t mind the garlic or chili first thing in the morning.

Price: around 40–50 baht.

Varieties include:

• Som Tam Thai (classic version)

• Som Tam Khai Kem (with salted egg)

• Som Tam Ta Lay (seafood version)

• Som Tam Khao Pod (corn salad)

I usually order “Som Tam Thai with 2 chilies”—just the right level of spicy for me.

5. Khao Kha Moo (ข้าวขาหมู) –

Pork leg braised in soy sauce, cinnamon, and star anise until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Served with rice, pickled mustard greens, and a boiled egg.

Price: 50–60 baht (100 baht for larger portions).

Rich, slightly sweet, and not spicy—perfect for kids too. For extra punch, locals add raw garlic or chili on the side.

6. Khanom Tokyo (ขนมโตเกียว) – Thai Pancake Rolls

Thin pancakes rolled with fillings like sausage, crab stick, or custard. Sweet or savory, they’re fun to snack on. Kids especially love these!

7. Joke (โจ๊ก) & Khao Tom (ข้าวต้ม) – Thai Rice Porridge

Both are comfort food breakfasts.

• Joke is thick, creamy rice porridge (like congee), often topped with pork meatballs and a soft-boiled egg.

• Khao Tom is a lighter, soupy rice porridge with meat or fish.

Prices start around 40 baht. Warm, gentle, and perfect for a light morning meal.

8. Ran Khao Kaeng (ร้านข้าวแกง) – Thai Curry Stall

These stalls display trays of curries, stir-fries, and fried dishes. Just point to what you want, and it’ll be served over rice.

It’s the ultimate “choose your own breakfast” and one of the cheapest ways to eat in Bangkok.

Final Thoughts

Bangkok truly is a street food paradise, with options from morning to night. For breakfast, look for the busiest stalls—if there’s a line, it’s guaranteed to be good.

Whether you crave noodles, rice dishes, or something sweet, you’ll find plenty of choices on the streets.

During your stay, try different stalls and discover your own favorite Thai breakfast!

👇Also read: Terminal 21 Bangkok Food Court—cheap and delicious!👇

Terminal 21 Bangkok: A Must-Visit Food Court with Affordable and Delicious Eats