12 Thai street foods foreigners rate as the worst, but locals love them
Like it or not, these dishes can be pretty divisive as far as it goes
Thailand’s street food scene is beloved for its bold flavours, affordability, and vibrant culture. But not every dish lands the same way for every diner. According to TasteAtlas, a global platform dedicated to traditional food and travel, some well-loved Thai street foods are ranked among the least favourite by international visitors.
In its 2025 list of 12 Worst Rated Thai Street Food, the site highlights dishes that locals enjoy regularly but which might be a little challenging for newcomers. Here’s a closer look at the list, why these dishes are popular in Thailand, and why they may not appeal to all travellers.
12 Thai street foods loved by locals but rated worst by Thais
1. Fried silkworms (รถด่วน)
Also known as rod duan, these crispy silkworms are often found at roadside stalls across Bangkok and other cities. Vendors fry the larvae until golden and crunchy, then season them with salt, pepper, and sometimes a proprietary blend of spices.
They’re praised for being protein-rich and sustainable, and some locals even believe they offer health benefits. Still, for visitors not used to insect-based foods, the texture and slightly bitter flavour can be a surprise.
2. Crispy oyster omelette (หอยทอด)
Hoi tod (หอยทอด) is a popular night market dish that combines a batter of egg and flour with oysters or mussels, fried until crispy and aromatic. It’s usually served with green onions and various dipping sauces like chilli vinegar or fish sauce with sliced chillies.
While the crispy, savoury profile makes it a hit with locals, some travellers may find the combination of seafood and fried batter a bit too rich or intense.
3. Shrimp paste fried rice (ข้าวคลุกกะปิ)
This aromatic dish is made with stir-fried rice and kapi, a fermented shrimp paste, and typically comes with sides like sweet pork, shredded green mango, chillies, and shallots.
The combination delivers a deeply savoury, complex taste that locals crave. However, the strong smell and bold fermented flavour may be unfamiliar to those who haven’t encountered shrimp paste before.
4. Grilled meatballs (ลูกชิ้นปิ้ง)
Another dish on the list includes grilled meatballs (ลูกชิ้นปิ้ง), often found on skewers and served with sweet chilli sauce. While common and affordable, some visitors mention that the texture differs from Western-style meatballs and may feel overly processed.
5. Thai hot pot (จิ้มจุ่ม)
Thai hot pot (จิ้มจุ่ม), known for its fragrant herbal broth cooked in a clay pot, is a comforting meal in many parts of Thailand. However, its strong herbal notes from lemongrass and galangal can be intense for diners who are new to Thai cuisine.
6. Yen ta fo (เย็นตาโฟ)
The vibrant pink noodle soup yen ta fo (เย็นตาโฟ), coloured with fermented red bean curd, includes ingredients like fish balls, tofu, and morning glory. It is visually striking and full of flavour, but the colour and fermented components may take some getting used to.
7. Grilled squid (ปลาหมึกย่าง)
Grilled squid (ปลาหมึกย่าง) is often sold at night markets and served with spicy seafood sauce. The chewy texture and distinct seafood aroma may not appeal to every palate. Even then, you will find a lot of Thais lining up at the stalls to get them.
8. Fried pork cracklings (แคบหมูทอด)
Fried pork cracklings (แคบหมูทอด), or kaeb moo, are a crunchy snack made from pork skin. While they’re enjoyed for their savoury crispiness, some visitors find them too dry or fatty.
9. Crab omelette (ไข่เจียวปู)
The rich and indulgent crab omelette (ไข่เจียวปู), famously served at Bangkok’s Jay Fai restaurant, packs real crab meat into a deep-fried egg wrap. Though highly rated by locals and food critics alike, some travellers describe it as too oily or heavy.
10. Rice porridge (โจ๊ก)
A breakfast dish like rice porridge or jok/chok (โจ๊ก) is comforting and easy on the stomach; its mild flavours and soft textures may feel too plain for those expecting bolder tastes. Usually best enjoyed with some meat, eggs, mushrooms, pork flakes or etc., it is a versatile base for any meal.
11. Plain rice soup (ข้าวต้ม)
Plain rice soup (ข้าวต้ม) also made the list and similar to the rice porridge. It may be beneficial for your stomach and health, especially when you are sick. It tends to be very bland on its own and Thais eat it like noodle soup, except instead of Ba-mi, you are using soaked rice.
12. Braised pork leg on rice (ข้าวขาหมู)
Braised pork leg on rice (ข้าวขาหมู) is a slow-stewed dish served with rice, pickled mustard greens, and boiled eggs. While it is a hearty meal favoured by many Thais, some diners find the fatty cuts of meat too rich for their liking.
Taste is always subjective, and when it comes to Thai street food, even more so. Dishes that may seem unusual at first can become favourites with time, just as familiar comfort foods might not travel well across cultures. This list from TasteAtlas isn’t a criticism of Thai cuisine, but a reflection of how diverse and surprising food preferences can be around the world.
For adventurous eaters, these dishes offer a chance to dive deeper into Thai culinary culture, one bite at a time.
| Section (Click to jump) | Summary |
|---|---|
| 1. Fried silkworms (รถด่วน) | Crispy, protein-rich silkworms fried with spices; unusual texture and slightly bitter flavour for first-timers. |
| 2. Crispy oyster omelette (หอยทอด) | Egg and flour batter with oysters, fried until crispy; a rich, savoury, and aromatic street food classic. |
| 3. Shrimp paste fried rice (ข้าวคลุกกะปิ) | Stir-fried rice with fermented shrimp paste and sides; deeply savoury and bold, with an unfamiliar aroma for newcomers. |
| 4. Grilled meatballs (ลูกชิ้นปิ้ง) | Skewered meatballs served with sweet chilli sauce; common and affordable, the texture differs from Western-style meatballs. |
| 5. Thai hot pot (จิ้มจุ่ม) | Herbal clay-pot broth with meats and vegetables; strong lemongrass and galangal notes can be intense. |
| 6. Yen ta fo (เย็นตาโฟ) | Vibrant pink noodle soup with fish balls, tofu, and morning glory; visually striking with fermented flavour. |
| 7. Grilled squid (ปลาหมึกย่าง) | Night market seafood with spicy sauce; chewy texture and distinct aroma may not suit every palate. |
| 8. Fried pork cracklings (แคบหมูทอด) | Crunchy pork skin snack; savoury but can be dry or fatty for some visitors. |
| 9. Crab omelette (ไข่เจียวปู) | Deep-fried egg with real crab; rich and indulgent, but sometimes oily or heavy. |
| 10. Rice porridge (โจ๊ก) | Soft, mild breakfast dish; comforting but plain without added toppings or condiments. |
| 11. Plain rice soup (ข้าวต้ม) | Bland rice soup, easy on the stomach and often eaten when sick; similar to noodle soup but with soaked rice. |
| 12. Braised pork leg on rice (ข้าวขาหมู) | Hearty slow-stewed pork with rice, pickled greens, and boiled eggs; rich flavour may be heavy for some diners. |
The Thaiger key takeaways
- TasteAtlas lists 12 Thai street foods that are highly popular among locals but often rated as challenging by international visitors.
- Dishes such as fried silkworms, yen ta fo, and shrimp paste fried rice showcase Thailand’s bold, diverse, and culturally rich street food scene.
- While some foods may be unusual for foreigners, sampling these dishes offers a deeper connection to authentic Thai culinary traditions.
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