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Eat & Shop in Thailand

Where and what to eat on a first trip, plus the shops, brands, and souvenirs worth seeking out.

A Bangkok market stall stacked with fresh produce and dried spices
A Bangkok market stall stacked with fresh produce and dried spices Pexels
Belle
Thai American who travels to Thailand every other year
Still deciding? Most Asked
All in one place

Eat & Shop, Sorted

Five guides to eating well and shopping smart across Thailand.

Food & drink

What to Eat

The dishes worth seeking out, by category, with spice levels.

Browse the dishes →
Fine dining

Michelin Dining

Bangkok on the Michelin map: stars, Bib Gourmands, and how to book.

See the tables →
Eat safely

Allergies & Dietary Needs

Bilingual cards and phrases for allergies and vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets.

Get the cards →
Shopping

Shops & Brands

OWNDAYS, Thong Smith, and the names worth knowing.

See the list →
Souvenirs

What to Take Home

The best things to bring back, and where to find them.

Find souvenirs →
Keep reading

More First-Timer Guides

Before You Fly

Visas & Entry

The TDAC card, visa-free rules, and what to have ready at immigration.

Sort your entry →
Out of Town

Bangkok Day Trips

Nine easy escapes, from Ayutthaya’s ruins to floating markets.

Plan a day trip →
The Coasts

Islands & Beaches

Two coasts, opposite seasons: how to choose between Andaman and Gulf.

Find your island →
Common questions

Eating and Shopping FAQs

What Thai food should I try first? +

Start with the classics: pad thai, som tam (green papaya salad), tom yum soup, green and massaman curries, and mango sticky rice for dessert. Ordering a few dishes to share is the normal way Thais eat.

Is street food safe to eat in Thailand? +

Yes. Thai street food is a highlight of any first trip and is generally very safe. Choose busy stalls with high turnover and food cooked fresh in front of you, which is the best sign of quality.

How do I handle food allergies or eat vegetarian in Thailand? +

Fish sauce, shrimp paste, and peanuts are common in Thai cooking, so learn the key phrases or carry a translation card. Vegetarians can look for the yellow jay (vegan) signs, especially during the annual vegetarian festival.

How spicy is Thai food, and can I ask for it milder? +

Authentic Thai food can be very spicy, but kitchens will happily adjust. Say mai phet for not spicy or phet nit noi for a little spicy, though street vendors sometimes still lean hot.

What should I buy in Thailand to bring home? +

Popular things to bring home from Thailand include Thai silk, handmade celadon ceramics, spices and curry pastes, dried tropical fruit, and handicrafts from markets like Chatuchak. Bargaining is expected at markets but not in malls.

About this guide

Written by Belle, a Thai American who travels to Thailand every other year and has family in Bangkok. Everything here comes from my own visits unless the text says otherwise. Prices and journey times are typical cases rather than quotes, so recheck anything time-sensitive before you pay. Brand mentions are never paid placements, and the guide is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

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