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How to order street food · Thai phrases to use on the spot
At Thai street stalls, it is common to order and pay first, then wait, though some places ask you to find a seat before ordering. If the menu is hard to understand, point to the food and say “ao an ni” (this one, please). Say “mai phet” for not spicy and “sai thung” or “klap ban” for takeaway.
At a glance
- At night market stalls, it is common to order and pay at the food stall, then wait nearby until your food is ready.
- If you have trouble choosing from the menu, point and say “ao an ni.”
- Ask for it not spicy with “mai phet,” or a little spicy with “phet nit noi.”
- You can say “sai thung” or “klap ban” for takeaway, and “check bin duai” for the bill.
- Pad Thai at ordinary Bangkok street stalls is listed at around 30–60 baht, depending on the location and stall.
How do you order at a street stall?
There is no single ordering routine shared by all street stalls and night markets. Some places have you order and pay first, then wait; others ask you to find a seat before ordering.
- Choose what you want to eat
If the menu is hard to read, point to the food you want and say “ao an ni.”
- Place your order and pay
At night markets, it is common to order and pay directly at the food stall, then wait nearby until the food is ready.
- Follow the stall’s instructions
Look for guidance from other customers and staff on whether to find a seat first and where to wait after ordering.
What Thai phrases can you use when ordering?
The pronunciations below are useful for choosing from a menu, adjusting the spice level, and asking for takeaway.
| English | Thai pronunciation | Thai |
|---|---|---|
| This one, please | ao an ni | เอาอันนี้ |
| Please make it not spicy | mai phet | ไม่เผ็ด |
| Please make it a little spicy | phet nit noi | เผ็ดนิดหน่อย |
| Please pack it to go | sai thung / klap ban | ใส่ถุง / กลับบ้าน |
| Could I have the bill, please? | check bin duai / kep ngoen duai | เช็คบิลด้วย / เก็บเงินด้วย |
How much does street food cost?
Pad Thai at ordinary Bangkok street stalls is listed at around 30–60 baht. Some dedicated street food stalls list Pad Thai at around 50–80 baht, so prices can vary by stall and area.
| Food · vendor | Listed price |
|---|---|
| Pad Thai · ordinary Bangkok street stalls outside tourist areas | Around 30–60 baht |
| Pad Thai · example price at a dedicated street food stall | Around 50–80 baht |
- Pad Thai at ordinary street stalls: around 30–60 baht
- Example price for Pad Thai at dedicated street food stalls: around 50–80 baht
What should you order from a Thai street food stall?
Popular street foods include Pad Thai, stir-fried rice noodles, and som tam, a Thai salad made with unripe papaya. For dessert, try mango sticky rice, served with mango and sticky rice.
What to do in these situations
When the menu is hard to read
Point to the food you want and try saying “ao an ni.”
When you are worried about the spice level
Say “mai phet” when ordering to ask for it not spicy.
When you want your drink without ice
Ask for no ice when ordering a drink. The travel guide says bottled drinks are generally safe and suggests asking for no ice because it may be made with tap water.
When visiting a Bangkok street stall or night market on a Monday
Check whether the stall or market you plan to visit is open that day. Designated public sidewalk vending areas in Bangkok have weekday vending suspensions and cleaning policies, but these do not apply to every restaurant or night market.
Before you go
- Remember “ao an ni” so you can point to the item you want when ordering.
- Learn “mai phet” or “phet nit noi” to adjust the spice level.
- Use “sai thung” or “klap ban” when asking for takeaway.
- Bring small bills in case you need to pay in cash.
- Look for a busy stall popular with local customers.
- If you do not want ice in your drink, ask for it without ice when ordering.
FAQ
Where should I wait after ordering at a night market?
It is common to order and pay directly at the food stall, then wait nearby until your food is ready.
How do you say “this one, please” in Thai?
Point to the food you want and say “ao an ni.”
How do I ask for Thai food to be not spicy?
Ask for “mai phet.” If you want it a little spicy, you can say “phet nit noi.”
How do you ask for takeaway in Thai?
You can say “sai thung” or “klap ban.”
How much does Pad Thai usually cost at Bangkok street stalls?
Ordinary street stalls are listed at around 30–60 baht, while examples from dedicated street food stalls are around 50–80 baht. Prices vary by stall and area.
Are all Bangkok street stalls closed on Mondays?
Not all restaurants or night markets close on Mondays. Check whether the stall or market you plan to visit is open that day.
Official sources & check dates
- How to Order Food in Thailand Without Speaking Thai: Street Stalls, Spice Levels, and QR Payments · 2026-10-28
- How to order food in Thai: 32 restaurant phrases · 2026-10-28
- Ordering Food in Thai: Phrases and Tips · 2026-10-28
- Food Costs in Thailand: From Street Restaurants to Chef Restaurants · 2026-10-28
- Thai Street Food: Dishes & Markets · 2026-10-28
- ASEAN World-Class Culinary Heritage Cities · 2026-10-28
- Useful things to know for safe and enjoyable eating in Thailand · 2026-10-28
- Thailand Travel Advisory · 2026-10-28
- BMA Monitor: Trading area cleaning · 2026-10-28
- Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat): Street Food, Temples, Transport · 2026-10-28
- Bangkok Open Policy: Clean, orderly trading areas · 2026-10-28
- Money in Thailand: ATM Fees, Cards, VAT · 2026-10-28
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Site updated: 2026-10-28