Bangkok, one of the world’s foodie capitals, caters to almost every taste, whether fine French cuisine or fresh sushi. But for tourists and locals alike, it is Thai street food that really makes the city such a culinary delight.

Dishes from all over the country are available at every hour of the day. They include som tam, a spicy green papaya salad from the northeast, and muu bing, strips of grilled pork on sticks. There are also the popular lad kao (on rice) varieties, which are stir-fried dishes like krapao moo saap – minced pork fried in garlic, fish sauce, chilli and Thai basil. The food originates from different parts of the country, making the capital’s streets reflect the kingdom as a whole.

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In April this year, the authorities announced they would purge the city of street food, in the interests of “cleanliness, safety and order”. The next area to be cleared would be Bangkok’s Chinatown and the backpacker ghetto of Khao San Road. There would be no exceptions said Wanlop Suwandee, chief adviser to the governor. “Every street vendor will have to move out.”

The announcement was met with incredulity. The authorities were quick to back-pedal, claiming they were not banning street food entirely, but regulating it. Special areas would be set up for vendors, they announced, but far from the centre. The tourist areas of Chinatown and Khao San would be spared. Tiếp tục đọc “Will Bangkok’s street food ban hold?” →