Cheap Eats in Bangkok — Budget Guide in 2025
Bangkok is a paradise for budget travelers, where you can eat deliciously for very little money. From street stalls with cheap and tasty food to food courts in shopping malls — Bangkok offers many options for those who want to save without sacrificing taste. In this article, we'll tell you about the best places for cheap food in Bangkok, share money-saving tips, and help you navigate the variety of offers in the capital.
Where to Find Cheap Food
Street Stalls
Street stalls are the best place for cheap food in Bangkok. Here you can find delicious dishes for 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD), and often the street version is tastier than the restaurant version.
Popular dishes:
- Khao Man Gai — 50-80 baht
- Pad Thai — 50-80 baht
- Khao Pad — 50-80 baht
- Pad Kra Pao — 50-80 baht
Best places:
- Siam area
- Chatuchak Market
- Khao San Road
- Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Food Courts in Shopping Malls
Food courts in shopping malls offer diverse food at affordable prices (60-120 baht). Here you can find both Thai and international cuisine.
Advantages:
- Air conditioning
- Cleanliness
- Variety of dishes
- Affordable prices
Popular shopping malls:
- MBK Center
- Siam Paragon
- CentralWorld
- Terminal 21
7-Eleven
7-Eleven is a chain of convenience stores where you can find ready-made food for 25-50 baht (0.75-1.5 USD). Stores are open 24/7 and offer a wide range of products.
Popular products:
- Chicken rice — 35-50 baht
- Noodles — 15-30 baht
- Sandwiches — 25-40 baht
- Drinks — 15-30 baht
Markets
Markets offer diverse food at affordable prices (50-100 baht). Here you can find both ready-made food and fresh products.
Popular markets:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Talad Rot Fai (Train Market)
- Ratchada Night Market
Cheapest Dishes
Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)
Khao Man Gai is one of the cheapest and safest dishes. Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD).
Where to find:
- Street stalls
- Specialized Khao Man Gai restaurants
- Food courts
Pad Thai (Fried Noodles)
Pad Thai is a popular and cheap dish. Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD).
Where to find:
- Street stalls
- Food courts
- Restaurants
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Khao Pad is a simple and cheap dish. Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD).
Where to find:
- Street stalls
- Food courts
- Restaurants
Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are the cheapest dish. Price: 15-30 baht (0.45-0.9 USD).
Where to find:
- 7-Eleven
- Street stalls
- Mini-markets
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at Street Stalls
Street stalls are usually cheaper than restaurants and often tastier. Choose stalls with many customers.
Use Food Courts
Food courts in shopping malls offer diverse food at affordable prices. This is a good option for those who want to save but prefer comfort.
Buy at 7-Eleven
7-Eleven offers ready-made food at very affordable prices. This is a good option for breakfast or snacks.
Avoid Tourist Areas
Tourist areas, such as Khao San, are usually more expensive. Try to find stalls in less touristy areas.
Eat at Lunch Time
Lunch time (11:00-14:00) is the best time for cheap food, as many restaurants offer special lunch menus.
Budget Routes
Breakfast
Option 1: 7-Eleven
- Chicken rice + Thai iced tea = 50-75 baht (1.5-2.25 USD)
Option 2: Street Stall
- Khao Man Gai = 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD)
Lunch
Option 1: Street Stall
- Pad Thai + Drink = 70-110 baht (2.1-3.3 USD)
Option 2: Food Court
- Dish + Drink = 80-150 baht (2.4-4.5 USD)
Dinner
Option 1: Street Stall
- Khao Pad + Drink = 70-110 baht (2.1-3.3 USD)
Option 2: Market
- Dish + Drink = 70-120 baht (2.1-3.6 USD)
Where to Find Cheap Food
Siam Area
Siam area offers many street stalls and food courts at affordable prices.
Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market offers diverse food at affordable prices.
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Chinatown offers many street stalls with cheap and tasty food.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road offers many food options, but prices may be slightly higher than in other areas.
Using FoodSensAI
Use FoodSensAI — our bot will help you find the best places for cheap food near you, taking into account your budget and preferences.
Conclusion
Bangkok offers many options for cheap food, from street stalls to food courts. Choose stalls with many customers, use food courts for comfort, and don't be afraid to experiment. With the right approach, you can eat deliciously in Bangkok for very little money. Use our recommendations as a starting point, but don't be afraid to explore on your own — the best discoveries are often made by accident! Use FoodSensAI to find the best places for cheap food near you!
