Thai Breakfast — Complete Guide in 2025
Thai breakfast can be very different from what you're used to at home. Instead of cereal and toast, Thais eat hearty dishes such as chicken and rice, rice porridge, and fried rice. In this article, we'll tell you about popular Thai breakfasts, where to find them, how much they cost, and share tips for tourists.
Popular Thai Breakfasts
Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)
Khao Man Gai is one of the most popular breakfast dishes in Thailand. The dish consists of steamed chicken and rice cooked in chicken broth. Served with sauce and light soup.
Why it's a good breakfast:
- Not spicy
- Filling
- Easy to digest
- Popular among locals
Where to find: Street stalls, specialized Khao Man Gai restaurants
Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD)
Jok (Rice Porridge)
Jok is rice porridge with various additions such as chicken, pork, egg, or fish. The dish is served hot and is especially popular in the morning.
Why it's a good breakfast:
- Easy to digest
- Filling
- Can choose additions
- Popular among locals
Where to find: Street stalls, specialized Jok restaurants
Price: 40-60 baht (1.2-1.8 USD)
Khao Tom (Rice Soup)
Khao Tom is rice soup with various additions such as chicken, pork, or seafood. The dish is served hot and is especially popular in the morning.
Why it's a good breakfast:
- Easy to digest
- Filling
- Can choose additions
- Popular among locals
Where to find: Street stalls, specialized restaurants
Price: 40-60 baht (1.2-1.8 USD)
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Khao Pad is fried rice with egg and meat that is popular for breakfast. The dish is usually not spicy and filling.
Why it's a good breakfast:
- Filling
- Usually not spicy
- Popular among tourists
- Available everywhere
Where to find: Street stalls, restaurants, food courts
Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD)
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is fried rice noodles that are also popular for breakfast. The dish is usually not spicy and filling.
Why it's a good breakfast:
- Filling
- Usually not spicy
- Popular among tourists
- Available everywhere
Where to find: Street stalls, restaurants
Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD)
Where to Find Thai Breakfast
Street Stalls
Street stalls are the best place for Thai breakfast. Many stalls operate from early morning (from 6:00) and offer fresh food at affordable prices.
Advantages:
- Fresh food
- Low prices
- Authentic taste
- Popular among locals
Specialized Restaurants
Specialized restaurants, such as Khao Man Gai and Jok restaurants, offer traditional Thai breakfasts at affordable prices.
Advantages:
- Traditional recipes
- Affordable prices
- Comfortable setting
7-Eleven
7-Eleven offers ready-made breakfast food such as chicken rice and sandwiches at very affordable prices.
Advantages:
- Open 24/7
- Affordable prices
- Convenient
Hotels
Hotels usually offer breakfasts, but they may be more expensive and less authentic than street food.
Tips for Tourists
Start with Safe Dishes
Start with safe dishes such as Khao Man Gai or Jok, which are usually not spicy and easy to digest.
Try Street Stalls
Street stalls offer the most authentic Thai breakfast at affordable prices. Choose stalls with many customers.
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
Try different dishes to find your favorite Thai breakfast.
Use FoodSensAI
Use FoodSensAI — our bot will help you find the best places for breakfast near you, taking into account your preferences.
Try in Different Cities
Thai breakfast can differ depending on the region. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, you can find many options.
Popular Breakfast Combinations
Classic Breakfast
- Khao Man Gai + Thai iced tea = 65-105 baht (2-3.15 USD)
Light Breakfast
- Jok + Drink = 50-80 baht (1.5-2.4 USD)
Hearty Breakfast
- Khao Pad + Drink = 70-110 baht (2.1-3.3 USD)
Opening Hours
Street Stalls
- Usually open from 6:00 to 10:00 or 11:00
- Some operate until lunch
Restaurants
- Usually open from 7:00 to 10:00 or 11:00
- Some operate until lunch
7-Eleven
- Open 24/7
Conclusion
Thai breakfast is a great way to start the day in Thailand. From Khao Man Gai to Jok — everyone will find something to their liking. Try street stalls for the most authentic experience and don't be afraid to experiment. 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 breakfast near you!
