By Fathima Rukaiya,
Southeast Asia is a paradise for foodies; rich in flavors, cultural diversity, and some of the world’s best street cuisine. From smoky hawker stalls to floating markets and night bazaars, this region offers unforgettable dishes at unbeatable prices. Let’s journey through 7 countries, each with its must-try street food.
1. Thailand
Where to Eat: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket night markets
Must – Try Foods:
Pad Thai – Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and lime.
Price: THB 50 – 80 ($1.40–$2.25)
Som Tum (Papaya Salad) is a green papaya salad that is spicy and tart.
Price: THB 40 – 60 ($1.10–$1.70)
Moo Ping – Grilled pork skewers with sticky rice.
Price: THB 10 – 15 per skewer ($0.30–$0.40)
Best Location: Bangkok’s Ratchada Rot Fai Night Market.
2. Vietnam
Where to Eat: Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Must – Try Foods:
Bánh Mì, a Vietnamese sandwich with pate, pork, and pickles.
Price: VND 20,000 – 35,000 ($0.80–$1.40)
Phở – Noodle soup with herbs, beef or chicken.
Price: VND 30,000 – 60,000 ($1.20–$2.40)
Fresh spring rolls, or Gỏi Cuốn, are rice paper rolls stuffed with pork, shrimp, and herbs.
Price: VND 10,000 – 15,000 per roll ($0.40–$0.60)
Try pho at Pho Thin in Hanoi, a famous restaurant that is still quite popular in 2025.
3. Malaysia
Where to Eat: Penang (George Town), Kuala Lumpur’s Jalan Alor
Must – Try Foods:
Char Kway Teow – Consists of flat noodles topped with shrimp, Chinese sausage, and egg.
Price: MYR 7–10 ($1.50–$2.10)
Nasi Lemak – Coconut rice accompanied by peanuts, sambal, anchovies, and an egg.
Price: MYR 5 – 8 ($1.05–$1.70)
Roti Canai – Crispy flatbread served with curry or dhal.
Price: MYR 2 – 3.50 ($0.40–$0.75)
For a traditional Malaysian meal, visit Penang’s Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.
4. Indonesia
Where to Eat: Night Markets in Bali, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta
Must – Try Foods:
Nasi Goreng – Fried rice with chicken, egg, and sweet soy sauce.
Cost: IDR 15,000 – 25,000 ($0.95–$1.60)
Satay – Grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce
Price: IDR 2,000 – 4,000 per skewer ($0.13–$0.26)
Martabak: Filled pancakes, either sweet or savory.
Price: IDR 20,000–40,000 ($1.30–$2.60)
Local Favorite: Savor the classic Javanese treat known as “Gudeg” (sweet jackfruit stew) in Yogyakarta.
5. Philippines
Where to Eat: Manila’s Quiapo Market, Cebu’s Larsian BBQ
Must – Try Foods:
Isaw – Grilled chicken intestines, a local favorite.
Price: PHP 5 – 10 per skewer ($0.09–$0.18)
Balut – Fertilized duck egg
Price: PHP 15 – 25 ($0.27–$0.45)
Halo-Halo – A dessert of shaved ice, beans, and jelly.
Price: PHP 40 – 70 ($0.75–$1.30)
You can get fresh seafood at Manila’s Dampa Seaside Market and have it prepared right there.
6. Cambodia
Where to Eat: Phnom Penh’s Russian Market, Siem Reap Night Market
Must – Try Foods:
Nom Banh Chok – Made with khmer noodles and green curry fish gravy.
Price: KHR 3,000 – 5,000 ($0.75–$1.25)
Bai Sach Chrouk – Grilled pork with rice and pickles.
Price: KHR 4,000 – 6,000 ($1.00–$1.50)
Fried Tarantula – A crispy treat for thrill-seekers
Price: KHR 4,000 – 8,000 ($1.00–$2.00)
Bugs Café in Siem Reap offers creative insect-based dishes.
7. Laos
Where to Eat: The riverside booths in Vientiane and the Luang Prabang Night Market
Must – Try Foods:
Khao Jee – Bánh Mì sandwich prepared in the Lao way.
Price: LAK 10,000 – 15,000 ($0.50–$0.75)
Laap – A salad with minced beef, lime, and herbs.
Price: LAK 15,000 – 25,000 ($0.75–$1.30)
Khao Piak Sen – Chicken based thick rice noodle soup.
Price: LAK 15,000 – 20,000 ($0.75–$1.00)
The street cuisine by the Mekong is excellent and peaceful in the morning.
In addition to being affordable and delicious, street food serves as a window to a country’s culture. In Southeast Asia, it’s a nightly ritual, a social event, and a culinary adventure all rolled into one.
Ready to explore Southeast Asia one bite at a time? This is your bucket list for 2025; get your appetite and rucksack and head to sample the continent!
