Best Street Food Markets with Kid-Friendly Options in Thailand

Thailand is a food lover’s paradise, with an extensive array of street food that caters to every palate. While the street food scene is famous for its bold flavors and unique offerings, it can also be a family-friendly experience, especially with children. Many markets in Thailand offer delicious and safe street food options that are not only fun for kids but also allow families to experience the local culture and flavors together. Here’s a guide to the best street food markets in Thailand with kid-friendly options.

 

1. Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok)

 

Location: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok

One of the largest and most famous street markets in Thailand, Chatuchak Weekend Market (also known as JJ Market) is a great place for families. With over 15,000 stalls offering everything from clothing to toys to food, Chatuchak is an all-encompassing market that also has plenty of food options suitable for kids.

 

Kid-Friendly Food Options:

• Ice Cream and Sorbet Stalls: There are several stalls offering refreshing fruit-based ice creams and sorbets, ideal for the hot Bangkok weather.
• Satay Skewers: Chicken or pork satay is a popular, mild, and easy-to-eat dish for kids.
• Fried Spring Rolls: These are simple and delicious, with vegetables and sometimes chicken, making them a hit with children.
• Fried Bananas (Kluay Tod): A sweet, crispy snack made from deep-fried bananas, which is both sweet and easy for little hands to hold.
• Mango Sticky Rice: A traditional Thai dessert that combines sweet coconut sticky rice and fresh mango, which many kids enjoy for its sweet, creamy flavor.
   

Additional Tips:

• The market is shaded, making it relatively comfortable to explore during the daytime, and it has plenty of seating areas where families can relax and enjoy their meals.
• Keep an eye out for the live animal sections, like pet shops or areas with fish and small animals, which might intrigue younger kids.

 

2. Asiatique The Riverfront (Bangkok)

 

Location: 2194 Charoenkrung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok

Asiatique The Riverfront is an open-air night market with a great mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s located by the Chao Phraya River, providing a scenic atmosphere. Asiatique offers a kid-friendly environment, with lots of space, entertainment options like a Ferris wheel, and numerous food stalls.

 

Kid-Friendly Food Options:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Simple, easy-to-eat, and delicious, grilled corn is a healthy option that kids love.
• Pad Thai: This famous Thai dish can be made with mild seasoning for children, offering a perfect balance of flavors without being too spicy.
• Chicken and Pork Skewers: Grilled meat skewers are easy to eat with hands, and you can often find a variety of dipping sauces to choose from.
• Coconut Pancakes (Kanom Krok): A sweet and savory treat that consists of small, crispy pancakes made with coconut milk, ideal for little ones.
• Fresh Fruit Juices & Smoothies: Fresh fruit juices and smoothies made from tropical fruits like mango, watermelon, and coconut are a healthy and refreshing treat for kids.
   

Additional Tips:

• The market has a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere with kid-friendly performances and a lot of open space for children to run around.
• Asiatique has many international food options as well, making it easy to cater to picky eaters or those less inclined toward Thai street food.

 

3. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (Chiang Mai)

 

Location: Chang Klan Rd, Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a must-visit market in northern Thailand. It’s an excellent place to explore local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. While many of the food options are spicy, there are several stalls offering milder and kid-friendly choices, especially in the area dedicated to food.

 

Kid-Friendly Food Options:

• Sticky Rice and Mango: A popular Thai dessert made with sweet sticky rice and fresh mango, this is an excellent option for kids who have a sweet tooth.
• Grilled Meat Skewers: Mildly seasoned grilled meat skewers, particularly chicken, pork, or fish, make for an easy and tasty option for kids.
• Crispy Fried Chicken: A simple, kid-friendly dish that is universally loved by children. The crispy fried chicken is typically served with a mild dipping sauce.
• Thai Crepes (Kanom Bueang): These crispy crepes are often filled with coconut cream, egg, or sweet toppings like fruit, making them a fun and sweet snack for kids.
   

Additional Tips:

• The market has a lot of street performers and entertainers, which can keep kids entertained while you shop or eat.
• It’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs, especially for families who want to explore the local art scene.

 

4. Ratchada Train Night Market (Bangkok)

 

Location: Ratchadaphisek Road, Din Daeng, Bangkok

The Ratchada Train Night Market is known for its vibrant atmosphere, variety of food, and family-friendly ambiance. It’s located near the cultural center of Bangkok and is one of the more accessible night markets. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a more laid-back, kid-friendly street food experience.

 

Kid-Friendly Food Options:

• Fried Chicken Wings: Crispy and flavorful, these are easy to eat for children, and they can be paired with a mild dipping sauce.
• Thai Pancakes (Kanom Krok): These mini coconut pancakes are sweet and fun to eat, making them perfect for younger kids.
• Grilled Sausages: Mildly flavored grilled sausages are an easy and tasty option for kids.
• Fried Fish Balls: A light and crispy snack that kids can easily dip into sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce.
• Fruit Shakes and Smoothies: Fresh tropical fruit shakes like coconut, mango, and watermelon are not only refreshing but also healthy.
   

Additional Tips:

• The market has lots of brightly colored lights, carnival-like energy, and fun activities for kids, like small amusement rides and games.
• While it’s a bustling market, the area is relatively clean and well-maintained, with lots of benches for resting.

 

5. Hua Hin Night Market (Hua Hin)

 

Location: Dechanuchit Rd, Hua Hin

Known for its charming, coastal atmosphere, Hua Hin Night Market offers a great family-friendly experience. Located in the heart of the city, the market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to explore local flavors while also enjoying the breezy coastal weather.

 

Kid-Friendly Food Options:

• Pineapple Fried Rice: A mild, yet flavorful dish made with rice, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp or chicken, served in a hollowed-out pineapple. It’s both visually appealing and delicious.
• Fried Spring Rolls: Light and crunchy, fried spring rolls are filled with vegetables or meat and are typically served with a dipping sauce.
• Coconut Ice Cream: Served in a coconut shell with a variety of toppings like peanuts and corn, this is a refreshing dessert that kids will love.
• Thai Fried Fish: Simple and lightly seasoned fried fish that is easy to eat, especially for younger children.
• Thai Waffles (Kanom Gai): A sweet snack that kids can enjoy as a dessert or quick treat while wandering the market.
   

Additional Tips:

• The market is located near the beach, offering a relaxing atmosphere for families to stroll around and enjoy food with a view.
• It’s quieter and less crowded than some of the other major markets, making it a more comfortable experience for families with small children.
   

6. Patong Beach Night Market (Phuket)

 

Location: Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket

Located on the lively Patong Beach, the Patong Beach Night Market offers a variety of street food options, making it a great spot for families with children. While the area can get busy, it’s known for its diverse food choices and vibrant nightlife.

 

Kid-Friendly Food Options:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Simple and sweet, grilled corn is a kid-friendly snack that’s both nutritious and tasty.
• Thai Popcorn: Lightly seasoned with a sprinkle of salt or sugar, this is a fun snack for kids to nibble on.
• Chicken Satay: Mildly seasoned grilled chicken skewers are perfect for kids who enjoy finger food.
• Banana Fritters: These are deep-fried banana slices coated in a light batter, making for a sweet and crispy treat that kids love.
   

Additional Tips:

• The market is close to Patong Beach, making it easy to combine a visit to the beach with a stroll through the market.
• While it’s more lively in the evenings, the market is quite safe, with many family-oriented restaurants and eateries nearby.

 

Thailand’s street food markets offer a rich and diverse culinary experience, with options to suit every family. From grilled meats to fresh fruit shakes, these markets provide kid-friendly choices that will excite even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you're in bustling Bangkok or on the scenic shores of Hua Hin, there's a street food market where both adults and kids can indulge in delicious local treats while enjoying the lively atmosphere and cultural experiences that Thailand has to offer