Thailand’s street food scene is a paradise for adventurous eaters. Bursting with bold flavours, vibrant colours, and a bit of the unexpected, these culinary delights offer a journey into the heart of Thai culture.

If you’re ready to venture beyond the familiar and dive into the bizarre, here are eight exotic Thai street foods that will challenge your palate and ignite your sense of adventure.

1. Red Ant Egg Salad

Red Ant Egg Salad, or Tum Kai Mot Daeng, is a zesty dish made from the eggs of red ants, mixed with fresh Thai herbs. The eggs have a juicy texture and a tangy flavour similar to lime, making this salad a refreshing yet adventurous choice.

2. Dancing Shrimp

Koong Ten, or Dancing Shrimp, is a lively dish from Northern Thailand. Tiny freshwater shrimp are served live, tossed in fish sauce and lime juice. The shrimp “dance” on the plate, offering both a visual and taste sensation.

3. Deep-Fried Insects

A common sight in Bangkok and Phuket, deep-fried insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and giant water bugs are a protein-packed snack. Crunchy and surprisingly tasty, these bugs are a must-try for those seeking a novel culinary experience. Other popular options, like bamboo worms (rot duan) or silkworm pupae (nhon mai), are also worth trying. Some say that they are best enjoyed with alcoholic drinks, which complement the flavours of soy sauce and pepper.

4. Chicken Feet

Chicken feet are a beloved snack in Thailand, known for their rich collagen content. They can be enjoyed deep-fried or in a spicy tom yum broth, offering a unique texture and flavour that adventurous eaters will appreciate.

5. Fried Scorpions

A daring street food choice, fried scorpions are crunchy and slightly bitter. Make sure the stinger is removed before trying this exotic snack, which is often found in bustling markets.

6. Steamed Tadpoles with Curry Paste

Mok Huak, or steamed tadpoles wrapped in banana leaves with curry paste, is a rare and intriguing dish. It’s more commonly found in Isaan, the northeastern region of Thailand. The tadpoles are seasoned with herbs and spices, providing a unique flavour that adventurous foodies should not miss.

See also: Isaan Eats: A Guide to Thailand’s Spicy & Soulful Cuisine

7. Raw Pig’s Blood

Luu Muu is a raw pig’s blood dish seasoned with spices. Often paired with noodles or marinated pig intestines, it is for the truly brave and offers a deep dive into local culinary traditions. It’s more common in ethnic Thai restaurants, especially in the northern part of Thailand.

You may also like Northern Thai Flavors: A Culinary Adventure Beyond Khao Soi

8. Horseshoe Crab

Despite its name, the horseshoe crab is more closely related to spiders and scorpions. Typically prepared as a spicy horseshoe crab egg salad, combining the unique texture of the eggs with the bold flavours of Thai spices. However, it’s vital to check carefully before you eat because some types of horseshoe crabs are poisonous and even lethal.

Thailand’s Exotic Street Food Awaits

Thailand’s street food offers a wide variety of exotic and adventurous dishes that provide a deeper understanding of the country’s rich culinary heritage. For the daring eater, these unique foods promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey. So, next time you’re in Thailand, step out of your comfort zone and try these exotic delights.

Read more like this:

• Street Food Safari: 10 Must-Try Dishes on Thai Streets
• Sweet or Savory? 8 Irresistible Thai Snacks for Every Craving

Sources: Klook, CLEVERTHAI, Discovering Phuket