Eating out on a budget in Bangkok

Bangkok is an extremely popular tourist destination, inviting guests from across the globe every year. If you are a frequent traveller, you probably understand the importance of strict budgeting, especially when travelling to foreign countries. That being said, travelling on a budget does not mean you have to restrict your experiences or lower your expectations. This article will discuss the nuances of Bangkok's food and drink experiences, along with the local tourism industry and how you can experience the city in style, whilst also on a budget.

A brief history of Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, making it a vibrant and exhilarating place that many tourists enjoy exploring frequently. The capital perfectly blends an assortment of historical and religious artefacts with its irresistible nightlife. The city itself is split up into 50 districts, which are then divided into a further 169 subdistricts. These districts can help tourists navigate and better discover the city's vast landscape.

Originally, Bangkok was just a small village located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. In the late 18th century, after the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin the Great transformed this feeble village into Siam's capital city. The city was originally named Thonburi and after centuries of increased industrialisation and development, it was eventually renamed Bangkok in 1948.

The city's rich history makes it a suitable tourist hotspot for those looking to expand their horizons and learn more about the development of Thailand itself.

Bangkok's diverse cuisine

Being such a multi-cultural city, Bangkok hosts an assortment of food and drink experiences. Whether it be traditional street food dishes such as pad thai, or more elegant feasts like Kuay Teow Kua Gai, this city has something for everyone to enjoy. Guests are encouraged to try new dishes and revolutionise their pallets, as Thailand's wondrous food scene is not always for the faint of heart.

The best food and drink tours in Bangkok

Food and drink tours are a fantastic way to delve into a country's food scene, without breaking the bank. These experiences offer you the chance to test out new flavours and dishes alongside other tourists and citizens. Frequent travellers consider these tours the best way to eat and drink in Bangkok. So, here are the top three food and drink tours in Bangkok.

Private Bangkok Chinatown Street Food Walking Tour

This 4 hour street food tour will help you explore the flavours of the Chinatown district of Thailand's capital city. With a private guide to accompany you, the tour includes culinary highlights such as the busy Yaowarat Road. While you may be in the heart of Chinatown, the food on offer also provides a truly authentic feel of Thai cuisine.

Street Food Hunt at Chatuchak Market

Here you'll visit one of the regions most popular markets, with some of the most incredible food available. It's also the perfect way to eat out on a budget in Bangkok, as authentic street food is notoriously cheap compared to some of the fine-dining restaurants. Yet, the stalls here will serve up the most delightful dishes imaginable. While it may get busy, we recommend visiting the famous Chatuchak Market at the weekends, when you'll have a far greater choice on offer.

Snacks, Markets and More

This isn't just a food tour, but the delightful treats along the way are certainly what makes this one ideal for foodies on their travels. As you'll learn all about Thai culture, beyond that of the local cuisine, as well as stopping off at the Flower Market, the Old Siam, Phahurat and Sampaeng.

Book a food and drink tour in Bangkok today with tabl.com.

How to save money when eating out in Bangkok

Although food and wine tours can be a great asset to any trip, they can sometimes be a little overpriced for the average traveller. However, there is a multitude of ways that you can save money when dining in Bangkok.

Try street food dishes

As mentioned throughout this article, street food is considered to be a significant staple in Bangkok's food and drinks industry. The food is prepared quickly and simply, meaning that you can get a meal in just a few minutes. Plus, these dishes are mostly prepared traditionally and authentically, allowing you to get a true taste of Thailand for a lower price.

Look online to find discount codes

Due to the vast and competitive nature of Bangkok's food scene, many restaurants offer discounts and vouchers to help gain more traction in their establishments. As such, you can save money on high-end meals and still experience some of the city's finest restaurants.

Try foods outside of your comfort zone

More often than not, western fast food establishments can be very expensive in foreign countries. So, instead of reaching for that generic burger and fries, partake in trying a new dish. This can stop you from spending excessive amounts of cash on the food you can easily get back home.

Dine in local restaurants

Many Thai locals dine in indigenous establishments, as they can often be a lot cheaper than standard chain restaurants. Try to look out for family-owned restaurants and cafes. By doing this, you can support smaller businesses and seek out those hidden hot spots.

Bangkok is an extremely busy city, filled with fun, adventure, and new experiences. Dining in Bangkok is often an integral part of any traveller's trip, offering them the chance to explore the city from a variety of unique perspectives.

If you are looking to save money on dining experiences, or just discover Bangkok's food scene in a different way, why not browse through our extensive range of food tours and experiences at tabl.

10 Types of Food You Should Try in Bangkok

The great thing about Thai cuisine is the variety available, after all the food you should try in Bangkok doesn’t just begin and end with rice and noodles. Read this article 10 Types of Food You Should Try in Bangkok for more insights