Is street food safe to eat?

Yes. If the stall is busy and the food is cooked to order in a high-heat wok, it is perfectly safe. Avoid food sitting out at room temperature for long periods.

No. Tipping is not expected at street food stalls. Simply rounding up to the nearest 10 or 20 THB is a nice gesture if you really liked the meal.

What if I have a nut allergy?

Peanuts are everywhere. Learn to say 'Mai sai tua' (no peanuts). If your allergy is severe, it is safer to stick to restaurants where you can explain your condition clearly in writing.

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To eat like a local in Thailand, look for stalls with a high turnover of Thai customers, point to what you want, and master the basic seasoning set found on every table. Don't be afraid of the spice; just be ready to use sugar, fish sauce, and chili vinegar to balance your bowl.

Scout the stall. Avoid places that look empty or have glossy menus with pictures. Look for stalls with small plastic stools, a bubbling pot of broth, and a long queue of locals. The more specialized the stall (e.g., one that only sells noodle soup), the better the food.
Get the attention of the vendor. Catch the server's eye and raise a hand slightly. If they are busy, walk to the prep area and stand nearby until they nod at you. Don't wait for a waiter to bring you a menu.
Use basic food vocabulary. Learn three essential words: 'Sen' (noodles), 'Kai' (chicken), and 'Moo' (pork). To order, say the protein followed by the noodle type. If you want it mild, say 'Mai Phet' (not spicy), though keep in mind that most street food comes pre-spiced.
Master the 'Puang Prik' (condiment set). Every table has a metal or plastic caddy with four jars: dried chili flakes, sugar, fish sauce with chilies (prik nam pla), and vinegar with chili slices. A local tip: add a teaspoon of sugar to your noodle soup to balance the savory broth.
The payment routine. Don't ask for the bill at the table. Once you finish, walk to the prep area or the vendor's cash box, point to your empty bowl, and say 'Chek bin' (check bill) or 'Keb tang' (keep the money/pay). Keep small bills (20, 50, 100 THB) handy.

Is street food safe to eat?: Yes. If the stall is busy and the food is cooked to order in a high-heat wok, it is perfectly safe. Avoid food sitting out at room temperature for long periods.
Do I need to tip?: No. Tipping is not expected at street food stalls. Simply rounding up to the nearest 10 or 20 THB is a nice gesture if you really liked the meal.
What if I have a nut allergy?: Peanuts are everywhere. Learn to say 'Mai sai tua' (no peanuts). If your allergy is severe, it is safer to stick to restaurants where you can explain your condition clearly in writing.