Famous Insect Street Snacks (And Other Weird & Wonderful Food in Thailand)
- Pub Crawls Thailand
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling night market in Thailand, chances are you’ve seen the Famous Insect Snacks, trays of crispy critters gleaming under neon lights. From deep-fried crickets to spicy scorpion skewers, Thailand’s street food scene is a fearless foodie’s paradise and insects are just the beginning.
In this guide, we dive into some of the most famous (and infamous!) street snacks you’ll encounter in Thailand from the edible bugs that shock tourists to the surprisingly tasty dishes locals swear by.
🐜 Bug Bites: Thailand’s Most Famous Insect Snacks
1. Crickets (Jing Reed / จิ้งหรีด)
Crunchy, salty, and lightly spiced these protein-packed insects are a gateway bug for most first-timers. Often fried with kaffir lime leaves and served with chili powder.
Try it if: You like potato chips and want a crunchy, salty snack with an adventurous twist.
2. Grasshoppers (Takatan / ตั๊กแตน)
Bigger and spikier than crickets, grasshoppers are flash-fried to perfection and have a nutty flavor. Just watch out for the legs they like to stick in your teeth.
Where to find: Night markets in Bangkok (like Khao San Road or Ratchada), Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.
3. Silk Worm Pupae (Non Mai / ดักแด้ไหม)
Soft on the inside and slightly chewy these are often eaten like peanuts. Locals love them for their high protein content and earthy taste.
Pro tip: Close your eyes on the first bite it’s more of a texture experience.
4. Scorpions (Maeng Pawng / แมงป่อง)
The poster child for “crazy street food” in Thailand. Skewered and grilled or fried whole, they’re crunchy, intimidating, and surprisingly mild in flavor.
5. Giant Water Bugs (Maeng Da / แมงดา)
These terrifyingly large beetles are not just eaten whole their essence is used in Thai cuisine, especially in chili pastes. The meat tastes like shellfish with a floral aroma.
Fun fact: “Maeng Da” is also slang for a kind of shady person in Thai like calling someone a “pimp” or “scammer.”
😲 Other Weird & Wonderful Thai Eats (No Bugs, Still Wild)
6. Balut (Kai Luak / ไข่ลูกเขย)
Technically from the Philippines, but found in Thai-Chinese communities this fertilized duck egg contains a partially developed embryo. A local delicacy for the brave.
7. Raw Blood Soup (Larb Lueat / ลาบเลือด)
A northern Thai specialty made with raw pig’s blood, herbs, and spices. It’s rare, controversial, and not for the squeamish but highly prized by locals.
8. Chicken Feet (Teen Gai / ตีนไก่)
Often served in spicy soup or grilled with sauce. It’s all about the chewy texture and flavorful skin.
9. Century Eggs (Kai Yiew Ma / ไข่เยี่ยวม้า)
Duck eggs preserved until the yolk turns creamy black and the white becomes jelly-like. Pungent, salty, and often served with rice porridge.
10. Fermented Fish Paste (Pla Ra / ปลาร้า)
Used in northeastern Isaan dishes, this intensely smelly fish paste is an acquired taste that packs tons of umami. You’ll find it in som tam (papaya salad) upcountry.
📍 Where to Try These Foods in Thailand
Khao San Road (Bangkok): Tourist central, but a safe place to try insects.
Rod Fai Night Market (Bangkok): More authentic vibe, great for adventurous foodies.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Offers a wider variety of northern Thai oddities.
Pattaya Walking Street: Insects on skewers… served with a side of wild nightlife.
😋 Should You Try It?
If you’re in Thailand, tasting these snacks is part of the adventure. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious first-timer, trying something outside your comfort zone can make for the best travel memories and some epic stories to bring home.
So go ahead: grab that scorpion, close your eyes, and crunch into it. You might be surprised how tasty Thailand’s “weird” food actually is.
✨ Bonus Tip from Pub Crawls Thailand:
Join our pub crawl and we’ll show you exactly where to find the craziest snacks between bar stops! It’s a great icebreaker — nothing bonds strangers like daring each other to eat bugs.
Comments