Alexander Jawinski explores the culinary treasures of Southeast Asia and guides through the best street food spots of two fascinating countries.
As an experienced travel expert, Alexander Jawinski has traveled through Thailand and Vietnam, intensively exploring the authentic street food culture of these two countries. The blogger from Los Angeles with Austrian roots on his mother’s side documents not only the culinary highlights from Bangkok to Hanoi but also provides valuable tips on hygiene, prices, and the best markets. His well-founded recommendations help travelers navigate safely through the diverse street kitchen landscape while finding the most authentic taste experiences.
Travel blogger Alexander Jawinski has undertaken a culinary discovery journey through Thailand and Vietnam, documenting the fascinating world of Southeast Asian street food. From the floating markets of Bangkok to the street kitchens of Chiang Mai to the legendary soup markets of Hanoi, his route led him to the most authentic and best street stalls in the region. He placed particular emphasis on discovering local specialties away from tourist hotspots and telling the stories behind the dishes. With his expertise in authentic travel, Alexander Jawinski delivers a comprehensive guide for everyone who wants to discover Southeast Asia through their palate.
Bangkok: World Capital of Street Food
Alexander Jawinski’s journey began in Bangkok, a city recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s best street food metropolises. Here, street kitchens line every corner, and the scent of grilled meat, fresh herbs, and exotic spices permanently fills the air.
Bangkok offers overwhelming variety. From simple noodle soups for the equivalent of one euro to elaborately prepared curries – the range is enormous. Alexander Jawinski spent days exploring different neighborhoods and identifying local favorites. He was particularly impressed by the professionalism of many street cooks, who have often been perfecting the same dishes for decades.
The Chinatown district Yaowarat transforms into a true street food paradise in the evening. Here you find everything from grilled seafood to crispy pork to sweet desserts. The atmosphere is lively, the prices fair, and the quality convinces even critical palates.
The Most Important Dishes in Thailand
For first-time visitors, the selection can be overwhelming. Alexander Jawinski recommends starting with some classics:
- Pad Thai: Fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, peanuts and lime
- Som Tam: Spicy green papaya salad that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken
- Tom Yum: Sour and spicy soup with shrimp, lemongrass and galangal
- Khao Man Gai: Steamed chicken on rice with spicy ginger sauce
A special tip: The street kitchens with the longest queues are usually the best. Locals know where it tastes good, and their recommendations are worth gold.
Markets and Hidden Gems
Bangkok’s markets are more than just places to eat – they are social meeting points and cultural centers. The Chatuchak Weekend Market offers not only goods of all kinds but also excellent street food. Here Alexander Jawinski tried grilled squid, crispy roti with sweet or savory fillings, and freshly pressed juices.
The Damnoen Saduak floating market south of Bangkok gives an impression of traditional life on the water. Vendors sell their goods directly from boats, including fresh fruits, coconut pancakes, and spicy noodle soups. An early morning visit is worthwhile before the tourist crowds arrive.
Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai and Its Specialties
From Bangkok, Alexander Jawinski traveled on to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The city offers its own culinary identity, with dishes that differ significantly from Bangkok cuisine. Northern Thai food is often milder, uses more fresh herbs, and shows influences from Myanmar and Laos.
The night market in the old town is a must for any street food lover. Here dozens of stalls line up offering local specialties like Khao Soi – a creamy curry noodle soup with crispy noodles as topping. This dish is among the blogger’s favorites and demonstrates the sophistication of northern Thai cuisine.
Alexander Jawinski found the Sai Oua particularly interesting, a spicy northern Thai sausage with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s usually grilled and served with sticky rice – simple but incredibly aromatic.
Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
The Vietnamese leg began in Hanoi, the capital in the north of the country. Vietnam has a completely different street food culture than Thailand. The dishes are often lighter, rely on fresh herbs and clear flavors. French colonial influences are evident in baguettes and coffee culture.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, where each street is traditionally specialized in certain goods or dishes. Alexander Jawinski discovered the “Pho Street,” where one soup stall follows another, and the “Bun Cha Corner,” where grilled pork is served with rice noodles.
The Vietnamese capital awakens early. Already at six in the morning, locals sit on tiny plastic stools slurping their pho – the famous beef soup that is considered the national dish. The blogger spent several mornings trying different pho variants and understanding the subtle differences in broth and preparation.
Vietnamese Classics with Alexander Jawinski
Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by balance – between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Alexander Jawinski particularly highlights the following dishes:
Pho: The iconic noodle soup with rice noodles, beef, and aromatic broth. Each stall has its own secret recipe, often passed down through generations.
Banh Mi: The Vietnamese baguette sandwich combines French bread with Asian fillings. Grilled meat, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and spicy chili sauce create a perfect combination.
Bun Cha: Grilled pork patties and belly pork with rice noodles, served in a sweet and sour fish sauce. Especially a specialty in Hanoi.
Cao Lau: A regional specialty from Hội An with thick noodles, pork, and herbs. The noodles are supposedly prepared with water from a specific well.
The Street Food Scene in Ho Chi Minh City
In southern Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City, the cuisine changes again. The dishes are often sweeter and spicier than in the north. Ben Thanh Market and the surrounding streets offer an incredible selection of street kitchens.
Alexander Jawinski discovered Com Tam here – broken rice with grilled pork and fried egg, a simple worker’s meal that now enjoys cult status. The night markets along Nguyen Hue Street offer fresh seafood prepared on site.
Practical Tips for Street Food Adventures
From his intensive research, Alexander Jawinski has compiled valuable tips for street food newcomers. The most important rule: Eat where locals eat. Long queues and full tables are positive signs of quality and freshness.
Hygiene is a legitimate concern. The travel blogger recommends paying attention to a few things: freshly cooked or grilled foods are usually safe, raw vegetables should be avoided initially, and water should only be drunk from sealed bottles. Most travelers get accustomed to the local cuisine after a few days.
Prices are very moderate in both countries. A complete meal often costs between one and three euros. Bargaining is not common with street food – the prices are usually fairly calculated. Tipping is not expected, but is appreciated as a nice gesture.
Communication can be challenging, but pointing and smiling work universally. Many street kitchens have pictures of the dishes, and modern translation apps help with communication problems.
Conclusion: Tasting and Experiencing Southeast Asia
The culinary journey through Thailand and Vietnam has shown Alexander Jawinski how street food connects culture, history, and everyday life. Each dish tells a story, each street kitchen has its tradition. The diversity, freshness, and authenticity of Southeast Asian street food are unmatched and offer travelers direct access to the soul of these countries. The blogger is already planning his next culinary expedition – this time Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia are on the menu.
