Kentucky or Korean fried chicken may be very famous, but there’s nothing quite like Thai fried chicken. Specifically, Hat Yai fried chicken, showered with fried shallots and served alongside hot sticky rice, is likely one of the most underrated street food dishes in Thailand. Here, we’ve rounded up the best street food vendors frying up the best Thai fried chicken in Bangkok, for the next time you’re craving these finger-licking-aroi drumsticks (and more).
While Thai KFC’s wing zaap are undeniably pretty good, street food fried chicken is where it’s really at. You can smell it from a mile away when it’s made fresh, and more often than not, it’ll be hard to resist a saunter over to the stall. Most commonly served with sticky rice, sometimes with jaew sauce, and sometimes with fried shallots, Thai fried chicken is among the most popular street foods in Bangkok — even if there are not as many “famous” stalls that sell it. In fact, ask most Bangkokians where they get theirs, and it’s likely they’ll point you to their nearest condo regular, office lunch market, or random BTS station. Therefore, take our listing with a pinch of salt (and maybe MSG).
What is Thai fried chicken?
Thai fried chicken or gai tod is a beloved street food in Bangkok. The chicken is prepared with a rich marinade of herbs and spices, often including coriander root, garlic, and black pepper. The most popular variations hail from Hat Yai in the south, where it is served with fried shallots and a sweet chili sauce, or from Isan in the northeast, where it is served with a more spicy-sour sauce.
Thai fried chicken is especially crispy, given its rice flour coating, and has a distinct orange-ish colour. Depending on the region, it is also marinated with either fish sauce, coconut milk, turmeric, or chili, for extra aromatics. The chicken is known for its especially crispy skin, and very tender inside.
How to enjoy Thai fried chicken
Forget your French fries, your celery sticks, and pickles. In Thailand we do fried chicken with sticky rice. Depending on the style, Thai fried chicken can also come with crispy fried shallots (the more the merrier), a sweet chilli sauce, and fresh coriander. If you’re enjoying it northeastern style, it is likely you will also enjoy the chicken alongside other northeastern dishes such as larb and som tam. In fact, it is common for som tam, fried chicken, and sticky rice to arrive together as a set.
Where to find the best Thai fried chicken in Bangkok
Polo Fried Chicken
The most famous Thai fried chicken in Bangkok
This is the first name to pass any Bangkokian’s lips when it comes to Thai fried chicken recommendations in Bangkok. Located in the snazzy Lumpini area, Polo Fried Chicken has become an institution for northeastern fried chicken. Go for the famous whole fried chicken for a taste of the best stuff, and be sure to pair with other really, really good Isan favourites like the blue crab som tam, grilled pork neck, spicy pork soup, and fried curry fish cakes – to name a few.
Opening times: Daily, 7am-9pm
Location: 137/1-3 Sanam Khli, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest BTS/MRT: MRT Lumphini
More info: Polo Fried Chicken
Bangman Hat Yai Fried Chicken
The best fried chicken biryani in town
Located in Phra Khanong, Bangman makes Hat Yai fried chicken, and is a popular street food restaurant for local residents and visitors alike. While it can be ordered for delivery, it definitely tastes best fresh in store. The fried chicken biryani is the must-try here, making for an alternative pairing to classic sticky rice. Aromatic, delicious, and super filling.
Opening times: Daily, 3pm-12am
Location: Saeng Thip, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest BTS/MRT: BTS Phra Khanong
More info: Google Maps link
Bang Dean Chicken Hat Yai
Less oily, sells out fast
Bang Dean Chicken Hat Yai is rumoured to sell out fairly fast, so it’s good to get here on time. The Thai fried chicken is not particularly oily, and is praised for not being too greasy. Nonetheless, it manages to hold its crisp, and loyal diners have followed this street food vendor from her previous location to her newer outlet near Rama 4 Road.
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 3.30-9pm
Location: Saen Suk, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Nearest BTS/MRT: BTS Thong Lor
More info: Google Maps link
J Poon Fried Chicken
Beginner-friendly
This area is well-known for its street food, so we aren’t surprised that there’s a highly recommended fried chicken spot, too. J Poon Fried Chicken makes Thai fried chicken that is crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The menu is pretty varied (they even serve Pad Thai), but real ones will know that it would be rude not to order the som tam for a fair pairing. This place also has an English menu, so it’s good for bringing visiting friends, too.
Opening times: Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm
Location: 856 Maha Chai Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Nearest BTS/MRT: MRT Sam Yot
More info: Google Maps link
Haroy
Hat Yai chicken wraps for trendy youngsters
Banthat Thong round is the hangout for university students with a big appetite, and Haroy has managed to find to find a way to make Hat Yai fried chicken to suit this clientele. You can get the classic chicken drumsticks, thighs, or wings, or you can also get more contemporary bites, such as the Hat Yai Fried Chicken Wrap. Side dishes include the Haroy signature sauce, riceberry or regular sticky rice, and extra additional toppings of fried shallots. Haroy isn’t strictly a street food restaurant, but it is still very, very casual.
Opening times: Daily, 4-11pm
Location: 344 Chulalongkorn 16 Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest BTS/MRT: MRT Hua Lamphong
More info: Haroy
[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock]
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.