Hat Yai, a bustling city in southern Thailand, has long been a food lover’s paradise. Nestled near the Malaysian border, it combines the best of Thai and Malaysian flavors, offering an array of mouth-watering street food that draws travelers from all over the world. Exploring the streets of Hat Yai is like embarking on a culinary adventure, where every corner is filled with tantalizing aromas and sizzling dishes. In this guide, we explore the 10 most delicious street eats in Hat Yai that you simply cannot miss.
1. Kai Tod Hat Yai (Hat Yai Fried Chicken)
One of the city’s most famous dishes, Kai Tod Hat Yai is a crispy fried chicken that has gained legendary status among locals and tourists alike. What sets it apart is its unique marinade of garlic, coriander, and Thai spices, followed by deep-frying to golden perfection. This dish is typically served with sticky rice and topped with crispy fried shallots, adding a savory crunch that enhances the flavor. The succulent, tender chicken paired with the crispy shallots creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is both satisfying and addictive.
Where to Find It:
Head to the bustling markets like Kim Yong Market or Greenway Market to sample some of the best fried chicken in the city.
2. Roti Canai with Curry
Roti Canai, a dish with roots in Malaysia and India, is a popular street food in Hat Yai. The flaky, buttery flatbread is pan-fried to a perfect crisp and often served with a side of rich, flavorful curry. Whether you choose beef, chicken, or vegetarian curry, the bold, aromatic spices meld beautifully with the soft interior of the roti, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. This dish is a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, savory snack.
Where to Find It:
Local stalls near the Central Mosque of Hat Yai are known for their authentic roti canai.
3. Satay (Grilled Meat Skewers)
Satay is a staple of street food in Hat Yai, offering juicy, marinated meats skewered and grilled to smoky perfection. Typically made with chicken or beef, the satay is served with a delicious peanut dipping sauce and a side of cucumber salad. The peanut sauce, rich and slightly sweet, complements the smoky flavor of the grilled meat, making it a favorite for many street food lovers. This is a dish best enjoyed fresh off the grill.
Where to Find It:
Look for satay vendors at the local night markets such as Asean Night Bazaar.
4. Khao Yam (Southern Thai Rice Salad)
For a lighter but equally flavorful option, Khao Yam is a popular southern Thai dish that combines rice with fresh vegetables, herbs, and shredded coconut. It is typically dressed with a sweet and tangy fish sauce-based dressing. The dish is healthy and refreshing, offering a mix of flavors from the vibrant herbs to the nuttiness of the coconut. Each bite offers a refreshing contrast of textures and flavors, making it a perfect meal for those looking for something wholesome yet delicious.
Where to Find It:
Many local eateries near Hat Yai University serve exceptional Khao Yam.
5. Khao Mok Gai (Thai Chicken Biryani)
Influenced by both Thai and Indian cuisines, Khao Mok Gai is a fragrant chicken biryani dish that is a street food favorite in Hat Yai. The dish consists of spiced rice cooked with turmeric and other aromatic herbs, served alongside tender, marinated chicken. A tangy sauce made with green chilies and vinegar is usually drizzled over the dish, adding a delightful contrast to the richness of the biryani. This fusion of flavors makes Khao Mok Gai a satisfying and unforgettable meal.
Where to Find It:
Khao Mok Gai can be found in various food stalls around the city, particularly in the Santisuk Market area.
6. Hoy Tod (Oyster Omelette)
If you’re a seafood lover, Hoy Tod, or oyster omelette, is a must-try. This crispy, savory dish features plump oysters fried with eggs and a starchy batter until golden and crispy. Served with a side of spicy chili sauce, the omelette is rich, greasy in the best way, and bursting with umami flavors. Hoy Tod is the perfect street food snack for seafood aficionados craving something indulgent.
Where to Find It:
Look for Hoy Tod at Hat Yai’s floating markets, where seafood is fresh and abundant.
7. Thai-Style Roti with Banana and Condensed Milk
For those with a sweet tooth, Thai-style roti is a decadent dessert that has become one of the most beloved street foods in Hat Yai. Thin, crispy roti dough is fried until golden, then topped with slices of banana and drizzled with sweet condensed milk. Some variations add a sprinkle of sugar or even chocolate sauce, making this dish a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
Where to Find It:
Vendors selling Thai roti can be found near Hat Yai’s train station and around the night markets.
8. Khanom Jeen (Fermented Rice Noodles with Curry)
Khanom Jeen is a traditional Thai dish consisting of soft, fermented rice noodles served with a variety of curries, most commonly a rich fish curry. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and boiled eggs, creating a dish that is as visually appealing as it is flavorful. The tangy noodles and spicy, creamy curry make for a satisfying and hearty meal, perfect for lovers of bold flavors.
Where to Find It:
You can enjoy authentic Khanom Jeen at local food stalls around the Lee Garden Plaza area.
9. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Grilled over charcoal until perfectly caramelized, Moo Ping is a popular street snack in Hat Yai. These marinated pork skewers are sweet, smoky, and incredibly tender. Typically served with sticky rice and a tangy dipping sauce, this dish is a perfect grab-and-go option for those looking to experience authentic Thai flavors in a portable format. The combination of sweet marinade and the smokiness from the grill makes Moo Ping an irresistible choice.
Where to Find It:
Moo Ping is widely available at the Hat Yai Night Market and other evening food markets.
10. Tod Mun Pla (Thai Fish Cakes)
A true taste of southern Thailand, Tod Mun Pla (fish cakes) are a savory street food delicacy made from minced fish mixed with red curry paste and herbs. These small, crispy cakes are packed with bold flavors, including notes of kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. They are typically served with a tangy cucumber relish, which provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy, fragrant fish cakes.
Where to Find It:
You can find Tod Mun Pla at most street food stalls and night markets, particularly in the Kim Yong Market area.
Conclusion
Hat Yai’s street food scene offers a diverse array of flavors, from the savory and spicy to the sweet and indulgent. Whether you’re a fan of fried chicken, spicy noodles, or delectable desserts, there’s something for every palate. The streets of Hat Yai are filled with culinary gems that showcase the rich cultural heritage and culinary ingenuity of southern Thailand. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through Hat Yai, make sure to sample these iconic street foods to experience the true essence of Thai cuisine.