At Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road, or simply Chinatown, you’re not judged if you spend the whole evening just eating.

Chinatown may not compete in the same league with Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, but the controlled chaos of signage and taxis leaves you with some impressive Instagram material. We’re here to help you decide what street food to eat, but you choose — it’s all so damn good.

Kuay jab

These rolled up wide rice noodles, pork, and herbs come in violently peppery soup. The noodles are chewy and delicate. The broth is flavourful. The pork is crispy. And if you like to eat nose to tail, go ahead and add liver, tongue, and kidney to kick it up.

Roasted chestnuts

Count how many times you’re offered to sample these brown nuggets of goodness, and you’ll realise how big a part of Yaowarat they are. The chestnuts are roasted on a bed of black sand and sugar which might make them look humble on the outside, but sweet and tender on the inside.

Yaowarat toasted buns

These heavenly buns are grilled over charcoal before injecting with a variety of condiments, like chocolate, condensed milk, peanut butter, and Thai tea. They are buttery, crispy, gooey, and not suitable for taking off weight. You’ll be literally licking your fingers because eating these buns gets messy.

Baked shrimp with glass noodles

This one-pot meal comes in the same pot it’s cooked in — typically made of cast iron or clay. The characteristic aroma of black pepper and ginger on Chinatown road really makes you aware that someone has ordered one. You can lay your hands on this dish at almost any seafood restaurant on Yaowarat Road.

Red rubies in coconut milk

Who wouldn’t order a dish called red rubies? This popular dessert is made from water chestnuts in syrup and is served in coconut milk and ice. It combines textures of soft, chewy, and crunchy in an unheard of way. The sweet and salty combination is perfect for hot weather in Bangkok.