Bangkok’s food scene has evolved beyond Thai flavours and global fast food. Over the past decade, Latin American cuisine has gained a small but growing foothold in the capital. The reason for this surge in popularity lies in its flavours and traditional cooking methods.
Where to Find Latin American Food in Bangkok
Bangkok is the best place to find Latin American food in Thailand. This is because it has a large international community and lots of restaurants that are already set up. You might spot some Latin dishes here and there in places like Phuket or Koh Samui, but if you are looking for a full menu, you will probably find it in the capital. If you are looking for the best restaurant in Thailand serving Latin American cuisine, there are a few dedicated spots in Bangkok, including Guilty Thailand.
1. Ceviche
Ceviche is one of Latin America’s most recognisable dishes and has transitioned well into Thailand’s tropical climate and food culture. Traditionally from Peru, ceviche is made by curing raw fish in citrus juices, with additions like chilli, red onion, and other herbs.
In Bangkok, ceviche typically uses locally sourced seafood like seabass, snapper, or prawns, paired with ingredients familiar to Thai palates, like coriander, bird’s eye chilli, and even pomelo. Though the Thai interpretation strays from the traditional makeup of ceviche, these versions still hold on to the core of the dish.
Ceviche is usually served as a starter and works well in Thailand’s warm weather because of its lightness and sharp flavours. This is also a great dish for somebody who is new to Latin American food.
2. Chimichurri Steak
Grilled meat is central to Argentine cuisine, and chimichurri steak is a hallmark dish. Chimichurri steak usually consists of grilled beef served with chimichurri, a herb-based sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and dried oregano.
Many Thai restaurants have access to imported beef from Australia and Japan, giving Argentine-style steakhouses and Latin American restaurants the ability to give guests an almost-authentic flavour profile from the dish.
Unlike Western steakhouse dishes that mainly rely on butter reductions, chimichurri steak centres on herbs, and the acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. This is also another reason why the dish is popular in Bangkok’s climate, as heavier dishes can feel overwhelming.
3. Tacos
While tacos have many variations in Latin America, Thai tacos typically tend to include soft corn tortillas rather than flour. This tends to differentiate the taste profile when compared to other taco variants from around the world. In Thailand, tacos also tend to include slow-cooked meats like pork carnitas or beef barbacoa, or seafood fillings like grilled fish or shrimp. Even though tacos are typically seen as casual fast food, the versions found at Latin American restaurants in Thailand approach them as haute cuisine.
4. Brazilian Feijoada
Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian black bean stew made with different cuts of pork and beef, slow-cooked over several hours. It is normally served with rice, sautéed greens, and orange slices.
In Bangkok, it is typically prepared in a slightly lighter form because of the climate and ingredient availability, but the preparation remains the same. If you are used to light Asian dishes, feijoada is a welcome change and a chance to explore a different style of comfort food.
5. Empanadas
Empanadas are baked or fried pastries filled with savoury fillings like beef, chicken, cheese, or sautéed vegetables. They originate from South America but vary massively across countries in the region. In Bangkok, empanadas have become a popular item for casual dining and takeaway. Empanadas are convenient and hearty, which has helped the dish gain a following among both locals and tourists.
