Heading to the Land of Smiles and not sure what to buy back as souvenirs for your friends and family? You’re in luck because we’ve rounded up the best Thai snacks to buy during your next trip to Bangkok! What’s more, you can find all these popular Thai snacks at Big C supermarkets found all over the city. Feeling the munchies already? Read on! (Psst, even if you’re not travelling to BKK anytime soon, we’ve sourced similar products online on Shopee Singapore so you can get your hands on these yummy Thai snacks ASAP!)
Our Recommendations
Big C outlets to hit up in Bangkok for the best Thai snacks
As one of Thailand’s biggest supermarket chains, Big C is your best bet for stocking up on delicious Thai snacks. There are over 20 Big C outlets located in the city centre of Bangkok, ranging from convenience store concepts to sprawling hypermarkets.
If you only have time for a quick grocery trip, we recommend visiting the Big C Supercenter along Ratchadamri Road. Situated just a stone’s throw away from Chit Lom BTS, Big C Supercenter boasts one of the largest Big C supermarkets in the city centre, along with shops, a food court, and even a cinema! Best part? It’s also conveniently located near shopping hotspots such as Platinum Fashion Mall and Siam Square, making for the perfect pit-stop in between shopping sprees.
Best Thai snacks to buy at Big C: Savoury snacks
1. Tao Kae Noi Seaweed
No list of the best Thai snacks to buy from Bangkok can be complete without mentioning Tao Kae Noi seaweed. Best known for being the first brand to popularise fried seaweed in Thailand, Tao Kae Noi has since become one of the most popular Thai snacks in Singapore. Crisp, light, and insanely addictive, these fried seaweed snacks are available in flavours to suit all taste buds. For a taste of Thailand, we recommend stocking up on the classic Tao Kae Noi Crispy Seaweed in Tom Yum (available on Shopee Supermarket) when you’re at Big C. Be sure to check out variations of the popular Thai seaweed snack, such as Tao Kae Noi Big Roll and tempura seaweed!
2. MAMA Instant Noodles
Widely considered to be the top instant noodles in Thailand, MAMA instant noodles make for one of the best Thai snacks to stock up on at Big C. Stave off the tom yum soup withdrawals with some MAMA Tom Yum Instant Noodles (available on S3Beauty Flagship Official Store)! For just a few cents, you can have at your hands a piping hot bowl of tangy, spicy goodness that will take you back to the lively streetside restaurants of Bangkok. For a more convenient option, get your hands on some MAMA cup noodles!
3. Koh Kae Coated Peanuts
Koh Kae Coated Peanuts (available on Fongsoonchan[FSC]) is another best-loved Thai snack you can’t miss on your trip to Big C. These Koh Kae Coated Peanuts come encased in a crisp, coconut cream-based outer layer coated in a wide variety of seasonings. Choose between popular Thai flavours such as tom yum and sweet chilli, or challenge yourself to some fiery but addictive wasabi peanuts!
Pro tip for the best Thai snacks to buy in Bangkok’s Big C supermarkets: To save on luggage space, look for Koh Kae peanuts that come in plastic packets instead of metal tins!
4. Entree Crispy Pork Rinds
You’ve heard of crispy fish skin, but what about crispy pork rinds? Also known as fried pork skin or cracklings, crispy pork rinds are often served as appetisers in Thai restaurants. This best-loved Thai snack is prepared by deep-frying pork rinds to a light, crunchy crisp. It bears a savoury, bacon-like flavour that will definitely have you reaching for more! Snag a bag (or two) of some Entree Crispy Pork Rinds (available on PAPATHIS), available in flavours such as green chilli, tom yum, and garlic, during your visit to Big C!
Pro-tip for the best Thai snacks to buy in Bangkok’s Big C supermarkets: For the ultimate beer snack, grab some Thai sweet chilli to pair your Entree Crispy Pork Rinds with!
5. Bento Dried Squid
Spice lovers, this is for you. One of the best Thai snacks to buy when you’re in Big C is Bento Dried Squid (available on Ediblits)! Also known as dried cuttlefish in Singapore, these fiery squid snacks are definitely not for the faint of heart. For less than S$1, you can get a full packet of chewy dried squid strips. Each piece of Bento Dried Squid is generously coated with marinades in varying degrees of spiciness: Sweet & Spicy, Thai Chilli Sauce, Hot & Spicy, and Spicy Larb. Our advice? Grab a glass of water before chowing down – the Thais take their heat seriously!
6. Manora Shrimp Crackers
If you’re fond of keropok, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for Marona Shrimp Crackers (available on Ediblits)! This best-loved Thai snack departs from our local keropok or shrimp crackers in that they come heavily seasoned with spices such as garlic and pepper. This makes for a stronger flavour profile that will sit well with those who don’t fancy overly ‘fishy’ snacks. The popular Thai snack also comes in tiny, bite-sized pieces – perfect for a light snack between all the shopping!
7. Cornae Corn Chips
A fan of corn-based snacks like Tohato caramel corn or Tongari corn chips? You should definitely keep an eye out for Cornae Thai Corn Chips (available on Siam Thai Mart). Crunchy, savoury, and addictive, these corn chips are one of the best Thai snacks to buy for your loved ones. Bonus points for the fun conical shape of each chip – wear the Cornae Thai Corn Chips on each finger like mini party hats before popping them into your mouth! (You shouldn’t play with your food, but hey, you’re in the Land of Smiles.)
8. Thai Lay’s Potato Chips
Lay’s might not be a Thai snack brand, but you can’t leave Bangkok without trying some Thailand-exclusive potato chips! Look out for interesting flavours inspired by local Thai cuisines, such as Hot Chilli Squid, Smoked Salmon Cheese, and Salmon Chilli Lime. A major plus point is that these Thai Lay’s Potato Chips (available on Grocer Cat) come at much lower prices than their Singaporean counterparts. Paired with an ice-cold Chang beer, it’s not hard to see why these chips are considered one of the best Thai snacks to buy from Big C!
9. Thai Glico Pretz
Another international snack that you must buy when in Bangkok is Thai Glico Pretz (available on ZESKSingapore)! While the Japanese snack is widely available in Singapore, there are various Glico flavours that you can only find in Thailand. Fans of Thai food will love the full-flavoured tom yum kung and larb flavours. These easy-to-eat biscuits are also relatively mild, making them one of the best Thai snacks to buy for kids or those who can’t handle spice!
10. MAMA Pork Instant Rice Porridge
Can’t get enough of jok? Get your Thai porridge fix with the MAMA Pork Instant Rice Porridge (available on Goldenpit). Made with pure Thai jasmine rice, this instant rice porridge makes for one of the best Thai snacks to buy back for a taste of Thailand. The MAMA Instant Porridge comes packed in individual sachets – simply add hot water and you’ve got yourself a quick, hearty snack!
Pro tip for the best Thai snacks to buy in Bangkok’s Big C supermarkets: If you’re feeling extra fancy, add some cooked minced meat or crack an egg into your porridge!
11. Greenland Carada Cuttlefish Flavoured Rice Balls
Buying souvenirs for seafood lovers? Snag some Greenland Carada Cuttlefish Crackers (available on Ediblits) from your nearest Big C now! Shaped like pieces of grilled squid, these addictive crackers strike the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. This popular Thai snack can be found in spicy and non-spicy flavours, making this one of the best options for those looking for seafood-flavoured chips suitable for every palate.
12. Greenland Squidy Baked Cuttlefish
Another popular squid-flavoured Thai snack to buy from Big C is Greenland Squidy Baked Squid (available on Thai Supermarket GMC)! This best-loved Thai snack bears many similarities with baked cuttlefish sheets commonly eaten during Chinese New Year. The main difference is that the Thai version is considerably crispier than the softer ones we’re used to here. This baked squid snack is also one of the best options for those not fond of deep-fried snacks!
Best Thai snacks to buy at Big C: Sweet snacks
13. Cha Tra Mue 3-in-1 Thai Tea
Did you really go to Thailand if you didn’t have some Thai milk tea? Fans of the creamy, aromatic beverage should definitely put Cha Tra Mue 3-in-1 Thai Tea (available on Shopee Supermarket) on their souvenir list! Simply add water to one of the individually-packed sachets to get your Thai milk tea fix. As one of Thailand’s most beloved tea brands, Cha Tra Mue products definitely make for one of the best Thai snacks to buy back for your loved ones!
14. Pineapple Jam Coconut Biscuits
If you’re a fan of old-school Khong Guan biscuits, chances are you’ll love Pineapple Jam Coconut Biscuits (available on Shopee Supermarket)! This best-loved Thai snack consists of a thick layer of pineapple puree wedged between two plain or coconut-infused biscuits. It’s also usually dusted off with hard sugar crystals for that extra touch of sweetness. With a flavour profile that’s slightly reminiscent of pineapple tarts, these biscuits are bound to be a hit with adults and kids alike!
15. Glico Mango Pocky
Sucker for snacks in unique, Thailand-exclusive flavours? You can’t miss out on Glico Mango Pocky (available on ZESKSingapore). The sweet treat features crispy, stick-type biscuits coated in mango-flavoured white chocolate. You can also look out for chocolate banana Pocky! While Pocky biscuits in Thailand-exclusive flavours come in boxes that are about two-thirds the size of those found in Singapore, they’re much cheaper at less than S$0.50 a pop – it’s no surprise that Pocky is considered to be one of the best Thai snacks to buy from Big C!
16. Coconut Chips
Can’t get enough of sweet, juicy Thai coconuts? Our advice is to stock up on some Coconut Chips (available on Shooop卫龙海底捞李子柒良品铺子三只松鼠) on your visit to Big C! This popular Thai snack is made using real coconut meat, which is baked and seasoned lightly with salt and sugar. You can enjoy the naturally sweet flavours of Thai coconuts without the hassle of opening one up! Often free of harmful preservatives, coconut chips are definitely one of the best healthy Thai snacks to buy for your loved ones back home.
17. Little Farm Dried Bread
If you’re looking for a snack that’s a bit more interesting, consider Little Farm Dried Bread (available on Unicorn Dust)! This popular Thai snack is essentially bite-sized pieces of freeze-dried bread coated in flavours such as butter, garlic, tom yum, and even black pepper. Best part? This crispy and highly addictive snack is 100% trans fat-free! It definitely takes the cake as one of the best Thai snacks to buy for those who appreciate more exotic treats!
18. Royal Chitralada Milk Tablets
Don’t be put off by the suspicious-looking packaging – these Royal Chitralada Milk Tablets (available on khanitkornrk.sg) are definitely one of the best sweet Thai snacks to buy for your friends and family! Fans of Horlicks candy are guaranteed to adore these melt-in-your-mouth milk tablets. Often named the most popular Thai-produced snacks, these milk candies will definitely win your favour with both adults and children!
19. Thai Dried Mango
Most visitors to Thailand will agree that mangoes are the best sweet Thai snack. Bring a taste of Thailand back to Singapore with some Thai Dried Mango (available on Signature Market Official Store)! Unlike fresh mango, dried mango boasts a different but just as delicious chewy texture that’s particularly popular with young children. Snag a sharing-size bag off the shelves in Big C – we promise you’d be hankering for more!
Overview of the best Thai snacks to buy from Big C
| Best Thai snacks to buy from Big C | Available in non-spicy flavours? | Vegetarian-friendly? | Halal? |
| Tao Kae Noi Seaweed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MAMA Instant Noodles | Yes | No | Yes* |
| Koh Kae Coated Peanuts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crispy Pork Rinds | Yes | No | No |
| Bento Dried Squid | No | No | Yes |
| Manora Shrimp Crackers | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cornae Corn Chips | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thai Lay’s Potato Chips | Yes | Depends on flavour | Yes |
| Thai Glico Pretz | Yes | Depends on flavour | Yes |
| MAMA Pork Instant Rice Porridge | Yes | No | No |
| Cha Tra Mue 3-in-1 Thai Tea | Yes | Yes | Yes* |
| Pineapple Jam Coconut Biscuits | Yes | Yes | Depends on brand |
| Glico Mango Pocky | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coconut Chips | Yes | Yes | Depends on brand |
| Little Farm Dried Bread | Yes | Yes | Yes* |
| Royal Chitralada Milk Tablets | Yes | Yes | Yes* |
| Thai Dried Mango | Yes | Yes | Depends on brand |
*Has not received Halal certification.
Snag the best Thai snacks that you can say aroy mak mak to
Now that you’ve got an idea of the best Thai snacks to buy from Big C, check out our roundup of the best Chinese snacks from Bestore and Scarlett supermarkets closer to home! Setting off on more trips abroad soon? Check out our recommendations for the best Korean snacks that you can find in Singapore too! To cut down on your travel expenses, don’t forget to check out our ongoing partnership with Agoda Hotels, where you can snag the best prices guaranteed for over 1 million top-rated hotels worldwide! Best part? You can use your Shopee vouchers and coins to stretch your savings!
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