(Credit: Thai Supermarket Singapore)
Heading to the Land of Smiles and unsure what to bring back for your friends and family? You’re in luck because I’ve rounded up a list of Thailand snacks to buy on your next trip! The best part? You can find all these popular Bangkok snacks at Big C supermarkets scattered throughout the city. Already feeling the munchies? Keep reading!
(Psst, even if you’re not heading to Thailand anytime soon, I’ve found similar products online on Shopee Singapore so you can get your hands on these delicious Bangkok snacks right away!)
I absolutely loveee seaweed — I could binge on it nonstop without a second thought. Whenever I’m in Thailand, I always stock up on Tao Kae Noi seaweed. Crisp, light, and insanely addictive, these fried seaweed snacks are available in flavours to suit all taste buds. For a taste of Thailand, I recommend stocking up on the classic Tao Kae Noi Crispy Seaweed in Tom Yum 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!
Koh Kae Coated Peanuts is another must-have Thailand snack to buy from Big C. These peanuts come encased in a crisp, coconut cream-based outer layer coated in a wide variety of seasonings. I love choosing from popular Thai flavours like tom yum and sweet chilli, but I also enjoy the challenge of the fiery and addictive wasabi peanuts!
Pro tip: To save luggage space, I’d always look for Koh Kae peanuts that come in plastic packets instead of metal tins!
You’ve probably heard of crispy fish skin, but have you tried crispy pork rinds? Also known as fried pork skin or cracklings, crispy pork rinds are a popular appetiser in Thai restaurants. This beloved Thai snack is made by deep-frying pork rinds to a light, crunchy crisp; it has a savoury, bacon-like flavour that’ll keep you coming back for more! Whenever I visit Big C, I always grab a bag (or two) of Entree Crispy Pork Rinds, which come in delicious variations like green chilli, tom yum, and garlic. Trust me, you won’t want to miss these!
Pro-tip: My uncles swear by pairing their pork rinds with Thai sweet chilli sauce — it’s their favourite beer snack for soccer nights!
Spice lovers, this one’s for you! Whenever I’m in Big C, I can’t resist picking up Bento Dried Squid. Known as dried cuttlefish in Singapore, these fiery squid snacks are not for the faint of heart. For less than $2, you can indulge in a full packet of chewy dried squid strips. Each piece is generously coated with marinades that range from Sweet & Spicy to Thai Chilli Sauce, Hot & Spicy, and Spicy Larb. My tip? Make sure to grab a glass of water before diving in — Thais sure know how to turn up the heat!
If you’re fond of keropok, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Marona Shrimp Crackers! This best-loved Thai snack to buy 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 Bangkok snack also comes in tiny, bite-sized pieces – perfect for a light snack between all the shopping!
A fan of corn-based snacks like Tohato caramel corn or Tongari corn chips? You should get your hands on the Cornae Thai Corn Chips. Crunchy, savoury, and addictive, these corn chips are one of the best Thailand snacks to buy for your loved ones. Bonus points for the fun conical shape of each chip – wear the Cornae 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.)
Lay’s might not be a Thai brand, but some of the best snacks in Bangkok are actually their Thailand-exclusive potato chips! I love discovering the unique flavours inspired by local Thai cuisine, like Hot Chilli Squid, Smoked Salmon Cheese, and Salmon Chilli Lime. The best part? These Thai Lay’s chips are way cheaper than the ones back in Singapore! Paired with an ice-cold Chang beer, it’s easy to see why these chips are considered one of the top Thailand snacks to buy at Big C!
Another international snack you’ve got to try in Bangkok is Thai Glico Pretz. While the Japanese snack is easy to find in Singapore, there are unique Glico flavours that are exclusive to Thailand. If you’re a fan of Thai food, you’ll love the rich tom yum kung and larb flavours. These crunchy biscuits are also on the milder side, making them perfect for kids or anyone who can’t handle too much spice. I always grab a few packs when I’m in Bangkok — they’re one of the best Thailand snacks to bring back to the office as souvenirs for the team!
Another one of my favourites to buy from Big C is Greenland Squidy Baked Squid! This beloved Thai snack reminds me of the baked cuttlefish sheets we often enjoy during Chinese New Year, but the Thai version is much crispier than the softer ones I’m used to. It’s a fantastic option for those of us who prefer to avoid deep-fried snacks. Every time I snack on these, I’m reminded of the delightful flavours and textures that make Bangkok snacks so special!
If you’re a fan of the classic Dahfa fish snack, then you’re in for a real treat with Taro Fish Snack! Made from high-quality, sea-caught white fish meat, this Bangkok snack stands out with its rich, delicate flavour. The fish is carefully prepared and then infused with a special blend of exotic spices, which gives it a vibrant taste profile that’s both savory and subtly aromatic. What makes this Bangkok snack even more enticing is that it’s baked to crispy perfection. Plus, it’s free from preservatives, so you can indulge in a guilt-free snack that’s as fresh as it is delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it on your own or sharing it with family and friends, this snack is bound to be a hit.
Did you really visit Thailand if you didn’t indulge in some Thai milk tea? I always make sure to bring back Cha Tra Mue on my trips! I prefer getting the tea leaves and adding my condensed milk instead of the sachet version because it lets me customise the sweetness to my taste. As one of Thailand’s most beloved tea brands, I can’t recommend it enough — it’s the perfect souvenir to share with loved ones and a delicious reminder of my adventures in Thailand!
Don’t be put off by the suspicious-looking packaging – these Royal Chitralada Milk Tablets are one of the best sweet snacks from Bangkok 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 Thailand snacks to buy, these milk candies will win the favour of both adults and children!
You have to try Max Oceans Crispy Chicken Skin. It might seem a bit unexpected, but my boyfriend is obsessed with it. The skin is incredibly crispy and so light and airy that it practically melts in your mouth. He loves using it as a crunchy topping for his fried rice, and it transforms the dish by adding this amazing texture and depth of flavour. His absolute favourite is the mala spicy version — it strikes the perfect balance of heat and flavour, giving it just the right kick without overwhelming the taste.
While most people are familiar with the classic Chao Sua rice cracker, I decided to stray from the usual and give the Jornguan Rice Cracker a try instead. I know some of my friends will probably roll their eyes since I’ve been whining about weight gain lately, but hey, we all need a little snack indulgence, right? Made from the famous Thai Jasmine rice and combined with high-quality, fluffy chicken floss, the Jornguan Rice Cracker delivers that perfect crunch and savoury flavour. Plus, it’s surprisingly packed with great nutritional value, so I don’t feel too guilty about it!
The Thai Talaethong Squid Snack with traditional flavour and seaweed has become one of the top-selling snacks in major Thai supermarkets, and it’s been getting rave reviews from all over. Lately, it’s been especially popular among young people in Vietnam. I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but it’s going to be the first Thailand snack I grab when I visit Big C on my next trip. The crispy snack is seasoned with rich spices, with that classic salty-sweet Thai taste that’s so addictive. Some people even say dipping it in chilli makes it even better!
Haha, this one’s our team’s favourite candy – we can’t have a tea break without it. It’s called Delicious Mangy Jelly Candy and honestly, the name doesn’t lie. It’s incredibly soft and chewy, with a rich, sweet mango aroma that makes each bite so satisfying. The texture is smooth, and it’s super easy to chew, so it’s the perfect little snack to give us a quick energy boost in the middle of the day.
We all know how much of a hassle cooking from scratch can be, so here’s my editor’s favourite shortcut: MAMA Green Curry Instant Noodles. The green curry flavour is spot on, and the trick to make it even better is to cook the noodles with just a little water; let it evaporate until only a couple of tablespoons are left, then stir in the seasoning packet. This method transforms it into a rich curry sauce, instead of ending up with a soupy broth!
Can’t get enough of jok? Get your Thai porridge fix with the MAMA Pork Instant Rice Porridge. 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: If you’re feeling extra fancy, add some cooked minced meat or crack an egg into your porridge!
Oh, I get it – those late-night cravings when the first thing you think of is instant noodles, right? Classic. But if you’re looking to mix things up from the usual A1 Abalone Maggie Mee, I’ve got a great suggestion: try the Double Dragon Instant Thai Boat Noodle! It uses chewy bean glass noodles, which are non-frying, oil-free, bleach-free, and gluten-free – so it’s a cleaner, healthier choice. Plus, you can whip it up in just three minutes, so no need to make a late-night drive to your nearest Thai restaurant.
If you’ve never heard of Jay Fai, here’s the lowdown: this Michelin-starred gem is run by Supinya Junsuta, who’s famous for her thicc crab omelettes. She earned her Michelin star in 2017 and even made an appearance on Netflix’s Street Food series. If you visit her spot in Bangkok today, be prepared for an hour-long wait! But now, you can enjoy her culinary masterpieces at home with the Nongshim Ramyun x Jay Fai’s Michelin Chef Bangkok Stir-Fried Tom Yum!
This one’s right up my dad’s alley – he’s the chef of the house, so of course, he’d be all about buying those sauces and condiments from Bangkok’s Big C supermarket! One of his go-to is the Blue Elephant Phad Phong Curry Sauce. It’s a rich, coconutty sauce with a vibrant turmeric kick; traditionally, it’s mostly cooked with crab, but we’re not always that fancy. You can switch it up and use chicken instead. It’s also an awesome sauce to use when stir-frying egg noodles with prawn or minced meat.
This might not be a traditional Thai snack, but it’s a must-buy souvenir – the Poy Sian Inhaler! It’s got this soothing herbal smell that works wonders for a blocked nose, or, just to keep those stinky office smells away. It’s so good that everyone on our team has one of these! These Thai inhalers aren’t just for colds or runny noses. They’re great for all sorts of things like insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and even calming those nervous moments. Totally a little life-saver, and makes for such a cool, practical souvenir too!
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 too!
This article is updated on 6 March 2025. Additional research done by Shermyn Tan.
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