Want to shop at the wet markets of Bangkok but don't know how. Here'syour ultimate guide!!!

Ever since I went to the Siglap Wet Market with my mum in Singapore I have always had a soft spot for them however farmers markets back home in Australia never really filled the void. The things that still stick out in my mind from those experiences with my mum was the people talking and yelling from behind their stalls either trying to get you to buy or finishing up deals with other shoppers however my most fondest memory is of the little old banana lady. My mum would go up to her and buy a bunch of mini bananas and the lady would pick the coins out of mums hand for payment as she spoke no English. She was so tiny and always smiling and just the most endearing person I have ever encountered at a wet market. The funny thing was that mum always said that the bananas were horrible but she just had to always buy them. Considering they were only $2 max you could warrant the cost. Ever since those few trips on school holidays I have been hooked.

Looking from the outside in wet markets in Bangkok and anywhere in the world for that matter can be quite confronting as well as a bit nerve wracking, however if you follow a few simple steps/rules I feel you can really enjoy another side to what Bangkok has to offer.

Spend one or two visits just looking and exploring.

It is often best to spend at least your first visit just wandering and not buying. Just soak in the experience and get to know your way around. This is when I scout out my 'go to' stalls. I want my wet market experiences to be fun and enjoyable not only for me each time I go but I love taking visitors and friends along so I also want them to love going even if it's only a one time thing for them. I look around at what different stalls have to offer, what condition their food is in and how it is presented. I also see what kind of disposition the stall owner has. I smile and say hello and see if they do the same in return. If they don't I move on, if they do then I try to remember their stall and go back to them when I start buying. When your dealing with people that you are obviously going to have a language barrier with you want the friendliest, smiliest person possible. It's also great fun when you start going regularly and they are happy to see you each time. Usually I don't see any other foreigners at the market so I guess it's not that easy to forget me! haha The picture below is my veg lady who was happy for a photo of her stall but not of her face :)
 Often no one person/stall is going to have everything you want. The meat is often spilt into types. You'll have your chicken man, pork man, fish man and so on so dependent on what you plan on regularly buying you'll need to hunt them down. 

Once you have found your stalls and you feel a little more confident it's time to jump in and start shopping!

 
 Go early. 

When it comes to freshness it's always best to go as early as possible. Meat is usually prepared fresh there and put on ice so the longer you wait to go the longer the food is out in the weather. The same goes for vegetables, you don't want to buy veg that has been sitting out for hours in the heat especially during the summer/hot months. 

Most of the time wet markets are only open in the morning and the stalls shut once they have sold all their produce so best not to get caught out. Get there nice and early and you'll have a wider range of produce to choose from and it will be super fresh and ready to go. 

Always remember they are a place of business and they don't appreciate you wasting their time. 

Even when you find your friendly stall owner you must remember they are there to make money. No sales no income so taking up all the room in front of the stall trying to think of what you need, not being considerate of other people shopping around you and blocking thouroughfares are not looked upon kindly.  Just be considerate and aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine.

The Khlong Toei wet market is the busiest market I have been too. It's a 24hr market and they sell bulk to not only the street vendors but also to restaurant and hotels so they have all sorts of people running around. Similar to the scooter taxis riding around town there are deliver boys with coloured, numbered jackets on that cart produce from stall to stall or are running around picking up an order for delivery. Their time is money so they are moving around the market at great speed. Make sure you listen out for whistles or calls if you are wandering around. Like a bell on a bike they are just asking you to move. 

Try new things.

Asian markets have so many different green leafy veg and it really is a shame if you don't try them. Simply steam or stirfry and you have a tasty side dish. I have yet to find one I don't like and they all have their own different flavour and texture. With dark leafy greens containing so many important vitamins and minerals why not enjoy having so many options to choose from.


The variety of fruit on offer is amazing and you'll see all sorts of weird and wonderful things for sale. Fruit in wet markets are usually sold per kilo or half kilo and it is never that expensive so just grab some and see how you go. I have tried many that I have loved and have also found a few that I would put down to an 'experience'!!!! Anyone for Durian??? haha

Practice safe food practices. 
Even when I buy foods from the supermarkets in Bangkok I still follow a few basic safe food practices. Make sure when you get home you rinse your fruit and veg well and if you have any hesitations regarding your meat/seafood purchases you can always freeze overnight just to be safe. Although the meat is freshly prepared at the markets and/or is stored on ice it's always best to be safe than sorry.

Soak it all in! 

The most important thing when visiting or shopping at the wet market is to just soak it all in and enjoy! There is plenty of time when you go back home to shop at a nicely air conditioned, well laid out supermarket where everything is labelled and packaged nicely so enjoy the lifestyle that Bangkok and the wet markets have to offer because if your anything like me you never know when your time in this weird and wonderful place will come to an end and from experience nothing back home will ever compare!

Until next time, embrace the craziness and have fun and if you come across a bowl a sloppy white rice being packaged up grab a bag and some pineapple or mango and enjoy! It's the iconic Coconut sticky rice and is delish! This is what I am buying below.

Sarah

Your Colours of Nutrition Health Consultant.