Thailand is a paradise for fruit lovers, as it offers a wide variety of tropical fruits that are juicy, sweet, and refreshing. Whether you are looking for a healthy snack, a refreshing drink, or a delicious dessert, you will find something that suits your taste buds in Thailand. Here are some of the best fruits to eat in Thailand and why you should buy them from local street vendors or hole-in-the-wall type of shops.
Mango
Mango is one of the most popular fruits in Thailand, and for good reason. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, and it has a sweet and fragrant flavor that can be enjoyed in many ways. You can eat it ripe and fresh, or unripe and sour with salt or sugar. You can also try the famous mango sticky rice, a dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sliced mango. Or you can have a mango smoothie, juice, or ice cream to cool off on a hot day.
The best place to buy mangoes in Thailand is from local street vendors or hole-in-the-wall type of shops, where you can find them fresh and cheap. You can buy a whole mango for about 20 to 40 baht (0.60 to 1.20 USD), or a peeled and sliced one for about 10 to 20 baht (0.30 to 0.60 USD). You can also find mango sticky rice for about 40 to 60 baht (1.20 to 1.80 USD), or a mango smoothie for about 30 to 50 baht (0.90 to 1.50 USD).
Durian
Durian is the most controversial fruit in Thailand, as it has a strong and pungent smell that some people love and some people hate. It is also known as the king of fruits, as it is large, spiky, and expensive. It has a creamy and custardy texture, and a sweet and savory flavor that can be addictive once you get used to it. It is high in calories, potassium, iron, and vitamin C, and it is said to have many health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, and enhancing mood.
The best place to buy durians in Thailand is from local street vendors or hole-in-the-wall type of shops, where you can find them fresh and ripe. You can buy a whole durian for about 200 to 400 baht (6 to 12 USD), depending on the size and variety. You can also buy a small bowl of prepared durian flesh for about 50 to 100 baht (1.50 to 3 USD). You can also try durian ice cream, cake, candy, or chips for about 20 to 40 baht (0.60 to 1.20 USD).
Rambutan
Rambutan is another exotic fruit in Thailand that has a hairy and colorful appearance. It is similar to lychee, but not as sweet or aromatic. It has a white and juicy flesh that surrounds a brown seed that should be discarded. It is low in calories, but high in vitamin C, manganese, copper, and iron. It is good for your skin, hair, bones, and blood.
The best place to buy rambutans in Thailand is from local street vendors or hole-in-the-wall type of shops, where you can find them fresh and cheap. You can buy a kilogram of rambutans for about 35 baht (1 USD), or a small bag of peeled ones for about 10 baht (0.30 USD). You can also find rambutan juice, jam, or salad for about 20 to 40 baht (0.60 to 1.20 USD).
Rose Apple
Rose apple is also known as wax apple or bell fruit because of its shape and appearance. It has a bright and shiny skin that can be green, red, or pink. It has a crunchy and watery flesh that has a mild and sweet flavor. It is low in calories, but high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. It is good for your eyesight, teeth, bones, and hydration.
The best place to buy rose apples in Thailand is from local street vendors or hole-in-the-wall type of shops, where you can find them fresh and cheap. You can buy a kilogram of rose apples for about 60 baht (1.80 USD), or a small bag of sliced ones for about 10 baht (0.30 USD). You can also find rose apple juice or vinegar for about 20 to 40 baht (0.60 to 1.20 USD).
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a stunning fruit that has a bright pink or yellow skin with green scales and a white or red flesh with tiny black seeds. It has a mild and sweet flavor that is similar to a pear or a kiwi. It is high in vitamin C, fiber, iron, and antioxidants, and it has many health benefits such as improving immunity, digestion, skin health, and blood sugar control .
The best place to buy dragon fruit in Thailand is from local street vendors or hole-in-the-wall type of shops, where you can find them fresh and cheap. You can buy a whole dragon fruit for about 20 to 40 baht (0.60 to 1.20 USD), or a peeled and sliced one for about 10 to 20 baht (0.30 to 0.60 USD). You can also try dragon fruit smoothie, juice, yogurt, or salad for about 30 to 50 baht (0.90 to 1.50 USD).
Dragon fruit is also a great ingredient for making desserts, such as dragon fruit pudding, ice cream, cake, or pie. You can also make your own dragon fruit jam or syrup by cooking the pulp with sugar and lemon juice. Dragon fruit is a versatile and delicious fruit that you should not miss when you are in Thailand.
Why You Should Buy Fruits from Local Street Vendors or Hole-in-the-Wall Type of Shops
There are many benefits of buying fruits from local street vendors or hole-in-the-wall type of shops in Thailand, such as:
- You can find a wider variety of fruits that are not available in supermarkets or convenience stores, such as mangosteen, longan, jackfruit, dragon fruit, and more.
- You can find fresher and riper fruits that are harvested and sold on the same day, unlike the ones that are stored and transported for long periods of time.
- You can find cheaper and more reasonable prices that are based on the season and supply, unlike the ones that are marked up for tourists or middlemen.
- You can support the local farmers and vendors who rely on selling fruits for their livelihood, and contribute to the local economy and culture.
Thailand is a great place to enjoy a variety of tropical fruits that are delicious, nutritious, and refreshing. You can find them easily and cheaply from local street vendors or hole-in-the-wall type of shops, where you can also experience the authentic Thai culture and hospitality. The next time you visit Thailand, don’t miss the chance to try some of these amazing fruits and discover their flavors and benefits.
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