Eating Insects in Thailand, Chiang Mai (Facts, Tips & How-To)

by Thailand, Food & Drinks18 comments

An ‘adventurous’ trip to Thailand would not be complete without trying one of the country’s exotic snacks: insects. (Eating Insects in Thailand)

I know what you’re thinking. It’s crazy, right? Who would even dare to eat such a thing? …Well, those would be:

  • Most Thais
  • Some Asians
  • Courageous tourists or travelers
  • Health-conscious people
  • Bear Grylls
  • Me

Yes, I’ve tried them! But before I go on, I should clarify that eating insects in Thailand during my visit to Chiang Mai wasn’t my first time to do so, and that’s because I have already tried it once back in the Philippines. But unlike Thailand, Beijing, Laos, Cambodia etc., the Philippines doesn’t commonly sell and eat insects as a ‘street food’ — it’s more like a ‘specialty’ in few select areas like in Pampanga.

» READ: Top 10 Things To Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

So why was I willing to eat these insects?
Because the ones that they have in Thailand were different.

Crickets

Unlike the cute little crickets that I previously consumed in the PH, the Thais have it bigger and scarier! For example, they have these ridiculously big crickets that looked like it was fed with steroids!

Thailand Insects

Much like you, I envisioned its tiny legs moving inside my mouth. I even assumed that it would be disgustingly textured (with some icky juice inside, ugh!)

But thankfully, it was NOT like that. After a bit of a mental fight with my mind (mind you, I am personally terrified of these creepy crawlers — holding it with my fingers at that time was already freaking me out!), I finally managed to pop one big cricket into my mouth!

…Seconds later, I realized that it wasn’t so bad.

  • Dry and crunchy – it wasn’t ‘juicy’ as I initially thought it would be (despite its plump and full-looking shape), which made sense because apparently, these are deep-fried until reaching a complete and utter state of crispiness
  • Slightly spiced – it did NOT taste like chicken, a comment that I often find other people saying. In fact, it’s really hard to describe the raw taste of these crickets because it is not similar to any existing normal food. In fact, it was almost bland. However, what you will distinctly taste is the spice that they spray on it which is a mix of soy sauce, salt, and chili (or a mix of salt, pepper, and vinegar)

I was told that sometimes, these edible insects can also be an ingredient in certain Thai dishes — but that most of the time, it is customarily a ‘street food’ served in platters or takeaway bags, acting as a perfect snack while drinking beer.

If you ask me, I can imagine people pairing this with rice as they treat it as some sort of viand!

Eating Insects in Chiang Mai

Should You Eat Insects in Thailand?

Now, would I recommend YOU to try eating insects? Absolutely.

Other than having the bragging rights of having eaten one or a lot, it’s also a good life and travel experience that you can recall/retell over the years. Plus, the battle within your wits as you build up the courage to pop one into your mouth can be quite a… refreshing experience.

This is because you know you want to challenge yourself, you know you want to try it out, but a huge part of you is oozing out so much fear and reluctance — it’s like an inner battle and though it can be nerve-wracking at first, the process as it builds up to the ‘finish’ can be quite fun!

Besides, like what Bear Grylls keeps saying, these insects pack a LOT of protein and are low on fat. So why not? You might end up liking its ‘flavor’ too, much like the locals!

To help guide you on how you can experience this, below are some information that you should know:

Travel Guide

» Where to find edible insects?

Insect Vendor

During one of the food tripping sprees that I was doing with a friend in Chiang Mai, we chanced upon a stall that was selling insects. After our ‘experience’, we walked some more to a busy street and we ended up seeing yet another stall.

So basically, the answer is: “they can be found and bought almost everywhere” because at one point or another, either in a busy street or in a night market, you will come across a small insect stall/cart/vendor — and it will be hard to miss! (Surely, big piles of ominous-looking creatures displayed out in the open will quickly catch your attention).

Otherwise, you can always ask someone for directions or tips and they will be more than glad to help you out.

» How did this ‘insect-eating’ mania started?

Apparently, snacking on insects originated mainly from the northeastern part of Thailand and there is a theory that it became popular across the country when the northeastern Thais brought it to the bigger cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya as they ventured to look for bigger jobs.

It’s said that those parts were generally poorer and since crops were often hard to grow and raising cattle was more difficult, the locals had to find a way to nourish themselves — therefore, they resorted to insects and bugs that are easy to catch. Eventually, it evolved into their favorite snack!

NOTE: Today, eating insects is not regarded as an ‘act’ that is only done by the poor people because it’s quite a craze even for the upper classes of Thailand! You might actually spot a wealthy businessman stopping over to a stall to get his insect ‘fix’.

» Other FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where do they get the bugs?

Some are caught in the wild while others (like silk worms or crickets) are raised or cultured on insect farms in the north and northeastern parts of the country.

How much are the insects?

One platter/bag/stick costs ฿20 baht (or $0.6+) and the biggest portions can be at ฿50 baht ($1.5+). If you only want to try one piece, they will charge ฿10 baht ($0.3+).

Is it really safe to eat insects in Thailand?

Absolutely. Bear Grylls for example wouldn’t have managed to live through his adventures if eating insects would actually kill him.

To add more credibility to the ‘safety’ of entomophagy (the official term of the human consumption of insects as food), the U.N. had a recent report that confirms how insects are generally high in nutritional value. To be precise, it has higher protein content and quality than any meat or fish! They’re also rich in fiber and healthy micronutrients including copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. Somehow, insects could be a solution to some of the world’s food and health problems. (Source)

Other Insect Varieties

Eating Insects in Thailand (Night Market)

There are a LOT of insects, worms, and exotic varieties that you can find across Thailand! In summary, some of the well-known ones are:

  1. Crickets (Jing Reed or Jing Reed Khai for smaller ones)
  2. Grasshoppers (Tak Ga Tan)
  3. Water Beetles (Maeng Kee Noon)
    – chewy / not to be confused with cockroaches
  4. Giant Water Bug (Maeng Da)
    – meaty / the biggest at around 3.5″!!!
  5. Cicadas
  6. Spiders
  1. Scorpions
  2. Silk worms (Non Mai)
    – strong taste and creamy
  3. Bamboo Worms (Non Pai or Rod Duan)
    – cheesy after taste
  4. Red Ants (Mod Daeng)
    – soft and chewy
  5. Ant Eggs
    – sour
  6. Bats

• • •

» Top Chiang Mai Tours «

Chiang Mai Food Tour

Chiang Mai Food Tour
Dive into the food stalls at the Chiang Mai night markets!

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Unique NO-riding interaction with these gentle giants!

• • •

Eating Insects in Thailand

Overall

Like I’ve already mentioned, eating insects in Thailand can be quite an experience and you can even benefit greatly from the nutritional value you can get from them!

If however, you really can’t stomach these things, you can simply opt for the usual flavorful Thai dishes that are known for being rich and tasty!
(» READ: The Top 10 Chiang Mai Street Food Dishes!)

• • •

Have you seen my latest vlog?

How I Afford to Travel the World (Vlog)

About Me

About Aileen : Sidebar

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid.
At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful digital nomad (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission? To show you how it is absolutely possible to create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

Follow Along

CURRENTLY BASED IN: The Philippines

Trending Now

Top 10 Things to Do on a Trip to South America

South America is one of the most diverse continents — full of natural wonders and fascinating cultures. Join us as we explore the top 10 things to do.

Top 10 Things to Do for Your First Tibet Travel

Make the most of your Tibet travel with these top 10 must-do activities, from exploring ancient monasteries to trekking mountains!

Geisha of Japan: Understanding the Facts, History & Myths

Japan’s geisha are cloaked in mystery & secrecy resulting in a number of false ideas about them — so let’s get the facts straight!

Maximizing Your Miles: Unlock Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks & Tips

Start traveling smart! Take note of these travel hacks that will help you in maximizing your miles or do points hacking.

EU261 Compensation: Your Essential Guide on European Flight Delays or Cancellations

Learn to claim EU261 compensation for flight disruptions like delays, cancellations, downgrades, or denied boarding!

Learn Today

How to Start a Successful Blog

and Earn Money!

18 Comments

  1. Robert

    Come to Romania!! Food taste better here :) , we don’t eat bugs, worms or any other things like that. I would be happy to be your guide.

    Reply
    • Aileen

      Haha, well every place has its quirks ;) Thanks Robert! I hope to visit Romania soon and thanks for your offer :D I’ll keep it in mind!

      Reply
  2. Elena

    I did try worms, both silk and bamboo, in Chiang Mai. Quickly came to conclusion that it was not my cup of tea, so that was it (haven’t progressed to any other crunchy creatures). Admittedly, they were not too bad, but… no, thanks.

    Reply
    • Aileen

      Haha I understand what you mean — well once is already fine! At least this won’t become a ‘what if’ question for all your life :)

      Reply
  3. Mimi Gonzales

    This must be a horrifying experience for me! I couldn’t get the courage to eat something like this, ever. Good for you to be able to stand this. Haha :)

    Reply
    • Aileen

      I thought I couldn’t do this too since I am absolutely horrified of bugs and insects! (I was already also cringing when I was just holding one in my hand). But then, I guess it was also from the pressure by my friend lol that I was finally able to do it! And thanks, maybe in the future, someone can influence you to do it too :P

      Reply
  4. Katie

    Hey Aileen,

    Yes, yes and yes, I would eat these guys! I would squirm and procrastinate, but I know in the end I would do it. Mostly for saying that I did it, but also because I am genuinely curious what they taste like! The only time I have ever eaten an insect was when I had a cricket lollipop. The lollipop was delicious, but the cricket inside was very tiny and once I got to the middle I just crunched it with the rest of the candy and could barely tell I was eating a bug!

    I am currently living in Korea, and while insects are definitely not a thing that is consumed here often, there is beondegi here, which is silkworm larvae. I have yet to try it (I will!) or even see it, but apparently they are popular street food snacks.When you bite into the silkworm it explodes in your mouth! Mmmm! Ha! I did just eat some live octopus at a fish market, very tasty and interesting experience that I highly recommend.

    Hopefully I will be traveling to Thailand in the coming months and I will absolutely try eating insects. I just picture my boyfriend enjoying it and buying a bag. The two of us, strolling through the streets of Chang Mai munching on crickets and drinking beer! Oh how our friends at home would be shocked!

    Thanks for sharing this very interesting AND informative story! Super engaging!

    Cheers,
    Katie

    Reply
    • Aileen

      Hey Katie! Thank you so much for leaving a comment! And much like you, I did the same–I lingered but in the end, since I know that I want to try it, I just put my fear back and gulped it down. I haven’t tried insects inside sweets though but indeed, I can imagine how you wouldn’t almost sense what they truly taste like. Though there’s always an opportunity! Ooooh, unlike you, I haven’t tried live octopus yet and that’s something I look forward to try when I’m back in Asia! :D

      Let me know if you ever have the chance to try these insects when you’re back in Thailand. Keep in touch and safe travels, Katie! :)

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest

Use promo code AILEEN5OFF to save 5% off on all Klook tours and hotels!
This is default text for notification bar