Let’s be honest: Thai food is a masterpiece. The explosive flavours of a fiery tom yum, the comforting embrace of a rich gaeng keow wan, and the perfect simplicity of a street-side pad kra pao are precisely why many of us chose to call Thailand home. Yet, no matter how deep our love for the local cuisine runs, there comes a moment for every expat when the palate whispers—or sometimes shouts—for a taste of home.
This isn’t a rejection of Thai culture, but a natural craving for culinary nostalgia. For Western expats in Bangkok, this manifests in a consistent and passionate pursuit of specific dishes and ingredients. Based on community forums, expat group surveys, and observations from local importers, a clear pattern emerges of what we’re eating, how often, and crucially, where we’re sourcing the goods to recreate these flavours in our own kitchens.
The Most Sought-After Western Cuisines: A Monthly Cravings Cycle
While Bangkok’s dining scene offers everything from high-end French bistros to authentic Neapolitan pizzerias, the day-to-day cravings of the expat community are often for simpler, heartier fare. The consumption isn’t a constant feast, but rather a calculated indulgence that follows a loose monthly rhythm.
- The Weekly Comfort: Italian & American Classics
This category is the undisputed champion of expat cravings, often consumed on a weekly basis. The humble pizza and the classic burger are more than just food; they are a comfort blanket. A quality, wood-fired pizza or a juicy, properly constructed burger with all the fixings satisfies a deep-seated need for familiar, uncomplicated satisfaction. Expats might enjoy this at a favourite local pub, a dedicated burger joint, or as a Friday night takeaway ritual. This easily accounts for 2-4 meals per month for the average Westerner.
- The Bi-Weekly Indulgence: The Great Steak
A good steak is a non-negotiable for many, and its consumption is a planned event. While the cost of quality imported beef (like Australian ribeye or US Angus) means it’s not an everyday meal, it’s a top-tier indulgence. Many expats will seek out a steakhouse experience or grill their own once or twice a month. The desire isn’t just for the meat itself, but for the entire experience—the sear, the perfect doneness, and a robust red wine to match. - The Artisanal Longing: Quality Baked Goods & Cheese
This is where the craving becomes almost philosophical. While readily available, the generic, sweetened white bread found in most Thai supermarkets simply doesn’t cut it. The demand for crusty sourdough, dense rye, and proper baguettes is immense. Expats are often willing to travel across the city for a quality loaf, consuming artisan bread several times a week. Similarly, the pursuit of good cheese is a constant. A block of sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, or tangy feta is a prized possession in an expat fridge, used sparingly but enjoyed weekly to elevate home cooking. - The Occasional Splurge: Authentic Mexican & Mediterranean
While Thai food is masterful with spice and herbs, the specific profiles of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines are deeply missed. A proper taco with corn tortillas, fresh pico de gallo, and tangy crema, or a well-seasoned Greek gyros with tzatziki, are rare finds. When a credible restaurant opens, the expat community flocks to it. These are typically monthly splurges, often driven by social gatherings.
The DIY Brigade: Where to Buy Western Ingredients in Bangkok
For every expat dining out, there’s another who finds solace in cooking. The challenge of recreating a taste of home has created a thriving ecosystem of specialty stores.
- The High-End Supermarkets: Villa Market & Foodland
Villa Market is the undisputed king for expat shoppers. It’s a treasure trove of imported goods, from Heinz baked beans and Barilla pasta to a respectable cheese counter and a butchery stocking cuts like sirloin and lamb chops. While prices are premium, the convenience is unmatched. Foodland, with its more local price point, also carries a surprising range of Western staples, including a good selection of cold cuts, dairy, and baking supplies. - The Wholesale Giants: Makro & Tesco Lotus
Don’t underestimate the power of Makro. While you’ll need to buy in larger quantities, it’s the go-to for bulk purchases of frozen meats, butter, olive oil, flour, and other pantry essentials. The frozen section is a goldmine for everything from French fries to pre-made sausages. Larger Tesco Lotus Extra branches also have dedicated import sections that can cover many basic needs. - Online Specialists & Artisan Producers
The modern expat’s saviour is the digital deli. Facebook groups and dedicated websites like iGourmet and Bangkok Chef offer everything from Spanish jamón and British sausages to specific brands of American pancake mix. Furthermore, Bangkok’s artisanal scene has exploded. Seek out local microbakeries like Bread & Butter (delivered to various pick-up points) or Sour for incredible sourdough, and small-batch producers for everything from sauerkraut to fresh pasta. - What about Britishop they will deliver Western foods direct to you
Ultimately, the Western food journey in Bangkok is a balancing act. It’s a story of integrating two culinary worlds, where a morning can start with a khao tom from a street vendor and end with a home-cooked spaghetti bolognese made with imported Parmesan. This pursuit of familiar flavours isn’t a rejection of Thailand, but a way for expats to build a complete and comforting home away from home.
