street food
Gai Yang
ไก่ย่าง
Medium-Mild
Gai Yang is Thai grilled chicken — whole chickens or halves marinated in lemongrass, coriander root, garlic, and fish sauce, then slow-grilled over charcoal until deeply golden.
Cultural Origin
Gai Yang is an Isaan grilled chicken dish with origins in the Lao culinary tradition of the Khorat Plateau, where birds are butterflied and slow-grilled over charcoal. It became a national favorite in the late 20th century as Isaan migrants opened roadside stalls across Thailand, almost always pairing it with sticky rice and som tum.
Regional Variants
| Region | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Isaan | Classic Isaan gai yang uses a marinade of garlic, cilantro root, white pepper, and fish sauce, served with tamarind or jaew dipping sauce. |
| Northern | Northern versions sometimes brush birds with a turmeric-and-lemongrass paste for a more golden, herbal profile. |
Allergens & Sensitivities
fishsoygarliccilantro
Key Ingredients
- chicken
- lemongrass
- coriander root
- garlic
- fish sauce
Where to Try It
Isaan restaurants in Bangkok, night markets throughout Thailand, and roadside stalls in the northeast.
Tips
- Serve with sticky rice, som tam, and jaew sauce (roasted chilli dipping sauce) for the complete Isaan feast.