If you’re backpacking your way across Thailand on a budget, you are likely to get well acquainted with the famous noodle soup stalls–perhaps Thailand’s most popular street food. This is a delicious treat that will be missed when you head back home, so be sure to indulge.

While the bowls are rather big, you’ll see the Thais often going back for seconds as soon as they finish the first, and at about 35 baht you can afford to. And it sure as hell beats McDonalds!

You find these stalls in every city in rows along the sidewalk. You may find yourself shying away from these outdoor eateries if you’re a newbie to world travel–afterall, they would likely never allow such establishments in your home country–but I assure you they are safe. At least with these kind of places you can see them cook and prepare the food right before your eyes, so if something is amiss you will notice.

Usually the noodle chefs have an assortment of noodles to choose from–sometimes even pork-stuffed wontons–and a variety of meats as well (pork, ground pork, beef, meatballs, liver…you name it). Be aware that most of the chefs will not know English and may not have a menu at all, so be prepared for pointing or just eating whatever they dish up to you.

Or, just shrug and say, “Arai godai.” This basically means you don’t care what you have–say it with a smile and they get the point–“What do you recommend?”

Personally, I prefer the yellow noodles, but sometimes I mix it up. Also, look for pork rinds or crispy wonton triangles hanging up above the stall in small plastic bags. Ask them to throw those on top, and they add a nice mix of textures to an already outstanding bowl of noodles.

One more thing–once you sit down at the usual plastic dining set sitting beside your new noodle stall, there will be a tray or carrier in the middle of the table. The tray will have an assortment of spices and peppers.

Usually you have got a sour pepper marinade of some sort, some spicy pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and maybe something else you have never seen. Thais like everything to have a perfect combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour.

I really recommend experimenting with the flavors for a couple minutes to find the combination that works best for you. Just remember to start out light so you don’t overdo anything. Do not worry about insulting the chef by digging into these spices and completely changing their recipe. This is expected–it is Thai way!

In fact, you will likely find a similar setup at every Thai restaurant you eat except for the most fancy ones.

Don’t be afraid of the street noodles, folks. They are an awesome value for the money, and you just may be craving a bowl when you get home.

If you know what to look for you can start making these places a regular thing and they will be your saving grace if you’re on a shoestring budget–they are all fantastic and it won’t take long to find some really gems. Get out there and start eating. And be adventurous. That’s what traveling is all about!