When people think of Thai food, Tom Yum Kung or Green Curry usually come to mind. But there’s a whole world of lesser-known delights! Today, let us introduce a secret star of the street food world: **Gai Yang Nam Phueng （ไก่ย่างน้ำผึ้ง）** – Thai honey-grilled chicken!
It may sound fierce in Katakana, but the flavor is incredibly gentle. Literally translated, it means “Honey-Grilled Chicken.” Just hearing that might already make you crave three bowls of rice!
The Prince of Thai Grilled Chicken!
“Gai Yang” means grilled chicken in Thai, and “Nam Phueng” means honey. So together, it’s a **Thai-style honey-flavored grilled chicken**.
What sets it apart from regular Gai Yang is its subtly sweet and fragrant flavor! The perfect harmony of herbs, spices, and honey creates an aroma that wafts around the street stall as it grills… Are you drooling yet?
Where can you find it?
You’ll often spot it at roadside stalls in the Thai countryside or at local markets. Picture a Thai auntie grilling it over charcoal while a local uncle orders in Thai, “ขอไก่ย่างน้ำผึ้งสองไม้ （Two sticks of Gai Yang Nam Phueng, please）.” It’s like a scene from a movie!
Surprisingly, you can also find it in Bangkok if you look around local food courts! Recently, stylish cafés have started offering dishes like “Gai Yang Nam Phueng with Salad” for the Instagram crowd.
Why not try making it yourself?
So, if reading this has made you think, “I can’t wait anymore—I need to make it now!”, here’s a simple recipe just for you. Even if you’re not in Thailand, you can still enjoy tropical vibes in your own kitchen. Let’s Gai Yang!
【Recipe: Gai Yang Nam Phueng】
Ingredients （Serves 2–3）
- Chicken thighs: 2 pieces （bone-in is okay）
- Honey: 3 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Grated garlic: 1 clove
- Grated ginger: 1 piece
- Black pepper: a pinch
- Coriander root （optional）: 1 root （chopped）
- Coconut milk （optional）: 2 tablespoons
- Lemongrass or kaffir lime leaves （optional）: a little
Instructions
① Use a fork to poke holes in the chicken so it absorbs flavor better.
（This part is surprisingly stress-relieving!）
② In a bowl, mix honey, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, coriander root （if available）, and coconut milk.
③ Marinate the chicken in the sauce and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
④ Grill it slowly on a pan, in the oven, or over charcoal. Crispy skin, juicy meat!
⑤ Once grilled, serve with sweet chili sauce or chopped coriander if you like!
What’s the best way to enjoy it?
Of course, the best way is Thai-style—with sticky rice （Khao Niao）!
The combo of smoky grilled aroma, honey sweetness, and chewy sticky rice delivers brain-melting happiness.
It’s also perfect with a cold beer and tastes great even when cold—ideal for lunch boxes.
By the way, my Thai wife said, “This isn’t chicken—it’s love.” （LOL）
Why we love Gai Yang Nam Phueng!
✅ Sweet hint of honey flavor
✅ Easy-to-make recipe at home
✅ Perfect with sticky rice or salad
✅ Loved by both kids and adults
✅ Brings Thai vibes right to your home!
One last thing
Thailand is full of hidden food gems. But once you try **Gai Yang Nam Phueng**, you’ll be hooked for life!
Next BBQ? This is it. Serve it to your Japanese friends with a proud smile: “It’s Thai-style honey chicken.” They’ll be impressed for sure!
Why not bring tropical vibes to tonight’s dinner with this sweet and savory grilled chicken?
🍯🔥【Sweet Temptation from the Street】
I’ve lived in Thailand for 20 years, but every time I find this Gai Yang Nam Phueng, I still get excited!
The gentle sweetness of honey combined with the smoky aroma—irresistible.
I’ve shared an easy home recipe 🐓
Also, my wife once said, “This isn’t chicken—it’s love.” What a quote! （LOL）
Give it a try if you like!
#ThaiFood #GaiYang #HoneyChicken #HomeCooking #BangkokLife #StreetFood #StickyRice
