Have you ever walked into a Bangkok market and been hit by a wave of scent — sharp cumin, smoky chilli, deep earthy turmeric — all mingling in the air like incense at a temple? If you’re a spice-lover, you’re in for a treat. This is your local insider’s guide to where to buy spices in Bangkok — not just for the standard fare, but for those rare jars and fragrant curiosities you won’t find in your home city.
In this guide, I’ll take you through seven standout spots — from bustling weekend markets to luxe gourmet shops — with tips, stories, and what to expect. I live in Bangkok, breathe its alleys, and hunt its spice stalls. Think of it like being guided by a friend who eats curry for breakfast.
Why Bangkok Is a Spice Lover’s Paradise
Bangkok sits at the crossroads of cuisines — Thai, Chinese, Indian, Malay — and over centuries, spiced trade has shaped its food culture. In Bangkok today, you’ll find everything from jars of single-origin Indian spices in Little India to sacks of Thai chilies the color of sunset at wet markets.
As of 2025, the spice trade is still very much alive here. While big supermarkets offer convenience, local markets and specialty shops preserve the aroma, variety, and authenticity that spice aficionados crave.
🔍 How to Think About “Spices” in Thailand
Before I map the hotspots, a note: many classic Thai “spice” ingredients — like fresh kaffir lime leaf, galangal, lemongrass, holy basil — are sold as fresh herbs in produce sections, not as dried powders. So sometimes, locals don’t associate them with “spices.” But when you’re hunting for dried, ground, or exotic varieties, these next spots are gold.
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market — RST Spice Shop & the spice alleys
Where locals and expats both go treasure hunting
Chatuchak — aka “JJ” — is not just clothes, ceramics, or souvenirs. In Section 25, Soi 4, RST Spice Shop (No. 192) draws spice hunters from dawn.
Walk through the narrow passage beside the clock tower, past pet stalls and orchids, and you’ll see burlap sacks overstuffed with whole cloves, star anise, galangal powder, cinnamon sticks, paprika, black cardamom — dozens of them. Locals and expats often purchase 10 g or 40 g packets; expect ~10–15 THB for small amounts and ~40–45 THB for bigger ones.
Tips:
- Arrive early (8–10 a.m.) when the scents are freshest and stalls are restocking.
- Bring cash (small bills) and a ziplock bag or cloth pouch.
- Don’t be shy to smell inside jars — vendors often allow sniffing.
- If you return later from elsewhere in Bangkok, RST will sometimes hold your purchase.
Why it’s special: The dusty air here tastes like centuries-old recipes. You’ll feel like an alchemist mapping aromas across the world.
2. Pahurat Market (Bangkok’s Little India)
For Indian blends, curry powders, & whole masalas
Just west of Chinatown (Yaowarat), Pahurat is a hidden alley ecosystem of Indian foodstuff importers. Here, saffron threads nestle next to cumin, fenugreek, garam masala, curry leaves, nutmeg, and dessicated coconut.
In Pahurat, the air hums with Bengali, Tamil, and Punjabi chatters — shopkeepers beckon with “Masala? Garam masala?” as clouds of turmeric swirl overhead. It’s less polished, less touristy than Siam, but raw, local, and full of discovery.
Tips:
- Ask for “whole” spices (ṛāsṭrāṇ) if you want maximum potency.
- Watch out for blends with filler — check for dates and purity.
- Stamp duty and import rules: if you’re buying for export, keep receipts.
3. Gourmet Market & Spice Story (Siam Paragon)
For premium, curated, and imported spice finds
If your taste leans toward artisanal labels, imported blends, and aesthetically labeled glass jars, head to Siam Paragon’s basement. Gourmet Market offers a broad selection of Thai and imported spices.
Right across, Spice Story is a boutique concept shop blending a café and spice emporium. Their spice jars, tea blends, and even spice-infused ice cream beckon connoisseurs who want beauty and flavor combined.
Why visit:
- Ideal when you’re already in central Bangkok and want a clean, polished experience.
- Great for last-minute gifts or travel-safe sealed jars.
- Staff will often help with pairing suggestions (e.g. chili blends, ras-el-hanout style mixtures).
4. Big C, Tops, Villa Market, and Foodland
For dependable, mid-range convenience
Bangkok’s hypermarkets and premium supermarkets are often overlooked by spice hunters. But these chains stock everyday essentials like paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and Thai curry powders.
Expect local brands like No. 1 Hand Brand or S&B, plus imported jars. Prices generally range from ~32–200 THB depending on origin.
Best strategy: Use these for staples you need on-demand. Save the market hunts for rare finds.
5. Khlong Toei Market (Fresh & Dry Mix)
Bangkok’s raw heart — wet market + spice nook
Khlong Toei is the city’s largest fresh produce market. While primarily for vegetables, meats, and seafood, the alleys sometimes host dried spice shops, especially early in the morning.
Walk into the back corridors where sellers layer stacks of jars and sacks. Spices here might not be fancy, but they’re honest, potent, and local. The trade-off: you’ll need to sift and haggle.
Tip: Visit between 5–8 a.m. to catch fresh stock arrival and negotiate. Wear comfortable shoes—markets here can be slick.
6. Trok Mo Market (Old City Morning Markets)
A lesser-known flavorful gem in inner Bangkok
Nestled near Rattanakosin, Trok Mo (also called Thesa Market) is a morning wet market open until late morning.
Though primarily selling vegetables and cooking ingredients, small spice traders (especially in side alleys) place jars of dried beans, chili flakes, and powdered roots. It’s a quiet, authentic stop — ideal if you’re staying in old Bangkok near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, or Khao San.
Why visit: You’ll get fresh-rolled turmeric or ginger powder straight from nearby provinces. The buzz is different — slower, more local.
7. Spice R Us & Specialty Boutiques
Local, niche, and delivered to your door
There are specialty shops that cater to gourmet, artisanal, or expatriate needs. One notable local shop is Spice R Us (Soi 22) — they stock blends, custom mixes, and often deliver or provide wholesale options.
Also, keep an eye out for niche spice boutiques emerging in neighborhoods like Ari, Ekkamai, or Phrom Phong. These are run by foodies, so you could meet the person who blends your 7-pepper mix.
Pro tip: Ask for “test sachets” — small sample jars to sniff before committing.
How I Use These Markets Together
On a favorite Saturday morning, I’ll ride the BTS to Mo Chit, hit Chatuchak’s spice alleys (RST or neighbors), then grab coffee in JJ mall. Next, I hop to Siam for Gourmet Market or Spice Story to fill in foreign items. At dusk, I might drop by Pahurat for Indian masalas before dinner in Yaowarat. Each area offers something different — and the diversity is magic.
What to Know Before You Go
| Category | Advice / Tip |
|---|---|
| When | Early morning (6–11 a.m. in wet markets, or 8–10 a.m. at specialty shops) is best |
| Packing | Use ziplock bags, cloth wraps, or padded rolls — sealed jars are easiest to protect |
| Customs | Declare dried food items honestly; small tourist quantities are usually fine |
| Haggling | Expect 5–15 % flexibility at markets; less so in boutique stores |
| Storage | Bring silica gel or small desiccant packets to protect spices from humidity |
| Language tip | “เครื่องเทศ” (khrʉ̂ang-thét) means “spices”; “ผง” (phong) means “powdered” |
| Local insight | Smell first, then ask for weight in grams (“กรัม”) or by small packets (“ซอง”) |
FAQs — Where To Buy Spices In Bangkok
Q1: Can I find exotic spices like sumac, za’atar, or rare chili varieties?
A: Yes — in boutiques and Gourmet Market-style shops, you’ll find imported blends. Pahurat may also carry Middle Eastern or Indian items. Always ask shopkeepers for “imported” versions.
Q2: Will I find trustworthy, fresh spices or mostly old stock?
A: In high-turnover markets like Chatuchak and Pahurat, stock rotates quickly. But in smaller shops, check for scent strength and date labeling.
Q3: Can I ship spices internationally from Bangkok?
A: Yes, many spice shops (especially boutique or online ones) will pack and ship. Use air mail or courier services, and ensure proper labeling.
Q4: Do supermarkets in Bangkok have good spice sections?
A: Yes — chains like Big C, Tops, Villa, and Foodland carry a range of local and imported spices for everyday cooking.
Q5: Is Chatuchak always open?
A: Chatuchak Weekend Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays; some stalls operate midweek but in reduced capacity.
Q6: How much should I budget for spices in Bangkok?
A: Small quantities (10–20 g) of common spices may cost 10–50 THB. Premium or imported jars might run 150–400 THB or more in boutique stores.
Closing Thoughts
From the buzzing lanes of Chatuchak to the calm boutique shelves in Siam, where to buy spices in Bangkok is less about a single place and more about weaving through neighborhoods, following scent trails, and trusting your nose. Each market, alleyway, shelf, and vendor tells a story — of regional food culture, of trade routes, of kitchens seeking flavor.
So next time you’re here, bring your curiosity, your senses, and a food-safe container. Let the scents draw you in, ask kindly to sniff, and carry home a little stash of Thailand’s spice soul.
Plan your Bangkok flavor adventure — and let every dish you cook back home be a memory of this city’s spicy heart.
Summary (TL;DR)
This guide maps out seven prime spots in Bangkok for buying spices: Chatuchak’s RST shop, Pahurat Market, Gourmet Market & Spice Story (Siam), Big C/Tops/Villa, Khlong Toei market, Trok Mo, and niche boutiques like Spice R Us. Expect a range from raw, aromatic finds to beautifully packaged imports. Tips include best times, how to pack, and what to ask for.