Mae Sot: Pa Thong Ko (fried bread) – Early morning breakfast

I had taken the overnight bus from Bangkok to Mae Sot and arrived early in the morning, slightly groggy but ready to explore. There’s something magical about those quiet hours right around dawn, with the streets slowly coming to life. Besides, I was rather hungry too, so I was hoping to find a place to have breakfast.

A few breakfast shops were already open, their warm lights spilling onto the sidewalks. As I walked, I spotted a small street stall with a wok full of bubbling oil, so I stopped to see what was cooking. Turned out it was Pa Thong Ko, Thailand’s take on Chinese youtiao, deep-fried dough sticks. The Thai version of the dough sticks is smaller and crunchier than the Chinese counterpart but just as addictive.

It was really fun to see how the Pa Thong Ko was made. The ladies at the stall worked quickly, tossing small pieces of dough into the hot oil and expertly swirling them around until they puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown. I ended up with a big bag of Pa Thong Ko—far too many for one person, but they looked irresistible. Fresh from the wok, they were crispy on the outside, and warm and pillowy on the inside. They were sprinkled with sesame seeds and had a slightly savory taste. So good! They were everything you want in a morning snack, but despite my best efforts, I couldn’t finish them all. I saved some for later, but Pa Thong Ko is best enjoyed fresh. Once they cool down, they lose their crunch and become a bit chewy.

If you’re visiting Thailand, keep an eye out for Pa Thong Ko. Look for a small stall with a big wok and locals queuing up—you won’t regret it. Just remember to eat them while they’re hot. That first crispy bite is pure magic.