Gai Yang (Isan Grilled Chicken) ไก่ย่าง
Whole chicken marinated in garlic, coriander root and pepper, grilled slowly over charcoal and eaten with som tam, sticky rice and jaew.
- Spice:
- 🌶 Mild
- Also spelled:
- kai yang, thai grilled chicken
What is Gai Yang?
Gai yang is chicken marinated with garlic, coriander root, white pepper, fish sauce and sometimes lemongrass, then flattened and grilled slowly over charcoal so the skin crisps.
It is half of Isan’s classic meal alongside som tam and sticky rice, with nam jim jaew — a tangy dipping sauce of dried chilli, lime, fish sauce and toasted rice.
Towns like Wichian Buri, Khao Suan Kwang and Ubon are famous for their own styles.
Regional versions
Gai yang Wichian Buri, gai yang Khao Suan Kwang and southern coconut-milk gai kor lae are all regional variants.
How to order it
Order by the half or whole: “gai yang khrueng tua” (half).
Watch: Gai Yang on YouTube
Embedded from the creators’ own channels (Mark Wiens, Pailin's Kitchen). View counts as of 14 Oct 2026.
Top 4 places not to miss for Gai Yang
Only places backed by the MICHELIN Guide, reputable food press or a creator who filmed there; each one shows its source. We list fewer rather than pad the list.
- 1. Som Tam Jay So ร้านส้มตำเจ๊โสSilom, Bangkok
A real-deal Isan stall for fiery papaya salad, larb neua and charcoal grilled chicken.
Source: Eating Thai Food (Mark Wiens) Google Maps ↗ Famous for: Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad), Larb (Laab) - 2. Somtum Khun KanBang Chak, Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Famous som tam and a broad Isan menu including grilled pork; MICHELIN-listed.
- 3. Phed Phed BistroTaling Chan, Bangkok
Bold som tam and grilled meats; MICHELIN-listed.
- 4. Gai Tod Jae Kee (Polo Fried Chicken)Soi Sanam Khli (Soi Polo), Lumphini, Bangkok
Garlic-showered Isan fried chicken with som tam and sticky rice; MICHELIN-listed.Fried rather than grilled, but the classic Isan chicken meal in Bangkok.
More by city: Bangkok food map