Songkran is most famous for its water fights of legendary proportions, but when we think Thai New Year we also imagine the busy street stalls bursting with our favourite Thai delights! This weekend, take some time to celebrate new beginnings and recreate Thai recipes to ring in Songkran like a local.

If you make it to Bangkok for Songkran, Khao San Road is one of the best places to be for an all-out water war. You’ll find yourself famished after the day’s excitement, so a stroll to the more laid back street of Soi Rambuttri around the corner will reveal a quieter atmosphere and lots of local dishes. Here you’ll spot local street vendors prepping for dinnertime by barbequing chicken and wrapping spring rolls. If you want to bring a little piece of Soi Rambuttri to your kitchen, our Sweet Chilli Spring Rolls recipe is the answer. We’ve made it a little easier to recreate these Thai street food faves at home, thanks to premade spring roll wrappers. Have fun with the gang filling them with lots of veggies, add pork or prawns if you fancy it, and don’t forget plenty of Sweet Chilli Sauce for dunking!

Some areas such as Bang Saen in Southern Thailand focus more on traditional aspects of Songkran, and what could be more traditional than a Pad Thai? A street food favourite and one of Thailand’s best-known dishes, these stir-fried noodles are quick and easy and can be adjusted to suit your taste buds. Add some extra chilli for heat, or a dash of lime juice for a citrus-y kick. It’s all about making it your own!

The holiday is also about family, new beginnings and fresh starts and many people take the time to travel back home and spend quality time with loved ones. In fact, the second day of Songkran is known as ‘Family Day’. Like many other Asian gatherings, these family festivities are centred around food and the coming together for a meal. Dishes such as Thai Minced Beef Salad or ‘Laab’ are perfect for sharing. Stir fried mince mixed with herbs and spices and served in some gem lettuces, this recipe only takes 20 minutes to make which leaves plenty of time for catching up!

The 13th – 15th of April marks the beginning of Thai New Year or ‘Songkran’. Take some time to get your friends and family together to celebrate and create some tasty Thai dishes. Sawadee Pee Mai!