How This US$0.30 Thai Street Food Stall Still Makes Money | Money Mind (youtube.com)
In Khao San road. Garlic pork atop white rice, fried in oil. Costs 10 Baht, 20 baht with an egg. There are other options, like stir fry chilli pork, rice noodles, basil pork. A typical customer might order 2 plates or all 4 plates, because they're not big plates.
Raw ingredients for the plates take up 50-60% of the revenue. He buys ingredients always from wholesale markets, and never prepares more than required (once they run out of supplies they stop for the day). (No storage, no leftovers.) Gas to cook and daily expenses take up a bit also. There's no labor costs because he and his family work it, and no rent. After all costs, his profit margin is 10-15%. They rely on volume. 'It's not a lot, but it's enough.' They make about 800-1200 Baht profit per day.
Most food sellers in Bangkok have raised their prices during 2025/2026, due to inflation, especially pork. Some raised their prices during Songkran.
The man, already a mature age, said he won't raise prices as long as he's working. 'I think playing a part in helping low-income people is already enough. ... These days, when people go out, some people carry 100 Baht and it only feeds one person. But if they come here, it can feed the whole family.' He works almost every day.
It therefore is a way for some customers to stretch their budget.
The same plate might cost 50 Baht at other similar vendors.