Introduction to Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is one of the most popular and beloved cuisines in the world, known for its bold flavors, aromas, and spices. With a rich culinary history, Thai cuisine has evolved over time, influenced by various cultures, including Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian. Thai dishes are known for their balance of four basic tastes: salty, hot, sour, and sweet, which creates a harmonious and delicious flavor profile. From spicy tom yum soup to sweet and sour pad thai, Thai cuisine offers a wide range of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

World Famous Cuisine

Thai cuisine is undoubtedly loved by many outside Thailand. Thai restaurants can be found in almost every city worldwide, especially in the USA, Australia, and Great Britain.

However, unbeknownst to most people, Thai food served in restaurants outside of Thailand has often been modified to suit non-Thai taste buds, and many dishes in Thailand may be extremely spicy.

There is no need to be alarmed! The beauty of most Thai food is that it is cooked fresh and can be adjusted to suit your taste. All it takes is telling the waitress or chef how you want the dish, and they will be more than happy to whip up the meal according to your preferences!

Communicating with the waitress/chef could be challenging outside of tourist spots.

Here Are Some Food-Related Expressions

Khrab men add to the end of a sentence
Kha women add to the end of a sentence
Food = aa haan - Restaurant = raan aa haan (literal meaning-food shop)
What is this? = nee a rai, (khrab/Kha)
Is it spicy? = phet mai, (khrab/Kha)
No, it isn’t = mai phet, (khrab/Kha)
Yes, it is spicy = phet, (khrab/Kha)
It’s a little bit spicy = phet nit noi, (khrab/Kha)
It’s very spicy = phet mark, (khrab/Kha)
Don’t add chili = mai sai prik (khrab/Kha)
Breakfast = aa haan Chau
Lunch = aa haan klang wan
Dinner = aa haan yen

For a detailed breakdown of communicating in Thailand and the Thai language, please take a look at our in-depth dive into the Thai language, go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/communicating-in-thailand

In Thailand, there isn’t only traditional food at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Many Thai people will eat whatever they feel like eating! However, some popular foods that can be found easily in the morning for sale at food stalls are:

Understanding these expressions is particularly useful in Thai cooking and when ordering food in Thailand, as they help in navigating the essential ingredients, flavors, and techniques that define Thai cuisine.

Sticky Rice (Khao-Niew)

Sticky rice, also known as khao-niew, is a staple food in Thai cuisine, particularly in the northeastern region of Thailand. It is a type of short-grain rice that is high in starch, making it sticky and clingy. Sticky rice is often served with grilled meat, fish, or vegetables, and is a popular side dish in Thai restaurants. In Thailand, sticky rice is also used as an ingredient in various desserts, such as mango sticky rice and coconut sticky rice.

This meal consists of a large serving of steamed glutinous rice with some meat placed on top and then wrapped in a banana leaf. Usually, there is an assortment of meats to choose from, including sweet pork, sour pork, salty pork, and pork on a stick, to name just a few.

Rice Soup (Kao-Tom)

This rice-based soup usually comes with several optional extras that you can add, including egg, pork, vegetables, ginger, soy sauce, etc.

A bowl of rice soup with vegetables and meat .

Like most other countries, lunch in Thailand is eaten at noon or just before. It is often fried rice, noodles, or a dish served on a rice bed. Thai fried rice, also known as Khao Pad, is a popular dish that highlights the versatility of rice in Thai cuisine. The portions are relatively light compared to Western nations’ portion sizes, and many foreigners will devour two meals at lunchtime, which can be a mistake as Thai food can be very calorie-dense.

Dinner in Thailand is typically consumed around 18:00 or just after. However, if you attend a special event, the food will be served later, around 19:30. Most special events consist of a meal eaten at a round table with several different dishes for everyone at the table to share. There usually is a fried dish, a steamed dish, a type of curry or soup, or a Thai-style salad, and in every instance, rice in some form is served.

There is no particular food reserved only for the evening. You can eat anything on the menu! Almost all Thai food is served with rice because rice is the staple food of Thailand.

Some food shops/stalls sell pre-cooked food in large trays. You can point to the dish that takes your fancy, and a portion will be packaged for you to take home or for you to sit and enjoy on the spot.

Here are some Food-Related Words

Chicken = gai
Pork = moo
Egg = kai - Fried egg = Khai daao - Boiled egg = Khai dtohm
Beef = Nua
Duck = pet
Prawn/Shrimp = gung
Fish = pla
Squid = pla muk
Shellfish = hoi kreng
Crab = boo
Seafood = aa haan taley
Onion = hom
Tomato = makeatet
Chilli = prik
Mushroom = het

In Thailand, many dishes contain garlic, coriander, lemongrass, chili, and ginger. These ingredients are commonly found in most Thai dishes and are combined to create delicious concoctions. Soy sauce is also a common ingredient in many Thai dishes, enhancing the flavor and authenticity of recipes like Thai sweet and sour chicken and Pad See Ew.

Regional Thai Food

Thai cuisine is diverse and varies depending on the region. Northern Thai cuisine, for example, is known for its spicy and sour flavors, while southern Thai cuisine is famous for its rich and creamy curries. Central Thai cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its balance of four basic tastes, with popular dishes like pad thai and tom yum soup. Northeastern Thai cuisine, also known as Isaan cuisine, is famous for its spicy and sour flavors, with popular dishes like som tam (papaya salad) and larb (meat salad).

Here are some Thai Dishes to Help you Order in the Thai Language

Sour and Spicy Thai Soup (Tom Yam)

This hot and spicy soup can be topped with chicken, mushrooms, or shrimp. The shrimp version is considered a national dish called Tom Yam Kung.

Another popular Thai dish is sour shrimp soup, known for its balance of salty, hot, sour, and sweet flavors, which is a staple in Thai restaurants worldwide.

Kao Pad

Fried rice is very popular among locals and visitors. If you are a vegetarian, you can add meat or fish and vegetables to it. This dish is typically served with a bowl of broth/soup, cucumber, spring onions, and a wedge of lime.

Two plates of fried rice and two glasses filled with drinks and a phone and camera on a table.

There are Many Types of Curry in Thailand

(Gaeng Pet Kiau) = Thai Green Curry-
It is a mild and creamy dish, usually with chicken.
(Gaeng Pet Deng) = Thai Red Curry-
A spicy and creamy dish, often with pork.
(Gaeng Massaman) = Thai Massaman Curry-
It is spicy and contains beef, potatoes, onions, and nuts.

A bowl of curry a spoon and a cup on a table.

(Kwetiau) = Noodles

Various types of noodles are available, including thick, thin, rice-based, and soy-based. Noodle stalls offer several ingredients that can be added to personalize the dish, including vegetables, meat, and meatballs. The dish can also be served with or without soup/broth. It is usually eaten with chopsticks and a small soup spoon.

Several desserts in Thailand are delicious, and you should try as many as you can; however, Thai people typically eat fruit as a dessert. Thailand has a fantastic variety of fruit, which is usually very affordable and freshly picked. Some fruit stalls peel and slice the fruit for you to eat immediately. Also, coconuts can be bought fresh with the top chopped off and a straw inserted so you can drink the juice.

Here are Some Fruit-Related Words

Pineapple = sap bpa roht
Mangosteen = munkut
Papaya = malagor
Mango = mamuang
Banana = gluai
Coconut = maprao
Oranges = som

Drinking Alcohol in Thailand

Finally, if you find yourself dining with Thai people and enjoying an alcoholic beverage with the meal, here are some valid words and phrases for you to use.

Cheers = chohn gaaeo
Glass = gaaeo
Bottle = khuaat

Dining in Thailand

Dining in Thailand is a unique and enjoyable experience. Thai restaurants often serve a variety of dishes, including noodle salads, soups, and stir-fries. In Thailand, it is customary to eat with your hands, using a fork and spoon to help guide the food into your mouth. Thai restaurants also offer a variety of drinks, including fresh coconut water, Thai iced tea, and Singha beer. When dining in Thailand, it is also customary to share dishes with others, as Thai cuisine is often served family-style.

Thai Food Culture

Thai food culture is an integral part of Thai society, with food playing a central role in Thai festivals, celebrations, and daily life. In Thailand, food is not just a source of sustenance, but also a way to bring people together and create community. Thai cuisine is also deeply rooted in Thai culture and history, with many dishes influenced by Thai mythology and folklore. In Thailand, food is also used as a way to show respect and hospitality, with hosts often serving their guests a variety of dishes as a sign of welcome and respect.

Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/laosvisaguide to read the guidelines for a visa run to Savannakhet, Laos.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/savankhet-laos-thai-visa-application-form-guidelines to read the guidelines for completing the visa application form.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog//understanding-thai-visa-categories-employment-document-process to read about the various categories of Thai visas and information for teaching in Thailand.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/lantern-festival-loy-krathong-lamphun-thailand to read about Teacher Olga’s experience in Lamphun Province Thailand during Loy Krathong Festival 2022.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/seasons-in-thailand-explained to read about the seasons and climate in Thailand.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-thai-school-calendar to read about Thailand's school year and how it differs from most other countries.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/loy-krathong-lantern-yipeng-2022 to read about Loy Krathong and Yi-Ping/Ye-Peng Festivals in Thailand.
Go to https://kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-complete-guide-to-the-thai-alphabet to read a detailed guide to Thai and Alphabet languages.

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