How to Order Food in Thailand — Complete Guide in 2025
Ordering food in Thailand can seem difficult, especially if you don't know Thai. However, with a few basic phrases and tips, you can easily order food according to your preferences. In this article, we'll tell you about useful phrases in Thai, share ordering tips, and help you navigate Thai restaurants and street stalls.
Basic Phrases in Thai
Greetings and Politeness
- "Sawasdee" — Hello
- "Khop khun" — Thank you
- "Khop khun mak" — Thank you very much
- "Mai pen rai" — You're welcome / Never mind
Ordering Food
- "Ao..." — I want... (for example, "Ao Pad Thai" — I want Pad Thai)
- "Mai ao" — Don't want
- "Aroi" — Delicious
- "Mai aroi" — Not delicious
Phrases for Specifying Spiciness Level
Not Spicy
- "Mai phet" — Not spicy
- "Mai sai prik" — Without chili peppers
- "Aroi mai phet" — Delicious but not spicy
A Little Spicy
- "Phet nit noi" — A little spicy
- "Phet noi" — A little spicy (short form)
Spicy
- "Phet" — Spicy
- "Phet mak" — Very spicy
- "Phet mak mak" — Very very spicy
Phrases for Specifying Quantity
- "Piak" — More
- "Nit noi" — A little
- "Mai sai" — Without
- "Sai mak" — A lot
Examples:
- "Khao piak" — More rice
- "Gai piak" — More chicken
- "Mai sai namtan" — Without sugar
Phrases for Specifying Meat Type
- "Gai" — Chicken
- "Moo" — Pork
- "Neua" — Beef
- "Goong" — Shrimp
- "Talay" — Seafood
- "Tofu" — Tofu (vegetarian)
Examples:
- "Pad Thai Gai" — Pad Thai with chicken
- "Pad Thai Goong" — Pad Thai with shrimp
- "Khao Pad Moo" — Fried rice with pork
How to Order in a Restaurant
Step 1: Greeting
Start with "Sawasdee" (Hello) or just smile.
Step 2: Choosing a Dish
Specify the dish you want to order. You can use the English name of the dish, as many restaurants understand English.
Step 3: Specifying Preferences
Use phrases to specify spiciness level and other preferences:
- "Pad Thai, mai phet" — Pad Thai, not spicy
- "Tom Yum, phet nit noi" — Tom Yum, a little spicy
Step 4: Thanking
After ordering, say "Khop khun" (Thank you).
How to Order at a Street Stall
Step 1: Approach the Stall
Approach the stall and look at the menu or dishes being prepared.
Step 2: Specify the Dish
Point to the dish or say its name. You can point to another customer's dish.
Step 3: Specify Preferences
Use phrases to specify spiciness level:
- "Mai phet" — Not spicy
- "Phet nit noi" — A little spicy
Step 4: Payment
Pay for the order. Usually payment occurs after receiving the food.
Tips for Tourists
Use Gestures
If you don't know Thai, use gestures:
- Point to a dish in the menu or another customer's plate
- Gesture "no" for "not spicy"
- Show quantity with fingers
Use Translation Apps
Translation apps can help you explain your preferences. However, basic phrases work better.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask
Most restaurants are ready to help you order food according to your preferences. Don't be afraid to ask, even if you don't know Thai.
Use FoodSensAI
Use FoodSensAI — our bot will help you find the best places for food near you and help with ordering, taking into account your preferences.
Start with Safe Dishes
Start with safe dishes such as Khao Man Gai or Pad Thai, which are usually not spicy.
Common Mistakes
Don't Speak Too Fast
Speak slowly and clearly so you are understood.
Don't Use Complex Phrases
Use simple phrases and gestures for better understanding.
Don't Be Afraid to Repeat
If you weren't understood, repeat the phrase or use gestures.
Useful Phrases for Restaurants
- "Menu" — Menu
- "Bill" — Check
- "Water" (Nam) — Water
- "Rice" (Khao) — Rice
- "More" (Piak) — More
- "Less" (Nit noi) — Less
Conclusion
Ordering food in Thailand can be simple and pleasant if you know a few basic phrases. Use "mai phet" for non-spicy dishes, "phet nit noi" for slightly spicy ones, and don't be afraid to experiment. Most restaurants are ready to help you order food according to your preferences. Use our recommendations as a starting point, but don't be afraid to explore on your own — the best discoveries are often made by accident! Use FoodSensAI to find the best places for food near you!
