Non-Spicy Thai Food — Complete Guide for Tourists in 2025
Thailand is famous for its spicy cuisine, but that doesn't mean all dishes here burn your tongue. In fact, Thai cuisine has many dishes that don't contain chili peppers or contain them in minimal amounts. In this article, we'll tell you about non-spicy Thai dishes, where to find them, how to order, and share tips for tourists who don't like spicy food.
Why is Thai Cuisine Considered Spicy?
Thai cuisine is known for its use of chili peppers, which give dishes their spiciness. However, not all Thai dishes are spicy. Many dishes have a rich flavor without spiciness, and spiciness can be adjusted when ordering. It's important to understand that Thai cuisine is not just about spiciness, but also about balance of flavors: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
Thai cuisine is not just about spiciness, but also about balance of flavors. Many dishes have a rich flavor without chili peppers, and spiciness can be adjusted when ordering.
Non-Spicy Thai Dishes
Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)
Khao Man Gai is one of the safest dishes for tourists who don't like spicy food. The dish consists of steamed chicken and rice cooked in chicken broth. Served with sauce that can be spicy, but you can skip it. This dish is especially popular for breakfast and lunch.
Where to try:
Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Milk Soup)
Tom Kha Gai is a soup with chicken and coconut milk that is usually not spicy. Coconut milk softens the spiciness and gives the soup a creamy texture. The soup has a rich aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime without burning spiciness.
Features:
- Coconut milk softens the taste
- Rich aroma without spiciness
- Popular among tourists
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a dessert that is definitely not spicy. The dish consists of sweet sticky rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk. This is one of the most popular Thai desserts and an ideal choice for those who don't like spicy food.
Where to try:
- Street stalls with desserts
- Restaurants and cafes
- Night markets
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Khao Pad is fried rice with egg and meat that is usually not spicy. The dish is prepared with soy sauce and may contain minimal amounts of chili peppers, but spiciness can be adjusted when ordering.
Varieties:
- Khao Pad Kai (with chicken)
- Khao Pad Goong (with shrimp)
- Khao Pad Moo (with pork)
Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles)
Pad Thai is stir-fried rice noodles that are usually not spicy. The dish is prepared with tamarind sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, creating a balance of sour, sweet, and salty flavors. Spiciness can be added if desired, using chili peppers or hot sauce.
How to Order Non-Spicy Food
Phrases in Thai
- "Mai phet" — not spicy
- "Phet nit noi" — a little spicy
- "Mai sai prik" — without chili peppers
- "Aroi mai phet" — delicious, but not spicy
Ordering Tips
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Use Thai phrases — even if you don't know Thai, the phrase "mai phet" will help you order non-spicy food.
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Gesture — you can gesture "no" or write "no spicy" on paper.
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Ask in English — many restaurants in tourist areas understand English and can prepare the dish without spiciness.
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Use translation apps — translation apps can help you explain your preferences.
Where to Find Non-Spicy Food
Restaurants in Shopping Malls
Restaurants in shopping malls often offer dishes adapted for tourists. Here you can find non-spicy versions of Thai dishes and international cuisine.
Tourist Areas
Tourist areas, such as Khao San in Bangkok or Patong in Phuket, offer many restaurants that understand tourist preferences and can prepare dishes without spiciness.
Street Stalls
Street stalls can also prepare dishes without spiciness if you ask. Especially popular are stalls with Khao Man Gai and Pad Thai, which are usually not spicy.
Specialized Restaurants
Specialized restaurants, such as Khao Man Gai restaurants, offer dishes that are usually not spicy and safe for tourists.
Tips for Tourists
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Start with safe dishes — try Khao Man Gai or Tom Kha — these dishes are usually not spicy and safe to start with.
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Use the phrase 'mai phet'" — this phrase will help you order non-spicy food in any restaurant.
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Don't be afraid to ask — most restaurants are willing to adapt dishes to your preferences.
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Try desserts — Thai desserts, such as Mango Sticky Rice, are definitely not spicy and very tasty.
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Use FoodSensAI — our AI assistant will help you find the best places for non-spicy dishes near you, taking into account your preferences.
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Try in different places — non-spicy dishes can differ depending on the region. In Bangkok and Phuket, you can find many varieties.
Conclusion
Thailand offers many non-spicy dishes for tourists who don't like spicy food. From Khao Man Gai to Mango Sticky Rice — everyone will find something to their liking. The main thing is not to be afraid to ask and use the phrase "mai phet" when ordering. 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 non-spicy dishes near you!
