Thailand Food Guide: 25 Must-Try Thai Dishes 🇹🇭
One of the things we love most about travelling through Thailand as a family is the food.
Actually, let’s be honest.
The food is one of the reasons we’d happily go back to Thailand tomorrow.
From steaming bowls of noodles in Bangkok to grilled skewers from a street-food stall, creamy curries, fresh tropical fruit and the most delicious Mango Sticky Rice, there is something for everyone.
And travelling with children doesn’t mean you have to stick to pizza and pasta.
Quite the opposite.
Thailand is a brilliant country for families who love food because there is so much to try. Some dishes are spicy, some are sweet, some are completely unfamiliar and others are surprisingly familiar.
And sometimes, the best food experiences are the ones you don’t plan.
We’ve had Thai dinners where a chef cooked for us, made our own Pad Thai at an elephant sanctuary and eaten our way through markets and local restaurants.
So if you’re planning a family adventure in Thailand, come hungry.
Here are 25 Thai dishes we think you should try.
- Pad Thai 🍜
Let’s start with the obvious one.
Pad Thai is probably the Thai dish most people recognise around the world.
Rice noodles are stir-fried with ingredients such as egg, tofu, vegetables, shrimp or chicken and finished with crushed peanuts, lime and usually some chilli.
It’s sweet, salty, slightly sour and wonderfully satisfying.
And it’s also a brilliant dish for children.
We discovered this first-hand during one of our experiences in Phuket.
Making Pad Thai at an Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket 🐘
One of our favourite food experiences happened at an elephant sanctuary in Phuket, where we didn’t just get to eat Pad Thai.
We got to make it ourselves.
Anneloes was so excited to have a go. She loved being involved in preparing the ingredients and couldn’t wait to try the finished dish.
And she absolutely loved it.
She ate her entire plate of Pad Thai.
Of course, we did our best to help with that too. 😉
But the biggest surprise was Evelijn.
She’s not always the most adventurous eater, so we weren’t sure what she’d think.
But even Evelijn managed to eat more than one bite.
For us, that’s a win!
It was such a fun way to introduce the children to Thai food. When kids get to make something themselves, trying something new suddenly becomes much more exciting.
And Pad Thai turned out to be a pretty good place to start.
If you’re travelling with children who aren’t used to spicy food, simply ask for mai pet, which means not spicy.
- Khao Pad – Thai Fried Rice 🍚
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the biggest hits with children.
Khao Pad is Thai-style fried rice, usually cooked with egg, vegetables and chicken, shrimp or another protein.
It’s one of those dishes you can find almost everywhere.
And when one of the kids isn’t feeling particularly adventurous, it’s an easy option.
Rice, egg and a little meat or vegetables.
Nothing too complicated.
Sometimes that’s exactly what you need after a long day of exploring.
- Tom Yum Goong 🌶️🍤
If you like bold flavours, you need to try Tom Yum Goong.
This famous Thai soup combines shrimp with lemongrass, lime, galangal, herbs and chilli.
The result is hot, sour, spicy and incredibly fragrant.
It can be quite spicy, so this probably isn’t the first dish we’d order for younger children.
But for adults who enjoy a bit of heat, it’s a classic.
- Tom Kha Gai 🥥
If Tom Yum sounds a little too fiery, try Tom Kha Gai.
This creamy coconut soup is made with chicken, coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass and lime.
The coconut milk gives it a lovely creamy texture and slightly sweet flavour.
It’s fragrant without being as aggressively spicy as some other Thai dishes.
Definitely worth trying if you want to discover something beyond the familiar Pad Thai.
- Green Curry – Gaeng Keow Wan 🍛
Thai Green Curry, or Gaeng Keow Wan, gets its beautiful colour from green chillies and fresh herbs.
It’s usually made with coconut milk, vegetables and chicken, although other proteins can be used too.
The sauce is creamy, aromatic and spicy.
Very spicy, sometimes.
So if you’re ordering this for children, definitely ask about the spice level.
One of the things we loved about eating in Thailand was how easy it was to adapt dishes for the children.
- Massaman Curry 🥔🥜
Massaman Curry is probably one of the Thai curries I’d recommend first to families.
It’s generally milder and sweeter than many other Thai curries, with coconut milk, spices, potatoes and peanuts.
You can find it with beef, chicken or other proteins.
It’s rich, comforting and full of flavour without necessarily being overwhelmingly spicy.
If your children are ready to move beyond fried rice and noodles, this is a great curry to try.
- Red Curry – Gaeng Daeng 🌶️
Thai Red Curry, or Gaeng Daeng, is made with red curry paste and coconut milk.
It’s usually richer and spicier than Massaman curry, with vegetables and meat or seafood added to the sauce.
The creamy coconut milk balances some of the heat, but it can still pack a serious punch.
If you love spicy food, definitely give it a try.
For the kids?
Maybe start with something a little milder.
- Pad Kra Pao 🌿
Pad Kra Pao is a Thai stir-fry made with meat, garlic, chilli and holy basil.
It’s often served over steamed rice and topped with a fried egg.
Simple?
Yes.
Full of flavour?
Absolutely.
The combination of savoury meat, fragrant basil, chilli and a crispy-edged fried egg is seriously addictive.
Just be aware that this dish can be quite spicy.
- Som Tam – Green Papaya Salad 🥗
Som Tam is one of Thailand’s most famous salads.
It’s made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, lime, fish sauce and chilli.
And when we say chilli, we mean it.
You can ask for less spicy, but the combination of sour, salty, sweet and spicy flavours is what makes Som Tam so special.
It’s also a great reminder that Thai food isn’t all noodles and curries.
- Gai Yang – Thai Grilled Chicken 🍗
Gai Yang is Thai-style grilled chicken, usually marinated with herbs, garlic and spices before being grilled.
You’ll often find it served with sticky rice and a dipping sauce.
It’s simple, delicious and easy to share.
And because the chicken itself isn’t necessarily spicy, it’s another good choice when you’re travelling with children.
- Moo Ping – Grilled Pork Skewers 🍢
One of our favourite types of Thai street food is Moo Ping.
These are small skewers of marinated grilled pork.
You’ll find them at markets, street stalls and food stands, often served with sticky rice.
They’re sweet, savoury, smoky and incredibly easy to eat.
Perfect for hungry children who don’t want to sit down for a full meal.
And pretty hard for adults to resist too.
- Satay 🍢
Thai satay consists of skewered grilled meat, often chicken, served with a peanut dipping sauce.
If your children already enjoy satay, this is an easy win.
The meat is usually tender and the peanut sauce adds a lovely sweet and savoury flavour.
It’s familiar enough for children while still feeling like part of the Thai food experience.
- Pad See Ew 🍜
If Pad Thai isn’t your thing, try Pad See Ew.
This noodle dish uses wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, egg and vegetables, often with chicken or beef.
It’s savoury rather than sweet and tends to be less spicy than many other Thai dishes.
Another excellent option for children.
- Pad Kee Mao – Drunken Noodles 🌶️
Don’t let the name put you off.
Pad Kee Mao, or Drunken Noodles, contains no alcohol.
It’s a spicy stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, garlic, chilli and Thai basil.
It’s full of flavour and usually has a serious kick.
Definitely more of an adult choice in our family.
- Khao Soi 🍜🥥
If you’re heading north to Chiang Mai, don’t miss Khao Soi.
This northern Thai speciality is a creamy curry noodle soup, usually made with egg noodles, coconut milk and curry spices.
It’s topped with crispy noodles, creating a fantastic combination of textures.
If you’re planning to explore northern Thailand, our Chang Mai with Kids guide has more ideas for what to see and do with children.
And if you’re building a longer Thailand itinerary, Chiang Mai is a destination worth considering because it gives you a completely different experience from the beaches and islands.
- Boat Noodles 🍜
Boat noodles are small bowls of intensely flavoured noodle soup.
They’re traditionally associated with Bangkok and were originally sold from boats along Thailand’s canals.
The portions are small, which makes them perfect for trying different flavours.
You could even turn it into a little family food challenge.
How many bowls can you try?
- Thai Spring Rolls 🥢
Thai spring rolls are another easy option for children.
Crispy pastry is filled with vegetables and sometimes meat or noodles before being fried and served with a sweet dipping sauce.
They’re familiar enough for less adventurous eaters while still giving you that Thai street-food experience.
And in our family, Evelijn could definitely get used to eating these more often. 😉
She happily tucked into her spring roll without asking too many questions about what was inside.
Let’s just say we didn’t immediately tell her there were carrots hiding in there somewhere.
She was eating something she’d never eaten before, so we decided to let her enjoy the moment.
Sometimes, when you’re travelling with children, you don’t need to announce every single ingredient.
If they’re trying something new and enjoying it, that’s already a win. 😄
- Roti 🥞
You might come across roti all over Thailand, especially around markets and tourist areas.
It’s a thin, crispy flatbread that can be served sweet or savoury.
One of the most popular versions is topped with banana and condensed milk or chocolate.
And let’s be honest…
If someone says banana, chocolate and condensed milk, the children are probably going to say yes.
- Mango Sticky Rice – Mum’s All-Time Favourite 🥭🍚
No Thai food guide would be complete without Mango Sticky Rice.
And this one has a very special place in our family.
It’s Mum’s all-time favourite.
Sweet, ripe mango is served with sticky rice and a creamy coconut sauce.
It sounds incredibly simple.
It is incredibly simple.
But somehow the combination is absolutely perfect.
And yes, I have eaten it more than once during our trips to Thailand.
Probably more than once a day would be an accurate statement. 😉
The kids are happy to share it too, although I’m not sure they quite understand why Mum gets so excited whenever she sees it on a menu.
For me, though, spotting Mango Sticky Rice is almost like spotting an old friend.
If it’s on the menu, I’m ordering it. Every single time.
It’s sweet, creamy, fruity and completely delicious and definitely one of the Thai dishes I miss most when we’re back home.
- Coconut Ice Cream 🍨🥥
Thailand’s tropical climate makes ice cream even more appealing.
Coconut ice cream is a particularly popular choice and is often served in a coconut shell with toppings such as peanuts, sweet corn or coconut pieces.
It’s refreshing after a hot day of sightseeing.
And believe us, there will be plenty of hot days.
If you’re wondering when to visit Thailand with your family, our Thailand with Kids: Best Time to Visit guide will help you work out which season suits your trip best.
- Thai Banana Pancakes 🍌
You’ll often see banana pancakes being prepared at street stalls, especially in tourist areas.
A thin dough is cooked on a hot plate and filled with banana before being folded and topped with condensed milk, chocolate or sugar.
They’re crispy, sweet and perfect as an afternoon snack.
Not exactly a health food.
But you’re on holiday.
- Khanom Krok 🥥
Khanom Krok are small coconut pancakes made from coconut milk and rice flour.
They’re cooked in a special pan with little round wells, giving them their distinctive shape.
They’re creamy on the inside with slightly crispy edges.
You’ll often find them at markets and street-food stalls.
If you spot them, give them a try.
- Thai Mango 🥭
Okay, technically it’s not a dish.
But we couldn’t leave Thai mango off this list.
The mangoes in Thailand are incredibly sweet and juicy, and you’ll find them everywhere.
They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert or simply as a snack while exploring.
And when you’re travelling with children, having fresh fruit readily available is a huge bonus.
- Coconut Pancakes 🥥
Another street-food favourite is the humble coconut pancake.
Small, sweet and slightly chewy, these little treats are usually made with coconut milk and rice flour.
They’re ideal for grabbing a quick snack while wandering around a market.
And because they’re small, you can easily try them alongside a few other things.
Which is exactly how we like to eat when travelling.
- Fresh Thai Fruit 🍍🍉
Last but definitely not least: fresh fruit.
Thailand is full of colourful fruit stalls selling everything from watermelon and pineapple to dragon fruit, papaya and mango.
You’ll often find fruit already cut into convenient pieces, making it incredibly easy to grab a healthy snack while you’re exploring.
For families, it’s perfect.
Especially when everyone is hot, tired and suddenly claiming they’re starving.
A Thai Dinner We Won’t Forget: Koh Tao 🌴🍛
Some of our most memorable food experiences weren’t in a restaurant at all.
During our time on Koh Tao, we had a Thai dinner where a chef came and cooked for us.
And it was such a lovely experience as a family.
Instead of simply ordering something from a menu, we could watch the food being prepared right in front of us. The smells, the fresh ingredients and the different dishes appearing one after another made dinner feel like an experience in itself.
And that’s something we really love about travelling in Thailand.
Food doesn’t always have to be a quick meal between activities.
Sometimes the meal becomes part of the memory.
After a day of exploring Koh Tao, sitting together around the table while a chef prepared a Thai dinner for us was one of those moments we’ll remember long after the holiday.
It’s also why we think you shouldn’t plan every single meal of your Thailand trip.
Leave a little room for experiences.
You never know when dinner is going to become one of your favourite memories.
What Should Kids Try in Thailand?
Travelling with children doesn’t mean you have to skip Thai food.
We actually found the opposite.
There were plenty of dishes our children could enjoy, especially when we asked for less or no chilli.
Some of the easiest dishes to start with are:
- Pad Thai
- Khao Pad
- Pad See Ew
- Gai Yang
- Moo Ping
- Satay
- Spring rolls
- Roti
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Fresh fruit
- Coconut ice cream
And don’t forget the magic words:
Mai pet.
It means not spicy.
Because while Mum might happily eat a spicy curry, the children may have other ideas!
Thai Street Food With Kids
One of our favourite things about Thailand is that food isn’t just something you eat.
It’s part of the experience.
Markets come alive with sizzling woks, grilled skewers, colourful fruit, noodles, desserts and drinks.
And children get to see their food being prepared right in front of them.
Bangkok is particularly good for this.
If you’re spending time in the capital, our Bangkok with Kids guide has plenty of ideas for combining sightseeing, family-friendly activities and food.
And don’t worry if your children aren’t ready to try everything.
Let them choose.
One night they might eat Pad Thai.
The next night they might surprise you with curry.
And then they’ll probably ask for pancakes.
That’s part of travelling.
Food on the Thai Islands
Thai island life brings plenty of delicious food too.
On Koh Samui, you’ll find everything from local Thai restaurants to beachside restaurants serving familiar family favourites. We’ve shared more family-friendly tips in our Koh Samui with Kids guide.
The Avocado Burger That Stole Anneloes’ Heart 🥑🍔
And then there was the avocado burger on Koh Yao Noi.
This wasn’t just another meal.
It became Anneloes’ all-time favourite.
During our time on Koh Yao Noi, she discovered an avocado burger that she absolutely loved. So much so that it became one of those meals she still talks about.
It’s funny because when we think about Thai food, we immediately think of Pad Thai, curries, noodles and Mango Sticky Rice.
But sometimes the food memory that sticks with you most is something you never expected to find.
For Anneloes, that was this avocado burger.
We actually wrote more about it in our Koh Yao Noi with Kids guide, because it became such a memorable part of our time on the island.
And that’s one of the things we love about travelling with children.
You can introduce them to all kinds of new food, but you never quite know what is going to become their favourite.
For Anneloes, it wasn’t necessarily the most traditional Thai dish.
It was an avocado burger on a little Thai island.
And honestly?
We’re still not surprised she remembers it. 😄
And then there’s Phuket, where you’ll find an enormous choice of restaurants, markets and street food. If you’re planning a family trip here, you’ll find plenty of ideas in our Phuket with Kids guide.
During our time there, we also had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe Phuket.
Okay, so it’s definitely not traditional Thai food. 😉
But for us, it was still part of our Thailand food story.
We have a little family tradition of visiting Hard Rock Cafes around the world and collecting their famous Hurricane Glasses. So naturally, our lunch in Phuket meant another glass could be added to the collection.
It’s funny how food can become connected to completely different travel memories.
The Pad Thai we made together at the elephant sanctuary.
The avocado burger Anneloes loved on Koh Yao Noi.
The Thai dinner cooked for us on Koh Tao.
Mum’s endless search for Mango Sticky Rice.
And a lunch at Hard Rock Cafe Phuket that came with another Hurricane Glass for our collection.
Not every meal has to be traditionally Thai to become part of your Thailand story.
Sometimes it’s the little traditions you bring with you that make a trip feel uniquely yours.
And our Hurricane Glass collection? That’s a story for another time… 😉
How Much Does Food Cost in Thailand?
One of the best things about travelling around Thailand as a family is that you can eat incredibly well without spending a fortune.
Street food and local restaurants are generally much cheaper than restaurants aimed specifically at tourists.
And you don’t need to eat at fancy restaurants every night to enjoy amazing food.
If you’re working out your overall Thailand budget, our Thailand with Kids: How Much Does a Family Trip Cost? guide breaks down the costs of accommodation, food, transport, activities and everything else you’ll want to consider.
Do You Need a Kitchen?
For most families, we don’t think you need one.
Thailand has so many affordable restaurants, food stalls and markets that eating out is often easier than cooking.
Of course, if you have very young children, allergies or particularly fussy eaters, having access to a kitchen can be useful.
But for most families?
Enjoy the food.
That’s one of the best parts of being in Thailand.
When choosing where to stay, think about what works for your family rather than simply choosing the cheapest option. Our Where to Stay in Thailand: The Best Places to Stay for Families guide covers the best areas and accommodation options across the country.
What to Pack for Eating in Thailand
You don’t need much specifically for eating in Thailand.
But a few things can make family travel easier.
We always recommend bringing:
- Reusable water bottles
- Hand sanitiser
- A small packet of tissues
- Wet wipes
- A reusable shopping bag
- Snacks for travel days
- A little familiar food for emergencies
And, of course, lightweight clothing.
Thailand is hot and humid, so you definitely don’t want to pack your entire wardrobe.
Our What to Pack for Thailand with Kids guide has our complete family packing list, including what we actually took and what you can happily leave at home.
Thai Food Is Part of the Adventure
For us, food is never just about eating.
It’s part of travelling.
It’s sitting down at a tiny restaurant after a long day.
It’s choosing something from a market because you have absolutely no idea what it is.
It’s watching a chef prepare dinner for your family on Koh Tao.
It’s making Pad Thai at an elephant sanctuary in Phuket and watching Anneloes eat her entire plate.
It’s seeing Evelijn take more than one bite of something new and celebrating that tiny victory.
It’s ordering Mango Sticky Rice because Mum simply cannot resist it.
And it’s sharing all of those moments around a table.
That’s what we love about travelling as a family.
The food becomes part of the story.
So don’t plan every meal before you leave home.
Leave some room for curiosity.
Follow the smell of something delicious through a market. Point at something you’ve never tried before. Order a few different dishes and share them around the table.
Because some of our favourite travel memories aren’t the big attractions.
They’re the meals we still talk about when we get home.
And if you’re planning your own family adventure, our Thailand With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide is a great place to start. We also have our Our 2-week Thailand Itinerary if you’re wondering how to fit the different destinations together without spending your entire holiday travelling.
And if you’re finding it difficult to turn all those ideas into an actual family itinerary, we can help with that too.
Tell us where you want to go, what your family enjoys, how long you have and what kind of trip you’re dreaming of and we’ll help you turn those ideas into a practical, family-friendly plan.
Because sometimes the hardest part isn’t dreaming about the trip.
It’s figuring out how to make it all work.
But wherever you go in Thailand, make sure you leave room for the food.
And maybe one more plate of Pad Thai.
You can never have too much Pad Thai, right? ❤️
Eet smakelijk!