If you’re heading to Thailand with Siam Family Tours, you’re in for more than just stunning beaches, bustling markets, and ancient temples — you’re about to embark on a flavorful culinary journey! Thai food is famous around the world for its bold, aromatic flavors, and yes — sometimes fiery heat. But don’t worry — you don’t have to be a chili champion to enjoy it.
Here’s our beginner-friendly guide to navigating spicy Thai food, so you can enjoy the heat and the harmony!
Why Is Thai Food So Spicy?
Thai cuisine blends sweet, sour, salty, and spicy into a perfect balance. The heat usually comes from bird’s eye chilies (prik kee noo) — tiny but mighty! Spices in Thai food aren’t just there to make you sweat — they enhance flavor, boost aroma, and even improve digestion.
How to Say “Not Too Spicy” in Thai
If you’re new to spicy food, no worries — Thai people understand not everyone has the same spice tolerance. Here are a few useful Thai phrases to help you order with confidence:
- Mai phet (ไม่เผ็ด) – Not spicy
- Phet nit noi (เผ็ดนิดหน่อย) – A little spicy
- Phet mak (เผ็ดมาก) – Very spicy (Use with caution!)
At Siam Family Tours, we always recommend trying dishes with “phet nit noi” if you’re unsure. You can always add more spice later — but you can’t take it out!
Spicy Dishes to Try (and Avoid if You’re Just Starting!)
Mild to Medium Heat:
- Pad Thai (ผัดไทย) – Thailand’s classic stir-fried noodle dish. Usually mild unless you add chili flakes.
- Tom Kha Gai (ต้มข่าไก่) – Coconut soup with chicken, galangal, and herbs. Creamy and lightly spicy.
- Massaman Curry (มัสมั่น) – A rich and mild curry with influences from Indian and Persian cuisine.
For the Brave:
- Som Tum (ส้มตำ) – Green papaya salad. Crunchy, tangy, spicy — and often very hot!
- Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง) – Spicy shrimp soup with lemongrass and lime. A Thai favorite with a chili kick.
- Gaeng Phet (แกงเผ็ด) – Red curry. Delicious, but can be fiery depending on where you eat it.
Tips for Enjoying Spicy Food in Thailand
- Start Slow – Try less spicy dishes and build your tolerance gradually.
- Use Rice as a Buffer – Thai jasmine rice helps cool the burn.
- Balance with Sweet – Thai iced tea or fresh fruit can ease the heat.
- Ask Locals or Your Driver – Our friendly Siam Family Tours drivers can recommend tasty (and spice-level-appropriate) spots near your hotel or destination.
Let’s Eat Our Way Through Bangkok & Pattaya!
Even if you’re just booking a simple airport or hotel transfer, your food adventure can start the moment you arrive! With Siam Family Tours, our professional drivers and operation team aren’t just experts on the road — they’re locals who know where the tastiest stops are.
Landing in Bangkok? Ask our driver to point out some local favorites along the way to your hotel — from spicy street-side Som Tum stalls to hidden gems serving comforting bowls of boat noodles.
Heading to Pattaya? On your transfer from the airport or nearby cities, we can recommend places for delicious seafood with a chili kick, or take a scenic detour past a local market if time allows.
With private, comfortable transfers and local insight from Siam Family Tours, your culinary journey can begin as soon as you buckle your seatbelt.
Final Word
Trying spicy Thai food is part of the adventure — and it’s totally okay to start slow. With a little curiosity (and a cold drink nearby), you’ll discover why so many travelers fall in love with the flavors of Thailand.
Ready to spice up your trip? Book your transfer or tour with Siam Family Tours today, and let the flavors guide the way!
