Ordering Food: Useful Thai Phrases

Communication can be an uncomfortable barrier when traveling in a non-English speaking country. Although English is fairly understood, you still want to make sure that the food you order is really what you had in mind. Don't let your lack of Thai language become a hurdle; equip yourself with these basic and very useful phrases. Not only will you get your order right, Thai people will reward your efforts with a big smile and generous portion.

(Bear in mind that Thai is a tonal language, so if you are asked to repeat yourself many times, just point and use a lot of gestures. A smile and friendly attitude goes a long way too!)

mai ped: not spicy

mai sai prik: no chilies

naam: water

naam kaeng: ice

kaao: rice

gaeng: curry, soup

laad kaao: on rice

kaao laad kaeng: curry, soup or other items of your choice on rice

aharn taam sung: made to order food

kaao pad: fried rice

pad kaprao: spicy stir-fried meat with holy basil leaves

kai daao: fried egg (sook: cooked yolk, mai sook: runny yolk)

kai tomm: hard boiled egg

kai jiaow: Thai omelette

tom: boil

yum: spicy salad

pad: stir-fry

todd: fry

pak: vegetables

pla muk: squid

goong: shrimps

nua: meat / beef (nua is also a prefix added to mean meat of something, e.g. nua plaa - fish meat)

plaa: fish

kai: chicken or egg depends on the tone (if it becomes confusing, just point)

moo: pork

guay dtieow: noodles 

bah mii: egg noodles (yellow in colour)

sen mii: rice vermicelli

haeng: dry / without soup

naam: with soup

gieow: wonton

look chin: meat ball

ao alai: what do you want? (you might get asked this)

klab baan / sai toong: take away, to take home

gin tii nii: eat here

tammadaa: normal

pi sed: special, extra

tao lai: how much

chek bin: check / bill please

This should be enough to get your message across. Don't hesitate to ask the locals if you're in doubt - there's bound to be someone more than willing to help you out.