Thai food is well-known around the world for its complex flavours and its spiciness. Thai food outside of Thailand can be considered spicy, but I guarantee that the level of spiciness has been adjusted to local preferences.

For anyone that’s been to Thailand and savoured any of the many spicy dishes will understand that saying ‘not spicy’ can still mean a level of spiciness well-beyond what you expected.

Chilis are not the only ingredient that give heat to a dish. In Thai cooking, many of the ingredients add to the heat – Thai garlic, red onion, galanga, holy basil, all of these have their own spiciness!

So how do you order a spicy dish at a level of spiciness you can handle? Read through this guide and prepare yourself properly so you know how to order spicy food in Thailand.

Phet Maak – Super Spicy

Phet Baan Glaang – Mildly Spicy

Phet Noi – Not Very Spicy

Mai Phet – No Chili

You Can Always Add More Chili Yourself

On every table is a condiment caddy holding four jars – its always the same four things in every eatery. Its called krueang proong and if its missing from your table you can ask for it by name or with a hand gesture. Pretend you are carrying the caddy with your fingers, that is the universal hand gesture for Thai condiments.

Chili powder
Chili vinegar
Fish Sauce
Sugar

 

Feature image source: yupasthai.com