Spicy 'pet' for beginners
Spicy food in Thailand is not the same as in most other countries. Thai people can eat very spicy food and have a different idea of what ‘spicy’ means, because they have been eating it since they were children. So if you order spicy food, you might get much more than you expect. If you do not eat spicy food at all, add ‘mai sai prik’ (‘no chili’) to your order. If you like it a little spicy, say ‘mai pet’ (‘not spicy’) and you will still find chili in your dish. If you feel confident and more adventurous, try ‘pet dai’ (‘spicy possible’) or even ‘pet mak’ (‘very spicy’), but only at your own risk ;)
Go local - eat local
Eating seafood in Chiang Mai might sound like a good idea, but keep in mind that Chiang Mai is pretty far from the sea. If you wish to err on the side of caution, be sure to pick foods that are local to the area you are visiting. When in Northern Thailand, indulge in the mouth-watering Northern dish Khao Soi, farm-fresh fruits, veggies, local teas, and lots of rice! When in the South on the islands, seafood is a wonderful option because it is usually caught fresh.
Make sure it's fresh
When wandering the streets of Bangkok, you will see many vendors selling everything from cut fruit to pork balls. Though these foods are generally safe to eat and locals consume them every day, as a visitor you may wish to avoid foods that have been sitting out for too long. Try to opt for freshly cooked foods that are made on the spot for you - watching the skilled vendors preparing tasty dishes oftentimes is a experience in itself.
Go for bottles
You can find cheap bottled water everywhere in Thailand. Though this is probably not the most eco-friendly choice, it might be the best one for your health. The MWA (Metropolitan Waterworks Authority) insists that water is safe to drink out of the tap in Thailand, but most locals would advise you not to. Many households buy large water bottles that can be used for several days and produce less plastic waste. If you prefer to drink out of the tap, be sure to purchase a good water filter.
Be open about your food allergies
In Thailand, delicious food is virtually everywhere - on the streets, in the shopping malls, and even on the subway stations! While Thais are notorious for using a wide array of ingredients to create their flavorful foods, be aware of any ingredients you wish to avoid! Ingredients are often not listed on a menu, especially at the street stalls. We suggest writing your allergies down on paper with the corresponding Thai translation.
There is no doubt that the world-famous Thai food is amazing and definitely worth the try! If you want to to be on the safe side, why not prepare your own dishes in a cooking class that you can easily book on Cookly.me.
