There’s no denying that Thailand has some spicy and strange-looking food. If you walk around Khao San Road, you may even see bugs or scorpions for sale. While trying these foods, among others, is an adventure in itself, sometimes it’s best to work your way up. And anyway, Thailand has plenty of normal and non-spicy staples to begin with. (You may even save money by eating these dishes.) Here’s a list of some of the best non-spicy Thai food for beginners who prefer to keep things mild.
Pad Thai (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)
Pad thai is probably the most famous Thai dish. This stir-fried noodle dish is a safe bet with its tangy tamarind sauce, peanuts, and hints of sweet and sour.
Pad See Ew (Stir-Fried Soy Sauce Noodles)
Pad see ew is another staple dish, though less well known. It’s a comfort meal, with caramelized noodles under soy sauce and your choice of meat.
Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is still a curry, but it’s mild rather than spicy. It’s loaded with tender meat and potatoes, all simmered in a sauce with coconut milk. (This is the absolute best Thai food for beginners, in my opinion.)
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Moo ping is great for a snack. It is simply pork marinated with a mixture of coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. (Make sure they cook it in front of you, as it’s hard to know how long meat has been sitting.)
Gai Pad Med Mamuang (Cashew Chicken)
This is a classic dish, and many Westerners say that it’s their favorite. It’s a stir-fry of tender chicken pieces, cashew nuts, bell peppers, and onions.
Khao Niew Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)
This is the best dessert for beginners in Thailand. It’s simple but surprisingly delicious. All it is is sliced mango and sticky rice, both of which are lathered with coconut milk.
Gaeng Jued (Clear Soup)
If you’re looking for something light and healthy, gaeng jued might be your best bet. It’s a go-to for sick days and digestive issues. It’s name means something like “plain” or “without flavor.” Typically, it has vegetables, such as carrots and cabbage, as well as tofu or pork meatballs.
Tod Mun Goong (Shrimp Cakes)
These shrimp cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and typically served with a sweet plum sauce. They’re a great addition to any meal, though I don’t think they’ll be enough on their own. (They can be a good appetizer or snack.)
The Bottom Line
Though Thai food is known to be spicy, you don’t have to begin with adventurous foods. Some Thai people don’t enjoy spicy food at all, and there is still a large selection of dishes that won’t burn a hole through you. Regardless of your food preferences, these are the best Thai foods for beginners.
Just tried pad Thai for the first time last week and I can see why it’s a hit. The combo of peanuts and that tamarind sauce was something else. Nice list, Adam, got me wanting to try more from this!
If you loved Pad Thai, you’ll lose your mind over Khao Soi. It’s like the hidden gem of Thai cuisine. Not in every article, but a must-try.
I’m planning to attempt making Massaman curry this weekend. Does anyone have tips for getting the consistency of the sauce just right? I hear it’s everything.
hey everybody how hard is it to make that mango sticky rice thing? looks simple but i dunno man, seems like one of those that’s easy to mess up lol.