Essential Thai Words for “Spicy”
Spicy is a common adjective used in Thai cuisine, and the primary word for “spicy” in Thai is เผ็ด (pronounced “pèt”). This word is widely used in restaurants, street food stalls, and among locals to describe food with chili heat.
- เผ็ด (pèt) – Spicy
- เผ็ดมาก (pèt mâak) – Very spicy
- เผ็ดน้อย (pèt náwy) – A little spicy
How to Order Non-Spicy Food in Thai
If you prefer to avoid spicy food, it’s crucial to know how to request non-spicy dishes in Thai. Here are some useful phrases:
- ไม่เผ็ด (mâi pèt) – Not spicy
- ขอไม่เผ็ด (khǎw mâi pèt) – I’d like it not spicy
- ขอเผ็ดน้อย (khǎw pèt náwy) – Please make it a little spicy
Example Dialogues
Customer: ขอผัดไทยไม่เผ็ดค่ะ (khǎw phàt thai mâi pèt khâ) – I’d like Pad Thai, not spicy, please.
Waiter: ไม่เผ็ดนะคะ (mâi pèt ná khâ) – Not spicy, right?
Tips for Ordering Non-Spicy Food in Thailand
- Emphasize your preference: Repeat “ไม่เผ็ด” to ensure your request is understood.
- Clarify with gestures: If language barriers persist, politely shake your head or use the universal “no chili” gesture.
- Be specific: Thai food often contains chili in sauces or as a garnish, so specify “ไม่ใส่พริก” (mâi sài phrík), meaning “no chili.”
- Be aware of hidden spice: Some dishes may have spice in pastes or broths. Double-check with “แน่ใจว่าไม่เผ็ดใช่ไหม?” (nâe jai wâ mâi pèt châi mái?) meaning “Are you sure it’s not spicy?”
Popular Thai Dishes That Can Be Ordered Non-Spicy
- Pad Thai (ผัดไทย): Stir-fried noodles, often customizable in spice level.
- Khao Pad (ข้าวผัด): Fried rice, easy to request as “not spicy.”
- Tom Kha Gai (ต้มข่าไก่): Chicken coconut soup, typically mild but check for chili oil.
- Satay (สะเต๊ะ): Grilled meat skewers, usually served with a non-spicy peanut sauce.
Practice Your Thai Language Skills with Talkpal
Learning how to order food to your taste is a fantastic way to practice Thai in real-life scenarios. With Talkpal’s AI language learning tools, you can master essential phrases, pronunciation, and cultural nuances to enhance your travel or living experience in Thailand. Dive into interactive lessons and get personalized feedback, so you never have to worry about accidentally ordering something too spicy again!
Conclusion
Navigating the world of Thai cuisine doesn’t have to be intimidating. By learning key words like “เผ็ด” (spicy) and phrases to request non-spicy food, you can enjoy the diverse flavors of Thailand at your own comfort level. Practice these expressions, and soon you’ll be confidently ordering food just the way you like it—whether you’re a spice lover or prefer to keep it mild. For more practical Thai language tips and interactive learning, explore the resources available on Talkpal’s AI language learning blog.
