Kids’ Menu in Thailand
Food in Thailand is spicy and flavorful. That’s why many parents traveling to Phuket with children often wonder: what can their kids eat on the island? Contrary to popular belief, Thai children aren’t born with a chili pepper in their mouths. Like all little ones, they eat natural foods with minimal salt and spices. Here’s a guide to Thai dishes suitable for the youngest travelers.
First Courses
Keng Om Kai
A light chicken broth soup with vegetables, similar to chicken noodle soup but with an Asian twist. It’s neither spicy nor greasy, making it an excellent choice for kids.
Tom Kha Kai
A chicken soup made with coconut milk. By default, this dish isn’t spicy, but in some restaurants, it might be prepared similarly to Tom Yum, so it’s essential to clarify this when ordering.
Khao Tom
A light rice soup with beef, pork, or seafood. Sometimes it includes garlic, so it’s a good idea to confirm this when ordering.
Baby Clear Soup
As the name suggests, this soup is made specifically for children. It’s a vegetable broth with carrots, celery, onions, and herbs. You can also ask to have meat added.
Main Dishes
Grilled Seafood/Fish
If your child doesn’t have any allergies, seafood is an excellent option. Sauces are served separately, so the dish is not spicy. It’s a great way to add protein to your child’s diet.
Chicken Satay
A simple and widely available dish suitable for kids: grilled chicken skewers. The sauce is also served separately.
Khao Man Gai
A diet-friendly dish consisting of boiled chicken without spices served over steamed rice. It’s a staple that can be found in almost any café or food court in shopping malls.
Kao Pad
A common dish made of fried rice with egg, vegetables, chicken, or shrimp. It’s not spicy and is very filling.
Khao Man Gai
The name of this dish translates to “fatty white rice.” It is cooked not in water but in rich chicken broth. Essentially, it’s chicken with rice, and the broth is served in a separate bowl. This makes it a great combination of both a main dish and a soup.
Kai Jeow
Thai omelet. A simple and diet-friendly dish often served with boiled rice. It’s prepared in a way familiar to us and is perfect for children as well.
Desserts
Mango Sticky Rice
A popular Thai dessert that is essentially sweet rice pudding with mango slices. It’s made from special sticky rice cooked in coconut cream. This sweet treat is loved by both adults and children alike.
Roti
Famous thin pancakes filled with banana, egg, or chocolate. Roti is usually prepared right in front of you at street food stalls (“makashnits”), so it’s essential to ensure proper hygiene before giving these pancakes to your child.
Fresh Fruits
Of course, a variety of exotic fruits are the best and most natural dessert, provided your child has no allergies. You can read about the most popular Thai fruits here.
Regardless of whether a specific dish for children is on the menu, you can tell the waiter “for kid, please” and “no spicy.” Additionally, choose Cafes and restaurants with a kids play area so your child can enjoy a meal and have fun at the same time.
