What to order at a Thai restaurant

Reliable orders

Fresh spring rolls – Light rice paper rolls with herbs and veggies; good if you don’t want anything fried.
Crispy spring rolls – Classic, easy comfort starter.
Papaya salad (som tum), mild – Refreshing and bright; ask for it mild or low spice.

Pad Thai (chicken or shrimp) – Safest, most familiar Thai noodle dish; sweet‑savory, with peanuts and lime.
Pad see ew – Wide rice noodles with soy sauce and Chinese broccoli; richer and more savory than pad thai.

Green curry (mild) – Fragrant coconut curry with basil; ask them to keep it mild if you’re unsure.
Massaman curry – Usually milder and a bit sweet, with potatoes and peanuts.

Basil stir‑fry (pad kra pao) – Minced meat or tofu with basil and chilies; ask them to keep it low/mid spice.
Garlic pepper stir‑fry – For when you want savory without much heat.

“Can you make this mild / medium / Thai spicy?”
Let them calibrate. If you’re new, say: “Some spice is okay, but not Thai spicy.”
“Is this more sweet, sour, or spicy?”
Pad thai, some curries, and sauces can be sweeter than you expect.
“Does this have fish sauce or shrimp paste?”
Important if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or sensitive to strong fish flavors.
“Can you make this without peanuts?”
Critical for allergies, especially with pad thai and some curries.

You’re ordering papaya salad, a spicy curry, and basil stir‑fry all “medium” and you’re not used to chili heat.
→ Make at least one of them mild, or pick a non‑spicy stir‑fry.
You’re vegetarian/vegan but you haven’t asked about fish sauce or shrimp paste.
→ Ask them which dishes they can truly make vegetarian, not just “no meat on top.”
You’re heat‑sensitive and thinking about “Thai spicy”.
→ Don’t. Ask for “mild with a little kick” instead.