Ordering Food and Drinks

Ordering Food and Drinks in Thai

Learning how to order food and drinks in Thai is a must if you want to fully enjoy Thailand’s vibrant culinary scene and connect with locals. Thai cuisine is world-famous, and being able to order in the local language not only makes the experience smoother but also adds an extra layer of authenticity to your travels.

How to Order Food in Thai

When ordering food, start with the phrase “Ao [dish name] krab/ka” (ออ [dish name] ครับ/ค่ะ), which means “I would like [dish name].” For example, you could say “Ao pad Thai krab” if you’re a man or “Ao pad Thai ka” if you’re a woman. Adding “krab” or “ka” at the end of the sentence makes it polite and respectful, which is highly appreciated in Thai culture.

If you’re unsure of the name of a dish, you can simply point to the menu or food display and ask, “Nee aray?” (นี่อะไร?) which means “What is this?” It’s a great way to explore unfamiliar dishes while showing curiosity about the local cuisine.

How to Order Drinks

For drinks, use the same structure. If you want a glass of water, say “Ao nam krab/ka” (ออน้ำครับ/ค่ะ). If you’re craving a Thai iced tea, say “Ao cha yen krab/ka” (ออชาเย็นครับ/ค่ะ). Don’t forget to specify how sweet you’d like your drink, as Thai beverages can be quite sweet. For example, you can say “Mai wan” (ไม่หวาน) for “not sweet” or “Wan nid noi” (หวานนิดหน่อย) for “a little sweet.”

Tips for Ordering Like a Local

1. Practice Politeness: Always use “krab” or “ka” to show respect when speaking to vendors or waitstaff.
2. Specify Spiciness: If you want your dish less spicy, say “Mai phet” (ไม่เผ็ด), which means “not spicy.”
3. Use Numbers: For multiple orders, use numbers in Thai. For example, say “Ao pad Thai song jaan krab/ka” (ออผัดไทยสองจานครับ/ค่ะ) for “two plates of pad Thai.”
4. Ask for Recommendations: Use the phrase “Mee aray naenam mai?” (มีอะไรแนะนำไหม?) to ask, “Do you have any recommendations?”

Common Phrases You Should Know

• “Check bin krab/ka” (เช็คบิลครับ/ค่ะ): “Check, please.”
• “Ao eek krab/ka” (เอาอีกครับ/ค่ะ): “I’ll have another.”
• “Mai sai namtaan” (ไม่ใส่น้ำตาล): “No sugar.”

Conclusion

Mastering how to order food and drinks in Thai is an essential step in immersing yourself in the culture. It’s not just about getting the meal you want but also about showing respect and appreciation for the local way of life. Whether you’re in a bustling street market or a cozy restaurant, a little effort to order in Thai goes a long way in making your dining experience unforgettable.

Ready to dive in? Check out our Ordering Food and Drink Lesson for more practical tips and examples!