Thai cuisine and dishes for children

Did you know that Thai cuisine is the most popular in the world? And it is Thai food and its traditional cuisine that is the family favourite of Agne, one of the co-founders of “Travel 4 kids”. We love Thai cuisine and Thai food for children. Agne and her family spent three winters in Thailand, and her son Motiejus has loved Thai cuisine since he was two. Agnė shares what’s good for younger children, what’s delicious to try in Thailand and how to solve the problem of feeding when travelling with a baby.

Thai cuisine and dishes for children – our experience

Many people travelling to Thailand with children are faced with the problem of what to feed their little ones. After all, there is a common myth that the food in Thailand is really spicy. And even if you ask for it to be non-spicy, the chef will still add one more chilli pepper. We often get questions about what to do in Thailand when travelling with children. Thai cuisine and dishes for children – here you will find information on what children can eat, which dishes are not spicy, and what to do when travelling with babies or small children.

Thai cuisine and dishes for children – what to eat

Kao Ka Moo

Slow-braised pig’s leg meat with rice (Kao Ka Moo) is a favourite dish of our Motiejus. Just ask for “no skin”. You will get really tasty, tender meat. And you don’t even have to ask for it to be not spicy.

Khao Man Gai

Similar to Kao ka moo, another dish suitable for children is boiled chicken and rice (KHAO MAN GAI). This dish is suitable for even the youngest children. And you always get a bowl of delicious broth to go with it.

Khao Pad

Fried rice (KHAO PAD) is another favourite of Motejus. You can choose what you want it with (chicken, pork, seafood), what you don’t want it with (let’s say your child’s disliked vegetables). Even if there is no menu, any café can easily make this dish.

Kai Jeow

Thai omelette (KAI JEOW). You can order without or with rice. You can also always ask the café, even if there is no menu, for just “omelette” and they will cook it for children everywhere without any problems.

Roti

Thai pancakes (ROTI). Not the healthiest dish, but very tasty for both children and adults. Sold in head shops or markets, you won’t find them in cafes. They are made plain, with fruit, Nutella and various sauces. You can choose the filling and the topping. Motejus favourite is with bananas and Nutella.

Khao Neeo Mamuang

Mango sticky rice (KHAO NEEO MAMUANG). This is not only Motiej’s favourite, but also Mum’s. Very simple but delicious.

Shumai

Steamed pork dumplings. Or pork and prawn dumplings (SHUMAI). Although originating in China, this dish is very popular in Thailand. The filling is not spicy, only a sauce is offered on the side.

Pad Thai

PAD THAI is probably the most popular dish in Thailand. It is never spicy. It can be cooked with anything you like. Motiejus loved it the first time he was in Thailand.

Different grill skewers

The markets are full of the milk sausages, fish and chicken cutlets on sticks so popular with children. They will heat them up on the grill for you on the spot on request. They usually cost 10 baht.

Practical tips on children’s food in Thailand

All food shops have microwaves. They will be happy to heat up the food you buy (porridge, sausages, dumplings). Just ask. If it’s not what your child wants and eats – just ask. Our Motiejus loves cucumbers, so we always asked for extra. We have also asked for more salad – no one has ever refused.

A variety of fruit smoothies and cocktails are very popular throughout Thailand. Just mention “no sugar” when preparing them. Because they absolutely pour liquid sweetener everywhere. And the fruit here is really tasty and juicy and no extra sugar is needed.

If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the hotel restaurant to make porridge for your child using cereals you’ve bought or brought with you. You can ask any café to do the same. They will certainly not refuse to prepare it.

If your child eats ready-made porridge, be aware that all hotels (from the cheapest to the most expensive) have a kettle in their rooms. If there isn’t, they will definitely bring it.

For cooking, at least we always use bottled water.

If you are travelling with a baby and plan to holiday in the bigger resorts rather than on remote islands, be sure you will find baby supplies.

The largest selection of European formula milk, porridge and mush, at least for us, was at Tesco. There are Tesco stores in Phuket, Krabi and on Samui Island.

Feel free to taste – Thai cuisine is amazing

Because we want to try as much different food as possible and eat it in the simplest places – night markets, street vendors, family restaurants – Motiejus eats with us too. However messy their kitchen may look to us from the outside, it is their daily routine, don’t be afraid of it. Have confidence, we have never had any digestive or stomach problems in all our travels and spending the winter in Thailand. Neither did Motiejus. It’s places like this where the food is the tastiest.

It is often said that Thailand is a country of “karma”. If you’re afraid of being poisoned, it will happen. And not even the best restaurant can prevent it. In Thailand, there are a number of restaurants on the street that have Michelin stars. Yes, they do – the complete street restaurants, which are nothing like the upmarket restaurants, that have several Michelin stars.

Read about our first trip to Thailand with a child in the article Travelling to Thailand with children.

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