Best Thai Dishes for Kids: What to Feed Your Child in Phuket
Many parents worry about what to feed their children on holiday before traveling to Thailand. Thai cuisine is associated with a large number of spices, spicy sauces, and unusual ingredients, so some tourists even bring a supply of familiar foods with them.
In reality, there's no need to worry. Phuket offers a vast array of dishes that are perfectly suitable for children. Moreover, many Thai dishes are similar in composition to familiar European cuisine and are enjoyed even by the pickiest little travelers.
Can you find food for children in Phuket?
Phuket has long been an international resort, so local restaurants perfectly understand the needs of families with children.
In most cafes, you can ask for a dish to be prepared without chili peppers and spices. To do this, simply say:
No spicy or No chili.
Additionally, the island features a wide range of European restaurants, pizzerias, cafes with pasta, burgers, and children's menus.
However, many children also enjoy trying traditional Thai dishes.
Khao Man Gai - simply rice with chicken
This is one of the most popular dishes among children in Thailand. It's often called the Thai version of chicken and rice. Tender, boiled chicken fillet is served with aromatic rice cooked in chicken broth, and a light soup is usually offered separately. The dish contains no hot spices or pronounced pungent flavors, making it excellent even for young children. If desired, spicy sauce can be served separately or omitted entirely. Thanks to its simple composition and mild taste, Khao Man Gai often becomes one of the first Thai dishes that young tourists enjoy.
Pad Thai — a favorite among young tourists
One of the most popular dishes among children is Pad Thai.
It's stir-fried rice noodles with egg, vegetables, and chicken or shrimp. The dish has a slightly sweet taste and is usually not spicy.
Thanks to familiar ingredients, children quickly get used to Pad Thai and often order it again.
Khao Pad — Thai fried rice
Another safe option for a children's menu is Khao Pad.
Essentially, it's fried rice with egg and various additions. You can choose it with chicken, shrimp, or seafood.
The taste of the dish is quite mild and resembles the familiar rice with vegetables that many children enjoy.
Chicken with cashews
Chicken with cashew nuts is considered one of the most popular dishes among family tourists.
Tender chicken fillet is stir-fried with vegetables and nuts in a light sauce without a lot of spices.
The dish is hearty and appeals even to children who are usually cautious about new foods.
Thai Omelette Kai Jeow
If your child likes egg dishes, try Kai Jeow.
It's a fluffy Thai omelet, deep-fried, sometimes served with rice.
Despite its simplicity, it's one of the most popular home-cooked dishes in Thailand.
For young tourists, Kai Jeow often becomes an excellent alternative to a familiar breakfast.
Chicken Satay Skewers
Satay are small skewers on wooden sticks.
They are usually made from chicken and served with peanut sauce.
The meat turns out soft and aromatic, so the dish is often liked by children.
If necessary, you can ask for the sauce to be served separately.
Fresh fruits
One of the main advantages of a holiday in Thailand is the abundance of fresh fruits.
Most children enjoy eating:
- mangoes;
- pineapples;
- watermelons;
- bananas;
- rambutans;
- mangosteens;
- dragon fruit.
Fruits are sold almost everywhere and are inexpensive.
For many children, Thai fruits become the most vivid culinary impression of the trip.
Mango Sticky Rice
The famous Mango Sticky Rice dessert is loved not only by adults but also by children.
Ripe, sweet mango is served with sticky rice and coconut sauce.
This is one of Thailand's most popular desserts, definitely worth trying with the whole family.
Ice cream and coconut desserts
In Phuket, it's easy to find coconut ice cream, fruit sorbets, and various desserts made with coconut milk.
They are refreshing in hot weather and usually appeal to children more than traditional sweets.
Which dishes are best not to order for children?
Some popular Thai dishes might be too spicy for a child.
It is advisable to be cautious with:
- Tom Yum and other types of spicy soups;
- Som Tum (papaya salad and other types of spicy salads);
- most types of curry.
Even if you ask for them to be prepared less spicy, the taste might still be unfamiliar to children.
Where is the best place to eat with children in Phuket?
Cafes in shopping malls, family restaurants, and food courts are excellent for family dining.
They usually offer a wide selection of dishes, are clean, comfortable, and you can easily find food suitable for any age.
Additionally, almost all popular tourist areas in Phuket offer a wide choice of European and Russian cuisine if your child is not yet ready for gastronomic experiments.
When vacationing in Phuket with children, there's no need to fear the local cuisine. Thailand has many delicious and non-spicy dishes that are perfect for young travelers. Discovering new flavors can be one of the most exciting parts of a family trip to Thailand.
Read also:
Excursions with children in Phuket: what you absolutely need to know when planning a family vacation
