Travel · Eat

Thai Restaurant Phrases

Order clearly, adjust spice level, ask about payment, and show the written Thai when a noisy restaurant makes pronunciation difficult.

SIANG Editorial TeamUpdated 21 August 202610-minute practice

เอาอันนี้ครับ · เอาอันนี้ค่ะ

ao an-níi khráp / khâ · I’ll take this one

Choose five: one order, one modification, one drink, one compliment, and the bill.

Start the phrase set ↓

Core ordering phrases

ขอเมนูหน่อยครับ / ค่ะkhǎaw mee-nuu nòi khráp / khâMay I have a menu?
เอาอันนี้ครับ / ค่ะao an-níi khráp / khâI’ll take this one.
ขอน้ำเปล่าครับ / ค่ะkhǎaw náam bplào khráp / khâWater, please.
อร่อยมากà-ròi mâakVery delicious.

Spice level and modifications

Keep requests short and specific
ThaiMeaningAudio
ไม่เผ็ดNot spicy
เผ็ดน้อยA little spicy
ไม่ใส่น้ำตาลDo not add sugar
ไม่ใส่ผงชูรสDo not add MSG

Dietary needs require more than one phrase

ไม่ใส่ถั่ว means “do not add nuts/peanuts,” but Thai kitchens may use sauces, oils, garnishes, or shared equipment. กินเจ and “vegetarian” can also be interpreted differently by different restaurants.

Severe-allergy warning

Do not rely on this page, a memorized phrase, or machine translation for a serious allergy. Carry a professionally translated allergy card listing exact ingredients and cross-contact risks, and confirm directly with staff.

Ask for the bill and payment options

เช็กบิลด้วยครับ / ค่ะchék-bin dûai khráp / khâThe bill, please.
รับบัตรไหมráp bàt mái?Do you accept cards?

A short ordering dialogue

A: รับอะไรดีครับ
B: เอาผัดไทยอันนี้ค่ะ ไม่เผ็ดนะคะ
A: รับน้ำอะไรครับ
B: ขอน้ำเปล่าค่ะ

Useful restaurant etiquette

  • Pointing to a menu photo and saying เอาอันนี้ is practical, not rude when said politely.
  • Repeat critical modifications and show the Thai text.
  • Check the bill for service charge and VAT rather than assuming whether they are included.

Take it offline

All 84 travel phrases, ready when you need them

Carry the complete phone-friendly pack for restaurants, markets, transport, hotels, directions, and getting help.

Optional learning support

Practise ordering before your trip

A tutor can role-play likely replies and help make your requests understandable.

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