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Scuba Diving in Koh Lanta | Technical & Cave Diving Center
What Kids Actually Eat in Thailand: A Local Family's Guide
One of the questions we hear most from families planning a trip to Thailand is:
“Will our kids actually eat the food?”
The short answer? Probably more than you think!
Before having kids, we weren’t sure how our children would adapt to Thai food either. But after being born and raised on the island, they’ve developed their own favourites—some very Thai, and some that look much like what you’d find on a family dinner table anywhere else in the world.
Home Is Still Home
Although we love eating out, we live a fairly normal family life and cook most of our meals at home.
Our weekly menu looks much like many families around the world:
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Pasta dishes
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Homemade meatballs
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Rice
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Cooked vegetables
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Chicken
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Fish
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Homemade soups
Like many busy parents, we also enjoy ordering lunch every now and then. Our favourite local restaurant is Yawee Restaurant, where we know we’ll always get delicious, freshly prepared Thai food at a reasonable price.
Our Kids’ Favourite Thai Dishes
If you’re worried that Thai food might be too spicy for little ones, don’t be. Many dishes can be prepared without chilli, and plenty of traditional meals are naturally mild.
These are the dishes our children ask for again and again.
Fried Rice (Khao Pad)
A simple classic that’s always a winner.
Fried rice with chicken or vegetables is mild, filling, and perfect for children. Most restaurants can also adjust the ingredients if your child prefers something simple.
Massaman Curry
This is one of our family’s absolute favourites.
Unlike many Thai curries, Massaman Curry is rich, creamy, and only mildly spiced. The combination of coconut milk, potatoes, and tender chicken creates comforting flavours that many children enjoy.
Tom Kha Gai
This creamy coconut chicken soup is another favourite, probably what our kids eat the most.
Made with coconut milk, chicken, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs, it’s full of flavour without being overwhelmingly spicy.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes for good reason.
Soft rice noodles, chicken, egg, and vegetables come together in a slightly sweet, savoury sauce that appeals to many children.
Yellow Egg Noodles with Chicken
Simple, comforting, and easy to eat, yellow noodles with chicken are another reliable choice for younger travellers.
Fried Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Another surprising favourite in our family is Pad Krapow Gai, Thailand's famous fried basil chicken. While the traditional version is quite spicy, most restaurants are happy to prepare it without chilli for children. Made with minced chicken, fragrant Thai basil, and served with rice, it's a simple, flavourful dish that our kids love.
Noodle Soup Is Always a Yes
If there’s one meal our children never get tired of, it’s noodle soup. Warm, comforting, and freshly prepared, it’s a favourite throughout Thailand.
We regularly visit two small local restaurants that serve what we think are some of the best noodle soups on Koh Lanta:
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Ooan Noodle in Klong Dao
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Tiau Pen Jung, near the Siri Lanta Bridge
A Few Tips Before Ordering
Many restaurants are happy to adjust dishes for children.
Don’t hesitate to ask for:
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No chilli
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Less spice
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Sauce on the side
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Extra rice
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Plain noodles
Thai people are wonderfully welcoming towards families, and restaurants are usually happy to help make meals suitable for younger guests.
Our Tip
Don’t be afraid to let your children try something new.
You might be surprised by what becomes their new favourite meal. Some of our children’s favourite foods today are dishes we never imagined they’d enjoy. Sometimes all it takes is one bite to discover a new family favourite.
Helpful Things for Eating Out with Kids
When we go out to restaurants, we almost always have a few essentials with us.
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Silicone bib
✅ Wet wipes
✅ Hand sanitizer
We also like to keep a few toys with us, to entertain the kids before the food arrives. The ones we think work the best are:
✅ Coloring book
✅ Toy
✅ Drawing pad
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