A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without experiencing how to order at a 'made-to-order' restaurant. These restaurants are very common and very affordable. People usually order one dish per person. They allow you to customize your meal just the way you like—choosing the ingredients, spice level, or cooking style. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to order like a pro so you can enjoy delicious dishes and eat like a true local.
How to Spot a Made-to-Order Restaurant
A made-to-order restaurant is a common sight in both big cities and rural areas in Thailand. Most of these places are simple and casual. Some are small roadside stalls with just a few plastic tables and umbrellas, while others might be small buildings with basic, homey decor. These restaurants are often located in community areas like fresh markets, near schools, or in office districts because they are popular with people of all ages. A key feature is the display cabinet at the front of the shop, showing ingredients like pork, chicken, and fresh vegetables.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price of made-to-order dishes is very affordable compared to regular restaurants. Prices usually start at around 40-60 THB per plate. If you add extras like a fried egg or an omelet, the cost may go up slightly, but it’s generally no more than 70 THB. Made-to-order food is a great choice for saving money while still enjoying fresh and tasty meals.
How to Order Food?
Ordering at a made-to-order restaurant is very simple. Just follow these steps:
- Tell the number of people: When you arrive, inform staff about the number of people in your group so they can prepare a table for you.
- Choose a table: If it’s a walk-in restaurant, you can sit at any available table.
- Tell your order: Inform the staff what you would like to eat. In some cases, they may provide a menu sheet for you to refer to, but most menus are in Thai without pictures. Check section "How to Customize Your Order?" of this article to help you communicate your order.
- Wait for your food: After ordering, sit back and wait for your food to be cooked. It usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Enjoy your meal: When your food arrives, eat and enjoy!
- Pay after eating: You can pay when you finish eating. Most places take cash only, so have some ready.
How to Customize Your Order?
Ordering at a made-to-order restaurant is very flexible. You can adjust your dish just the way you like it. Here are 4 things you need to tell the staff:
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Choose the main dish: Popular options include stir-fried basil (Pad Kra Pao), garlic pork (Moo Kratiem), fried rice (Khao Pad), or stir-fried noodles with soy sauce (Pad See Ew). You can also refer to the table below for more options.
Menu Name in Thai Pronunciation Menu Name in English Spice Level Flavor Pictures ผัดกะเพรา Pad Ka-Prao Stir-Fried Basil 🌶🌶🌶 Spicy and savory with Thai herbs. [Google] ผัดกระเทียมพริกไทย Pad Kra-Tiam Prik-Thai Stir-Fried Garlic and Pepper 🌶 Garlicky and mildly salty. [Google] ข้าวผัด Khao Pad Fried Rice - Light and slightly salty with a smoky aroma. [Google] ผัดซีอิ๊ว Pad See-Ew Stir-Fried Noodles - Rich and savory with soy sauce flavor. [Google] ต้มยำ Tom Yum Tom Yum 🌶🌶🌶 Spicy, sour, and aromatic with herbs. [Google] ผัดแกงเขียวหวาน Kaeng Khiao Wan Stir-Fried Green Curry 🌶🌶 Rich and creamy with a slightly sweet taste. [Google] ผัดพริกเผา Pad Prik Pao Stir-Fried Chili Paste 🌶🌶 Slightly sweet and spicy with a rich flavor. [Google] ผัดพริกแกง Pad Prik Gaeng Stir-Fried Red Curry Paste 🌶🌶🌶 Spicy and fragrant with red curry flavor. [Google] ผัดน้ำมันหอย Pad Nam Man Hoi Stir-Fried Oyster Sauce - Mild and savory with a touch of sweetness. [Google] ผัดผงกะหรี่ Pad Pong Kari Stir-Fried Curry Powder 🌶 Rich and aromatic with eggs and spices. [Google] ผัดขี้เมา Pad Kee Mao Drunken Stir-Fried 🌶🌶🌶 Spicy, bold, and aromatic with herbs. [Google] ผัดพริกหยวก Pad Prik Yuak Stir-Fried Bell Peppers 🌶 Light and mildly spicy with a sweet note. [Google] ผัดพริกสด Pad Prik Sod Stir-Fried Fresh Chili 🌶🌶🌶 Spicy and flavorful with fresh chilies. [Google] ผัดผักไฟแดง Pad Pak Fai Daeng Stir-Fried Vegetables with Garlic 🌶🌶 Light, garlicky, and fresh-tasting. [Google] ผัดเปรี้ยวหวาน Pad Priew Wan Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry 🌶 Tangy and sweet with pineapple and veggies. [Google] ผัดวุ้นเส้น Pad Woon Sen Stir-Fried Glass Noodles 🌶 Soft, light, and slightly savory. [Google] -
Pick Your Meat or Protein: Options include chicken, pork, beef, or seafood. Note that the word Neua (Meat) is commonly understood by Thais to mean beef. So, if you want to specify in Thai, be sure to clearly say Neua Moo (Pork), Neua Gai (Chicken), or Neua Wua (Beef).
Name in Thai Pronunciation Name in English Notes เนื้อหมูชิ้น Moo Chin Sliced Pork เนื้อหมูสับ Moo Sap Minced Pork หมูกรอบ Moo Krob Crispy Pork เนื้อไก่ชิ้น Gai Sliced Chicken เนื้อวัว Neua Wua Beef Available at some restaurants only. กุ้ง Goong Shrimp ปลาหมึก Pla Muek Squid เนื้อปลาสด Neua Pla Fresh Fish ทะเลรวมมิตร Talay Ruam Mit Mixed Seafood - Choose the spice level: Let the staff know if you want it less spicy, medium spicy, or very spicy.
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Choose extras: a fried egg or omelet, and specify how you like it cooked, such as well-done or runny. You can also make special requests, like "extra vegetables" or "no MSG," to suit your preferences.
Thai Pronunciation English Notes เพิ่มไข่ดาว Phoem Khai Dao Add Fried Egg Additional cost applies. You can choose the level of doneness, such as Suk (Well-done) or Mai Suk (Runny). เพิ่มไข่เจียว Phoem Khai Jieow Add Omelet Additional cost applies. ไม่ใส่ผงชูรส Mai Sai Phong Churot No MSG
Flavor Tips
When you eat at a made-to-order restaurant, don’t miss “Prik Nam Pla” (Fish Sauce with Chilies). It’s a simple sauce that makes your food taste even better. You’ll usually see it in a small bowl with chopped chilies and lime. Add 1-2 teaspoons to your dish for a mix of salty, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s a must-try for an extra tasty meal!
