Thai Dining Etiquette for Visitors: What to Know Before You Eat Out

Eating out is one of the best parts of a trip to Thailand. Meals are relaxed, shared and built around rice, and most restaurants are happy to welcome visitors who are still learning the customs. Thais are usually forgiving when a visitor gets something wrong, but a few simple habits make the meal smoother and show respect to your hosts. This guide covers what to know before you sit down.

Meals are shared

A Thai meal is a group meal. Several dishes are ordered for the table and placed in the middle, and everyone helps themselves. In central Thailand each person usually has a plate of steamed rice, and the other dishes are eaten a little at a time with it. Take a small portion from one dish, eat it with rice, then try another. Come back for more as the meal goes on instead of filling your plate at the start. If there is a serving spoon, use it rather than your own spoon.

Spoon and fork, not knife

The spoon is the main eating tool. Hold it in your right hand and use the fork in your left hand to push food onto the spoon. Only the spoon goes to your mouth. Most Thai food is served in bite-sized pieces, so a knife is rarely needed. Chopsticks are normally for noodle soups and Chinese-style restaurants, often together with a spoon for the broth. In the north and the northeast, sticky rice is often eaten by hand: take a small piece, roll it into a ball and use it to pick up some of the dish.

How to order

• Order for the table. Thais usually order a few dishes to share rather than one dish per person. Try to mix flavours, for example something spicy, something mild, a soup and a dry dish.
• Ask about spice. If chilli is a problem, say "mai phet" (not spicy). Some heat may still remain, so ask the staff what to expect.
• Tell staff about allergies. Say "mai sai" followed by the ingredient, and carry a written note in Thai for any allergy or dietary rule.
• Not sure what to pick? Our guide to must-try Thai dishes is a good place to start.

During the meal

• Eat at the same pace as the people around you. Thai meals are not rushed.
• Take less and go back for more, rather than leaving a lot of food on your plate.
• Avoid pointing at people with a spoon, fork or chopsticks.
• If something goes wrong, stay calm and ask politely. A smile works better than a raised voice.
• If you eat on a low table or floor mats, take off your shoes first and avoid pointing your feet at other people.
• Saying "aroi" (delicious) is always welcome.

The bill, service charge and tipping

At street stalls and markets you usually pay the vendor directly, so carry small notes. In many restaurants, a "++" after a price means a service charge of 10% and VAT will be added to the bill. "Net" means they are already included. Check your bill before you decide on a tip. Tipping is not expected at street stalls, and where a service charge is already on the bill, an extra tip is up to you. If a Thai friend or host insists on paying, thank them and offer to pay next time.

Booking a table

Popular restaurants, rooftop bars and fine dining rooms can fill up, especially at weekends and in the high season. See our step-by-step guide to booking a restaurant table in Bangkok, or browse where to eat to find a place.

Final thoughts

You do not need to memorise every rule. Share dishes, use the spoon, check the bill and stay relaxed. Those four habits cover most situations at a Thai table.