What To Feed Your Kids At A Thai Restaurant

Posted on: 13 April 2015

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Thai food isn't what most children would be begging for if your family is going out to eat at a restaurant, but that doesn't mean that your child won't enjoy an authentic Thai meal. There are several spicy dishes that most children would not like, but there are many options that are flavorful enough to please even the pickiest of palates. Order the right dish, and your child will get a good dose of key nutrients, too.

Main Courses

Gai yang koaw niowe is basic grilled chicken with sticky rice. It's a good source of protein and is fairly bland, which makes it a good choice for toddlers and preschoolers or older kids who are a little picky when it comes to seasonings. Bo nuang is a beef entree that's also a high-protein choice. Sate is grilled meat, usually pork or chicken, that's served with peanut sauce. Koaw pad gai is another healthy choice, being plain fried rice with chicken. For kids aren't big fans of meat, koaw pat kai is a dish of plain fried rice with eggs. Khao tom, a type of noodle soup that can be ordered with or without meat, is another kid-friendly option.

Side Dishes

Phat phak ruam is a dish that includes several varieties of stir-fried vegetables. Khao yam is a rice salad dish that many children enjoy. Stir-fried noodles are another option that most Thai restaurants have on their menus. For example, bami are simple egg noodles that can be served with your child's favorite vegetables or eaten plain, and provide a small amount of fiber and protein. Roasted potatoes or squash are additional items your child might like.

Drinks

Most Thai restaurants offer all the American beverage choices, such as soda, tea, water and juice, but there are also more authentic options that your child will likely find pleasing to the palate. Nam maphrao is coconut milk, often served inside the coconut shell. Nam matum is a fruit drink that your child will likely enjoy. Thai iced tea is another choice, but it is high in sugar so have your child go easy.

Desserts

No visit to a Thai food restaurant is complete without Khao tom mat, a dessert made with sticky rice, coconut milk and bananas. A similar dessert is made with sticky rice and mango, and is called khao niao mamuang. Khanom tan is a small cake with coconut sprinkled on top. For a dessert lower in sugar, order your child kluay buat chee, which is a simple dessert of bananas in coconut milk.