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What does “not spicy” really mean in Thailand

Preparation & Essentials

3 min read

Answer: “Not spicy” in Thailand (Mai Phet) means less spicy, not no spice at all.

“Not spicy” or Mai Phet refers to a lower quantity of chilies. In many cases, the spice level is mild enough that foreigners may not even notice it — but it does not mean zero spice.

Reality Check

Most Thai dishes are naturally spicy, so it is very important to clearly state your chili preference.

“Mai Phet” (not spicy):
Usually still contains 1–2 chilies. For some tourists, even this small amount can cause discomfort or a burning sensation.
“Mai Sai Prik” (no chilies):
Means no chilies should be added. However, Thai mortar and pestles are rarely washed during busy hours, so there may still be trace amounts of chili.
“Som Tum” (papaya salad):
Naturally includes chilies and is typically spicy unless specifically requested otherwise.

Hidden Chilies

Sometimes, even when you request no chilies, your food may still taste spicy. This is because:

White pepper is used in large quantities in garlic-pepper dishes and noodle soups.
Ingredients like ginger and galangal create a chili-like heat, especially in soups like Tom Kha.
Some curry pastes (e.g., red or green curry) already contain chilies, which cannot be removed.

Useful Thai Phrases

These phrases can make your food experience much easier:

Not spicy: Mai Phet
Don’t add chilies: Mai Sai Prik
A little spicy: Phet Nit Noi
Is it spicy?: Phet Mai?

Tip

You can add coconut milk to your dish (if available) to help reduce the effect of chilies and make the flavor milder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does “not spicy” mean no spice in Thailand?
No, it usually means reduced spice, not zero chilies.

2. How do I make sure my food has no chilies at all?
Say “Mai Sai Prik”, but be aware there may still be slight traces due to shared cooking tools.

3. Why does my food still taste spicy even without chilies?
Ingredients like white pepper, ginger, galangal, and curry pastes can create heat.

4. Which Thai dishes are naturally less spicy?
Dishes like fried rice, pad thai, and some soups can be made mild more easily than curries.

5. What should I do if food is too spicy?
Drink milk-based drinks, eat rice, or add coconut milk to balance the heat.

Final Verdict

In Thailand, “not spicy” does not mean completely spice-free — it simply means reduced heat. To avoid surprises, use the correct phrases and understand that some dishes naturally contain spice that cannot be fully removed.

With the right communication and awareness, you can enjoy Thai food comfortably without overwhelming spice levels.