Must-Try Dishes: Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Green Curry, Satay (grilled meat skewers), Pad See Ew (dark soy sauce noodles), and Mango Sticky Rice (sweet dessert).
Street Food Highlights: Grilled corn, mango with sticky rice, satay skewers, Thai crepes, and fresh fruit smoothies sold by street vendors. Quality is typically excellent and prices extremely affordable (25-75 Thai Baht per item).
Dining Etiquette: Remove shoes when entering certain establishments. Use spoon and fork (not knife and fork). Rice is staple accompaniment to most meals. Sharing dishes family-style is customary. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not obligatory.
Spice Levels: Inform restaurants of preferred spice tolerance. Thai food is often very spicy; request "mild" or "no spicy" if sensitive to chili peppers. Coconut milk dishes offer creaminess balancing heat.
Vegetarian/Dietary Options: Buddhism influences availability of vegetarian dishes. Communicate dietary restrictions clearly using Thai phrases or visual menu selection. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants clearly labeled throughout the city.