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April Fool’s Special: Fun Myths & Misconceptions About Thai Food


April Fool’s Special: Fun Myths & Misconceptions About Thai Food

Thai cuisine is one of the most beloved and flavorful in the world, but it’s also surrounded by a lot of myths. From the belief that everything is spicy to the idea that Pad Thai is our national dish, there are plenty of misconceptions floating around.

So, in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, we’re playing a little trick—but before we get to that, let’s clear up some popular myths about Thai food!


Myth #1: "All Thai Food is Spicy" 🌶️🔥

This is probably the biggest misconception about Thai food. While Thai cuisine is famous for bold and vibrant flavors, not every dish is spicy. In fact, Thai food is all about balance—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and yes, spicy.

🔹 Mild Thai Dishes You Can Try:

  • Tom Kha Kai – A creamy, coconut-based soup with galangal and chicken, usually mild and fragrant.

  • Phad Thai – Stir-fried noodles with a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce (spice level optional!).

  • Yam Pla Salmon – A refreshing salmon salad with lemongrass and lime, light and citrusy, not spicy!

Did you know? You can adjust the spice level of most Thai dishes! Just let us know, and we’ll tailor it to your taste.


Myth #2: "Pad Thai is the National Dish of Thailand" 🍜

❌ Nope! While Pad Thai is one of the most famous Thai dishes internationally, Thailand doesn’t have an official "national dish."

So, where did Pad Thai come from?

  • It actually became popular during World War II, when the Thai government promoted it as part of a national campaign to encourage rice noodle consumption.

  • While delicious, many locals prefer other traditional dishes like Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad), Tom Yum (Hot & Sour Soup), and Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry).


Myth #3: "Thai Food is Always Sweet and Savory" 🍯🌿

Thai cuisine is often associated with sweet and savory combinations, thanks to coconut milk, palm sugar, and soy sauce. However, Thai food is all about balance—every dish combines multiple flavors:

✅ Sweet – Coconut milk, palm sugar, sweet basil

✅ Salty – Fish sauce, soy sauce, shrimp paste

✅ Sour – Lime, tamarind, green mango

✅ Spicy – Chilies, Thai pepper, galangal

✅ Bitter – Certain herbs like bitter melon and holy basil

Example of a well-balanced Thai dish:

➡️ Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad) – It’s crunchy, sour, spicy, salty, and slightly sweet. The perfect Thai flavor explosion!


Myth #4: "All Thai Food Contains Fish Sauce" 🐟

Fish sauce is an essential ingredient in many Thai dishes, but that doesn’t mean everything has it!

🔹 If you're vegetarian or vegan, we offer plenty of options without fish sauce! Try:

  • Phad Thai Pak – Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and tofu

  • Kang Kiew Wan Pak – Green curry with mixed vegetables

  • Som Tam Vegetarian – Green papaya salad, made without fish sauce

If you have dietary restrictions, just let us know! We can adjust most dishes to suit your preferences.


Myth #5: "Thai Food is Unhealthy" 🥗🍤

Many people assume Thai food is greasy or heavy, but the truth is, traditional Thai cuisine is fresh, light, and full of nutrients.

🔹 Why Thai Food is Healthy:

  • Lots of fresh vegetables & herbs (lemongrass, ginger, turmeric)

  • Lean proteins (chicken, seafood, tofu)

  • Healthy fats from coconut milk and nuts

  • Less dairy & gluten compared to Western cuisines

💡 Healthier Thai Options You’ll Love:

  • Tom Yum Soup – A broth-based soup with shrimp, lemongrass, and mushrooms, low in calories & high in antioxidants.

  • Yam Woon Sen – A warm glass noodle salad, light but full of flavor.

  • Steamed Fish (Pla Nung Manaw) – Fresh sea bass steamed with lime, garlic, and chilies—high in protein and omega-3s!


"Introducing… Thailand’s First Spicy Gummy Bear Curry!" 🍛🧸🔥

Are you ready for the wildest new Thai food trend? Slow-cooked gummy bears in a rich, spicy red curry sauce, infused with coconut milk and Thai basil.


Wait, what?! 🤯


...APRIL FOOL'S! 🎉😂 We’d never cook with gummy bears (but hey, someone out there might!).


Instead of gummy bears, come try some real Thai flavors—from rich, fragrant curries to fresh, zesty salads. No pranks, just authentic, delicious food. 😉


Happy April Fool’s! Which Myth Surprised You the Most?

We hope you enjoyed this fun April Fool’s edition of Thai food myths! Now, we’d love to hear from you:


💬 Which Thai food myth did you believe before reading this?

💬 Have you heard any other funny misconceptions about Thai food?


Leave a comment below or stop by Sukhothai Restaurant this week to taste some REAL Thai food (no gummy bears, we promise!). 😆

 
 
 

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