These are my favorite kid-friendly Thai food recipes, perfect for a cozy family meal! The delicious Thai cuisine isn’t just for adults – with these easy and tasty dishes, everyone can join in, even the little ones. The best part? These recipes are super fun to make together with the kids!
If your family prefers milder Thai flavors, you might also enjoy some of my non-spicy Thai recipes and the best Thai dishes for picky eaters.
Why should you cook Thai for your kids?
Cooking Thai food for your kids is a great way to introduce them to new flavors and ingredients. There’s a huge variety of healthy dishes with unique tastes and textures to explore.
A big difference between Thailand and the Western world is that, in Thailand, parents encourage their children to try everything—and I mean everything. My little brother’s favorite food? Noodles with fish sauce, vegetables, and for dessert, durian (he’s only 4 years old!).
A great thing about this approach is that when kids are introduced to a wide variety of flavors and ingredients, they tend to grow up eating almost anything!
In this post, I’m sharing delicious and easy Thai meals for children. Each recipe is accompanied by photos, showing you step-by-step how to create dishes that everyone will love.
The best Thai foods for kids
Here are some super tasty kid-friendly dishes that are perfect for even the youngest eaters. You’ll probably recognize some of these dishes, but I’ve also included a few lesser-known ones to keep things exciting.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a classic noodle dish that kids can’t get enough of, thanks to its mild, sweet, and tangy flavors. Stir-fried rice noodles are tossed in a tasty pad Thai sauce with eggs and your favorite protein.
The slippery noodles are so much fun to slurp, and you can always add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for the grown-ups!
Pad mee
When I was a kid, I had pad mee on a weekly basis! Stir-fried vermicelli noodles are a staple meal for Thai children because of their mild flavors, and adults love to enjoy them as a side dish with papaya salad.
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity. Garlic, egg, noodles, green onions, and a delicious mix of stir-fry sauces make it easy and satisfying.
Thai spring rolls
Crispy Thai spring rolls with a tasty dipping sauce—who doesn’t love them? They’re a takeout favorite, and with my recipe, you’ll learn how to make the best rolls that are perfect for little hands.
Fill them with vegetables and lean protein like shrimp or chicken to give your kids a nutritious meal. They’re also delicious and healthy (and always crispy) when made in the air fryer!
Bua loy dessert (rice balls in coconut milk)
Bua loy is my niece’s absolute favorite dessert! It’s the perfect family activity for weekends – everyone can join in on rolling those cute little rice flour balls. Plus, it’s a treat that’s even better when chilled, making it ideal for those hot summer days.
The creamy coconut milk base with the soft, chewy rice balls is something unique the whole family will love.
Moo ping (grilled pork skewers)
Moo ping is a street food favorite, often found sizzling away at morning markets in Thailand. The marinade is perfectly suited for everyone, with a balance of sweet and savory flavors that kids and adults alike will love.
You can make these skewers ahead of time and freeze them for later, making them a convenient option for busy days. And, of course, they’re always best enjoyed with some Thai sticky rice on the side!
Thai fried rice (khao pad)
Thai fried rice is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and turn it into something delicious. You can toss in diced vegetables, and your kids will barely notice—they’ll be too busy enjoying the flavorful, savory goodness!
If you’re looking for a bit of fried rice variety, be sure to try my delicious Thai pineapple fried rice!
Thai sukiyaki
Thai sukiyaki is a favorite for family get-togethers in Thailand, much like mookata (Thai BBQ). This dish can be served with or without the spicy suki sauce, making it adaptable for all taste preferences.
You can include any protein you like, along with a wide variety of vegetables, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for everyone around the table.
Som tum Thai (papaya salad)
Som tum Thai, without the chilies, please! Papaya is incredibly healthy, and with this interesting salad, you can introduce your kids to a whole new world of delicious flavors. The crunchy green papaya mixed with a tangy lime dressing creates a refreshing dish that’s both nutritious and fun to eat.
Thai salads are very popular in Thailand, even among the youngest. It’s simply a matter of introducing them to it from a young age.
Khao taen (crispy rice cakes)
The great thing about khao taen, Thai crispy rice cakes, is that you can make them in advance and store them for days. They’re perfect for packing in your kids’ school lunches, and they’ll definitely make new friends who will be curious about where these tasty treats come from!
Thai chicken satay with peanut sauce
Chicken satay is a fantastic choice at Thai restaurants because it’s a dish everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults. The tender, marinated chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and come with a creamy peanut sauce that’s simply irresistible. In my opinion, one of the best Thai dishes for kids!
Shaved ice
Shaved ice is another favorite in Thailand, especially among children. It’s super easy to make at home with some crushed ice, and you can find a variety of toppings at Asian grocery stores. Your kids will love this Thai dessert, and you’ll love how simple it is to put together.
Yellow curry
If you want to introduce your kids to a Thai curry, it’s best to start with a yellow chicken curry. It’s the mildest of them all, and in my recipe, hearty potatoes are added. You can also try this vegan yellow curry and adjust the recipe to include your favorite protein.
Thai money bags
Money bags are another appetizer that’s really fun to make with the kids (and even more fun to snack on). Your little ones will love folding the wrappers, and the golden, crunchy bites will quickly become a family favorite. They’re super crispy and simply delicious. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce!
Cooking for children tips and tricks
- Keep it mild: Start with dishes that have gentle flavors – nothing too spicy, just enough to spark their interest in Thai food without overwhelming them.
- Get them involved: Kids are more likely to eat something if they’ve had a hand in making it. Give them fun tasks like stirring sauces, folding dumplings, or even picking out ingredients at the store.
- Texture is key: Kids love foods that are fun to eat. Think about smooth, slurp-worthy noodles like pad see ew, chicken bites like Thai fried chicken, and crispy veggies.
- Turn cooking into a game: Make cooking a playful experience. Create a mini cooking show, or have a friendly competition to see who can roll the best spring rolls. The more fun they have, the more they’ll want to eat what they’ve made.
More tasty ideas
Conclusion
Thai cuisine has many dishes that are perfect for delicious family meals. With these Thai food recipes for kids, you can easily introduce the delightful flavors of Thailand to the little ones. Don’t forget to share your favorite dish in the comments below, and follow me on social media for more deliciousness! Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
