What's Your Spice Number?
Tips to Finding Your Thai Spice Level
“What spice level would you like with that?”
If you’ve ever been to a Thai restaurant in Dallas or ordered some takeout from said restaurant, you have been asked that question. Yes, it can be intimidating to come up with an answer on the spot because unless you really know your Thai and spice techniques from a specific eatery, it’s hard to determine what’s appropriate for your order.
If you plan on grabbing some Thai in the near future, don’t go in blind! Follow our go-to guide to what makes Thai food so succulently spicy and what number works best for your flavor palate.
What Gives Thai Food Its Spice?
While you may hear the ingredient “Thai chili pepper” thrown around, the truth is, there really isn’t a single chili pepper or ingredient that defines Thai spice. Thai cooking pulls from a wide scale of heat spectrums and can use various chilis that can hit up to 100,000 on the Scoville level, like the coveted Bird’s Eye Chili.
With such a range of peppers on any Thai menu, it’s always best to order cautiously and understand the different levels involved in your favorite delicacy.
Let’s get into the five key spice levels and what they entail for your taste buds.
Spice Level 0-1
We’ll be honest; not everyone's palette is built to tolerate in the ultimate spice Thai food offers. However, having a zero to mild spice level doesn’t make your food less enjoyable.
This low spice level comes with little to no kick but lets the savory flavors of your proteins and juices from organically sourced fruits and vegetables in our dishes stand out and create a mix of flavors you won’t soon forget.
So remember, if you want no spice at all, ask for a 0-level spice. Level 1 offers spice and is usually one of the more tolerable options for the average newcomer to our cuisine. When ordering at this spice level, expect bold flavors like Turmeric and Prik yuak, a sweet but not too spicy chili to add some kick to your dish.
If it’s your first time at a Thai restaurant and you don’t know how to gauge their spice levels, level 1 is typically the best way to go.
Spice Level 2-3
Ready to turn up the heat a couple of notches? If level 1 doesn’t satisfy your heat craving, level 2 is the last stop before the heat can get uncomfortably hot for some. Ordering a level 2 or 3 spice from our menu brings on a moderate amount of heat.
Depending on the level you’ve selected, you’re likely to receive a fixed amount of Bird’s Eye Chilis and Serrano Chiles that could send your taste buds on a wild ride.
As we’ve mentioned, 2 is moderate and enjoyable, and level 3 spice is where more experienced and spice-tolerant eaters enjoy their taste of Thai.
Spice Level 4-5
Spice levels 4 and 5 are known as “Thai Hot Spicy.” Level 4 is too intense for Westerners but not as hot as it gets. If you want an authentic taste of Thai spice, level 5 is where you want to order. This is the hottest, unadulterated Thai flavors.
Expect loads of Prik jinda, Bird’s Eye, and Prik kaelang, the spiciest Thai peppers.
If you are feeling adventurous and are okay with the possibility of temporarily losing your taste sensation, don’t say we didn’t warn you that level 5 spice is the champion of heat.
How Do You Eat Spicy Food With a Low Spice Tolerance?
Let's say you don’t have a taste for the spice, but are ready to build up your tolerance to enjoy the higher levels on a Thai menu? While we can’t rearrange your taste buds, we can offer a couple of pointers to building up your tolerance.
Slowly Add Spice to Your Daily Foods
Even when not eating Thai, adding a little spice like extra pepper or red chili flakes to vegetables or favorite cheesy dishes can help warm your palate for a good level 1 or 2 spiced meal.
Add Chopped Chilis to Your Food
Once your tolerance is beyond black pepper and flakes, you can slowly add chopped chilis into your dishes. When doing this, we mean starting slow! We recommend looking at the Scoville scale, starting with Banana peppers and working your way up the list at your leisure.
Get Ready to Cool Off
Not with water, though! Remember, chilis are an oil-based food that won’t dissolve in water. Drinking water to cool the heat down will only spread the mess around.
If you want to be prepared to quell the heat after some spicy food, have dairy products like sour cream or milk on hand. The casein protein in these products helps break down the capsaicin molecules released from the chilis.
If dairy isn’t your jam, you can use acidic products like tomatoes, lime juice, or orange juice to neutralize the molecular party going on in your body after a hefty amount of spice.
When in Doubt, Head Over to Family Thais!
If you’re new to the Thai food party, we’re here to introduce you to your new favorite foods! At Family Thais, we believe that Thai cuisine is something everyone can enjoy and shouldn’t be intimidating.
Stop in at our Dallas Thai restaurant near the West End District and learn more about the spice levels and delicious foods we offer.