Whether you have a taste for something sweet or savory, a Thai restaurant will satisfy all your cravings. Each dish has a carefully balanced profile of salty, sweet, sour, creamy, and spicy flavors. If you’re having trouble picking the right item from the menu, consider these a few staples to make it easier to decide on your order. 

5 Dishes to Order at a Thai Restaurant

1. Fried Rice

Fried rice can be a filling side or a meal all on its own. The rice is often seasoned with onions, chili pepper, cloves, and soy sauce for a complex combination of flavors. Various proteins and vegetables can be added to the dish, from steak and shrimp to carrots and peanuts. When ordering, tell the waiter your preferred spice level.

2. Satay

Satay is similar to a kebab, as shrimp or slivers of beef or chicken are grilled and placed on skewers. Typically served as an appetizer at Thai restaurants, the meat is marinated with coconut milk, lemon juice, shallots, and pepper to add a slightly sweet and tangy accent to the earthy notes in the charcoal-grilled protein. Satay is served with a dipping sauce for a slightly salty, starchy finish. As the dish is mild, it’s a good option for anyone in your group.

3. Spring Rolls

An order of spring rolls is a great dish to share with your dining companions. Similar in appearance to egg rolls, spring rolls also feature savory fillings. Minced chicken, pork, or shrimp can be paired with glass noodles and mushrooms, then wrapped in rice paper and fried. Served hot, spring rolls are often dipped in a sweet sauce at the table. The mild taste might be too subtle for those who prefer more spice.

4. Pho

A staple of Vietnamese cuisine, pho is often found in the soup section on Thai restaurant menus, too. The broth tastes like beef or chicken stock, with slices of meat, rice noodles, Thai basil, scallions, bean sprouts, and onions included in the elixir. Hoisin sauce adds sweet and salty notes, while lime gives the soup a tart bite. The dish might also include sriracha sauce, which is perfect for people who can handle a bit of heat. 

5. Rice Pudding

Dessert fans should order rice pudding to finish the meal. Not as sweet as some sugary concoctions, the treat is typically made with sticky rice, coconut milk, star anise, brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The texture isn’t as creamy as ice cream, but it’s just as satisfying.

Eager to find out what else your local Thai restaurant has to offer? Visit Mamasan's in Rochester, NY. The eatery is a favorite among foodies throughout Monroe County who want to enjoy a flavorful lunch or dinner in a warm, inviting atmosphere. To learn more about the selection, call (585) 461-3290. You can also visit the restaurant online to comb through the complete menu or look over some food and drink pairings.