Healthiest Thai Food Menu Choices & Nutrition Facts
Thai food is one of the healthiest choices when eating out or ordering online, as there are plenty of healthy options on the menu with lots of veggies and herbs. Traditional Thai food is cooked with flavorful, good-for-you ingredients. The ingredients are stir-fried to ensure that most of the nutrients are not lost due to overcooking. However, as with many cuisines that have taken off in America, you will find in some restaurants the foods on the menus have higher-salt, higher-sugar, and higher fat.
Though there is good news: There are still so many popular Thai options that are nutritious. After all, Thai cuisine emphasizes veggies and other plant-based foods, and many dishes substitute coconut milk instead of cream and herbs instead of cheese.
Thai Food With Low Calorie - Healthiest Options
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the most loved Thai dishes, often found on menus like Nukeo Thai menu or Gu Thai. But is Pad Thai good for you? It depends. Made with rice noodles, eggs, peanuts, and a flavorful sauce, it’s undeniably tasty. However, Pad Thai calories can add up fast—around 1,400 per restaurant serving—making it a calorie-heavy meal. If you're concerned about Pad Thai nutrition, consider sharing your portion or choosing low-fat protein like shrimp or tofu.
Chef Tip - To cut calories, use less noodles than suggested and more vegetables. Low-fat beef or chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu are all good options. Before cooking, trim away any excess fat. Use a non-stick wok or frying pan to use the least quantity of oil (2 tablespoons).
Green Curry with Veggies – A Balanced Thai Olay Favorite
Thai curries, like green or Panang curry, are rich in flavor thanks to coconut milk and spices. But is Thai curry fattening? It can be. Panang curry calories are high, yet adding extra veggies and lean proteins like chicken or tofu can make it one of the more healthy Thai options. Pair it with brown rice for added fiber and nutrients.
Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum is a flavorful, sour-spicy soup made with shrimp and vegetables. For fewer calories and fat, skip the coconut milk version. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking low-carb Thai dishes that don’t compromise on taste.
Chicken Larb
If you’re looking for something light, Chicken Larb is a refreshing, protein-rich Thai salad. Served in lettuce wraps and seasoned with lime juice and herbs, it’s a great alternative to heavy dishes. It answers the question “is Pad Thai unhealthy?” by showing that Thai cuisine offers many balanced options.
Fresh Summer Rolls
These rolls, packed with veggies and sometimes shrimp or tofu, are perfect if you’re aiming for healthy Thai options. They’re a great alternative to fried appetizers like crispy rolls or fish cakes.
Choose tofu or shrimp summer rolls if you want more protein. Keep it simple with straight-up veggie rolls for a quick appetizer.
Other Healthy Choices for Thai Food
1. Select for dishes brimming with vegetables to enhance your meal's nutritional value.
2. When dining on Thai cuisine, consider healthiest Thai food alternatives to Mussaman curry. Choose from a variety of lower-fat options such as garlic shrimp, hot-and-sour soup, chicken satay, stir-fried noodles, scallops, bamboo shoots, sautéed ginger chicken, Thai salad, tom yum, Pad Thai, and green or red curry with lower fat content.
3. Steer clear of deep-fried selections like crispy Thai rolls, hot Thai fish, royal tofu, fried rice, chili dishes, or crispy duck to keep your meal on the healthier side.
4. When it comes to rice, opt for plain steamed or aromatic rice varieties for a more nutritious choice.
5. Stick with dishes that incorporate lemongrass, basil, and other aromatic Thai herbs and vegetables, which are often lightly sautéed for a healthier preparation method.
What Thai Food Should Avoid in Restaurant or when order online?
Fried meals should be avoided. Many menus feature fried wontons or crispy rolls, although they are low in nutrition. Some meals may also include fried calamari or fried fish cakes.
If you're watching your calories, skip the peanut dipping sauces too — they often contain high amounts of fat, sugar, and calories.
Eat the Healthiest Thai Food Guilt-Free
Looking for healthy, flavorful options? Whether you're craving Indian food in Winter Park or want a nutritious Thai dish, we’ve got you covered. At Tabla Cuisine, we serve dishes full of authentic taste without the extra calories.
Visit us at Tabla Cuisine – your go-to spot for Winter Park Indian food, a trusted Indian Restaurant in Oviedo, and a top-rated Indian Restaurant in Orlando. Dine in or order online today and satisfy your cravings the healthy way!
Nisha Batel
Nisha Batel, the content creator who weaves magic through her words! Working for Stealth Management Group, Nisha write creative articles and blogs on hospitality trends, food, travel, adventure, and health. With her beady eye on all the latest comings and goings in the hospitality industry, Nisha is always up-to-date with the latest trends. A self-proclaimed foodie, Nisha's love for food is unparalleled, and she is always excited to explore different cuisines, covering them in her interesting blogs.