What to Order First: The Best Thai Starters at Thai Square

The opening round of a Thai meal sets the tone for everything that follows. Get it right and the table relaxes, the conversation opens up, and everyone is ready for the bigger plates. At Thai Square we put as much thought into our starters as our mains, so here is how to order them well.

What are the best Thai starters to share?

Start with a mix of textures. Crisp spring rolls and prawn crackers give you the crunch, while chicken satay with peanut sauce brings something rich and savoury. Add a fresh note with a plate of som tum, the green papaya salad, and you have a balanced board that covers sweet, sour, salty and hot in a few bites.

How spicy are Thai starters?

Less than you might fear. Most of our starters sit on the gentle side, which makes them a good way to ease into the meal before a fiery curry. If you are cooking your way up to heat, the satay and spring rolls are mild, the salt and pepper squid carries a gentle peppery kick, and the papaya salad is where the chillies start to show.

Building the perfect opening round

For a table of four, three or four starters is plenty. Keep one fried, one grilled and one fresh, then leave room for what comes next. If you are new to Thai food, this is the easiest part of the menu to explore, and our team is always happy to steer you. When you are ready, book a table at your nearest Thai Square and start as you mean to go on.