Navigating Thai Street Food with an Oxalate-Restricted Diet: Your Essential Guide

Thai street food is a vibrant explosion of flavors, but for those managing oxalate restrictions, navigating menus can feel overwhelming. The MM Food app simplifies this journey, helping you savor authentic dishes safely. Here’s how to enjoy Thailand’s iconic street food while staying within your dietary needs.

Understanding Oxalates in Thai Cuisine

High-oxalate ingredients commonly found in Thai dishes include:

• Spinach and leafy greens (used in soups and stir-fries)
• Peanuts and cashews (common in salads and sauces)
• Soy products (tofu, soy sauce)
• Certain herbs and spices (e.g., starfruit, tamarind)

Using the MM Food App for Safe Dining

1. Instant Menu Translation: Scan street vendor menus in real-time to identify hidden high-oxalate ingredients.
2. Custom Filters: Set ‘oxalate-restricted’ in your dietary preferences for AI-powered dish recommendations.
3. Dish-Specific Insights: The app flags dishes with potential risks and suggests safer alternatives.

Oxalate-Friendly Thai Street Food Picks

• Grilled Meats (Satay/Moo Ping): Skip peanut sauces; opt for lime or vinegar-based dips.
• Steamed Fish (Pla Nueng): Fresh herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves add flavor without oxalates.
• Papaya Salad (Som Tum): Request no peanuts or dried shrimp; emphasize green papaya as the base.
• Clear Soups (Tom Yum Nam Sai): Avoid tofu and leafy greens; focus on broth with lemongrass and mushrooms.

Dishes to Avoid

• Pad Thai: Contains peanuts, tofu, and soy sauce.
• Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan): Often includes spinach or other leafy greens.
• Massaman Curry: Loaded with peanuts and cashews.

Pro Tips

• Use the app’s ‘Custom Request’ feature to generate vendor-friendly translations for ingredient substitutions.
• Explore night markets early to avoid cross-contamination risks during peak hours.

With the MM Food app, you can confidently explore Thailand’s street food culture without compromising your health. Bon appétit—or as the Thais say, ‘Hong Hai Kin Dee’!