Low-Histamine Street Food Guide: Thailand Edition

Thailand’s street food scene is legendary, but for those managing histamine intolerance, navigating it can feel overwhelming. From fermented fish sauce to aged meats, many dishes contain high-histamine ingredients. With the MM Food app, you can savor authentic Thai flavors confidently. Here’s how to eat safely while exploring Bangkok’s night markets or Phuket’s food stalls.

What to Eat: Low-Histamine Thai Street Food

• Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang): Freshly cooked and marinated minimally with lime and herbs, this dish is often safe. Use the app to confirm no soy sauce or fermented pastes are used.
• Steamed Seafood (Pla Nueng): Opt for freshly caught fish or prawns steamed with lemongrass and ginger. Avoid pre-cooked or stored seafood.
• Stir-Fried Veggies (Pad Pak): Customize with low-histamine veggies like zucchini, bok choy, and carrots. Request no soy sauce or oyster sauce using the app’s translation feature.
• Coconut-Based Soups (Tom Kha): Choose versions without shrimp paste or fermented ingredients. The app’s AI can scan menus for safe broth bases.

What to Avoid

• Fermented Sauces: Fish sauce, shrimp paste, and soy sauce are common triggers.
• Aged/Cured Meats: Skip dishes like moo tod (fried pork) or nua yang (grilled beef) if marinated overnight.
• Pickled or Preserved Items: Steer clear of som tam (papaya salad) if it includes pickled crabs or fermented fish.

How the MM Food App Helps

1. Instant Menu Translation: Snap a photo of the menu, and the app translates it to your language, flagging high-risk ingredients.
2. Dietary Filtering: Input your restrictions (e.g., ‘low-histamine’ or ‘no fermented sauces’), and the AI suggests safe dishes.
3. Custom Alerts: Add personal triggers (e.g., ‘citrus’ or ‘shellfish’) for tailored recommendations.

Pro Tips

• Ask Vendors for Fresh Prep: Use the app’s phrasebook to request dishes made-to-order with no leftover ingredients.
• Stick to Fresh Fruits: Mangoes, lychee, and watermelon are low-histamine options.
• Hydrate Smart: Avoid alcohol and opt for coconut water or bottled beverages verified by the app.

With MM Food, you can enjoy Thailand’s vibrant street food culture without compromising your health. Bon appétit—or as the locals say, kin hai dii!