Food allergy travel guide to Thailand

Practical restaurant allergy expectations in Thailand, including what to ask about peanuts, shellfish, fish sauce, soy, egg, and coconut.

At a glance

Practical restaurant allergy expectations in Thailand, including what to ask about peanuts, shellfish, fish sauce, soy, egg, and coconut.
Verify peanut, shellfish, fish, soy, egg, coconut before ordering.
Ask about the dish, sauce, garnish, and shared equipment before you order.
Log what staff said and what happened later so the next visit starts with better evidence.

How to use this guide

Thai kitchens use peanut, shellfish paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, egg, and coconut in dishes where a visitor may not expect them. A dish can look simple and still depend on a prepared curry paste, dressing, dipping sauce, or garnish.

This page is practical travel guidance, not a legal summary. Ask the restaurant in front of you and carry a Thai allergy card when the allergy is serious.

What to expect socially

Hotels, airports, and restaurants in tourist areas may understand allergy questions, but small restaurants may treat the request as a preference unless you are very clear.
Staff usually do not ask about allergies before you order. You should raise the issue before choosing a dish.
Prepared curry pastes, sauces, and dressings can limit what staff can change at service time.

Common allergens to verify

peanut
shellfish
fish
soy
egg
coconut

Questions to ask

Ask whether peanuts are in the sauce, garnish, marinade, or cooking area, not only whether they are visible.

Ask about shrimp paste, dried shrimp, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and premade curry bases for shellfish or fish allergies.

Gulpp is free

Track your restaurant allergy history

Gulpp lets you log what you ate, what you asked, and whether symptoms showed up later. Your report can become the first evidence for the next diner.

Start a free log

Medical disclaimer

This guide is general information for restaurant planning. It is not medical advice. For emergency symptoms, call local emergency services. For personal diagnosis, medication, or action-plan questions, talk with your allergist.

Read the medical disclaimer