Thai spice levels explained by dish give you more useful guidance than a label such as medium. At Charm Thai Cafe, chilli symbols describe traditional heat, which is turned down by default. Tell us what you enjoy before cooking starts and ask what can be adjusted.
Start with the dish's own preparation
Yellow curry and Massaman are described as mild. Jungle curry is marked very hot. Other curries, soups and stir-fries have their own paste and seasoning, so the same request does not necessarily produce the same preparation in every dish.
Ask about heat already present in a paste or seasoning. Not every ingredient can be removed after it has been combined. A useful request names both the dish and your preference, rather than expecting one heat label to answer everything.
The curry guide compares the six classic styles. The noodle guide explains noodles served stir-fried, with gravy or in broth. Sauce and cooking style matter alongside chilli. Our Thai food guide brings the menu categories together.
What to say when ordering
- Name the dish and protein or vegetable version.
- Explain how much chilli you usually enjoy.
- Ask which parts of that preparation can be adjusted.
- Give requests for each meal separately if several people are ordering.
Different diners can choose different dishes or preparations. Before sharing, check that everyone wants the ingredients and heat of the shared food. The first-visit guide gives possible starting points without treating one dish as right for everyone.
Mild does not mean suitable for an allergy
Massaman paste contains roasted peanuts, although no whole peanuts are added. A milder curry can still contain an ingredient you need to avoid. Rice noodles can also be served with a sauce or broth containing gluten.
Tell us about an allergy or coeliac disease separately from chilli preference. Other allergens are handled in our shared kitchen, and freedom from cross-contact cannot be guaranteed. Use the gluten-free guidance for complete-dish and handling checks.
For collection, call with the dish names and preparation requests and agree a pickup time. For eating here, the restaurant guide has booking information. Check current menu prices and choices before placing the order.