Skip the Takeaway: How Cooking Thai at Home Can Be a Healthier Choice Posted on 23 September 2025 0 Thai food is a popular choice for many people’s weekend takeaway. But as the cost of eating takeaway continues to rise and people become more health-conscious, choosing to cook at home Thai food is a popular choice for many people’s weekend takeaway. But as the cost of eating takeaway continues to rise and people become more health-conscious, choosing to cook at home is becoming the more practical choice. But home cooking doesn’t mean leaving your favourite Thai red curry behind. Cooking Thai food at home is easy, nutritious and a great way to spice up the family’s weekly menu without breaking the bank. In this post we explore some of the reasons why home-cooked Thai food is the ideal choice for families looking to make healthier food choices. Control Ingredients and Portion Sizes Making Thai food at home gives complete control over the ingredients, quality, and how much oil, salt, or sugar goes into every dish. High-quality proteins like lean chicken breast or tofu, as well as colourful fresh vegetables, all help keep meals naturally healthy. Want a lighter curry? Use less oil and coconut milk, and add more vegetables. Cooking for yourself also means being able to decide exactly how much makes it onto the plate, so everyone gets a portion that’s right for them while avoiding the excess calories and large portions common in takeaways. Boost Nutrition With Extra Veg and Protein Home-cooked Thai dishes are the ideal excuse to pile in extra nutrition. Whip up a classic chicken stir-fry loaded with broccoli, peppers, carrots, or spring onions, or make a plant-powered curry packed with tofu and crunchy green beans. Using protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken and tofu makes it easy to serve up tasty, high-protein, low-fat meals. Don’t forget the healthy base. Fluffy jasmine rice is naturally gluten-free and brings aromatic, authentic flavour to plates of chicken satay, veg-rich red curries, or even as a base for leftovers the next day. Choose Healthier Sauces and Flavours At home, it’s easy to deliver all the big flavours of Thai food, without the hidden sugar, excess salt, or MSG common in some takeaways. Instead, use smaller quantities of quality products like fish sauce or soy sauce, and add the signature heat with a drizzle of sriracha, turning up the spice exactly to everyone’s preferences. Satay sauce is perfect for grilled chicken skewers or even a noodle salad, while a scoop of reduced-fat coconut milk can still bring richness to curries. Use fresh herbs, such as lemongrass, coriander, and Thai basil, and balance sweet/salty sauces with a generous squeeze of lime juice to reduce the amount of added sugar. Customise for Dietary Needs and Lifestyle Choices One of the biggest advantages of home-cooked Thai food is how flexible it is for dietary needs. Thai Food Direct’s product range includes options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, so swapping noodles for rice or chicken for chickpeas is simple, all while keeping the flavour authentic and strong. Home cooking helps manage allergens, lower fat by grilling instead of deep-frying, and reduce carbs by bulking out with extra veg. With home cooking, there’s no guesswork as to exactly what’s in the food. Save Money and Reduce Waste Cooking at home isn’t just healthier, it’s also budget-friendly. Stocking up on pantry essentials like jasmine rice, canned coconut milk, sauces, and dried noodles from Thai Food Direct means always having the basics for a quick, nutritious meal. Bulk cooking a full pot of curry or stir-fry means being able to enjoy several lunches and dinners from one meal, saving money and minimising the temptation for expensive impulse takeaways. With less packaging waste and full control over portions, homemade Thai makes both your wallet and the planet a little happier. Add Variety and Enjoy Cooking Home Thai cooking is an opportunity to liven up the dinner routine and try new things. Experiment with Pad Thai, make crispy spring rolls with rice paper, or toss together vibrant noodle salads loaded with sriracha, pomegranate and loads of fresh veg. The breadth of product options at Thai Food Direct makes DIY Thai exciting for adventurous eaters and picky children alike. Every meal can be made as mild, spicy, sweet, or sour as desired, and the family can enjoy the process of prepping, tasting, and sharing food together. Ready to Get Cooking? Choosing home-cooked Thai over takeaways lets families eat fresher, healthier, and more affordably, while customising every meal to suit their needs and tastes. With the huge range of aromatic ingredients, sauces, and pantry staples available from Thai Food Direct, the possibilities are endless. We are on hand to help offer inspiration for every meal of the day, from healthy lunches to evening sweet treats. Explore our range today and start cooking delicious Thai meals that everyone will love, right from the comfort of your own kitchen.