Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye)
75,000 SHU · Capsicum annuum
HotHeat range
50,000 to 100,000 SHU. Typical: 75,000 SHU.
Individual peppers vary within this range based on growing conditions, ripeness, and genetic variation. See the Scoville scale guide for why the range matters.
Flavor and character
Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) has flavors of sharp, fruity, slightly floral, lingering heat.
Thai chiles, also called bird's eye chiles, are small peppers that pack significant heat into a tiny package. They are a staple across Southeast Asian cuisines and are used both fresh and dried. The flavor is sharp and fruity with a floral note that complements coconut milk, lemongrass, and fish sauce. The heat is notably more persistent than cayenne, lingering on the palate for several minutes. Thai chiles are typically used whole or sliced thin. In Thai cooking, they are crushed into som tum dressing, floated in curries, and pounded into nam prik chili pastes. Handle with respect; their small size is deceptive.
How it’s used
Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) is commonly used in Thai curries, stir-fries, dipping sauces, som tum (green papaya salad).
What to use instead
These substitutions match heat, not flavor. Flavor character changes substantially between peppers. For custom quantities, use the substitution calculator.
Compare with another pepper
Other peppers to explore
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) compared to a jalapeño?
Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) at 75,000 SHU is roughly 15× hotter than a typical jalapeño (5,000 SHU). That is a significant difference in capsaicin concentration.
What does Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) taste like?
Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) has flavors of sharp, fruity, slightly floral, lingering heat. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) at home?
Yes. Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) grows well in USDA zones 7+ and can be grown in containers in cooler zones. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Full sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil produce the best results.
Is Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) hotter than African Bird’s Eye (Peri-Peri)?
No. African Bird’s Eye (Peri-Peri) at 100,000 SHU typical is hotter than Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) at 75,000 SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye)?
The closest substitutes are Serrano and Cayenne. These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye)'s Scoville rating?
Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 SHU, with a typical measurement of 75,000 SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.