If you’re tired of the Korean BBQ’s, Japanese sushi trains and Chinese hot pots, these 10 Thai Restaurants is a ideal alternative to the many flavours of Asia. With foods that are sweet, sour, salty, bitter, tangy and of course, spicy, you’ll be left with nothing but smiles. After all, you’ll be having a taste of the one and only Land of Smiles!
No, that’s not a typo. We don’t really know why there are two “I’s” but we assume it’s because this restaurant helps find the little bit of Thai in all of us. Inside, you’ll be watched over by statues of golden Buddhas, evoking the same royal style of the Golden Palace in Bangkok. Complemented by the regal decor, you’ll be served dishes with just as much authenticity.
From the spicy stings of Tom Yum Goong to the sweetly sauced Thai Spring Rolls; or the sapid savours of Thai Curry Puffs and the finely flavoured Tom Kha Gai, Thaii Restaurant will awaken taste buds you didn’t know you had – all at a generous price. Make sure to keep an eye out for seasonal dishes as they always serve cuisines appropriate to Thai holidays and festivals. You can enjoy the delights of this place with your friends, family, colleagues or significant other. Thanks to this top quality eatery, you may as well call McMahon’s Point the Suburb of Smiles.
Price Range: Approximately $25 per person
Address: Shop 7, 69 Union St, McMahon’s Point NSW 2060
Website: here
True to its name, this eatery has a simple layout and irresistible tastes. Serving native flavours of Thailand, Simple & Irresistible Kitchen is another North Sydney pearl. With their modern menu, you can choose between their long list of traditional Thai dishes, such as Pad Kee Mao and Thai Style Massaman, and dishes that are little less Thai but still very popular in the country like Spring Rolls, Mini Wagyu Burger and Roti Mataba.
Because of this, whether you love or can’t stand spicy food, you’ll definitely find treasures on their menu and have a great time. It’s perfect for families with kids and patrons new to Thai food. Make a request and they’ll make gluten-free versions of some dishes as well, like gluten free Som Tam (Papaya Salad).
Their ever-humble atmosphere can get a little bit loud when crowded but true to most Asian culture, bonding over food is one of the truest forms of connection. With a combination of scrumptious cuisines and caring service, you’ll be well fed and well satisfied, making their kitchen one you’ll always return to!
Price Range: Approximately $30 per person
Address: 59-61 Ridge St, North Sydney NSW 2060
Website: here
Delivering a very different style of Asian tastes from the Korean hotpots and grills, this restaurant should not go unnoticed! “Maenam” meaning “Mother River”, refers to the Mekong River that runs through the two countries. Reflecting the cultural and historical life this river, Maenam Lao & Thai is known for their fine, fast and friendly service. Similarly, they offer homey side dishes such a Coconut Calamari, native salads like Banana Blossom Salad With King Prawns, local curries such as Green Curry and authentic soups such as Tom Kha Chicken; the list goes on.
The masterful menu is generously price and ensures you eat to your heart and stomach’s content. However, it’s advisable that you have a little bit of knowledge of the cuisines as it can be difficult to order even with a description under each item as things like level of spiciness can be hard to convey.
With that said, all patrons are welcome as their interior equipped with intimate lighting and efficiently spaced furniture have seats for large families, group of friends or colleagues, couples and individual eaters.
Price Range: Approximately $25 per person
Address: 31 The Boulevarde, Strathfield NSW 2135
Website: here
Following the cultural philosophy of Thai street vendors, “Fresh, fast and cheap but still top quality.” From the outside it doesn’t look like much and the inside isn’t fancy either, just a counter on one side and furniture on the other. But it’s not a dodgy or dirty place, it’s just ordinary looking compared to other restaurants. The “extra” in extra-ordinary comes in with your food.
Serving classics like Chicken Tom Yum Fried Rice and Pad Thai, to more in-the-know dishes like Chicken Salad with Ginger and Peanuts and Thai Basil Chicken with Rice, even Thai food experts will be too busy eating to criticize! Ben’s Takeaway is perfect for a quick sit-in lunch during the day or a take out dinner to be enjoyed at the comfort of your own home.
It’s hard to come in with a big group because of the limited space but order as much you want to go and you’ll still have fantastic time! If you’re craving for a healthy, quick meal that isn’t fast food, wave bye-bye to Ronald (McDonald) because Ben’s got you covered!
Price Range: Approximately $15 per person
Address: 10 Gardeners Road, Kingsford NSW 2032
Website: here
Translating to “Bangkok’s Face”, Na Bangkok is a great advocate of Thai food. This little local restaurant is the embodiment of “good things come in small packages”. Sure it might be a bit too crowded for a large group; there are a few outdoor seatings to make sure it doesn’t get cramped. But even so, this eatery is one filled with attentive staff, fantastic food and cheerful atmosphere.
More of a friendly, casual vibe, it’s definitely not a place for a romantic or intimate date but if you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted meal with exotic tastes, you’ve found the place. It’s a great lunch option for pre- or post- beach days spent on Maroubra and as a take-out treat as dinner the family. They even do delivery options to near by suburbs from 5:30 to 9:30pm, a brilliant cure for that afternoon peckish feeling. Whether you eat in, get take away or have delivery, make sure to try their specialties are the Satay Chicken Skewers, Panang Curry and Pad See-Ew!
Price Range: Approximately $20 per person
Address: 2/888 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035
Website: here
Retaining the true tastes of Thai street food and presenting them in an elegant indoors venue is what Sumrayn Thai Bangkok Street Food does best. Try some of their well-ordered favourites such as the Roasted Duck Pancake, Thai Style BBQ Chicken, Soft Shell Crab and Salt and Pepper Squid Salad, and you’ll see what I mean.
Along with their impressive flavours, their consistently benevolent and hospitable services have made avid goers to dedicate Sumrayn Thai as their “usual”. The bright and buzzing atmosphere gives you a look into Thailand’s street-side animation (minus the noisy traffic!) and invites customers for all occasions, whether it’s a post-business wind down, a loving date, a family gathering or a friendly catch up. But if you aren’t up for that sort of energy, you can get take-out or delivery between 5pm to 9:30pm! Go on, you know you want to! Head down to Chatswood’s 7 Help Street and help yourself!
Price Range: Approximately $25 per person
Address: 7 Help St, Chatswood NSW 2067
Website: here
Basking in their well-deserved limelight, this café is the choice of family, friends and couples all around North Sydney. With an intimate interior sets a starry mood perfect for a dinner date and the friendly light-hearted outdoors area similar to exotic Thai resorts, especially by the harbour side location, is great for family with kids.
In their atmospheric area, enjoy rare dishes that other Thai places don’t have like Hua Plee (Banana Flower Salad with King Prawns) and Spring Blossom. You can get their authentic Thai dishes at lunch but they’re more of a café during the day so some of their main must tries are only available as dinner. It can get a little bit expensive but because they adopt a mix of Thai and Western menu, you’ll definitely find something you like from their delicate choices.
Regardless of what you order, when you go and where you are seated, or even if you get delivery or take out, you’ll be treated with exceptional care and are sure to have a wonderful time!
Price Range: Approximately $30 per person
Address: 62 Clark Road, North Sydney NSW 2060
Website: here
Having won best Thai restaurant in Sydney for four straight years, Thai Pothong is a must try. Whether you go to their Newton or Marrickville chain or their Thai Takeaway stand by Newton Station, they all deliver the nothing short of excellence.
The moment you step into Thai Pothong, an exquisite golden décor, friendly smiles and a warm ambience will welcome you in. Even more so, dishes such as BBQ Baby Octopus, Thai Chicken Spring Rolls and Chicken Coconut Soup featured on their impressive list menu will assure you’ve made the right choice of dining.Come here with a large group, family, a date or with friends and they’ll spoil every one of you with a wonderful time.
Embracing the incomparable tastes, cultural décor and friendly nature of Thailand, Thai Pothong delivers nothing but the best.
Price Range: Approximately $32 for two people
Address: 294 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Website: here
Saturday night and we in The Spot; don’t believe me? Just watch! I’m fairly certain Bruno was singing about being at Bangkok Recipe up in The Spot. Randwick! You can bet though, it’s not just Saturdays that this eatery is buzzing with action. You’ll always find animated families and friends enjoying their time in this humble sized restaurant. Their patron’s joy have a lot to do with their simple presentation yet savoury tastes of their dishes.
With appearances like Tod Mun Kung (Fish cake), Yum Nuer (Spicy Beef Salad) and Pla Muek Yang Nam Jim Seafood (Grilled squid with seafood sauce), opening up their menu is like opening up a fairy-tale book: full of alluring pictures (perfect for those who aren’t sure what the dish is or are new to Thai food) and sure to deliver a happy ending no matter how many times you open it up! Amazing food, fun atmosphere and wonderful service, it’s the perfect recipe for a great time!
Price Range: Approximately $20 for two people
Address: 31 St. Pauls St, Randwick NSW 2031
Website: here
Is it too cliché to ask what time it is? Because it’s obviously Time for Thai! No but really, with quick service, cosy ambience and undeniably authentic food, how can it ever not be Time For Thai? You’ll never get tired of their dishes, especially their popular ones like Thai Style Chicken Omelette. Pad Kra Pao (Basil stir fried minced chicken with rice) and Chilli Fried Rice. It’s perfect for UNSW students who can pop down Anzac for a nice lunch and even families looking for a nice Thai option.
Their second chain in Sydney’s CBD also works for those on a work break or groups having a shopping day out in the city! Regardless of which chain you go to, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time! With their plentiful portions and generous prices, you’ll truly discover the many flavours of Thai food and how much you love them! After just one visit, you’ll never need a watch because you know; it’s always time for Thai!
Price Range: Approximately $20 per person
Address: 2/309 Anzac Parade, Kingsford NSW 2032
Website: here
You know how the words “We need to talk” can make your heart freeze for a second and question your entire life? Well, the best comeback to that phrase is: “No, let’s have a chat” and take them to Chat Thai! Whether you go to the one in Randwick, Haymarket, The Galleries or Sydney CBD, any negative feeling will evaporate instantaneously into the animated energy of the place!
Whether you’re with family, friends or even on your own, just make sure if you’re coming with a large group to make a booking. You’ll still have a good time if you don’t but the wait can be really long because everyone is eager for Chat Thai’s authentic tastes! Try their popular dishes like Raadt Naa (stir fried rice noodles), Gaeng Daeng Bped (red curry of roasted duck), Mhu Bhing (grilled pork skewers), SomDtum (green papaya salad) and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
It’s not just their tastes that are of fantastic value, everyday from 2pm to 5pm and 10pm to 2am they have a $5 menu! Super for the stomach and easy on the wallet – who needs “the talk” when you can have Chat Thai!
Price Range: Approximately $25 per person
Address: 20 Campbell St, Sydney NSW 2000
Website: here
That’s it for the list! Give these Thai eateries a go for an fulfilling time and if you’re in the know of some other Thai must-go’s, let us know in the comments!
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