Thai cuisine is a masterclass in balance — the harmonious interplay of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy that defines one of the world's most beloved culinary traditions. From the coconut-rich curries of the south to the fiery som tam of Isaan and the aromatic boat noodles of Bangkok's canals, Thai cooking achieves remarkable complexity through the layering of fresh herbs, fermented pastes, and carefully calibrated heat. Each region offers distinct flavors: the turmeric-stained dishes of the Andaman coast, the mild clarity of royal Thai cuisine, and the bold, herbaceous plates of the northern mountains.
Our reviews of Thai restaurants assess the authenticity of flavor balance, the quality of curry pastes — ideally pounded fresh in a mortar — the sourcing of essential ingredients like galangal, kaffir lime, and Thai basil, and the chef's understanding of regional distinctions. We cover celebrated Bangkok institutions, refined Thai restaurants abroad that refuse to compromise on complexity, and contemporary kitchens where chefs reinterpret traditional recipes through a gastronomic lens while preserving their essential character.
Explore our selection to find Thai restaurants where a green curry sings with the brightness of fresh peppercorns and Thai aubergine, where a tom yum demonstrates the precise equilibrium between lemongrass acidity and chili warmth, and where the full depth of this extraordinary cuisine is presented with the care it demands.