Some like it spicy (we like it spicy).
That's been our mantra around here as we've embarked on a quest to find the best Thai food in town. (Tough life, we know.) So after pigging out on pad thai, stuffing our faces with sticky rice and satay, and slurping an impressive amount of noodles down our esophagi, we've compiled a list of superior spots to enjoy a taste of Thailand.
Contributed by Mariel Lindsay
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photo via kiindiatx.com
1091 S Lamar Blvd
Kiin Di is a female and Asian owned food truck that's bringing traditional cooking techniques from Thailand to Austin. Their flavorful dishes are all made fresh in-house daily, which is probably why many refer to it as some of the best Thai food they've ever had. Some of their popular dishes include the Killer Noodles (pictured above) made with spicy ramen noodles, garlic, basil, onions, Thai chili peppers, basil sauce, and fried pork belly, topped with a fried egg. Make sure to also try their Thai take on a taco, Thai Me Down, which is filled with Thai-style fried chicken, pickled cucumbers, cilantro, red jalapeno peppers, and a spicy Thai aioli. You can find the truck on South Lamar right outside of Corner Bar, open Wednesdays - Sundays from 4pm - 9pm.
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photo via facebook
909 W Mary St
One of our favorite local spots, Thai Fresh, focuses on simple ingredients and simple cooking. They serve authentic Thai meals featuring proteins raised in Texas, and seasonal vegetables and herbs from local farms, and even some from their own garden. Want to learn to make your own green curry? Sign up for one of their cooking classes where all levels of home chefs have the opportunity to get hands-on experience making a variety of Thai dishes. Be sure to end your meal with one of their delicious vegan ice creams made in house with coconut milk and seasonal fruits, served on their own or with some traditional sweet sticky rice.
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photo via Titaya's Facebook
5501 N Lamar Blvd.
Titaya’s is a classic for a reason. The interior is modern and hip, with intimate low lighting and sleek wooden benches. It is conveniently located along one of Austin’s central arteries, on North Lamar next to Half Price Books. The menu is vast and tasty, with a phenomenal dessert section. Make sure to try Mom’s Fish Cakes as an appetizer. The simplicity of the dipping sauce, which perfectly blends sweet, spicy, and tang, shows off the kitchen’s cooking chops.
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Photo via Instagram
5517 Manchaca Rd
This South Austin eatery is family owned and operated, spanning three generations of experience. Devour the Crab Rangoons filled generously with crab meat, cream cheese, and green onion and marvel at the size and tastiness of the gargantuan steamed dumplings. Also highly recommended is the signature Thai soup Tom Kha Gai, coconut soup made even more fragrant by notes of lemongrass. Here the style is casual, the portions are generous, and the food is plated with obvious pride.
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Photo via Yelp
1158 Lost Creek Blvd
Those near Westlake will be glad to hear that there is a reliably delicious Thai place nearby now. This place is known for its Pad Thai, which boasts both perfect sweetness, the subtlest hint of heat, and, in a crowd-pleasing twist, cabbage in place of the traditional sprouts. Also a must-have on the menu: deep-fried and seasoned crispy jasmine rice balls with red curry, coconut and herbs.
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Photo via Instagram
2024 S Lamar Blvd
Locally owned and operated, this South Lamar restaurant offers a variety of authentic Thai dishes including Crab Fried Rice, their homemade chili paste, and a Pad Kee Mao loaded with organic vegetables and a sauce bursting with flavor and spice. If you’re springing for dessert, try the Crispy Roti topped with sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder.
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Photo via Yelp
4101 West Parmer Ln, Suite F
Located just off Mopac and Parmer, this North Austin location has been offering casual but delicious Thai fare since 2009. Using only locally sourced produce and the freshest ingredients, one of their standout dishes is the panang curry crafted with homemade coconut cream. Also a crowd-pleaser is the deep-fried tilapia filet with ginger sauce or Thai sweet and sour sauce. If you really want the Thai seafood experience though, spring for the stir-fried seafood platter boating some of the largest mussels out there.
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Photo via Yelp
3208 Guadalupe St Ste A
Located just north of the Drag on the UT campus, this traditional Thai food boasts locally grown herbs and spices and some of the most affordable and generously portioned Thai in town. While the menu is expansive, including soups, stir-fries and vegetarian options, their Pad Thai is indeed one of their standout dishes. But be warned: here, spicy means SPICY! You could leave with tears in your eyes if you don’t gauge properly, making this the perfect place to bring someone who complains that no other place makes dishes spicy enough. With friendly, attentive staff and a locally renowned Pad Thai, this place is an easy favorite.
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Photo via Instagram
4211 S Lamar Blvd C-1
Yes, we're suggesting an oyster bar for some of the most authentic and flavorful Thai food in Texas! Started in 2010, the Thai and Laotian owners have perfected the art of combining Gulf coast seafood with the traditional Asian fare, resulting in a delicious spot both moderately priced and family friendly! The strong Thai influences are apparent throughout the menu, from the Mussels Vin Blanc to the the papaya seafood salad.
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310 E. Pecan St
In Pflugerville and craving Thai? Head to this food trailer located in a small food trailer park bordering the El Rincon Mexican restaurant. Named for a traditional Laotian and Thai meat salad, “Larb” offers a uniquely delicious signature larb dish with ground chicken, roasted rice kernel, red onions, green onion and Thai chili powder. The Pad See U boasts a perfectly fragrant sauce, notably tasty noodles, and, like all other entrees, comes with a crispy but lightly fried eggroll. Don’t be fooled by this humble little food truck - this is some of the real-tasting and delicious Thai food around!
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photo via yelp
2400 E Oltorf St.
In general, broad menus can be a warning flag of wishy-washy mass appeal. However, 888 Pan Asian legitimately nails a multitude of regional cuisines, Thai food included. This casual South Austin classic is always hopping with people, but the wait goes by quickly and there’s a cheerful vibe that is well-suited to groups. Whether you’re craving noodles, curry, or mango sticky rice, 888’s extensive menu will have something that looks appealing. Be sure to come hungry, since they don’t skimp on the portions.
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EVEN MORE TASTY THAI:
3009 Guadalupe St.
5000 Burnet Rd
Various Locations
4204 Menchaca Rd
3437 Bee Cave Rd
11601 Rock Rose Ave.
Various Locations
Various Locations
1720 Barton Springs Rd
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Did we forget your favorite Thai?
Don't be shy!
Let us know at [email protected].
