Sydney’s array of high quality Thai restaurants make it a world-class destination for foodies who love their fair share of spice.
From pad thai to panang curry to all things spicy pork, when it comes to top Thai food offerings, Sydney is a hotpot of culinary creativity inspired by our Asian neighbours.
Pork Fat
This authentic, family-style Thai restaurant cooks its meals using pork fat instead of oil – a homage to the traditional Thai way. The constantly changing menu features a variety of curries, spanner crab fried rice, and, of course, several delicious pork dishes.
Pork Fat cofounder and chef Narin Jack Kulasai, who grew up in Central Thailand, brings immense experience in Thai cooking to his restaurant, making it one of the best in the area.
Don’t forget to make a reservation, as guests have the opportunity to choose their dining preference – whether they want to see the chefs in action or enjoy a more laid back ambience from the action.
Spice I Am
With regular queues of diners waiting to try its dishes, this popular Thai restaurant in Surry Hills features more than just food – it also has its very own cookbook that teaches people how to make the traditional meals it serves.
Spice I Am features classic dishes such as pad thai and pad kra pao, as well as popular, signature items including its Duck Massaman Curry and Thai Egg Plant Stir Fry with shrimp and garlic paste.
Head chef Sujet Saenkham, who is a Thailand native, is regarded as the most talented Thai chef in Sydney, with his work garnering several awards.
Long Chim
Long Chim, which means to “come and try,” replicates modern Thai food in Bangkok. The establishment features a bar, a bustling atmosphere, and highly decorated walls.
Its menu has something for everyone – whether it’s salad, noodles, or fried rice. Sweet toothed diners won’t want to pass on the dessert offerings – Long Chim offers coconut sorbet, coconut tapioca, Thai tea ice cream, and crispy banana roti.
Chef David Thompson opened several Thai restaurants before Long Chim. One of them called Nahm in Bangkok, was in San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards for seven consecutive years.
Chat Thai
With five locations across Sydney, Chat Thai is a fan-favorite restaurant that has been operating for more than thirty years, and it has been popular among Sydney-siders since.
Its long, picturesque menu features a variety of green papaya salads, starters such as dumplings, and stir fries. The restaurant grows organic Asian produce at Boon Luck Farm in Byron Bay, giving its customers a fresh, authentic dining experience.
And, if you’re searching for a drink, you’ve come to the right place to quench your thirst. There are several traditional coffees, blended fruit juices, and cocktails, such as a Mai Thai and Thai Sunrise with pomegranate syrup.
Thai Pothong
Established in 1996, Thai Pothong, which means “golden pho leaf,” offers a true Thai experience in a huge space. Located in Sydney’s Newtown, it seats up to 500 guests and is decorated with art from all over Thailand; there’s even a gift shop located inside the restaurant to purchase traditional and affordable pieces.
Thai Pothong is a versatile restaurant with private function rooms fit for any occasion. And it offers a wide-spanning menu that features gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
Some of its popular dishes include coconut seafood, panang duck curry, pineapple fried rice, and barbecue pork.
Khao Pla
Featured several times in lists by the Sydney Morning Herald, Khao Pla is a Sydney staple that offers classic and modern Thai dishes. Its award-winning pork ribs are a must-try and its modern, ultra-high ceilings with hanging plants make it a cool dining experience.
Khao Pla has locations in both Macquarie Park and Chatswood, and with dishes ranging between about $20 to $40, it is an accessible, and delicious, dining experience. Its kids’ fried rice offering makes it a perfect place to take the family and beer lovers can grab a schooner from the range of tap beers.
Joe’s Table
Located in central Darlinghurst, Joe’s Table was featured in the New York Times’ “36 Hours in Sydney: Things to Do or See.”
The restaurant serves Thai fish cakes, stir fried prawns, and caramelised beef ribs, and if you’d like a desert with a difference, pre-order the smoked coconut ice cream.
What also makes it so special is that owner Joe Kitsana basically runs the show alongside his kitchen assistant – whether he’s being the chef or the waiter, he’s done it all.
Viand
At Viand in Woolloomooloo, it’s all about an elevated dining experience and ambience. Its signature five-course and eight-course meals cost between $109 to $179 per person and feature a variety of seafood, vegetarian and vegan dishes.
It’s the perfect place to hold an upscale event in a private dining room surrounded by a enviable wine cellar, and sophisticated, highly personalised service.
Viand pioneer and chef Annita Potter was awarded Good Food’s 2023 Oceania Cruises Chef of the Year for her culinary work and restaurant.
Chin Chin
Chin Chin is known for its casual vibe and its fun, laidback dining experience. Inside the restaurant, guests are seated at tables arranged on polished concrete floors under pink lights – giving it the feel of a happening Bangkok den.
It’s an ideal place to grab lunch on a Saturday or Sunday because of its signature Weekend Sessions, where guests can enjoy free-flowing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages starting at $89 per person.
Plus, it features an annex dining room called GoGo that is perfect for events or big groups.
Whether it’s noodles, curry, stir fry, or barbecue you are craving, tuck into it here.
Yok Yor
Spicy stir fried catfish and crispy pork belly are just a couple of popular items at Yok Yor in Haymarket. Originally founded in Bangkok in 1982, this casual, affordable dining spot is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The restaurant doesn’t just have great food – it has an impeccable rewards system too. For every $20 spent, guests can receive a stamp, and once they reach ten they get a free meal. It’s a pretty sweet and spicy deal.
If you enjoyed reading our story on the top Thai restaurants of Sydney, check out this feature on the top Americano restaurants.
