There are so many different types of great restaurants in Canberra to choose from, and Thai cuisine is always a popular choice. If you’re looking for the best Thai restaurants in Canberra, check out our list below.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best Thai restaurants
- Chong Co Thai Kingston
- CocoNine
- Joe’s Thai Food
- Kinn Thai
- Morks Restaurant
- Thai Herb
- Zaab
What makes a great Thai restaurant?
When most people think of Thai food, they think of spicy curries and flavorful stir-fries. While these dishes are certainly a big part of Thai cuisine, there is much more to it than that.
A great Thai restaurant will offer a wide variety of dishes, encompassing all the different regions of Thailand. The best restaurants will use fresh, local ingredients to create authentic flavors. And of course, no Thai meal would be complete without a steaming bowl of rice or a refreshing iced tea. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy or sweet, a great Thai restaurant will have something to suit your taste.
You also want to make sure you are getting value for money and Thai restaurants are known for having good portion sizes of quality food at reasonable prices.
The atmosphere is important whenever you are dining out and the best Thai restaurants are great at creating a lively environment that helps you enjoy the experience.
Great Thai restaurants offer tremendous service and are efficient at taking orders and bringing out your food.
What are the most popular Thai dishes?
Thai cuisine is one of the most popular in the world, and it's no wonder why. The dishes are usually packed with flavor, thanks to a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy ingredients.
One of the most iconic Thai dishes is pad thai, a stir-fried noodle dish that typically includes chicken or shrimp, bean sprouts, eggs, and peanuts.
Another popular dish is green curry, a coconut milk-based curry that is often made with chicken or tofu. For something a little different, there's also Kaeng som, a sour soup that is traditionally made with fish but can also be made with chicken or pork. No matter what you're in the mood for, there's sure to be a Thai dish that hits the spot.
The best Thai restaurants in Canberra 2024
To be listed as one of Canberra’s best, Canberra Daily requires them to have maintained a track record of positive reviews on Google and Facebook, with a minimum average of 4/5 stars. All Google ratings listed were updated January 2023.
We also check to see if they have verified customer reviews.
When looking for delicious Thai food in Canberra, check out our list of Canberra Daily’s best local restaurants below.
Joe's Thai Food
Owner and head chef, Joe has been mastering the wok and cooking delicious Thai food for over 20 years.
He is passionate in offering the best heart-warming meals for his guests, ensuring diners always go home satisfied after eating at Joe’s Thai Food in Wanniassa.
Jamie Callaghan wrote this on Google; “Literally the best Thai I’ve had in Canberra – and maybe anywhere!!!”
Morks Restaurant
Morks is all about bringing Thai cuisine into the 21st century with a focus on showcasing Thai food under a different light.
Their food is creative, passionate, delicious and is grounded with traditional Thai flavours while using new school methods.
They also cater for all dietary requirements, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options outlined on the menu.
Bon Ze gave this favourable review on Google; “Had a really good experience there. Although I think it’s slightly pricy for Thai but it was worth it. Staff were attentive but not overbearing. Their dishes were designed to share and it was flavoursome. I highly recommend their desserts”
Zaab
Zaab is ideally located in the heart of Braddon and provides diners a fun, up-beat restaurant and bar to enjoy.
Staying true to its cultural roots, Zaab brings authentic South East Asian street food to Canberra with a unique and modern twist. The restaurant combines the intense and delicious flavours of both Lao and Thai, culminating in memorable food and drink options.
Billy C wrote this review on Google; “Amazing place to eat, probably the best place I’ve eaten this year. Most dishes we ate had spice, had interesting tastes and were very well presented. Each dish was bursting with flavour and tantalised my taste buds. Between 3 people we had about 3 small stuff and 3 big stuff. Will be back for more!”
CocoNine
Coconine is located on the popular Kingston Foreshore and offers a range of fresh and delicious Thai dishes to enjoy.
Enjoy their entrees such as peaking duck and spring rolls, before moving on to traditional Asian curries and noodle dishes.
Colin P wrote this five star review on Google; “Very popular venue even for a Monday night while other restaurants nearby are empty. The food was fantastic and the service very friendly. Need to book first to guarantee a table. Highly recommended and I will be back.”
Kinn Thai
Located right in the city centre, Kinn Thai offers delicious stir-fries and curries, plus drinks and cocktails in an upbeat atmosphere with modern decor.
Their extensive menu features a range of popular Thai dishes, including Tom Yum soup, pad Thai, panang curry, pad see iw and plenty more.
Terry Li wrote this five star review on Google; “Could say one of the best Thai in town! Fantastic central location, open plan atmosphere with high ceiling architectural, modern Thai cuisine. Lovely.”
Chong Co Thai Kingston Foreshore
Set on the picturesque shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Chong Co Kingston provides an elegant and classic ‘a la carte’ menu that showcases the best of Thai cuisine.
They also offer friendly service from knowledgeable wait staffs in a warm environment, experienced chefs in the kitchen and a range of wines.
On Google, Chill Tarbuk wrote this five star review; “Food was amazing great flavour and selection of meals as well as drinks and desserts. Food came quickly despite being busy, staff were very accommodating and nice. Great atmosphere and location. Overall very good.”
Thai Herb
Thai Herb aims to give diners an ultimate Thai experience, combining warm hospitality and tangy Thai food.
They offer an extensive menu including traditional Thai soups, curries, stir fries and noodle dishes, with their spices sure to please your taste buds.
On Google, Deepi Sharma wrote this glowing review; “I loved the food. Very authentic thai food with the right heat and aroma. I would not mind travelling just for that food. The ambience was perfect for family and the place was very clean too.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thai food expensive?
Thai food is known for being quite affordable as far as eating out at restaurants. The dishes are typically simple, using a mix of spices, vegetables, meat, and rice or noodle to create delicious dishes. You can usually bank on getting value for money when eating out at the best Thai restaurants.
Is Thai food easy to cook itself?
Thai food can be quite simple to make at home. The dishes usually consist of basic vegetables, meat, rice or noodles and some spices that can be found at most supermarkets or Asian grocers. It can also be good fun cooking at home, so find yourself a good, easy to follow recipe, grab your ingredients and have fun cooking a delicious Thai meal.
Can I get takeaway Thai food in Canberra?
Yes, most Thai restaurants in Canberra will offer takeaway meals. You can either pick up your meal from the restaurant or they may have their own delivery system. They may also be on one of the delivery apps such as UberEats.
Why Thai food is so popular?
It’s pretty simple, it tastes good! People love the tasty flavours that Thai cuisines has to offer, with a number of fresh ingredients mixed with spices that create wonderful dishes.
