The Best Thai Restaurants Across Sydney
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
Sometimes you just need a Thai—whether it's a last minute takeaway, a casual weeknight catchup, or a special occasion. Luckily for us Sydneysiders, there's Thai restaurants a-plenty, no matter where you are based.
Our job here at Urban List, as usual, is to round up the best—and boy have we done our research. For all you chicken Pad See Ew lovers out there (we see you, and beg you expand your ordering choices), these are our top picks for Thai restaurants in Sydney/Eora.
The Best Thai Restaurants In Sydney At A Glance
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The Best Casual Thai Restaurants In Sydney
Porkfat
33 Ultimo Road, Haymarket
Image credit: Porkfat | Instagram
Porkfat is a Thai restaurant built on traditional flavours, with a menu built from market fresh ingredients that change seasonally. On the menu, crispy pork belly, tamarind chicken wings, and papaya salad, to name a few.
Insider Intel
- Pork fat is a key ingredient to the cooking (obviously), a staple in Thai cusine prior to the popularisation of commercial cooking oil.
Khao Pla
7/370-374 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood | 197/223 Herring Road, Macquarie Park
Image credit: Khao Pla | Instagram
Chef Pla Rojratanavichai spent time in the kitchen at Mr Wong, Ms G's, and Spice I Am before launching his own take on Thai in Chatswood, Khao Pla.
His punchy, fun approach to Thai flavours caught everyone's attention and Khao Pla has been a firm favourite ever since. Standouts include the yum salmon with fresh Salmon, nori, coriander, shallot with palm sugar and kaffir lime—but the menu is chockablock with all the classics.
Insider Intel
- Their drinks menu takes a heavy Thai influence, with bevvies like milk tea and coconut juice.
Spice I Am
90 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills
Image credit: Spice I Am | Instagram
Spice I Am is a Sydney institution for its flavour-packed dishes, and, if Surry Hills had a walk of fame, this beloved Thai restaurant would have a star on it.
Though co-owner and head chef Sujet Saenkham says that everyone has their favourite dishes, two orders stand out night after night. “It’s both the massaman duck and basil crispy pork belly that continue to be amazingly popular,” he says.
Lunch and dinner run all day, every day.
INSIDER INTEL
- This one's a popular spot for BYO, but be prepared to wait for a table—it's walk-in only.
Little Turtle
10 Stanmore Road, Enmore
Image credit: Little Turtle | Instagram
A passion project for its owner, Vinita, Little Turtle does a colourful all-vegan menu that takes its cues from Thai cuisine. Your feast might include whipped tofu and sweet potato crisps; sticky sesame "wings" made from cauliflower coated with sweet homemade soy sauce; or a wholesome hor mok curry served in a whole coconut.
Insider Intel
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Although you can definitely dine here solo, we recommend rallying the crew and ordering up a few picky bits and bigger plates to share so you can try a bite of everything.
Maw Maw
T14/2A Hector Crescent, Kellyville
Image credit: Maw Maw Thai | Instagram
Maw Maw is Kellyville's most solid Thai option—it's a little bit classy, while still holding onto its roots as a casaul neighbourhood eatery. The menu draws from time-honoured classics and traditional cooking techniques—but not without bringing in a contemporary twist or two.
Insider Intel
- Can't choose? The banquet menus are very reasonably priced ($48 and $58 each), and give you a menu masterclass.
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Muum Maam
Shop 6/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Image credit: Muum Maam | Instagram
Muum Maam has been a Barangaroo staple since 2016, with long, banquet-style wooden tables, and a menu that caters for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Focusing on authentic Thai flavours, and the use of seasonal produce, the cuisine is tasty—and deliciously rich.
Try the prawn, mud crab and scallop toast with plum sauce; or the grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce to start. For mains, go the blue swimmer crab fried rice; or the twice cooked angus beef short rib with tamarind glaze.
Insider Intel
- They often host special events and occasions, so keep an eye on their what's on.
Viand
41 Crown Street, Woolloomooloo
Image credit: Viand Club | Instagram
Viand chef-owner Annita Potter was a protégé of David Thompson, working with him at both Nahm un the UK and Long Chim (now closed) here in Sydney. With Viand, you can expect a similar freestyle of elegant and energised Thai flavours, this time served as three, five and eight-course chef's choice set menus—with lunch menus available on Thursdays and Fridays.
The open kitchen is wrapped in neon red mosaic tiles made from shattered ceramics, which adds a touch of theatre to dinner. The menus change seasonally, so expect the unexpected.
Insider Intel
- BYO is available during lunch service, at $20 corkage.
Alphabet St
5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla
Image credit: Alphabet St | Instagram
While not as traditional as some of the other entries on this list, Alphabet St has its flavour foundations in all that is Thai. The vibe is fresh and funky with excellent fruity cocktails to enhance the party.
Strap yourself in for a combination of classic Thai dishes and modern twists—the snack menu is filled with dumplings and bao, while mains feature favourites like Massaman curry (with a whole lamb shank), crispy pork belly, and steamed whole fish.
Insider Intel
- Set menus are available, portions are fair and you’ll definitely be back again to try whatever you couldn’t fit in the first time.
Chin Chin
Corner of Wentworth Avenue and Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: Chin Chin | Instagram
Chin Chin has built an army of ultra-foodies who have hospitality running through their veins. Expect an all-star line-up you’re guaranteed to fan all over; the Sydney crew boasts talent from Quay, Black by Ezard and Bistro Guillaume.
On the food front, expect South East Asian cuisine with a modern Australian flair—it's your favourite Thai dishes, elevated and upskilled for a trendy Surry Hills crowd.
Insider Intel
- Their weekend bottomless is a killer, with a set menu of classics and free flowing bevs for $89pp.
Main image credit: Little Turtle | Instagram
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