super thai
Photograph: Courtesy Super Thai
Photograph: Courtesy Super Thai

The 12 best Thai restaurants in Austin, Texas

For delicious pad thai, noodles, curry, and more, check out the best Thai restaurants in Austin, Texas

James Wong
Contributor: Kelly Stocker
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Though Austin’s reputation for Thai cuisine isn’t quite the best in the state, that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. The city does have some solid, authentic Thai cuisine; you just have to search a little harder to sniff out those trusted spots that the locals have discovered over time. When you do, well, you’re in curry heaven (and more). The scene is growing, and what’s great about the best Thai here is that it’s still mostly hole-in-wall type of places, run by Thai families who bring their delicious fish sauces, herbs, and chiles to the far-east creations you’ve been craving.

Seriously, Asian food in Austin doesn’t deserve the bad rap it’s gotten over the years (check out the best JapaneseChinese, and Indian restaurants to see for yourself!). If Thai’s what tickles your fancy, we’re pleased to bring you the best spots across town for pad thai, green curry, papaya salad, spicy soup, and even coconut ice cream.

Best Thai restaurants in Austin

There is always a crowd at this South Lamar Thai restaurant, and for good reason. The food is good, the service is fast (and the tip is already included, so there is no need to calculate at the end), and everything, including the sauces, is homemade. Our faves include their Pad Thai, Gaeng Keow Wan green curry, and Tamarind Duck, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything.

  • Thai
  • East Cesar Chavez
  • price 1 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

This food truck on Manchaca Road serves up some of the most unique Thai food in the city, focusing on northern street food from the heart of Thailand’s countryside. Crowd favorites are the Om Gai (rustic herbal chicken with sticky rice), Som Tom (fresh papaya salad), and the mango with sticky rice. Don’t forget the pre/post-meal caffeine and kick from Radio Coffee and Beer.

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  • Brentwood
  • price 2 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Titaya’s Thai was one of the first Thai restaurants in Austin to garner city-wide attention. Following a renovation some years ago, this family-owned spot now boasts a bright, cheery feel that makes it a regular destination for lunch and dinner. Adventurous eaters should order the grilled whole squid and the duck noodle soup.

  • Thai
  • Rosedale
  • price 1 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Food trucks and Thai food seem to go hand-in-hand here in ATX… and we’re not mad about it. Originally debuting in San Marcos, Wat Zab is now firmly ensconced in the Burnet Road food trailer park, dishing up spicy curries and Pad Kee Maos. Given its funky graffiti, the truck may look like it belongs in Austin but trust us when we say that the food is straight out of Bangkok.

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  • Thai
  • Bouldin Creek
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Not only does Jam Sanitchat and her team at Thai Fresh craft a menu of delicious Thai food (with plenty of gluten-free options), but they also make all their own vegan ice creams in-house. Each flavor is made with a coconut milk base sweetened with organic, fair trade evaporated cane juice and local seasonal fruits. Rotating flavors include ginger lemongrass, Thai basil, lavender, salty tamarind, Texas corn, Thai tea, and mango lime. Also available are vegan, gluten-free waffle cones, gluten-free ice cream sandwiches, and seasonal sundae specials.

  • Thai
  • South Congress
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Sandwiched between Max’s and Piranha Killer Sushi, you’ll find an unassuming mom-and-pop Thai spot serving classics like Pla Lard Prik (deep-fried whole fish) and Pad Ped, along with a variety of green and red curries. Stop by for lunch to enjoy a bargain special, or come for drinks—they have a huge booze selection, including Asian beers.

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  • Thai
  • Westgate
  • price 2 of 4
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Upon entering Sap’s, you'll first notice the bright and beautiful umbrellas covering the ceiling and the large size of the space. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly (most orders are shareable), with a menu that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat lovers. There are two locations, one on Burnet and one at West Gate.

  • Thai
  • Oak Hill
  • price 2 of 4
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Blink, and you’ll miss it: Thai Taste is tucked away in a strip mall off Highway 71. Lunch can be overly crowded due to the many nearby corporate offices but stop by for dinner to forego the wait. The decor is sparse, but service is quick, and the portions are large. Stick with the westernized classics, like the egg rolls and the pad thai, and you’ll be happy.

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  • Thai
  • South Manchaca
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

After closing briefly for a renovation after 21 years in Austin, Tuk Tuk reopened in its south Austin home to much fanfare. Though the atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired, the BYOB policy and the number of available seats make this spot a local gem. We suggest ordering the pad thai, Tom Kha, and, of course, the basil fried rice.

  • Thai
  • West Austin
  • price 1 of 4
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Although the menu is a bit all over the place (Thai, some sushi, and some American Chinese are all featured), you’ll be able to find some Thai favorites here. Diners rave about the lunch and dinner deals, which include a salad bar/appetizer buffet that’s free and complementary upon entry.

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  • Bouldin Creek
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Sway’s menu can be described as Thai with a twist. The Westlake location offers a beautifully designed space boasting community seating and one of the most intriguing culinary selections in Austin. The emphasis is on shareable plates like XO mussels with bacon and lemongrass, blue crab fried rice, and the tiger cry, and dessert includes a scrumptious pineapple upside-down cake.

Madam Mam’s is the original Thai go-to for local students. With four locations all over town, the restaurants feature reasonable prices and a thoughtful décor. Bonus: Plenty of menu items, including the saffron rice and the nuer ob, are rare to come by in Austin.

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