Friday is the first day of the annual Bristol Thai Festival in Queen Square, a three-day celebration of Thailand's culture including music, sport and, of course, food.
If you aren't able to attend the festival from July 24-26, there are plenty of places to enjoy Thai cuisine all year round. Here are some of the most popular Thai restaurants in Bristol, from humble to grand:
Everyday Thai
Everyday Thai in Fishponds might be tucked out of the way, but this hasn't stopped the modestly sized cafe-restaurant in Fishponds from developing a great reputation for its welcoming staff and freshly prepared food.
Everyday Thai, 11 New Station Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3RP.
With a spacious and impeccably-decorated venue, Koh Thai Tapas (formerly home to Zizzi's) in Triangle South sets a good impression from the start. As the name suggests, this restaurant offers small portions of popular Thai appetisers, allowing diners to sample a great range of dishes, along with larger curries, stir fries and rice and noodle dishes.
Koh Thai Tapas, 7-8 Triangle South, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1EY.
Bauhinia Bar Restaurant
Serving a pan-Asian menu, this Clifton Village restaurant has remained popular with the locals since it was first opened in 2004 and doing so is always a good sign. The Bauhinia Bar serves an extensive range of dishes meaning there is plenty for diners to choose from, with a gluten-free selection too.
Bauhinia Bar Restaurant, 5A Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4AA.
Siam Angel Cafe
Positioned in between Brandon Hill and College Green on St. George's Road is the unassuming Siam Angel Cafe. Curiously, this venue is part coffee shop, part Thai restaurant: in the mornings you can get a coffee, traditional English breakfast or bacon butty. Later on, you can choose from a range of authentic and expansive Thai offerings. While it doesn't have an alcohol license, it's right next door to the Horse & Groom pub.
Siam Angel Cafe, 15 St. George's Road, Bristol, BS1 5UU.
Giggling Squid took over the space that was previously Strada in April this year. A few months in and the venue is still buzzing, boasting a large menu with street food, seafood, soups, curries and vegetarian options.
Giggling Squid, 34 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BZ.
SiamSmile
While simple, minimal and small, SiamSmile in the suburbs of St. George is a gem that the locals might want to keep to themselves. With a menu containing plenty of spicy and vegetarian dishes, along with some delicious grilled and steamed specialities, SiamSmile may not be flashy, but its consistency keeps customers coming back.
SiamSmile, 325 Church Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8AA.
Thai Garden
Authentic, affordable and informal tends to be the opinion of Thai Garden on West Street. Some were disappointed that it moved from its original location on Gloucester Road, but this basic-looking restaurant's good value and enjoyable food have pushed plenty of people to make the journey south of the river.
Thai Garden, 100 West Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 3LR.
With a great location and a large, well decorated restaurant, expectations for Siam Harbourside are high. Portion sizes are generous and, after feedback, more vegetarians options have been added. Prices are at the higher end of the scale, but attentive staff and great views mean this restaurant is a regular choice for many.
Siam Harbourside, 129 Hotwells Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4RU.
Just a short distance from the Hippodrome and Colston Hall, Thai Edge in Broad Quay sees plenty of diners dropping by. The quality of the food means that many visitors make it their choice for more reasons than just convenience, though, even if the modern styling doesn't do it for everyone.
Thai Edge, 7 Broad Quay, Bristol, BS1 4DA.
Thai Classic on Whiteladies Road has plenty to boast about. Not only does it claim to be the oldest Thai restaurant in Bristol, celebrating its twenty-first birthday this year, it's also a one-time winner of the Bristol Good Food Award. The menu contains a large selection of Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean dishes at very reasonable prices and this, along with its unpretentious approach, is key to its long-term success.
Thai Classic, 87 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2NT.
Previously known as Bangkok House, a recent refurb and name change has also seen a new focus on a tapas-style menu. Fortunately, good service and quality food is something that has remained throughout – which it needs, what with so much competition also on Whiteladies Road.
Clifton Thai, 70 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2QA.
With so many restaurants to choose from, have we missed your favourite off the list? Or, is there one you don't think belong here? Let us know.
If your dining budget is tight, take a look at some of Bristol's best cheap eats instead.