How to travel to Thailand without getting on a plane

Have an authentic Thai experience at home with our guide to the best Thai things to eat, drink and do
Photograph: Shutterstock
Photograph: Shutterstock
Written by Time Out. Paid for by Thai Select
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Thailand is one of the hottest places to travel in the world, welcoming about 40 million tourists every year. It's no surprise, given that the Southeast Asian nation boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches—not to mention rich traditions and culture. But, when physical travel isn't an option, how do you bring Thailand to you? Our tip: start with the food and drink. 

Thai Select is a Thai government-managed certification program that recognises Thai restaurants who are committed to serving authentic recipes, so foodies have a trusted source when they are seeking a taste of place. Authentic Thai cuisine harnesses the elements of salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy to create one perfectly balanced meal. Whether you fancy a traditional Thai curry, or umami-driven noodle dish, you can expect a satisfying flavor-bomb of a dish. Below, we've included a list of a few of our favorite Thai restaurants that will transport your taste buds, and have received Thai Select’s stamp of approval for authenticity.

You'll also find our guide to other aspects of Thai culture worth embracing to enjoy the essence of Thailand while at home. Enjoy!

Top Thai Select restaurants

Los Angeles

Ayara Thai
This L.A staple received Bib Gourmand recognition by the Michelin Guide in 2019, which is no small feat. Try the family’s khao soi curry with coconut, or test your spice tolerance with the eye-watering drunken noodles—you won’t be disappointed.

Otus Thai Kitchen & Coffee 
A popular recommendation by local Thai expats and students, Otus Thai is particularly well-loved for its breakfasts. Start your day right with moo ping (Thai street-style grilled pork with sticky rice and papaya salad) or a nourishing bowl of rice porridge with shiitake mushroom; you won't regret it. 

Pink Pepper
I've you've ever been on a vacation to Thailand, you'll know the feeling of craving an authentic, spicy curry when you return home. Here at this Hollywood institution—which has been here since 1989—you're guaranteed the real taste of Thailand. Favorites includes the yellow chicken curry and Thai barbecue chicken marinated in house-made sauce. And, like any authentic Thai restaurant, they're more than happy to make dishes "Thai hot" on request.

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Issara Thai Cuisine
Sapp Coffee

New York

Sripraphai
Located in Woodside, Queens, this spot has a rear garden where foodies can enjoy outdoor dining with no shortage of options when choosing what to eat. The green curry and chicken curry puff should be at the top of your list.

Somtum Der
Whether you order from its East Village, or Red Hook, Brooklyn location, both spots offer food that is influenced by the region of Isan of Northeast Thailand. The Tum Thai Khai Kem, a spicy papaya salad with salted egg, is a best seller, and the Sa Poak Kai Tod Der (deep fried chicken thigh) is all the indulgence you need.

Topaz
This midtown staple tones the heat down for an approachable Thai cuisine that appeals to all palates. Order the Bangkok Shrimp and thank us later.
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Fish Cheeks
Pure Thai Cookhouse
Pinto Garden

Chicago

Herb
Herb offers seasonal, upscale Thai cuisine with familiar flavors in a prix fixe fashion. The menu is constantly rotating, but the one constant is authentic quality.

Immm Rice & Beyond
“Immm” is Thai for “I’m full,” which is what you can expect when trying their ode to Thai street food. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but their monthly specials are always a top consideration.

Aroy Thai Restaurant
Aroy is known for pushing the boundaries of Thai cuisine, but also offers traditional dishes as well. Order outside of your comfort zone, and you’ll likely be rewarded.

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JJ Thai Street Food
Jimmy Thai Deerfield

Miami

Thai House South Beach
A bit on the pricier side of Thai cuisine, but what would you expect when you can indulge in a Lobster Curry? If seafood isn’t your thing, get your fill with one of their many duck dishes.

Lung Yai Thai Tapas
Located in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, Chef Bas’s unique small plate format has built quite the reputation locally. The pork-based Palo Moo is a chef’s recommendation that is the perfect example of balanced Thai flavors.

Panya Thai Restaurant
Thai cuisine is fantastic for seafood-lovers—and you won't be disappointed by the freshness and variety at this North Miami Beach favorite. Choose between everything from delicate crispy catfish salad, steamed mussels in a spicy soup, or curry with soft shell crab, scallop, lobster or shrimp.

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Rin Asian Cuisine
Eat Thai

Create your own Thai dishes and drinks at home

#KitchenQuarantine

To make a night out of it, Thai Select also launched a #KitchenQuarantine initiative on social media with live tutorials on how to make a few easy dishes by well-known Thai chefs. It’s simple, fun, and the perfect way to see how these authentic dishes are crafted. You can find the full list on their Instagram or Facebook pages. Some highlights include Pinto Garden in NYC showing you how to make spicy shrimp paste soup with short rib, and Somtum Der in New York guiding viewers through making Tum Thai (spicy papaya salad).

Thai Select recipes

You might need to prep your pantry with some special spices and flavors to start, but it’s well worth it to craft your own Thai meal at home. Thai Select offers a range of recipes on the website. The Massaman curry with chicken and potatoes is an easy, comforting option with a wide appeal (in fact, it was voted number one in CNN Travel's list of global dishes); and the Som Tum papaya salad is a refreshing, classic dish that will give you a sense of place with traditional Thai flavors.

Thai-inspired cocktails

For the cocktail enthusiasts, pair your meal with a drink that embraces Thai flavors, such as: coconut, pineapple, thai chilis, mango, lemongrass, and so on. A Piña Colada with a Thai rum, such as Phraya, would be the perfect complement.

Immerse yourself in Thai culture

Virtual tours

If you’ve never actually visited Thailand, it’s important to at least be able to envision what it looks and feels like. The Tourism Authority of Thailand offers virtual tours for 13 attractions in nine provinces to give prospective travelers a base understanding of what the country is like.

Cooking shows

Netflix’s Chef’s Table features Bo Songvisava, a Thai chef who is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Thai recipes that were slowly disappearing in the country, and who advocates for serving Thai food the way it should be served—spice included. Watching documentary-style shows such as Chef’s Table, and even Street Food: Asia (in which the first episode features Bangkok), gives a feel for the flow and culture of the people and place.

Find a Thai Select restaurant in your area now and stay updated on Thai Select's videos and recipes.

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