Must-Try Thai Dishes in Charlotte

There are four distinct styles of Thai food– North, North-eastern, Central, and Southern. Most people think of pad thai, but Thai food is also known for its curries and soups. Deeply rooted in family and tradition, expect to find a community vibe at these restaurants where the owners get to know you, dishes very slightly based on regional heritage and food is made with a lot of love.

Akahana

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood, Belmont
Price: $$
Try: Tom-Yum Soup

Since opening in 2009, this Asian bistro has gained a following through word-of-mouth in the Plaza area. Akahana serves a variety of Thai dishes, including pho and curry and flat noodles. In addition, they do offer a full sushi menu making this a great location for a variety of diners.

Bahn Thai

Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Price: $$
Try: Bahn Thai Fried Rice

Traditional thai food alongside sushi make this a great lunch or dinner spot. Their dishes are artfully plated and portions are big enough to share which makes it perfect for groups who want to try a variety of dishes, from in-house catering.

Basil Thai Cuisine

Neighborhood: Uptown
Price: $$
Try: Prink King Curry

Brothers Henry and Chai Eang have built a successful dining experience around their traditional Thai food and dynamic kitchen experience. A fan favorite is the basic duck which features a half duck deep-fried, topped with vegetables.

Co

Neighborhood: Montford Park
Price: $$
Try: Beef Pho

Chef Masanori Shiraishi brings his flair to Thai food served in a modern space alongside modern cocktails. This modern take on Thai food features Banh Mi sandwiches, a variety of pho and wok noodle dishes as well as fusion sake.

Deejai Noodle Bar

Neighborhood: NoDa, Myers Park
Price: $$
Try: Boat Soup

This noodle and sushi bar features traditional Thai street food like spicy basil fried rice. Enjoy a casual night out on their patio or they also offer free delivery to Divine Barrel Brewing and Crown Station Coffee House at the NoDa location.

Hawkers

Neighborhood: South End
Price: $$
Try: Green Papaya & Shrimp Salad

Set in the heart of South End Hawkers is a trendy eatery serving modern Thai food and fun, innovative cocktails. Hawkers features a variety of Asian street food but is most popular for its pad thai which features shrimp, chicken and peanuts.

Rai Lay

Neighborhood: South End, Mountain Island
Price: $$
Try: Crispy Pad Thai

Featuring Thai street food, like basil chicken and pad thai, Rai Lay has been so popular in South Endthat they recently opened a second location in the Riverbend Village shopping center in Mountain Island. In addition to Thai fare, they offer other traditional Asian dishes, all crafted from fresh ingredients.

Rice and Spice

Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Price: $
Try: Poh Taek

Chef Peter Sripan calls on his childhood memories to develop a menu that reflects classic Thai street food. Their signature dish is Khai Soi, a curry noodle dish. Their Poh Taek is a family sized seafood hot pot that features shrimp, snapper, scallops, calamari and mussels.

Siam Garden

Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Price: $$
Try: Siam Bird Nest

Don’t let the unassuming location fool you–Siam Garden has an extensive menu filled with traditional Thai dishes, including noodles and curry. Try their Siam Bird Nest, which features shrimp and chicken with black soy sauce.

Thai 1st

Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Price: $$
Try: Crispy Snapper

Named one of Charlotte Magazine’s “Best of the Best”, Thai 1st has an extensive menu of traditional Thai dishes, including Tom Yum Kung, a sweet and sour soup with shrimp and duck with plum sauce.

Thai House

Neighborhood: Dilworth, University, Matthews
Price: $$
Try: Pud Woo Sen

At Thai House, you can expect a friendly and authentic atmosphere with Thai music and art. For over 30 years, Thai House has been making their food with the freshest ingredients and creating bright, unique flavors you won't want to miss. Order delivery, pick-up or dine-in.

Thai Taste

Neighborhood: Dilworth, University, Matthews
Price: $$
Try: Pud Woo Sen

With a rotating lunch menu, this Dilworth staple is a popular midday spot but they also feature chef specials for dinner. You can also choose your level of spice for each dish, making this a great place for a variety of palates.

Viet-Thai

Neighborhood: University
Price: $$
Try: Pho Bo Vien

The Specialty at Viet-Thai is pho, with seven varieties to choose from. Enjoy traditional thai tea and coffee, completing the traditional Thai dining experience.

Xiao Bao

Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Price: $$
Try: Som Tum Chicken

Located inside Optimist Hall, Xiao Bao touts itself as “Asian comfort food." They feature Thai dishes like Pad Kra Prow, Som Tom Papaya salad and Khai Sol chicken noodles. Can’t make it in person? Order frozen okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes) shipped straight to your door.

YaMe Noodles

Neighborhood: Montford Park
Price: $$
Try: Shanghai Soup Dumplings

Noodles, stir fry, curry, and bubble tea make YaMe an eclectic place to satisfy your Thai cravings. Their chef has over thirty years of culinary experience which is evident in YaMe’s extensive and exciting menu.