The best spots for Thai food

Apinara is the perfect address for an authentic and luxurious Thai experience in Hong Kong. Brought to us by the winning team of Nara Thai Cuisine, Apinara is a joint collaboration between restaurateur Pearl Shek and Narawadee “Yuki” Srikarnchana. The extensive menu features classic and modern takes on Thai favourites from across the country. It draws inspiration from age-old recipes and highlights the essence of simple ingredients.

LSA recommends:

Yellow Curry Soft Shell Crab, Seafood Tom Yum with Fish Maw, Northeastern Appetiser Platter, Homemade Chicken Pandan, Pork Knuckle Duo

Baan Thai is on a mission to serve Thai food from the heart. The menu takes inspiration from the flavours of Siam cuisine and specialises in small plates, curries, seafood, and vegetarian options made with fresh herbs and spices. The name ‘baan’ means ‘home’ in Thai so you can expect dishes that evoke the sense of home.

LSA recommends:

Baan Thai Spicy Prawns, Crispy Pork Belly, Pomelo and Prawn Salad, Panang Curry

The way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach. Bamboo Thai surely knows this because it’s all about good food and a good time at the joyful Thai restaurant. The interior also speaks for itself, awash with vibrant colours and of course, flavours of the Mekong Delta. Expect authentic Thai food in a relaxing, contemporary ambience. The Thai chefs here make sure to use key Thai seasonings like Thai basil, lemongrass, and more straight from Thailand. Bamboo Thai’s popularity continues to soar with three branches now available in the city.

LSA recommends:

Wok Fried Tiger Prawns in Light Yellow Curry with Egg, Appetiser Platter, Chicken Satay and Fish Cakes, Tom Yum Chicken Wings, Pad Thai with Tiger Prawns

Tucked away on Hollywood Road, Chachawan has made its mark in Hong Kong for being the first eatery to focus on dishes that originate from Thailand’s northeast “Isaan” region. The restaurant serves refreshing salads and charcoal-pit grilled meats and fish along with Thai favourites and Isaan-style mains. Chachawan is great any time of the day, but we highly recommend settling here for lunch because the set menu is extensive yet budget-friendly. Plus, going as a group allows you to try plenty more.

LSA recommends:

Yum Sum O, Moo Ping, Khor Moo Yung, Sai Krok Isan, Kai Jiaw, Khao Pad

At Mango Tree, we think you can really taste the best of what Thai cuisine has to offer. After all, the menu brings together the country’s four regions: Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Central Thailand. There’s plenty to choose from but you can’t miss the Yellow Curry Crab, Chicken in Pandan Leaves, Crispy Catfish Salad, and Mango Sticky Rice. Mango Three has three branches across the city but we have a soft spot for the one in Elements complete with natural colours, and a modern contemporary interior with a touch of Thai elements.

LSA recommends:

Yellow Curry Crab, Chicken in Pandan Leaves, Crispy Catfish Salad, and Mango Sticky Rice

It’s certainly difficult to get Thai food wrong. Mue Mue has got the Thai delicacies nailed down but its sprinkle of Chinese touches add to its charm. Dig into a plethora of finger-licking appetisers, salads, skewers, soups, curries, and desserts. The options will leave you spoiled for choice but also smacking your lips for more. Even better are the generous serving portions that are absolutely perfect for sharing. There’s plenty of food on top of great drinks. The Mue Bar, which also boasts an al fresco setting, is an expert in cocktails, ranging from Thai-inspired ones to a splash of Southeast Asian flavours. The result? Daring East-meets-West melanges.

LSA recommends:

Tom Yum Roasted with Crispy Chicken, Red Curry Wagyu Beef Cheeks, Thai-style Crispy Oyster Cake, Pineapple Rice, Beetroot-infused Deep-fried Tofu, Mue Thai, Pineapple Punch

From Bangkok to Hong Kong, Nara Thai has brought its delicious dishes to the city after making rounds in the capital. This modern Thai restaurant was founded by female entrepreneurs, with its name also referring to ‘Thai woman’ in Sanskrit. Since 2003, the restaurant has been on a mission to promote Thailand’s culture with taste and impeccable hospitality. Since then, they’ve become a well-known name when it comes to Thai food. What are diners coming back for? The signature Thai beef boat noodles and dishes are reimagined from traditional home-cooked dishes.

LSA recommends:

Homemade Chicken Pandan, Nara Signature Appetiser Platter, Grilled Pork Neck with Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Kung with Seafood, Thai Beef Boat Noodles, Volcano Pork Ribs

If the queues outside Samsen tell you anything, it’s that Hongkongers are willing to line up just to get a taste of the food here. Since its opening in 2016, Samsen has quickly gained loyal followers and has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Whether it’s the warehouse-inspired Wan Chai or the chic Sheung Wan branch, both serve up scrumptious Thai dishes. Wan Chai’s location is known for the Wagyu Beef Boat Noodle Soup alongside other noodle dishes. The Sheung Wan outpost is loved for its house-made fresh roti, curries, and stir-fry dishes.

LSA recommends:

Wagyu Beef Boat Noodle Soup, Spicy Duck and Thai Herb Salad, Northern Thai Khao Soi, 11-Spice Northern Thai Curry

This vibrant eatery is a must-visit when you’re in Repulse Bay. In fact, we’d argue it’s worth a trek when you are spending the day at the beach! Headed by chef Nuch Srichantranon, the dishes are inspired by his childhood in Bangkok. Expect plenty of night market-style spicy and crispy street snacks, classic mains with a slight twist, and a Southern Thai coast beach culture vibe. It’s chef Nuch’s love letter to Thai cuisine and a legit pleasure seeker—mouth, stomach, and tastebuds.

LSA recommends:

Charcoal-grilled Squid Skewers, Som Tam Thai, Lemongrass and Fish Sauce Pork Ribs, Pad Thai, Tom Yum-style Fried Rice

Kowloon City is known for its wide selection of Thai restaurants and if we’re being honest, regardless of what you pick, it won’t disappoint. But if we really need to pick one, Wong Chun Chun, one of the oldest Thai restaurants in the district, tops our list. The star here is the signature Fried Crab with Curry Sauce, packed with flavours and spices. The large menu will leave you wanting for more so be sure to come hungry!

LSA recommends:

Whole Pineapple Fried Rice, Pad Thai, Thai-style Roasted Pork Neck, Fried Crab with Curry Sauce