Because there’s more to Thai food than just a good pad Thai – don’t get us wrong though, we’ll be recommending some of those – here’s a slice of Brisbane at its cultural playground best. Whether you’re after sweet or spicy, curry or crabs, we have you more than covered. The only question is: where do you start?
Pawpaw Cafe | 898 Stanley Street, Wolloongabba
The café so nice, they named it twice. Pawpaw café is not only your new favourite all-day breakfast spot, but between Wednesday and Sunday, it’s serving up plate upon plate of modern Asian perfection. The barramundi laab and sticky eggplant are there to satisfy those after smaller servings, whilst the grilled wagyu and Malaysian yellow curry are on hand for the larger dish options. And now, because one is never enough, those in the Balmoral precinct can enjoy the southeast Asian cuisine between Tuesday and Sunday at Pawpaw Asian Kitchen. Twice as nice indeed!
Same Same | 46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Not just an establishment to eat Thai food, but to experience the dynamism and intricacies of Thailand’s flavour aesthetic, sAme sAme thrives on its own atmosphere and attention to detail. With so much goodness to choose from, it’s lucky that the chef’s selection is curated for the indecisive diner, but the grilled squid with chilli paste, garlic and snow peas or the tumeric curry with prawns, baby corn and relish are both great places to start.
Siam Pagoda | 318 Junction Road, Clayfield
We’re sure the northsiders wanted to keep this one a secret for as long as they could, but with Siam fish cakes, spicy Thai beef salad, and duck curry on the menu, we’re #SorryNotSorry that this will now be on our regular rotation of places to visit.
Phat Elephant | 215 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Phat Elephant has been Brisbane’s go-to for authentic Thai food, unique favourites and binge-worthy cocktails for almost a decade now, and with its new little sister open in Toombul, you have even more of a reason to visit. We’ll start with the crispy soft-shelled crab, and perhaps pair it with a monkey shocker cocktail.
Mons Thai | 12A Martha Street, Camp Hill
Voted Brisbane’s Best Thai Restaurant, it only takes one serving of Mons Thai’s blend of modern and authentic Thai food to see why. And because their selection of curries and stir-fries will have you begging for seconds, their offerings of vegan and gluten free Thai plus introductory cooking classes mean you can take the magic home with you.
Siam Square Thai Restaurant | 888 Brunswick Street, New Farm
Take a stroll down Merthyr Road and your nose is sure to lead you straight into this corner café. With their airy, old-meets-new fit-out, they sure know how to cater to the New Farm crowd. If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter and, dare we say, healthier, you can’t pass up the spicy roast duck salad with lychee, tomato, onion, mint leaves and pineapple, tossed in Thai dressing.
Jumbo Thai | 214 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Awarded Best Thai Restaurant in Southeast Queensland in 2022, Jumbo Thai is perfect for a Monday munch, a Friday feast, or everything in between. The coconut prawn cup with shredded coconut, cucumber, pickled shallots, topped with prawn and paired with their sweet peach cocktail sounds like it should start us off right.
Siam Samrarn | 79 Boundary Street, West End
Serving West End since 2008, you’re in for some classic comfort foods, beautiful décor and unbeatable lunch deals with this institution. A popular dish with the regional work crowd is undoubtedly the pad Thai – a looming mound of noodles, bean sprouts, generous portions of meat, crushed peanuts and a massive lemon wedge to spritz on top. It’s so delicious and so filling that you may find yourself attempting to take half of it back to the office. But let’s get real: at $10 a pop and the imminent carb-high, we can’t guarantee you’re NOT going to polish it all off in one go.
Ping Pong | Skyring Terrace, Newstead
With its hot pink setting, Ping Pong is already Brisbane’s most Instagrammable restaurant before the meals even come out. But once the Moreton Bay bug rolls are served and the wagyu jungle pad ped is in front of you, your fingers will be too busy to take any more snaps. Just make sure you save some room for dessert, because their sorbet of the day won’t eat itself.
So…which will you Thai next?
