Rice, Spice, and Everything Nice: the Best Thai Restaurants in Brisbane

Is it just me, or does everyone love Thai food? It’s fresh, flavourful, affordable, and the restaurants are often BYO. I know I’ve never second-guessed a pad see ew in my life, and I doubt I ever will.

If you’re similarly minded, or new to the flavourful world of Thai food, this article is going to tickle your fancy. Our river city is home to many delicious and dynamic restaurants, including many incredible Asian venues.

Scroll on to discover Sitchu’s top picks, and perhaps you might just discover the best Thai restaurant in Brisbane.

sAme sAme

sAme sAme is one of the most popular Thai restaurants in Brisbane and we think it’s more than just the pared back, modern interiors and textured aesthetic, or the enviable residency on James Street,

What sets sAme sAme apart is the way Chef Arté Assavakavinong and his team embrace the diversity and breadth of Thai cuisine, and honour the traditional style of cooking fresh, premium produce over hot coals, or in a searing hot wok.

On the menu you’ll find seasonal specials along with tried and true diner favourites, which can be enjoyed banquet-style along the communal table, at a table facing the open kitchen, or on the bench by the window so that you can people-watch the passers-by.

 Ada Lane, 46 James Street, Fortitude Valley

Short Grain

Fortitude Valley welcomes a new restaurant to its ranks on Marshall Street with the arrival of Short Grain. Brought to you by the co-owner and Executive Chef behind award-winning and twice-hatted Sydney counterparts Longrain Sydney and Longrain Melbourne, Martin Boetz.

Now, Boetz has returned to his hometown to open a warm and inviting space in a heritage-listed building that once housed an Asian food store in the nineties. Take a seat at the wooden tables or along the banquette as you order places from the fragrant and exotic Thai menu to devour with your dear friends.

15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley

Vela

New to the popular West End dining precinct is a Thai restaurant by the name of Vela. Brought to you by the team behind Kinn+Derm, Kinn Thai, Pochana and more, this new addition promises to deliver authentic Thai food with an inventive twist.

The first thing you’ll notice about Vela is the incredible interiors - we’re particularly obsessed with the moon suspended behind the bar and the fun LED wall art.

Once you get past the beautiful fit-out, it’s time to gape at the incredible cocktails and perfectly plated dishes spanning skewers, noodles, curries, salads and fried rice. We think Vela is the best Thai restaurant in Brisbane to snap you out of your foodie rut, and project you into flavour country!

West Village Factory 2, 97 Boundary Street, West End

Lek's Thai

Paddington Social by day, Lek’s Thai pop-up kitchen by night! Housed in a lovely old Queenslander, Lek’s Thai is the brainchild of Alex, one of the three chefs behind Paddington Social.

You might recall seeing this Thai pop-up at Night Feast (or on your Uber Eats app, if you’re local!), and it’s well worth popping in to get the full experience the next time you’re chasing some of the best Thai food in Brisbane.

From massaman pulled pork curry puffs to crab meat fried rice, the dishes here will reinvent your idea of what your local Thai dinner should taste like.

167 Given Terrace, Paddington

Ping Pong

Step straight into an Instagrammable wonderland tucked away in the Newstead Gasworks precinct at Ping Pong. With a strong pink aesthetic on their main dining floor, the floating bubble lights also change colour to add to the experience.

Once you’ve finished taking in the visual feast of this restaurant’s decor, explore their vibrant menu, packed full of plates that will tantalise your taste buds. The drinks list here is just as incredible–we’re partial to the cocktail slushies.

Book in with your besties and enjoy a delicious night out of modern and tasty Thai eats!

Gasworks, 76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead

Doodee Boran

We’ve found the best Thai restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD for authentic and utterly delicious street food style eats!

Doodee Boran is named for their specialty spicy doodee tom yum noodles, which are a must-try for any new visitors. You’ll find a mix of your favourites on the menu–like pad thai, green curry and pineapple fried rice, as well as a diverse mix of soups, noodle dishes and small plates to conquer any appetite.

If you’re searching for a fun and authentic to Thai place to try, you can’t go past Doodee Boran!

46A Charlotte Street, Brisband City

Jumbo Thai

Secreted away above street level is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets.

Jumbo Thai is a spacious Thai restaurant in the Brisbane CBD, ideal for a work lunch to escape the office, or Friday evening dinner to unwind and forget the week’s woes. A rare find in Brisbane, the kitchen stays open late to ensure that anyone escaping from a long evening of inner-city happy hours can get a decent meal.

The service here is quick and friendly, and the food is fresh and flavoursome–everything you want from your new favourite Thai spot. But don’t just take our word for it. Jumbo Thai has been awarded Best Thai Restaurant in South East Queensland in 2022 and 2023, as well as runner up for the Best Thai Restaurant in Australia 2023.

Embassy Chambers, 214 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City

Now that you’ve discovered the best Thair restaurants in Brisbane, enjoy more of what the city has to offer with our guide to Brisbane CBD cafes. Ready for an after-work drink? Check out the best happy hours across the city.