Thai cuisine is a high-wire act of culinary precision. It is a symphony of flavours and textures, where the heat of the bird’s eye chilli is tempered by the cooling embrace of coconut milk, and the funk of fish sauce is brightened by a squeeze of fresh lime. Thai cuisine is one that celebrates the unlimiting potential of simple herbs, turning lemongrass and ginger into something transformative. These establishments nominated for the category of “Best Thai Restaurant” have pushed boundaries of authenticity and innovation. These restaurants in India represent the absolute pinnacle of Thai dining. Here’s why they are the best in business.
1. Baan Phad Thai, Bengaluru
The legendary Bangkok institution made its global debut in India and immediately set a new bar for casual excellence. A six-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, Baan Phad Thai treats its namesake dish with the reverence of fine art. Their Pad Thai is tossed tableside and uses a secret sauce that features about 18 ingredients, and specialised Sen Jan noodles. The Tom Yum Kaichiau, which is a fluffy Bangkok-style omelette topped with sweet crabmeat, and their Moo Hong, a Phuket-style braised pork belly, are among the favourites here.
2. Benjarong, Chennai
Named after the five colored traditional Thai porcelain, Benjarong is a pioneer that has remained at the top of its game since 2000. It is a restaurant that values the unlimiting power of consistency and heritage, often hosting regional festivals that explore the lesser-known corners of Thailand. An establishment that offers its guests a deep dive into the Royal Thai cuisine, Benjarong is known for its Gai Hor Bai Toey, which is a pandan-wrapped chicken, and the legendary Water Chestnut Rubies, which have denied the authentic Thai for generations of diners in Chennai.
3. Rim Naam at The Oberoi, Bengaluru
If you want to feel like you have been transported to a secluded garden pavilion in Chiang Mai, Rim Naam is the answer. Surrounded by lily ponds and ancient greenery, this award-winning restaurant offers an alfresco experience that is as much about the soul as it is about the plate. The restaurant serves authentic classics with a focus on fresh seafood. Their Pla Nueng Manao, which is steamed fish with lime and chilli, remains a benchmark for elegance and balance. Chef Tam brings the bold and herb-heavy influences of the Isan Province to a fine dining setting.
4. Tao 66, Mumbai
Located in the historic heart of Churchgate, Tao 66 is a sophisticated addition to Mumbai’s culinary map. This place focuses on the precision of Thai flavours, and is the kind of space where modern aesthetics meet ancient recipes. The menu here is a curated journey through Thailand’s provinces that offers a refined take on street-style appetisers and soul-warming curries, which are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Led by Thai Master Chefs Kanchit and Natanong Vongvichai, the 7-course menu here is a narrative of personal history and seasonal rhythm.
5. BANNG, Mumbai
A high-octane collaboration between Riyaaz Amlani and Chef Garima Arora, BANNG brings the electric “By Night” energy of Bangkok to Bandra. It is a space where the food is precise yet wild, and the cocktails are as bold as the curries. All curry pastes are made fresh in Bangkok and flown in weekly to ensure a clean and defined edge to every flavour. This is the place to go when you want your Som Tum with a side of the city attitude and your drinks infused with Thai basil and ginger.
6. Khao Man Gai by Seefah, Mumbai
Born from the expertise of Chef Seefah Ketchaiyo, this spot focuses on the humble yet iconic Thai Chicken Rice. It is a masterclass in doing one perfectly. The poached chicken is succulent, the rice is fragrant with garlic and ginger, and the dipping sauce provides that essential spicy and sour kick. What started as a cult favourite dish has now become a flagship restaurant, focusing on a singular specialty leading to success.