We’ve eaten at every Thai restaurant in Vancouver worth talking about, and a few that definitely weren’t.
The 10 on this list are the ones we keep going back to.
From a 40-year Main Street institution to Michelin-recognized kitchens in Kits, here’s what to order at each one.
1. Sawasdee Thai Restaurant (Main Street)
40+ years on Main St? Sawasdee is basically a Vancouver legend.
They’re serving up legit Thai flavours that keep people coming back for decades.
That Crying Tiger Beef? Grilled perfection with a zesty kick – especially with their house-made hot sauce (use wisely!).
And the Chicken Cashew Nuts? Dangerously good. Rich, nutty, and you just can’t stop eating it.
Classic Thai done right.
What to order: Crying Tiger Beef, Chicken Cashew nuts, Pad Thai, Cho Muang
Address: 4250 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9
2. Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine (Steveston, Richmond)
Okay, feeling fancy? Baan Lao out in Steveston is your spot. (Yeah, technically Richmond, but worth the trip!)
Seriously stunning waterfront views and legit Royal Thai food. It’s kinda a big deal (like, top restaurants in Canada level).
Chef Nutcha uses organic, local stuff to make absolute magic on a plate.
Book the From Thailand with Love tasting menu for the full “wow” experience, then add a pairing (tea is the most on-brand move here).
Pricey? Yep. Worth it for a special occasion or when someone else is paying? Absolutely.
What to order: From Thailand with Love, Tea Pairing
Address: 4100 Bayview Street, Richmond, BC V7E 0B3
Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Unchai Restaurant (Kitsilano)
This neighbourhood spot blew up for a reason. Unchai = unique and authentic Thai goodness.
Those crispy Fried Chicken Wings with the nutty dip? Get two orders. Trust us.
Their Shrimp Pad Thai gets that perfect smoky ‘wok hei’ flavour that hits different.
And the Boat Noodles with Pork? Rich, tangy, pure comfort food in a bowl. Hits the spot every time.
Don’t skip the classic sticky rice dessert!
What to order: Fried Chicken Wings, Shrimp Pad Thai, Boat Noodles With Pork
Address: 2351 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3J2
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Bai Bua Thai Cuisine (Hastings-Sunrise)
This family-run spot on East Hastings has been quietly serving some of the most authentic Northern Thai food in Vancouver since 2015.
Owner-chef Boeing imports key ingredients directly from Thailand, and you can taste the difference.
The Khao Soi is the star. Rich coconut curry broth, egg noodles, and crispy noodles on top for crunch. It’s the kind of bowl that makes you forget you’re not in Chiang Mai.
Their Kaeng Hang Le, a slow-braised pork curry with ginger, tamarind, and warm spices, is nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the city.
Finish with the Mango Sticky Rice. You know the drill, but Bai Bua does it right.
What to order: Khao Soi, Kaeng Hang Le, Mango Sticky Rice
Address: 1-2443 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Y8
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Kin Kao (Commercial Drive)
Kin Kao on Commercial Drive keeps it real. Cool, modern vibe, seriously bold Thai flavours.
Their Crispy Fried Pork Belly? Unreal crunch, super tender inside. That garlicky dip is everything.
And their Pad Thai? It’s not just another plate of noodles – it’s that perfect sweet, tangy, slightly spicy balance you crave.
Simple, satisfying, and SO good. Thai comfort food elevated.
What to order: Crispy Fried Pork Belly, Pad Thai
Address: 903 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H2
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Maenam (Kitsilano)
Maenam in Kits? Yeah, it’s got the awards (Michelin nods, past ‘Best Restaurant’ titles, etc.). And for good reason.
Chef Angus An mixes Thai tradition with fresh ideas, using awesome local ingredients.
The move here? Get the Family-Style Chef’s Menu. Takes the guesswork out, guarantees a parade of deliciousness.
Pair it with one of their smart cocktails or wines for the full, impressive experience.
What to order: Family Style Chef’s Menu
Address: 1938 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5
Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. Zab Zaab Thai Cuisine (Yaletown)
Chill vibes and a menu packed with hits at Zab Zaab in Yaletown.
Start with the Tom Kah – classic coconutty, lemongrass goodness in soup form.
Their Green Curry Chicken is a bestseller for a reason: smooth, fragrant, just enough heat.
Can’t go wrong with their classic Pad Thai Chicken either.
Gotta end with the Fried Banana With Mango Ice Cream – crispy, warm banana with cool, tropical ice cream? Yes please.
What to order: Tom Kah, Green Curry Chicken, Pad Thai Chicken, Fried Banana With Mango Ice Cream
Address: 1211 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K3
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Zab Bite (Fraser)
Zab Bite focuses on bold Northeastern Thai flavours (Isaan style!).
Started by friends missing home, with recipes from a former Bangkok chef – you know it’s legit.
Get the Pad See Ew: those satisfyingly chewy, stir-fried wide noodles in a rich savoury sauce. Classic comfort.
Or dive into the Khao Soi – fragrant coconut curry, silky egg noodles, topped with crispy bits for texture. SO much flavour.
What to order: Pad See Ew, Khao Soi Chicken
Address: 4197 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4E9
9. Thai Ni Yom (Kitsilano)
Thai Ni Yom in Kits makes you forget you’re in Vancouver for a second. It’s cozy, loud (in a good way), and the food tastes as if it came straight out of someone’s family recipe book.
Their Pad Thai is a safe bet (tangy tamarind, peanuts, the whole classic vibe), but the real joy is ordering one thing that feels a little extra. The Kao Gai Tod is crispy chicken with that sweet-sour tamarind sauce that makes you keep dipping.
If you want soup, their Tom Yum Shrimp brings the heat and the sour.
What to order: Pad Thai, Kao Gai Tod, Tom Yum Shrimp
Address: 2953 W 4th Ave Unit 2, Vancouver, BC V6K 4A7
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Fat Mao Noodles (Chinatown & Yaletown)
Two locations = double the chance to hit up Fat Mao for epic Thai noodle bowls.
Seriously comforting, slurp-worthy stuff perfect for chasing away the Vancouver grey.
Their Khao Soi Chicken Curry? Silky, fragrant curry, tender braised chicken, tangled with egg noodles and topped with crispy ones… chef’s kiss.
And the Tom Yum Goong? It’s not just soup, it’s an experience. Fiery, slightly creamy, packed with prawns and mushrooms. So addictive!
What to order: Khao Soi Chicken Curry, Tom Yum Goong
Address:
-217 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z6
-983 Helmcken St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2S5
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Alright, there you have it – 10 of Vancouver’s absolute best Thai restaurants guaranteed to satisfy those cravings.
Stop dreaming about amazing Thai food and go EAT some!
Did your go-to spot make the cut? Got another hidden gem we need to check out?
If you are planning to spend some time in Vancouver, check out a few of the brunch places which will surely make your trip more memorable!