Craving Thai food in Vancouver? Good choice.
The city’s packed with options, from old-school faves to trendy new spots.
But where do you find the really good stuff? The kind that makes you wanna book a one-way ticket to Bangkok?
Quick Recommendations: try Sawasdee for its classic flavours or Kin Kao for a modern twist.
We got you. Forget scrolling endlessly – here are 10 of the absolute best Thai restaurants in Vancouver you need to try ASAP.
1. Sawasdee Thai Restaurant
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
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.
Splurge on the “Taste of Baan Lao” menu to get a tour of what they do best. The Phat Thai and Wild Sockeye Green Curry are standouts.
Pricey? Yep. Worth it for a special occasion or when someone else is paying? Absolutely.
What to order: Taste of Baan Lao, Tea Pairing
Address: 4100 Bayview Street, Richmond, BC
3. Unchai Restaurant
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. Kin Kao
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
5. Maenam
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
6. Zab Zaab Thai Cuisine
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
Looking for a place to stay in Vancouver?
7. Zab Bite
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
8. Talay Thai Restaurant
Down on South Granville, Talay Thai might look unassuming, but it packs big, authentic flavours.
Super warm and inviting vibe inside.
Their Green Curry is a total crowd-pleaser – creamy coconut milk, lots of veggies, perfect spice level.
The Tom Kah soup is another winner – tangy, creamy, soul-warming goodness. Perfect for a rainy Vancouver day (so, like, always?).
What to order: Green Curry, Tom Kah, Pad Cha
Address: 8369 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z8
9. Bai Bua Thai Cuisine
Got dietary needs? Bai Bua on East Hastings has your back with awesome gluten-free and vegan Thai options that DON’T skimp on flavour.
Their famous crispy spring rolls? Addictive crunch. You’ll want more.
The Pad Thai Chicken (or tofu/veggie) hits that perfect sweet and tangy spot.
And the sticky rice with Thai custard? Dreamy, creamy, coconut-mango goodness. A must-try dessert, even if you’re full.
What to order: Spring rolls, Pad Thai Chicken, Mango sticky rice
Address: 1-2443 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Y8
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Fat Mao Noodles
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
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!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.