Best Thai Food in Chicago: A Flavor-Packed Guide 

Thai food has become increasingly popular in Chicago, with many restaurants offering a wide range of authentic dishes. From traditional curries to spicy noodle soups, Chicago’s Thai restaurants have something to offer everyone. With a rich culinary tradition, exploring the city’s best Thai restaurants gives foodies and casual eaters alike the opportunity to experience unique dishes and flavors. You’ll typically find flavors like sweet Thai basil, garlic, and coriander, along with others combined to make each bite a burst of flavor that keeps you wanting more. If you’re looking for a cuisine that combines sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, look no further because incredible Thai food is closer than you think. 

Andy’s Thai Kitchen

950 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

What started as a dream while working in the restaurant industry has become one of the most popular Thai restaurants in Chicago. In 2012, Chef Andy opened Andy’s Thai Kitchen (first located on Wellington) and uses his space to bring “some of the most unique and labor-intensive” Thai food to Chicago. Here, you’ll find a combination of flavors through appetizers, salads, noodle soups, and specialty entrees that are sure to make Andy’s Thai Kitchen one of your new go-to spots in the city! 

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Arun’s

4156 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

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Thailand is notorious for its street food, but Arun’s gives Chicagoans the opportunity to experience Thai food in an elevated setting. Known best for their massaman curry, guests can enjoy savory beef tenderloin slices, eggplant, bell peppers, string beans, and cucumbers married in a single dish where each bite is as delicious as the last. With tons of vegan options on the menu, there is something for everyone at Arun’s. 

Herb

5424 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

With a fine dining menu that rotates with the changing seasons, each visit to Herb is different from the last. With prix fixe menus for plant-based and non-plant-based eaters, guests at Herb enjoy a variety of starters, soups, mouthwatering entrees, and sweet desserts to top off a delicious meal. Herb also educates guests on the health benefits of the ingredients they use, which are all used to make a meal you won’t soon forget. 

thai restaurants in Chicago chim
Image Credit: Chim Thai Cuisine Facebook

Chim Thai Cuisine

3254 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Chim Thai Cuisines offers Thai food in Chicago with a modern twist. In East Albany Park, customers can enjoy an array of dishes like classic pad thai, a variety of curries, and Tom Yum noodle soup. To pair with your meal, check out the beverage section on their menu which features authentic Thai drinks like Thai iced coffee, Thai tea, milk teas, and more. With attentive service and delicious food, Chim Thai Cuisines is certainly a must-visit for anyone in Chicago craving authentic Thai food. 

Spoon Thai

4608 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Looking for a Thai restaurant in Chicago where you can BYOB? Look no further than Spoon Thai! From Spicy Crazy Noodles to Kang Pa Curry to Nom Sad salad, Spoon Thai is serving up all the traditional bites you love along with seasonal specials for items you might not have been able to try elsewhere. Spoon Thai also has tons of specials worth checking out, including free egg rolls or spring rolls with a purchase of more than $25.! 

Same Same

2022 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618

Despite the name, Same Same Thai is definitely not like other Thai food in Chicago. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is cozy and lively, influencing guests to take their time and enjoy their surroundings. Same Same also has an incredible cocktail menu, with signature drinks like the perfect-for-summer My Thai Slushy, and Monkey Business, a gin drink mixed with banana combier, honey, and lime. 

Paula’s Thai Kitchen

2441 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

In Lincoln Park, you’ll find Paula’s Thai Kitchen. A BYOB spot that’s open a bit later, Paula’s Thai Kitchen is a prime Thai spot when you’re craving traditional Thai street food in Chicago. Try crispy shrimp wrapped in a spring roll and served with sweet chili sauce, or opt for something a bit spicier and order up some spicy lamb lollipops. No matter what you get, you’re sure to be left satisfied and waiting for your next visit. 

Opart Thai House 

1546 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

In 1983, owners Opart and Mookda had a vision of living out the American Dream and joined the restaurant industry to bring us Opart Thai House. With an emphasis on providing a space where “eating out feels like home”, you’re sure to enter Opart Thai House and feel the welcoming atmosphere immediately. Not only will this Chicago restaurant provide you comfort, but the Thai food is outstanding, traditional, and truly made with a little extra love. 

Featured Image: HERB