Chicago has a vibrant culinary scene that spans a range of cuisines, settings, and neighborhoods. From a lively spot serving up street food dishes to a cozy traditional favorite, these are the contenders for the best Thai restaurant in Chicago.
River North is home to an interactive hot pot experience, while Uptown hosts a venue presenting seasonal Thai tasting menus. Head to Bucktown/Wicker Park for a restaurant run by a generational chef, and you will find the food and ambience of the Sathorn district in Bangkok at a restaurant in Lincoln Park. Finally, visit Edgewater for a mix of Thai and Japanese street food favorites.
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Read on to discover the best Thai restaurant in Chicago.
For the best Thai restaurant in Chicago with an interactive meal experience — head to Muan Jai Thai Hot Pot (River North)
Muan Jai Thai Hot Pot was the first rotary Thai hot pot restaurant in the city. Choose your own dining adventure from a rotating belt of meats, vegetables, seafood, and more to cook in your individual hot pot, full of the broth of your choice. With seating around the conveyor belt, it encourages a social experience. The space is decorated with yellow and green accents.
For a playful tapas menu — check out Charoen Krung by Sathorn (Lincoln Park)
Charoen Krung by Sathorn celebrates its namesake—a commercial district in Bangkok known for its street food—with a tapas-style menu of Thai dishes. Expect traditional chicken satay and duck sliders along with mains like Thai steak. Don’t miss the standout vegan options. The dining room evokes the atmosphere of Thailand with green foliage, paneled light wood walls, and cushioned brown chairs.
For the best Thai restaurant in Chicago with a seasonal menu — visit Herb (Uptown)
Herb is the brainchild of acclaimed chef Patty Neumson, a native of Southern Thailand. Neumson focuses on high-quality ingredients and seasonal options for her popular Thai tasting menus, which usually include three to seven courses. There are also plant-based tasting options available. Choose from different types of curry, seafood with Thai sauce, duck with sweet and sour sauce, and more along with optional wine tastings. The interior is decorated with dim lighting and warm wood furnishings.
For Thai food with Japanese influences — visit Ezankaya (Edgewater)
Ezankaya brings the Thai street food experience to Chicago through its playful dishes and atmosphere. The space is decorated with both Thai and Japanese elements, with red accent walls, white Thai lamps, and colorful string lights above. The Thai menu with Japanese influences includes a variety of izakaya-style appetizers including Thai skewers, spicy salads, curry, and sushi.
For fresh Thai food focusing on essential flavors — visit Gumrai Thai (Arlington Heights)
Gumrai Thai is where you go for a mix of traditional and modern Thai cuisine. Choose from varieties of pad Thai, chicken satay, fried rice, panang curry, crab rangoon, and much more. You will also find some Chinese specialties and Asian desserts on the menu, too. The restaurant provides a playful atmosphere with tiled floors, upside-down Thai umbrellas above the tables, and art invoking Thailand hanging on the walls.
For Thai food prepared from generational recipes at one of the best Thai restaurants in Chicago — check out Silli Kori (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Silli Kori is operated by chef Kori Laungsuwan. This restaurant makes most of its dishes from scratch, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The deep Thai menu with a contemporary twist features everything from shareable types of rolls to different styles of curry, noodles, and fried rice. The interior evokes a warm ambience to match its food, with exposed brick walls, rustic wood accents, and silver cushioned booths.
If you are in the mood for Thai food, Chicago is one of the best places to be. From Asian fusion fare to an interactive hot pot experience to an elegant seasonal tasting menu, you’ll find it among these best Thai restaurants in Chicago.
