Recently, Thai food has become particularly popular, known for its bold flavors, fragrant spices, and vibrant colors. With so many choices available, finding the best Thai food can be tricky. That's why we've put together this guide to help you uncover Calgary's top Thai dining spots!
We've explored the city to find highly-rated Calgary Thai restaurants that serve authentic and delicious dishes, from classic Pad Thai and green curry to lesser-known specialties. Whether you’re a Thai food fan or just looking to try something new, here’s a guide to the best Thai restaurants in Calgary. Enjoy!
1. White Elephant Thai Cuisine
White Elephant Thai Cuisine is a true gem in Calgary's Thai food scene. This cozy eatery, adorned with a charming seascape mural, offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
The menu features a delightful array of traditional Thai dishes, each prepared with authenticity and care.
Start your meal with their incredible spring rolls, which are crispy and bursting with fresh flavors.
If you’re a fan of curry, their red curry is a must-try, boasting a perfect blend of spices that will leave your taste buds tingling. The fried tofu is surprisingly generous in size and pairs wonderfully with their rich sauces.
Seafood lovers will rejoice at the dynamite shrimp, a dish that lives up to its explosive name with every bite. The pad Thai here is a crowd-pleaser, with its perfectly balanced flavors and tender noodles.
For those who enjoy a classic, the chicken satay is grilled to perfection and served with a creamy peanut sauce that's simply irresistible.
Location: White Elephant Thai Cuisine Calgary - Google Maps
2. Khao San Thai Kitchen
Khao San Thai Kitchen is a cozy spot in Calgary that's perfect for Thai food lovers. The inviting atmosphere, complete with a charming patio and low-lit dining room, sets the stage for a memorable meal.
The restaurant’s menu is a delightful journey through traditional Thai cuisine, offering something for every palate.
Start with their flavorful tom yum soup, a spicy and sour delight that's packed with fresh herbs and seafood. The green curry is a standout, with its creamy coconut base and aromatic spices making it a popular choice.
If you're in the mood for noodles, their pad see ew is a comforting option, featuring broad noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein.
For a light yet satisfying option, try the papaya salad. It's a refreshing mix of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and peanuts dressed in a tangy sauce.
The massaman curry, with its rich and slightly sweet flavor, is another must-try dish that pairs beautifully with their fragrant jasmine rice.
Location: Khao San Thai Kitchen - Google Maps
3. Jurees Thai Place Restaurant
Jurees Thai Place Restaurant is a vibrant spot in Calgary, known for its welcoming service and delicious food. The colorful decor sets a lively tone, making it an enjoyable place to dine.
This restaurant stands out with its diverse menu, featuring a variety of Thai classics and a lunch buffet that offers great value.
Their curries are a highlight, with the red Thai curry vegetarian being a popular choice among regulars.
It's rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The noodle dishes, such as pad kee mao, are also a hit, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
If you visit during lunch, the buffet is a fantastic way to sample a range of dishes, from savory stir-fries to fresh salads.
Each dish is made to order, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite. Portions are generous, making it easy to share and try multiple items.
Location: Jurees Thai Place Restaurant - Google Maps
4. Pad Thai Restaurant
Pad Thai Restaurant is a beloved spot in Calgary for those craving authentic Thai flavors in a relaxed setting.
This down-to-earth eatery specializes in traditional Thai dishes, with a menu that highlights the best of Thai cuisine.
The star of the show is, unsurprisingly, their pad Thai. It's perfectly balanced with tangy tamarind, crunchy peanuts, and tender noodles, making it a must-try for both new visitors and loyal patrons.
Their spicy curries, like the panang curry, are equally noteworthy, offering a rich and creamy texture that's both comforting and flavorful.
For a hearty and flavorful meal, their pad kra pao is a standout. This dish features stir-fried basil with a choice of protein, served with steamed rice and a fried egg on top. It's a perfect combination of savory and spicy, sure to satisfy your cravings.
Vegetarian options are plentiful as well, with dishes like tofu stir-fry and vegetable green curry. The portions are generous, and the flavors are consistently on point, ensuring a delightful dining experience every time.
Location: Pad Thai Restaurant - Google Maps
5. Auttarote Thai Cuisine
Auttarote Thai Cuisine offers a delightful dining experience with its beautifully designed interiors and a menu packed with authentic Thai dishes.
This restaurant is perfect for group dining, especially if you opt for their combo meals that provide a little taste of everything.
A popular choice is the combo for four, which includes a tempting selection of spring rolls, pad Thai, green curry, crying tiger beef, chicken with basil, coconut rice, and roti for dessert.
Each dish is expertly prepared, offering a variety of flavors that showcase the richness of Thai cuisine. The pad Thai and green curry are particularly noteworthy for their well-balanced flavors and fresh ingredients.
Adding to the experience, the papaya salad provides a refreshing, tangy contrast to the richer dishes, and the Thai iced tea is a sweet, creamy delight that perfectly complements the meal.
Don't miss out on their unique chicken wings, which come stuffed and offer a surprising twist on a classic favorite.
Location: Auttarote Thai Cuisine - Google Maps
6. Yim Siam Thai Street Food
Yim Siam Thai Street Food is a fantastic spot in Calgary for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and flavorful street-style Thai dishes.
This restaurant captures the essence of Thai street food, offering a variety of dishes that are both authentic and delicious.
Start your meal with the BBQ pork appetizer, which is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavors.
Their green curry is another standout, featuring a rich, creamy sauce filled with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein. It pairs perfectly with their aromatic coconut rice, which adds a subtle sweetness to the meal.
The tom yum soup, known for its bold and tangy flavors, is a popular choice, though it might be a bit too sour for some tastes.
Despite this, the overall quality of the dishes is excellent, and the flavors are well-balanced. For dessert, the mango sticky rice is a must-try, offering a delightful combination of sweet mango and sticky, slightly salty rice.
Location: Yim Siam Thai Street Food - Google Maps
7. Tuk Tuk Thai
Tuk Tuk Thai brings a slice of Bangkok's bustling street food scene to Calgary with its snug, comfy setting and charming tuk-tuk props.
This counter-serve spot is perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Their menu features classic Thai dishes that are sure to please. Start with the golden, crispy Thai spring rolls, a great introduction to the bold flavors ahead.
The Pad Thai here is a standout, with its perfectly cooked noodles, crunchy peanuts, and tangy tamarind sauce. It's a dish that keeps patrons coming back for more.
For those who love curry, the yellow curry with chicken is a comforting choice. It's rich and creamy with just the right amount of spice, and it pairs beautifully with their fragrant jasmine rice.
Another popular dish is the basil stir-fry, which offers a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and aromatic basil leaves, giving you a taste of authentic Thai street food.
Location: Tuk Tuk Thai - Google Maps
8. Thai Sa-On
Thai Sa-On offers an elegant dining experience in Calgary with its serene atmosphere and extensive menu of Thai favorites.
This restaurant is perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, providing a tranquil setting that enhances the enjoyment of your meal.
Start with their seafood dishes, which are a highlight of the menu. The spicy shrimp salad is particularly popular, featuring fresh, juicy shrimp mixed with a zesty blend of herbs and spices.
For curry lovers, the panang curry is a standout. It’s rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes.
Vegetarian options at Thai Sa-On are abundant and equally delicious. The tofu pad Thai is a great choice, with its savory sauce and a satisfying mix of textures. Another must-try is the vegetable green curry, which is creamy and packed with fresh veggies, making it a hearty yet healthy option.
Their coconut rice is a delightful side that complements any main dish with its subtle sweetness. End your meal with the mango sticky rice, a traditional Thai dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Location: Thai Sa-On - Google Maps
To Sum It All Up
In conclusion, Calgary is home to an impressive array of Thai restaurants, each offering unique and delicious experiences.
From the rich, bold flavors of White Elephant Thai Cuisine to the cozy charm of Khao San Thai Kitchen, there's something for every Thai food lover. Jurees Thai Place Restaurant stands out with its vibrant atmosphere and varied menu, while Pad Thai Restaurant provides a reliable and tasty selection of classic dishes. Auttarote Thai Cuisine impresses with its beautiful interiors and flavorful combos, and Yim Siam Thai Street Food brings the excitement of Thai street food to your plate.
For a quick and satisfying meal, Tuk Tuk Thai offers all the comforts of home-style Thai cooking. Thai Sa-On provides a serene dining experience with a wide range of options, including delicious vegetarian dishes. Finally, Black Pepper's fusion of Thai and Asian flavors, combined with excellent service, makes it a must-visit spot.