The Best Thai Restaurants in America

This hip eatery boasts plenty of seating, brunch, cocktails, a happy hour, and delicious vegan options. Serving up the hits of Southeast Asian street food, Doi Moi offers Thai and Vietnamese specialties including bánh bao (filled steamed buns), drunken noodles, fried spring rolls, and their magnum opus, a whole fried rockfish with scallions, peanuts, ginger sauce, and chili lime salt.

With locations in Killingsworth and Belmont, this trendy counter-service spot is known for their perfectly crispy fried chicken and their rich, sweet–spicy curries, especially the brisket curry. Indoor and outdoor seating options abound, and the Thai-inspired cocktails are refreshing and affordable.

This cozy nook on Woodside Avenue in Elmhurst – which has become one of New York City’s Thai food destinations – serves Isan (northeastern Thai) cuisine. A popular menu staple is the larb – ground pork, beef, or chicken with lime and toasted rice and tossed with loads of fresh mint, cilantro, scallions, and shallots. Save room for the coconut pudding dessert.

Jitlada’s southern Thai cuisine is seriously spicy and displays the region’s mastery of seafood. The menu features over 300 dishes, many of which are hard to find at standard Thai restaurants. Try the crispy morning glory salad topped with shrimp, the renowned Crying Tiger (marinated grilled beef or pork with spicy sauce), and the steamed mussels with lemongrass and mango.

Another outstanding Elmhurst eatery, Khao Kang offers a cash-only buffet of unique dishes, allowing customers to mix and match from a rotating array of impeccably flavored homestyle entrées. Be prepared for unbeatable prices, large portions, and incredibly spicy food; and be sure to try the pumpkin filled with custard. It will help cool the burn.