Snippets: 11 Thai Restaurants you must try in Singapore | And that Bangkok’s Shibuya Toast at Tuk Tuk Cha
Thailand has been one of Singaporeans’ favourite travel destination for years, be it Bangkok, Phuket, or even Chiang Mai. And when we cannot get enough of the Land of Smiles, we satisfy ourselves with Thai food in Singapore. Don’t be surprised to find that many Thais have indeed set up shops here in Singapore, with even local entrepreneurs bringing a slice of their favourite Thai cuisine into our neighbourhoods. Cha Thai, Gin Khao, Rochor Thai, Nakhon Kitchen, Spicy Thai Thai, Thanying, Ah Loy Thai, Tuk Tuk Cha, Wang Thai Kitchen and First Thai – we scouted for some of the best Thai food in Singapore for you, and yes don’t have to say your kob khun krap!
*****
Cha Thai
Probably one of the rare few to focus on quality, Cha Thai was opened by Singaporean restaurant owners and Thai chefs whom believe there’s a lack of quality Thai food here. With the freshest of ingredients, you might find Cha Thai prices on a higher end, but you do have to pay it up for some exceptional dining experiences, don’t you?
Here’s our take on Cha Thai.
82 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 048467
*****
Gin Khao
Located conveniently along the East Coast Park, Gin Khao serves up some really creative Thai food including Watermelon Fried Rice, Thai Black Coffee served with Coconut Milk and their Green Curry Gelato with Sticky Rice. Priced affordably, Gin Khao recently opens a another bistro at Sentosa Cove as well.
1020 East Coast Parkway
#01-01 Singapore 449878
*****
Rochor Thai
It reopened at Novena late last year, and Rochor Thai promises to deliver just what made them popular previously. Authentic Thai food prepared by Thais, with one of my favourite being their Grilled Pork Cheek. It was so succulent and, well, sinful; this is one for you to indulge in at least once.
Here’s our take on Rochor Thai. Make your reservation instantly at Rochor Thai here.
275 Thomson Road
#01-03 Novena Regency
Singapore 307645
*****
Nakhon Kitchen
Their first outlet at Kovan was such a great success, Nakhon Kitchen now has branches across the island including Ang Mo Kio, Pasir Panjang and Bedok. Was a fan of this chain until my disappointing encounter at one of their branches earlier last year, likely a victim of its own success with its massive expansion. Let’s hope it was just a temporary issue of quality control, although I remain skeptical.
Here’s our take on Nakhon Kitchen.
212 Hougang Street 21
#01-341 Singapore 530212
*****
Sawadee Thai Cuisine
Located along Tan Quee Lan Street in Bugis doors away from Ah Loy Thai, Sawadee Thai Cuisine first started as a humble ‘Zi Char’ stall in Sembawang, before changing management to group of young restaurateurs in recent years. The food is hearty and authentic Thai cuisine, with some ingredients transported and driven down all the way from Thailand. Some of the memorable dishes we enjoyed are the Thai Coconut Chicken Soup and the Panseared Black Angus Beef Ribeye with green curry sauce.
Here’s our take on Sawadee Thai Cuisine.
9 Tan Quee Lan Street
TQL Suites #01-01
Singapore 188098
*****
Spicy Thai Thai
Visit Spicy Thai Thai for zi-char-styled Thai food. For the folks who love their food spicy (as their name suggest), this is one more reason to check this restaurant out. I guarantee you a very satisfying and comforting meal here.
Here’s our take on Spicy Thai Thai.
Blk 115 Aljunied Avenue 2 #01-35
Singapore 380115
*****
Thanying
Like Cha Thai, Thanying serves upmarket Thai food fit for the Royalty. Thanying has been dishing out their cooks since 1988 and the restaurant exhibits the vibe of old-school goodness. Come here to impress, and even host your business meals, Thanying has not disappoint since.
Here’s our take on Thanying.
165 Tanjong Pagar Rd
Singapore 088539
*****
Ah Loy Thai
The classic go-to Thai restaurant in my teens (not revealing my age here!), Ah Loy Thai continues to serve affordable Thai food in Singapore. A hearty meal here with a plate of Phad Thai and Thai Iced Tea went for under $10 when I last visited here in 2014, hopefully it has stayed as economical now. It may not be the best Thai food, but it sure is comforting.
Here’s our take on Ah Loy Thai.
9 Tan Quee Lan Street
#01-04
Singapore 188098
*****
Tuk Tuk Cha
Don’t expect any Thai mains here, Tuk Tuk Cha specialises in Thai sweets with my favourite being their Thai Iced Coffee and their Toasts. Don’t be surprised to find a store near you, their first branch at Suntec City has been such a success, they have managed to expand to 4 outlets now (Suntec City, Raffles City, Tampines 1 and Sun Plaza). And yes, make very sure you give their Shibuya Toast a try too, probably a close second to Bangkok’s After You rendition!
Here’s our take on Tuk Tuk Cha.
Suntec City Tower 3
8 Temasek Boulevard #02-605A
Singapore 038988
*****
Wang Thai Kitchen
Located in Toa Payoh Lorong 4, Wang Thai Kitchen is relatively under the radar as compared to some of the familiar names in this list. Expect your usual Thai fares at sane prices, such as the Tom Yum Soup with Thai Mushrooms ($5) and Pandan Leaves Chicken ($5).
Here’s our take on Wang Thai Kitchen.
Blk 92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh
Singapore 310092
*****
First Thai
This Liang Seah Street Thai Eatery has been around for many years, and we can understand why. With a vintage outlook along this food street near Bugis, the food at First Thai is unpretentious, serving the kind of comfort Thai food with no fanciful platings. My favourite is the Pandan Chicken, which is crispy and generous in portions. Though prices are not cheap here, the crowd does not diminish all these years as the restaurant is packed most of the time.
23 Purvis St
Singapore 188600
*****
Ranted by the Ranter & Rantee
Can hardly believed you folks missed out the basil inn @downtown east. So affordable and with one of the best steamed lemon sauce ever. Probably coz it’s not centrally located and only accessible to us lucky ones living in the east. Boo ya.
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Thanks for this tip, will check it out next time if we are in the area. We count ourselves lucky staying in Central Singapore too, so much good food around.
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