Discover the Best Thai Restaurants in London, UK: A 2026 Guide

Right then, fancy some proper Thai grub in London? It can be a bit of a minefield trying to find the really good stuff amongst all the usual places. But don't you worry, we've had a good look around to bring you the best Thai restaurants in London, UK for 2026. Whether you're after something fiery, fresh, or just plain delicious, this list should sort you out.

Key Takeaways

• Kiln in Soho is highly praised, not just for Thai food, but as one of London's top restaurants overall, known for its open-flame cooking and spicy dishes.

• 101 Thai stands out for its handmade Isaan sausages and excellent panang curry, offering a taste of authentic Thai flavours.

• AngloThai in Marylebone has earned a Michelin star, showcasing a creative menu that blends British ingredients with Thai influences.

• Som Saa in Spitalfields is a popular spot, known for its northern Thai dishes and has recently reopened after a fire.

• Plaza Khao Gaeng in the Arcade Food Hall focuses on Southern Thai cuisine, offering generous and flavourful dishes like their massaman curry.

1. Kiln

Right then, let's talk about Kiln. This place in Soho is something else. It's not your average sit-down-and-be-served kind of restaurant; you're practically in the kitchen, watching the chefs work their magic over wood-fired grills. The atmosphere is electric, a real buzz from the open kitchen and the clatter of pans. It’s a small space, so expect to be close to your neighbours, but honestly, it adds to the whole experience. They’re known for their intense flavours, often pushing the boundaries with ingredients and spice levels, which is exactly what you want from proper Thai food.

They do a lot with grilling, and you can really taste the smoky char on everything. The menu changes quite a bit, which keeps things interesting, but there are a few standouts that tend to stick around. Think intensely flavoured skewers, vibrant salads, and curries that pack a serious punch. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re part of the action, and the food is just brilliant.

Be prepared for a bit of a wait, especially at peak times. It’s a popular spot for a reason, and while they don't take bookings, the queue is usually worth it. Just grab a drink and soak up the vibe.

Some must-try elements often include:

• Dishes from the grill – always a good bet.

• Laab or larb – whether it’s cooked or raw, the seasoning is usually spot on.

• Sour curries – these are the ones that really wake you up.

If you're looking for a truly memorable Thai meal in London, Kiln is definitely one to put on your list. It’s a bit of a culinary adventure, and one that’s highly recommended by many who have tried it. You can find out more about their location and what makes them special on their website.

2. 101 Thai

Right then, 101 Thai. This place is a bit of a gem, tucked away and serving up some seriously good food. You absolutely have to try their Isaan sausages; they're handmade and just packed with flavour. It’s the kind of place that feels really authentic, like you've stumbled upon a local secret.

They do a few things exceptionally well:

• Isaan sausages: Seriously, don't miss these. The crispy skin with the garlicky pork inside is just brilliant.

• Panang curry: Rich, creamy, and just the right amount of spice. It’s a classic done really, really well.

• Hatyai 'HFC' fried chicken: Crispy, juicy, and utterly moreish. Perfect if you fancy something a bit more fried.

• Crispy pla plaa style lao: A fantastic dish featuring fried sea bream with lime leaves – a proper flavour explosion.

It's not the biggest place, so it can get a bit busy, but the food is well worth the wait. They've got that knack for balancing spice and flavour that makes Thai food so special.

The focus here is on honest, flavour-packed cooking that really hits the spot. It’s the sort of food that makes you want to go back again and again, trying a bit of everything.

Definitely one to add to your list if you're after a proper taste of Thailand without any fuss.

3. AngloThai

AngloThai, tucked away in Marylebone, is a real gem that you should definitely have on your radar. It started life as a pop-up, but has since found a permanent home, and it's a brilliant spot if you're looking to impress someone with a discerning palate. The chef, John Chantarasak, has this amazing dual Thai-British background, and you can really taste it in the food. He uses top-notch British ingredients but gives them a proper Thai twist.

The set, sharing-style menu is where the magic happens, with sauces being a particular standout. They really show off the kitchen's skill and how well they understand flavour.

While not every single dish might hit the absolute highest notes, some combinations are just astoundingly good. Think a sour orange curry that's out of this world. It's this inventiveness and the quality of the cooking that makes AngloThai stand out.

It's a place that proves Thai food in London can be both creative and deeply satisfying, using familiar ingredients in exciting new ways.

Here's a little taste of what you might find:

• Creative curries with a British larder twist.

• Dishes that showcase a deep understanding of Thai flavour profiles.

• A menu designed for sharing, perfect for a group.

• A sophisticated atmosphere suitable for special occasions.

4. Som Saa

Som Saa has been a real favourite in Spitalfields for ages, and it's easy to see why. Even after a bit of a break due to a fire, it's back and just as popular, usually packed out most nights. The vibe is pretty relaxed, but don't let that fool you – the food is seriously confident and clear in its flavours.

When you go, you've got a couple of options for tackling the menu. There's a set menu that's really good value, and you can even add their famous crispy seabass to it, which you absolutely should. Or, you can go for the a la carte. If you pick the latter, make sure you try the laab cakes – they're really punchy and have loads of layers. The tiger prawn, lemongrass, and cucumber salad is also a winner, super refreshing and fragrant. While all the curries are good, the gaeng panang neua kem, which is a salted beef panang, is particularly rich and nutty.

They've also put a lot of thought into their drinks. The cocktails are great, with some interesting Thai twists. For instance, the bambat potion is smoky but lively, and the rak tong ham is zesty. They also have a good wine list, with a special page dedicated to Riesling, which pairs nicely with the bold flavours of Thai food.

The kitchen here really knows its stuff, focusing on authentic Thai dishes that pack a punch. It’s not about toning things down for local tastes; it’s about serving up genuine, bold flavours that transport you straight to Thailand.

For dessert, both options are excellent. The set menu has a salted palm sugar ice cream with turmeric grilled banana. But if you fancy something else, the sankaya mamuang khao nieo waan – mango custard with sticky rice and coconut cream – is also a fantastic way to finish the meal, with its gentle tropical notes and soothing feel. It's a place that really gets the balance right between a casual atmosphere and seriously good Thai food.

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5. Plaza Khao Gaeng

Tucked away on the mezzanine level of the Arcade Food Hall, Plaza Khao Gaeng is a real gem for anyone craving authentic Southern Thai flavours. It’s the kind of place that feels like a genuine discovery, transporting you straight to a bustling eatery on a Thai island. The decor, with its royal blue vinyl tablecloths and Singha beer towers, really sets the scene.

They focus exclusively on the food from Southern Thailand, and let me tell you, it packs a punch. The dishes are pretty generous, especially for the price, and bursting with flavour. You've got your classic Hat Yai fried chicken and miang, which are both spot on. But honestly, the curries are where the real magic happens. Forget your usual beef massaman; you'll want to try their less common fish curries. The gaeng som pla, a sour orange curry with seabass, is a standout, with a sauce that's tangy and a bit sweet, balanced by tropical fruit. Even better is the pad phet pla – it's technically a stir-fry, but the sea bream just melts in your mouth in this fiery, fragrant sauce with loads of herbs and green peppercorns.

Here are a few things you absolutely must try:

• Miang Phuket: A starter of coconut and cashews with palm sugar.

• Gaeng Som Pla: Sour orange curry with seabass, cha-om omelette, and a tropical fruit balance.

• Pad Phet Pla: Melting sea bream fillets in a spicy, aromatic sauce.

• Itim Khanom Pang: A dessert of pandan sticky rice and coconut ice cream in a brioche-like bun, topped with peanuts and crystallised egg yolk.

Make sure to grab some flaky roti and rice to go with your meal, but don't overdo it – you'll need space for that incredible dessert. The compact seating and constant stream of people mean there's always a lively vibe, making it a really fun spot to eat.

The atmosphere here is buzzing, thanks to the compact seating and the steady flow of people eager to try the food. It’s a great place to go with a group, as the generous portions mean you can share a good variety of dishes.

6. Singburi

Singburi started out as a small, family-run place in Leytonstone, and it got so popular that it had to move. Now, it's in Shoreditch, under a railway arch, in a space that feels a bit more modern. It's a bit of a balancing act for them, keeping the old favourites while introducing new things. Some dishes you might remember, like the salted fish rice, aren't on the menu anymore, but the ones they've kept and tweaked are even better.

The watermelon salad, which used to be fiery and refreshing, now has strawberries in it, which is a nice touch. They've also got lamb short rib that's really something special, and their take on 'nam tok' with smoked pork belly is brilliant.

It's worth checking out their wine list too. They've put together some interesting choices that go well with the food, from German Riesling to Greek rosé. It’s a good idea to explore the wine list, as it’s been smartly crafted to meld with Thai flavours. They're known for their exuberantly flavoured dishes, and the aubergine pad phet is a prime example – big, satisfying flavours with a good kick of spice. It’s definitely one of the more exciting Thai restaurants in London right now.

Here's a little taste of what you might find:

• Lamb short rib

• Smoked pork belly 'nam tok'

• Watermelon and strawberry salad

• Aubergine pad phet

Getting a table can be tricky, so it's best to plan ahead. Weekday lunchtimes sometimes have more availability, or try checking the day before for cancellations. It's a popular spot for a reason, and the food is absolutely worth the effort.

7. Supawan

Tucked away on Caledonian Road, Supawan is a real gem that brings the vibrant flavours of Southern Thailand to London. The owner, originally from Phuket, has created a space that feels like a lush oasis, with plants everywhere adding a lovely green touch to the colourful interior. It’s not just about the looks though; the food here is cooked with a lot of care and tastes incredibly authentic.

The menu draws heavily from Southern Thai traditions, offering dishes that are both familiar and exciting. You'll find classics like the melt-in-your-mouth moo hong (soy-braised pork belly), which is a definite must-try. They also do a fantastic coconut prawn curry that’s reminiscent of something you might find in Kerala, but with that distinct Thai twist.

If you're feeling adventurous, try some of the more regional specialities. The gang som pla and gang tai pla pack a punch with their intense sourness and spice. For something a bit different, the meiang Phuket, a banana flower salad with coconut, is a refreshing start, and the aubergine laab is a wonderfully sour and sweet dish that’s a family recipe.

Don't miss out on dessert either. The mango sticky rice is a simple pleasure done exceptionally well, and they also have crispy pandan pancakes that are a delightful way to end the meal.

Supawan also has a great vibe, and the staff are really friendly and know their stuff, which always makes for a better dining experience. If you're there between Wednesday and Saturday, you can even pop downstairs afterwards to Dang's, their cool cocktail bar, for a late-night drink.

8. Farang

Farang, which means 'foreigner' in Thai, is a playful nod from chef Sebby Holmes to his own background. After falling in love with Thai food on his travels, he opened this Islington spot in 2017. It’s a place that’s consistently busy, which is always a good sign, right? They’ve even picked up a Michelin Bib Gourmand a few times, but honestly, you don’t need an award to tell you the food is something special.

What really stands out is the freshness. They get ingredients from both the UK and Thailand, with produce making the journey from Bangkok to London in just a few days. You can really taste it in every bite – the dishes are packed with flavour and feel really well put together. I’m still dreaming about the smoked mackerel miang bites; they were little parcels of perfection wrapped in betel leaf, bursting with all sorts of zingy, sour, and spicy notes. And the slow-braised beef short rib with Penang curry? Absolutely spot on, rich and warming.

The whole ethos at Farang seems to be about enjoying food without fuss. They’re not afraid of a bit of mess, and that’s exactly how good food should be – honest and satisfying.

If you’re going, I’d really recommend the feasting menu. It’s a brilliant way to try a bit of everything without having to make tough choices. It’s a really joyful way to experience what Sebby and his team are doing in the kitchen. They also do a fantastic roti bread, brushed with garlic and turmeric butter daily – perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. It’s a place that feels both exciting and comforting, a real gem in Highbury.

9. Speedboat Bar

Right then, Speedboat Bar. This place is a bit of a legend in Chinatown, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s definitely not for those who prefer their Thai food subtle and delicate. Instead, Speedboat Bar goes all out with the big, bold flavours you’d find on the streets of Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road. Think sweet, spicy, and hearty dishes that really hit the spot.

What should you actually order? Well, the chicken with green mango kerabu is pretty good, but the real stars are the comforting classics. You can’t go wrong with the stir-fried morning glory with soy bean sauce, or the beef tongue and tendon curry. And if you fancy something with a bit of a kick, the minced beef with holy basil, served with a fried egg, is a winner. They also do a whole sea bream swimming in a rich, deep sauce that’s just fantastic.

This is the kind of place where you can really let your hair down. The drinks menu is just as lively as the food, with big Singha towers, tropical cocktails, and plenty of chasers to keep the good times rolling.

And for dessert? The pineapple pie with ube ice cream is a must-try; it’s become their signature for a reason. Plus, if you’re out late on a Friday or Saturday, they’re open until 1am, which is perfect if you’ve had a few and don’t fancy a greasy kebab to finish the night.

10. Khun Pakin Thai

Tucked away inside The Salutation pub in Hammersmith, Khun Pakin Thai is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s a family-run place that really shows how good Thai food can be when it’s done well, even in a pub setting. You know, the kind of place that makes you think, 'Wow, Thai food in pubs is actually a brilliant idea'.

When you go, definitely start with the tom yam soup. It’s got this great balance, starting off really aromatic and soothing, then hitting you with these intense bursts of heat and sourness. After that, sharing a few plates is the way to go. The salads are pretty special, and if you like a bit of spice, the duck laab is fantastic, packed with lemongrass and lime leaf. Another standout is the musam chun tod numpla – it’s deep-fried pork belly with a lovely caramel colour, served with a smoky jaew sauce. But honestly, the dish you absolutely have to try is the kung chae numpla. These are raw shrimps, super fresh, marinated in this vibrant dressing of seafood and green chilli, then topped with herbs and garlic. It’s a real flavour explosion.

Don't miss the specials board either; it often has some really interesting, creative dishes that you won't find everywhere else.

For dessert, their ice creams are really smooth. The Thai milk flavour is a nice rosy colour and just the right amount of sweet, while the durian one is a bright yellow and has that strong, tropical taste that durian lovers will recognise. It’s a solid choice if you’re in the Hammersmith area and fancy some proper Thai food without any fuss.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Right then, that’s our rundown of some cracking Thai places in London for 2026. Whether you’re after something a bit fancy, a proper fiery curry, or just a good old pub meal with a Thai twist, there’s definitely something here for you. London’s Thai food scene is pretty amazing, and it’s great to see so many places doing it so well. So get out there, try a few, and let us know what you think. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes London's Thai food scene so special?

London has loads of great Thai places! Chefs here are really good at mixing local British ingredients with traditional Thai recipes. You can find everything from super spicy curries to milder, comforting dishes, making it a really exciting place for Thai food lovers.

Are there different types of Thai food in London?

Yes, definitely! London restaurants offer food from different parts of Thailand. Some focus on the fiery flavours of the South, while others might serve dishes from the North. This means you can try a wide variety of tastes and styles.

What's the best way to enjoy Thai food in London?

It really depends on the restaurant! Some places are perfect for sharing lots of small dishes with friends, while others are great for a more relaxed meal on your own or with a partner. Many places have a lively atmosphere, making them fun for any occasion.

Do I need to book a table at these restaurants?

It's usually a good idea to book, especially for popular spots or if you're planning to go during busy times like weekends. Some places can get very crowded because the food is so good!

Are Thai restaurants in London expensive?

There's a range of prices. Some restaurants are quite fancy and might cost more, while others offer amazing food at really good prices, especially if you're looking for a more casual meal. It's possible to find delicious Thai food without spending a fortune.

What are some must-try Thai dishes in London?

You should definitely try classics like Pad Thai and Green Curry. But also look out for regional specialities like Massaman curry, spicy papaya salads (Som Tum), and flavourful grilled meats. Don't forget to try some of the unique fried chicken or noodle dishes too!