Wondering where to get your Thai food fix when in Bali? Head to these top Thai restaurants across the island…
Don’t get us wrong – we absolutely love local Indonesian cuisine. We’re always making a pitstop at our favourite warungs, but from time to time, we can’t help but crave the sweetness of palm sugar, a creamy coconut broth, salty fish sauce and a kick of chilli and lime… yep, we’re talking about Thai food. With Thailand being so close to Bali, we’re blessed with a number top Thai kitchens across the island, serving up the country’s signature explosive flavours. So, to help you find the very best Pad Thai or Tom Yum, we’ve rounded up the very best Thai restaurants in Bali – from Ubud, Sanur and Kuta, to Canggu, Uluwatu and beyond!
1. Sans Thai Restaurant – Ubud
A hidden gem surrounded by emerald green rice paddies, Sans Thai Restaurant dishes up authentic Thai cuisine using the best quality, locally sourced ingredients. The team of skilled chefs helmed by award-winning Chef Agus Umbarayana embraces the bold flavours and spices this Southeast Asian country has to offer. You can’t go wrong with any of the classic-meets-contemporary dishes, but we say, start with the crispy Thai fish cake that’s been flavoured with red curry. Then, try the wok-fried flat noodles with sliced beef and greens, AKA Beef Pad See Ew. Or swap and share a whole steamed Garoupa fish and a fresh mango salad. The jackfruit crème brûlée is not to be missed either…
Sans Thai Restaurant, Banjar Pinjul No. 8, Kenderan, Ubud, p. +62 812 3972 6630; Open daily 12pm – 10pm.
2. Warung Siam – Ubud
Craving zero fuss, Thai home cooking? You’ll want to check out Warung Siam in central Ubud. A favourite amongst Ubud’s in-the-know residents, the kitchen serves up classic combinations of spices and herbs, creating Thailand’s authentic comfort dishes made from scratch. Think green papaya salad for a light lunch, and stir-fried beef or pork served with Thai sticky rice for a quick dinner. And you can’t go wrong with any of the curries…
Warung Siam, Jl Goutama No. 7, Ubud, p. +62 811 389 6678; Open daily 12pm – 8.30pm.
3. Pok Pok – Uluwatu
Don’t be fooled by its size – this pocket rocket packs a serious punch. Tucked away on the hills of Uluwatu. Pok Pok is a no-fuss side-of-the-road restaurant made from a shipping container, with just a handful of plastic chairs out the front for those nostaglic Thai vibes. Always buzzing, the Thai food here brings in the crowds for a post-surf feast. Try the Thai basil tofu, the creamy red curry, and Pok Pok’s take on a Pad Thai, loaded with veggies and authentic flavours. Don’t miss the homemade ginger lemongrass tea, or BYO your own bottle of wine…
Pok Pok Ulu, Jl Labuan Sait No. 432, Pecatu, Uluwatu, p. +62 881 0378 27424; Open Mon – Sat 1.30pm – 8.30pm.
4. Lemongrass Thai Restaurant – Kuta
Born over 20 years ago, Lemongrass is one of the pioneers of Thai restaurants in Bali. This family-run foodie destination is a cosy, home-like lounge and garden, where you can sit back, relax and enjoy traditional Thai cuisine made from scratch. Think large plates of Pad Thai, bowls of piping hot curries, crispy spring rolls and fragrant stir fries. Our top tip? Start with the platter of mixed starters for two, which features satay skewers, prawn balls and spring rolls. The Pad Krapow (stir fried minced meat with basil, chilli, green beans and onion) is a popular choice for main, while the mango sticky rice is a must-try classic.
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant, Jl Melasti, Legian, Kuta, p. +62 813 3874 3366, e. [email protected]; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
5. Paed Thai – Canggu & Sanur
For authentic Thai cuisine done right, head to Paed Thai, one of the best Thai restaurants in Bali with not one, but two locations on the island. Paed Thai pays homage to the country’s culinary scene by dishing up rich tastes and harmonious flavours, wrapped up in picturesque interiors that transport you straight to Thailand. As for the dishes, each one is perfectly balanced in sweet, salty, spicy and sour flavours, and made with the freshest ingredients. Start with the chef’s signature bone marrow, or the freshly shucked oysters with tangy lemon. Then, try everyone’s favourite Pad Thai Goong – wok-fried flat rice noodles with peanuts, prawns and fish sauce, served with bean sprouts and a slice of lime. Finish off with the jackfruit crème brûlée, and of course, a Thai-inspired signature cocktail.
Paed Thai, Jl Padang Linjong No. 888x, Canggu & Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 888A, Sanur, p. +62 813 5368 1046, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
6. Bangkok Hustle – Canggu
For something fresh and spicy, head to Canggu’s Bangkok Hustle, where they hustle up scrummy bites from the streets of Bangkok. Swap and share a few street snacks – we love the veggie spring rolls and lemon garlic prawn satay. Swing by for the crowd favourite Thai beef salad, or the vegan tofu larb served with gem lettuce, mint leaves, crispy shallots and Thai dressing. Spice it up with the Bangkok fried chicken slathered in a secret sauce, or opt for the vegan-friendly Bangkok Hustle Pad Thai. And psst… there’s even a kid-friendly menu for little hustlers!
Bangkok Hustle, Jl Raya Semat, Canggu, p. +62 821 4594 8633, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 11am.
7. Oh My Thai – Canggu & Sanur
Born in Canggu and now in Sanur, Oh My Thai had us at Thai-marinated Bangkok wings. Authentically made and packed full of herbs and spices, this foodie destination is frequently flocked by hungry travellers looking to indulge. We love stopping by for the Thai Beef Salad and the Pork Larb Lettuce Wrap that’s perfect for a light lunch. Or a piping hot Tom Yum for a cosy dinner with the fam. Swap and share the oh-so-delicious fresh mango salad, followed by a warm hotpot filled to the brim with Tom Kha Gai. Finish off with the deep-fried sweet potato balls, cooked to golden perfection.
Oh My Thai, Jl Pantai Batu Mejan No. 18A, Canggu (p. +62 818 0919 8700) & Jl Danau Tamblingan No. 5, Sanur (p. +62 811 8711 809); Open daily 11am – 10pm.
8. 555 Thai – Canggu
True to its name, 555 (AKA Ha Ha Ha) is all about delish home-style Thai dishes that bring good times, smiles and laughter. Specialising in authentic flavours, you can’t go wrong with any of the curries, stir fries and noodles. Try the chicken wrapped and cooked in pandan leaves, followed by the classic Khao Pad, before finishing with the mango sticky rice. And be sure to amp up the fun with the awesome selection of Thai-inspired cocktails – we’ll take three pineapple margaritas please!
555 Thai, Jl Pantai Pererenan No. 16, Pererenan, Canggu, p. +62 878 8778 7555; Open daily from 12pm.
9. Seeds Eatery – Ubud
Serving the type of food the chefs love to eat themselves, Seeds Eatery is where you can take a break from temple hopping for a flavourful feast of delicious Thai favourites. Using the best quality ingredients, share the freshly shucked oysters and green curry, or go big with the Tom Yum hot pot and steamed whole fish. And don’t forget to try the unique, fusion desserts like the Coconut Cendol Delight – coconut ice cream served with Indonesian green rice flour jelly (AKA cendol), and sprinkles of roasted coconut, peanuts, chia seeds and coconut caramel.
Seeds Eatery, Jl Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, p. +62 821 4691 1186; Open daily 12pm – 9pm.
10. Thai Pantry – Nusa Lembongan
Just a hop, skip and a boat ride away is Nusa Lembongan, another paradise off mainland Bali’s eastern coast. And if you happen to crave Thai cuisine when you’re island-bound, you’ll want to stop by Thai Pantry, a beachfront restaurant and combi van with laid-back, coastal vibes. Overlooking Lembongan’s most iconic bay, it’s one of the best places for all day grazing and sunset swooning. Think Thai fried rice, traditional Pad Thai, and Massaman curry served with steamy Thai jasmine rice.
Thai Pantry, Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan, p. +62 813 5332 0568, e. [email protected]; Open daily 7.30am – 10pm.
11. Kat’s Kitchen – Uluwatu & Jimbaran
Kat’s Kitchen serves up home recipes and street food at their three Bali locations: one in Jimbaran and two in Uluwatu. It’s all about affordable dishes that take you straight to Thailand – whether it’s the spicy glass noodle salad with minced chicken and colourful veggies, the fried pork with perfectly crisp fried garlic on top, or the warm and hearty tempeh Panang curry. All of this is best paired with one (or three!) ice cold Singha Thai beers…
Kat’s Kitchen, Jl Uluwatu No. 132, Ungasan (p. +62 851 0072 8600) & Jl Uluwatu No. 2, Jimbaran (p. +62 821 4731 5316); Open daily 11.30am – 9pm.
12. Thailicious – Canggu & Sanur
Overlooking the rice paddies in Pererenan, Thailicious serves up some seriously delicious, authentic Thai cuisine just like how grandma makes them. Start your home-style feast with crispy fried chicken wings and Bangkok sauce to dip. Then, choose from the variety of curries – from Massaman and Panang, to red, green and yellow curries. You name it, they have it. Wash it all down with a Thai milk tea or a refreshing Thai lemon tea. And psst… you’re never too far from the deliciousness, because you can find Thailicious in Sanur too!
Thailicious, Jl Raya Canggu No. 99, Pererenan & Jl Danau Tandakan No. 7, Sanur, p. +62 813 3810 0091; Open daily.
13. Baan Ying Thai – Uluwatu
Just a few hundred metres from Dreamland, Baan Ying Thai gives you authentic Thai cuisine on the hills of Uluwatu. The menu is packed with Thai staples, from mango salad to Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup. We say, start with a fresh green papaya salad, and follow it up with the pineapple fried rice with juicy prawns served in a pineapple! Or, try the signature stir fried minced chicken with fresh chillies, Thai basil leaves and sweet and salty sauce, served with steamed rice.
Baan Ying Thai, Jl Raya Uluwatu No. 88, Ungasan, Uluwatu, p. +62 361 849 8799 / +62 812 4639 0499; Open daily.
Happy munching, Honeys!
Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/best-thai-restaurants-in-bali/