Tāmaki Makaurau has no shortage of delectable Thai restaurants, ranging from old-school authentic to contemporary fusion, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the delicious conundrum that occurs when we have to choose between them.

While everyone has a fiercely defended neighbourhood favourite, Auckland’s Thai offering rewards a little exploration. From deeply aromatic curries and wok-charred noodles to zingy salads, specialist Isan dishes and entirely plant-based feasts, these are the Thai restaurants we rate across the city.

Esarn Rocket

Bringing the bright, fiery flavours of northeastern Thailand to Westmere, Esarn Rocket pairs authentic Isan cooking with the easy-going spirit of a neighbourhood eatery. Classics such as green curry and Pad Thai sit alongside Som Tum Pla Ra and herb-laden larb, while either the Railway or Tom Yum fried rice is an essential addition to any order. Fresh ingredients, friendly service and plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices (plus kid-friendly options) make it well worth crossing town for.

Me Thai

Sitting unassumingly on Franklin Road, family-run Me Thai has earned a loyal following for its warm service and vibrant, authentic fare. The classics are exceptionally well handled; its Pad Thai and deeply flavoursome curries are particular stand-outs, but it pays to venture into the Thai street-food section, where pork leg on rice and fiery Khua Kling offer something less familiar.

Ginger

Located at the Upland Road end of Remuera Road, Ginger has cultivated an enduring local following. Its sleek interior complements a menu that delivers authentic Thai food with a contemporary edge, spanning fragrant curries, lively salads, soups and stir-fries. The restaurant’s sauces and curry pastes are carefully made in-house, lending each dish the kind of depth that keeps regulars returning.

Khu Khu

Entirely vegan and packed with flavour, Khu Khu proves that Thai-inspired food need not rely on meat, fish sauce or shrimp paste to make an impression. Its concise menu is filled with clever riffs on familiar favourites, from tempeh Pad Thai and rich Panang curry to the non-negotiable vegan duck drunken noodles. With locations in Ponsonby, Milford and Snickel Lane in the CBD, a Khu Khu fix is now easier to come by than ever.

Nahm

This Elliott Street eatery has flown under the radar for far too long. Nahm serves flavour-forward Thai street food from an extensive menu that invites exploration, whether you’re stopping in for a quick bowl of noodles or gathering a group around a table of shared plates. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the kraprow thad – a generously proportioned chilli-and-basil feast designed for more than one.

@Bangkok

Kingsland locals love @Bangkok, and it’s easy to see why. This lively neighbourhood joint is equally reliable for dine-in dinners and last-minute takeaways, with a menu that brings plenty of character to the classics. We recommend the slow-cooked massaman curry with an order of the restaurant’s famously buttery “Ugly Puffy Roti”, plus extra house-made peanut sauce for good measure.

Thai House

Family-run Thai House has achieved stalwart status on the Ponsonby strip, having served the neighbourhood since 1993. The flavours are generous, the staff welcoming and the restaurant remains BYO wine. Any of the sizzling garlic dishes will make a delicious impression, while its curries, whole snapper dishes and classic Pad Thai offer exactly the kind of comforting, reliable fare one wants from a long-standing local.

Thaiger

Thaiger combines traditional Thai flavours and family recipes with a polished, contemporary approach. The menu is designed for sharing, making it an excellent option for convivial group dinners in its inviting Grey Lynn dining room. Stand-outs include the Gai Yang Platter, pairing Thai barbecue chicken with som tum, sticky rice and dipping sauce, and the Mair Yai Papaya Salad – a zingy recipe passed down from co-owner Pim Brandwood’s grandmother.

Sunflower Thai Vegan Restaurant

Hidden away on High Street, Sunflower Thai Vegan Restaurant is an inner-city institution serving an entirely plant-based menu of Thai and Asian comfort food. Flavour is never compromised, with vegetables, tofu and convincing meat alternatives deployed across curries, noodles, soups and generously portioned rice dishes. The vegan “prawn” fried rice remains a cult order, but the restaurant’s sheer breadth of choice makes experimentation highly rewarding.

Soul Thai

Despite the proliferation of more polished Thai offerings around town, we can never look past Soul Thai. Its Grey Lynn and Mt Eden kitchens are reliable, efficient and perfectly suited to nights when only a comforting takeaway will do. Everything on the menu satisfies, but for the ultimate indulgence, request the Pad Thai extra saucy and add a side of roti to mop up every last drop.

Aroy

When you need your Thai fix quickly, Aroy is ready to oblige. Its Auckland restaurants on Commerce Street and at Sylvia Park deliver a crowd-pleasing menu of curries, soups, stir-fries and noodle dishes without unnecessary ceremony. Start with curry puffs and roti before moving on to chicken with cashew nuts, black pepper beef, or a warming curry. Fast, approachable and consistently satisfying, it is a dependable option for dine-in and takeaway alike.

Thai Village Remuera

One of Remuera’s most enduring Thai institutions, Thai Village pairs an elegant setting with a menu inspired by regions across Thailand. Generous portions and traditional flavours remain at the heart of the offering. After sampling more than our fair share over the years, we suggest the tender lamb rack, Mook Fish with Thai herbs and citrus dressing, and the rich red duck curry as essential orders.

The Taste

Touted by locals as some of the best Thai over the bridge, Devonport’s The Taste proves that takeaway need not mean compromising on quality. Fresh ingredients and carefully balanced sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours elevate its extensive selection of curries, soups and wok-fried favourites. The Tom Yum soup is particularly restorative, while the massaman lamb, roast duck curry and Pad Khing duck reward venturing beyond the usual order.

Kiss Kiss

You can’t miss Kiss Kiss. Bathed in neon light just off Dominion Road, this spirited Balmoral eatery channels the energy of a Thai street-food canteen. Its menu covers pillowy buns filled with pork, lemongrass fried chicken or tofu, alongside ribs, som tum pla ra, noodles, curries and Tom Yum Fried Rice. Gather a group, order broadly and leave room for the seasonal mango sticky rice or doughnuts with pandan custard.

White + Wong’s

While not strictly a Thai restaurant, White + Wong’s has built its reputation on vibrant pan-Asian fare, and its Thai-inspired dishes remain among the menu’s highlights. The fragrant Tom Yum, Thai beef salad, green papaya salad, Pad Thai and aromatic curries cover all the essential bases. Add its generous waterfront setting and family-friendly atmosphere, and the Viaduct restaurant makes a compelling choice for a relaxed shared meal.