The best Thai restaurants in Budapest

What is it? A taste of the Far East near Keleti station: this Thai-Lao street-food restaurant serves divine soups, stir-fries and curries.

Why we love it Opened in 2017, Kao Niaw Ping Kai is one of the most unique Asian places in Budapest, as it offers not only Thai but also authentic Laotian dishes – a dual offering that is almost unique in the city. The name itself says it all: kao niaw is sticky rice, and ping kai is the Laotian classic of grilled chicken. The menu includes whole-fried tilapia fish, papaya salad, wok noodles and green curry. The homely, friendly interior is like taking a quick yet significant gastronomic journey through the streets of Bangkok or Vientiane.

Time Out tip: Try the yum pla lui suan – whole fried Thai tilapia fish with mixed salad and chili – and the sticky rice with fresh mango is a must.

Address: Rákóczi út 69, 1081 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: soups/appetisers Ft 2,250-4,850 (€6-12.75), mains Ft 4,250-5,550 (€11.20-14.50), desserts Ft 1,550-2,550 (€4-6.70)

What is it? This elegant restaurant is a premium outlet of the Parázs group, where authentic and creatively reimagined Thai dishes await.

Why we love it Parázs Premium aims to present the true essence of Thai cuisine – with classics such as tom yum or pad thai, and modern interpretations that further elevate the experience. The owners have been shaping Hungarian Thai gastronomy since 2007, working with a Hungarian-Thai culinary team, so authentic flavours are guaranteed. The atmosphere creates an elegant yet intimate atmosphere with warm colours, holy images and decorative touches. The wine list and drinks menu have also been carefully selected. Come here for a special evening.

Time Out tip: Try the green curry with chicken and jasmine rice, then finish with the coconut milk tapioca pudding with fresh mango.

Address: Horánszky utca 1, 1085 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 2,490-3,590 (€6.50-9.40), mains courses Ft 4,190-5,990 (€11-15.70), desserts Ft 1,790-2,290 (€4.70-6)

What is it? A particularly spectacular Thai-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in the city centre, where historical Vietnam meets modern Asia.

Why we love it The interior of QUÍ feels like you’re standing in front of the golden altar of a Vietnamese monastery: old teak furniture, antique porcelain and authentic decorations create a unique atmosphere. The name – quí, meaning ‘treasure’ – simultaneously refers to the quality of the food, the strength of the community and the value of the experiences you have here. The menu has been created by Thai and Vietnamese chefs, so curries, fried noodles, fresh salads and stuffed buns are on offer. The bar deserves a separate chapter: signature cocktails, creative drinks and exciting desserts complete the evening.

Time Out tip: Try the fried shrimp pad thai or the fresh papaya salad, and then finish with a yuzu kumquat dessert or a Vietnamese coffee.

Address: Arany János utca 13, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-11pm

Expect to pay: Appetisers Ft 3,300-6,900 (€8.70-18), soups & mains Ft 3,250-6,600 (€8.50-17.30), desserts Ft 3,050-3,900 (€8-10.25)

What is it? A vibrant, diverse Thai restaurant on main Andrássy út, offering one of the most extensive Thai menus in the city.

Why we love it Tom Yum is a true culinary journey from Thailand to Budapest, its cuisine based on fresh ingredients presents the full spectrum of Thai flavours, from lemongrass-infused, spicy soups to rich wok dishes to fresh, spicy salads. The chefs boldly use the characteristic combination of Thai herbs, which give each dish vibrancy and character. One of the best choices in Budapest for those who are new to Thai cuisine – and for those who have been fans of it for a long time.

Time Out tip: Start with the eponymous tom yum soup with shrimp, then try the whole fried Asian sea bass.

Address: Andrássy út 2, 1061 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-10pm

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 2,790-3,990 (€7.30-10.50), mains Ft 4,000-5,500 (€10.50-14.40), desserts Ft 1,990-2,490 (€5.20-6.50)

What is it? A family-friendly, authentic Thai restaurant in District VII, serving specialities from northern and central Thailand.

Why we love it Im-Oon offers one of the most authentic Thai experiences in the city. In addition to the well-known classics, it is also worth delving into the more unusual dishes. The tom kha gai is always a hit thanks to its harmony of coconut milk, lime and ginger; the larb gai with fresh lime and mint evokes the vibe of Thai street food; and the sticky rice with mango is the perfect ending to a spicy dinner. The atmosphere is homely and friendly, as if you were in a Bangkok family diner.

Time Out tip: The pad see ew is one of the best in town with its deep, caramelised soy flavour, toasted rice noodles and crunchy vegetables.

Address: Kazinczy utca 52, 1075 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sun noon-10pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 2,580-3,880 (€6.80-10.20), mains Ft 4,480-5,980 (€11.75-15.70)

What is it? One of the oldest Thai restaurants in Budapest, in downtown District V, where they have been preparing classic Bangkok dishes with authentic spices and fresh ingredients for over three decades.

Why we love it The Bangkok Thai has been a stable element of the Budapest gastronomic scene for over 30 years, and has maintained its authenticity throughout. It is no coincidence that the local Thai community and the city’s residents are return customers. The dishes are prepared with seasonal vegetables and meat, using a quick wok technique, so the flavours are vibrant and the textures remain fresh. The herbs that give the essence of Thai cuisine – lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, cardamom, star anise, coriander – are abundantly used in the dishes, which are not only aromatic, but also have a particularly beneficial effect.

Time Out tip: They also offer a weekday lunch menu – a quick, tasty and budget-friendly option in the city centre.

Address: Só utca 3, 1056 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily noon-11pm

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 2,500-5,600 (€6.50-14.70), mains Ft 3,800-5,500 (€10-14.50), desserts Ft 2,250 (€6)

What is it? A small but significant Thai restaurant in District VII that instantly transports you to the streets of Bangkok.

Why we love it Rim Thanonh offers exactly the experience you would expect from a real Thai street food joint –in Budapest. The name itself means ‘along the street’, referring to the atmosphere that three Thai owners wanted to evoke in the heart of the Hungarian capital. The place is simple, honest and full of character: a small space, Thai music or background videos, and the Thai community returns as regulars. The menu includes dishes such as som tum papaya salad, freshly fried pad see ew, the classic pad krapow with a generous topping, and the unmissable sticky rice. If you’re looking for authentic Thai flavours, you’ll definitely find them here.

Time Out tip: Start with the som tum green papaya salad, then order a pad krapow with a fried egg. An authentic Thai street-food experience at its best.

Address: Dob utca 60, 1074 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11.30am-9pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Soups & salads Ft 2,500-3,500 (€6.50-11.80), mains Ft 3,500-4,500 (€9.20-11.80), desserts Ft 2,500 (€6.50) & below

What is it? A chain of modern, Thai wok bars in Budapest and the provinces, where you can create your own freshly wok-made dish with your own noodles, various sauces and customised toppings.

Why we love it Pad Thai Wok Bar creates the fast, vibrant world of Thai street food in everyday Budapest. You decide what base, sauce and toppings you want to use for your dish: rice, glass, egg, udon or shirataki noodles, even a quinoa variety, are available. The sauces range from truffle soy to a mildly spicy, tamarind pad Thai-style sauce. Its youthful design, open show kitchen and lightning-fast service make it popular – you can follow the preparation process through the glass. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten- and lactose-sensitive guests, and they even offer choices for those with insulin resistance.

Time Out tip: Create your own combination: udon noodles with tofu and Burma green-curry sauce is always a hit. Among the soups, tom yum, tom tom and tom kha are also great choices, and for dessert, try the pancakes.

Addresses: 12 venues including Egyetem tér, St Stephen’s Basiica and Nyugati tér, and the Árkád, Allee, Corvin, Duna Pláza, Etele Pláza & Mammut malls

Opening hours: Vary but usually daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 3,000-4,000 (€8-10.50), mains Ft 2,690-5,000 (€7-13), desserts Ft 1,350 (€3.50)