The Best Thai Restaurants in Leeds

Dreaming of red curry? Pining for pad Thai? You can get your fill at the best Thai restaurants in Leeds.

Thai food is one of the things Leeds does best. From fragrant curries to piles of noodles, from fancy restaurants to quirky cafe-style eateries, there’s a dish and venue for everyone. The only trouble you’ll have is deciding which one to dine at next. So where should you go? We’ve rounded up the best Thai restaurants in Leeds to help you make that all-important decision and plan your next Thai feast.

Chaophraya

There’s no doubt about it – Chaophraya is one of the best Thai restaurants in Leeds. Thai sculptures, mood lighting and flashes of gold give it a luxurious feel, but it’s the sumptuous menu that makes it a must-visit. They pride themselves on classic Thai cooking with fine-dining flair. Yes, there are delicious versions of old favourites, from the beef panang to the tamarind duck, but why not try a dish that’s unique to them on your visit? Their Thai tacos are tasty twists on a Mexican classic, filled with red curry chicken or stir-fried veggies.

Chaophraya, 20a Blayds Court, Swinegate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4AG.

Thai Aroy Dee

There are no airs or graces about Thai Aroy Dee – and that’s what makes it special. It’s a down-to-earth, canteen-style restaurant, complete with mismatched decor, but there’s a real charm to the place, which is why it’s a must-visit for Thai food in Leeds. The menu is extensive to say the least – you’ll find all your favourites here, packed full of big, vibrant flavours for very pocket-friendly prices. Weeping tiger, gang panang, Thai curry, you’re spoilt for choice, but if you’re feeling brave, their fiery pad ga prao will blow your socks off.

Thai Aroy Dee, 120-122 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7NL.

Zaap Thai

Zaap is the most bonkers Thai restaurant in Leeds. It’s loud, literally and visually – neon signs, Asian trinkets and tuk-tuks fill their interior. But it’s the food – oh, the food – that does the talking! The menu is full of Bangkok street food staples, done well, for a price you won’t squawk at. You can’t go wrong with Thai green curry or the bao buns, but this is a restaurant where you can broaden your horizons with lesser-known dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Their roasted meats, marinated chicken or crispy duck are worth adding to your bucket list.

Zaap Thai, Grand Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG & 4 St Anne’s Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3NX.

Khao Gaeng Thai

While not strictly a restaurant, a trip to Khao Gaeng Thai should still be at the top of your list. The smells and sounds coming out of the kitchen at this Kirkgate Market stall brings all the delights of Thai street food culture to the heart of Leeds. They serve a tempting menu of curry, rice and noodle boxes, each one packed with a medley of oriental veggies and punchy flavours. The pad gra prao and pad Thai are popular treats, but the poh tea is definitely worth a try – your pick of meat is stir-fried with veggies in fiery hot and sour sauce.

Khao Gaeng Thai, Unit 1, 1904 Hall, Leeds Kirkgate Market, George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.

Nan’s Thai Malaysian Cafe

Step past the deceptively modest greasy spoon cafe exterior into Nan’s Thai Malaysian Cafe and you’ll be well rewarded. This petite dining room is decorated with traditional artworks overlooked by a busy kitchen that’s run by Supranan Harrison and her extended family. Out come all kinds of delicious noodle dishes and classic stir-fries, but no visit to Nan’s is complete without trying one of their trademark noodle soups. The rad nar, with its thick rice noodles and dark soy gravy sauce, is a Thai food dream come true.

Nan’s Thai Malaysian Cafe, 225 Hyde Park Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1AH.

Phranakhon

This is Thai food, but not as you know it. Phranakhon is the city’s only eatery serving Thai-style tapas. Head down into this quirky underground restaurant, filled with hanging ivy, framed portraits and book-filled shelves, to get to their ginormous menu of sumptuous small plates. There are well over 50 dishes, divided into helpful sections, so you can easily find your old favourites and more than a few new ones. Pair classics like gai satay with one-off dishes like the salmon tartare, topped with a runny egg yolk and a spicy lime dressing.

Phranakhon, 11 York Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2DS.

Rosa’s Thai

Walk through the bamboo archway, into a light and airy restaurant with subtle hints of Southeast Asian decor all around you – this is Rosa’s Thai. It’s popular across the UK and with good reason – it’s got a cool, modern vibe mirrored by their menu. Yes, you can get all the classics, pad Thai lovers. But don’t you fancy sampling something new? Their stir-fried aubergine is a veggie-packed feast, the Rosa’s red curry is given a butternut squash makeover and the sweetcorn cakes are divine blend of spiciness and crispiness.

Rosa’s Thai, Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre, 21 Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.

Jino’s Thai Cafe

After 18 years at their original Headingley home, Jino’s is now shacked up in new digs on North Lane, in a stylish restaurant that’s all light woodwork, comfy booths and leafy plants. They’ve got all your go-to Thai essentials – pad se euw, gang panang and pal shu shi are done to perfection. But their street food menu is a must-try. It features dishes you’d only normally find on Bangkok street stalls, from the thick belly pork hanglay curry to the deep fried chicken and fish ball skewers.

Jino’s Thai Cafe, 38 North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3HU.

Thai Edge

Thai Edge is different to other Thai restaurants in Leeds. This is a dining room with modern, minimalist decor and touches of glamour, from the water feature to the extravagant table partitions. The same attention to detail can be found in the menu. It’s huge. We’re talking almost 150 dishes, including all your favourites and a few unusual dishes, such as the the aromatic Thai duck and the seriously spicy tida phatthalung. But if you have to try one thing, let it be Chef Anon’s Signature – king prawns, pan-fried king scallops and roast duck with a secret sauce.

Thai Edge, New Portland Street, 7 Calverley Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3DA.

My Thai

After scrumptious Thai food in a cosy setting for a bargain price? My Thai delivers on it all and that’s why it’s a Leeds institution. They give you a glimpse of the authentic Bangkok dining experience in a charming cafe-style restaurant. The menu is simple but packed with quality street food favourites. The tom yum soup and Thai green curry are examples of classics done perfectly, but want to try a dish that really sets them apart? The nuer yang, a chargrilled steak with veggies and a peanut dipping sauce, is worth the visit alone.

My Thai, 43 Wade Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8NJ & 26 York Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2EY.

Sukhothai

Mention Thai food to your pals and it’s likely Sukhothai will be one of the first that comes to mind. It’s hard to forget it – they have buzzing, opulent restaurants, covered in extravagant Thai statues and trinkets. Yes, it’s a feast for the eyes, but the food is just as good. They do the classics and they do them just right, but you can also try something new. Have you tried deep-fried paprika lotus root before? Dive in. How about the venison gang ped? Your eyes will light up as a 6-ounce steak arrives sizzling in a chilli and red curry sauce.

Sukhothai, 15 South Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5QS, St Anne’s Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3NX & 8 Regent Street, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4PE.

Thai Sun

A former Stanningley pub is now a go-to for delicious Thai food in Leeds. Thai Sun has transformed this old local with an impressively cosy Southeast Asian makeover – think deep red walls, Buddhist art and ornate hangings. While this family-run restaurant has a homely feel, the menu will send you thousands of miles away with its delicious fare. The Thai black bean sauce is a favourite, but if you’re feeling brave, try their signature Volcano – chicken or duck are marinated in a secret spicy sauce with spring onion, red peppers and pineapple.

Thai Sun, 153 Town Street, Stanningley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 6ES.

Sri Non Thai Street Food

Formerly Line Thai Oriental, this Thai restaurant has been reinvented as a street food kitchen that brings a taste of Bangkok to the heart of Leeds. It’s owned by Non and Sri Klaisamniang, who spent 20 years working in Thai eateries across Leeds before opening their own. They do the staples and they do them well, from the rich and creamy gang massaman to the deep-fried sea bass in a sweet chilli sauce. But it’s the noodles where Sri Non stand apart, whether you try the stir-fried vermicelli or try the classic pork and liver rice noodle soup.

Sri Non Thai Street Food, 39 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3BB.

Mommy Thai

One step inside Mommy Thai’s door is like taking a giant leap into a Bangkok cafe. It’s only small, but it’s buzzing as the staff hustle around to a backdrop of industrial hanging lights, wooden tables and Asian movie posters on the walls. Once you manage to peel your eyes away from the vibrant decor, it’s decision time. They have all your favourites, but it’s their Foodie Menu, full of dishes you only usually find in Thailand, that make it a must-visit. Ever tried a salted crab papaya salad? Or spicy minced pork with holy basil? Now’s your chance!

Mommy Thai, 7 Duncan Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DQ & 110 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7NL.

Sweet Basil Valley

You can get the best of both worlds with Sweet Basil Valley’s whopping menu of Thai and Chinese dishes. They do all the staples, and you’ll want to arrive hungry, because they don’t scrimp on portion sizes. The deep fried crispy seafood balls are a great place to start before you choose from the likes of the Thai seafood omelette and sliced duck in Thai pickled mustard cabbage. And you can enjoy it all in a vast dining room covered in bamboo dividers and dressed with majestic blossom trees.

Sweet Basil Valley, Green Lane, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 7BY.

Viet-Thai

Over the years, Viet-Thai owners Minh and Huong Dao have collected a stack of family recipes that they now serve to the good folk of Pudsey in an intimate, cafe-style restaurant. You can enjoy faithful versions of classics like pad Thai and Thai green curry, but this is really the place to go off the beaten path. The tender chargrilled lamb is cooked in a special five spice blend while the catfish comes marinated in a secret mix of herbs and spices. It’s also BYOB with no corkage fee too – result!

Viet-Thai, 134 Bradford Road, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 6UR.

Thai Basil

Set in a former pub, Thai Basil is one of the biggest Thai restaurants in Leeds – and the fact it’s nearly always packed out tells you you’re onto a winner. It’s decked out in Thai trinkets and glitzy ornaments, but don’t let shiny things distract you from a menu that will bring you oodles of deliciousness. There’s curries and stir-fries aplenty but keep an eye on their specials – talay pal promises chargrilled tiger prawns, squid, salmon and mussels in a spicy sauce and the choo chee is an aromatic seafood curry with kaffir and lime leaves.

Thai Basil, 12 Bradford Road, Guiseley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS20 8NH.

Noi’s Thai Kitchen

Tucked away inside The Old Peacock, just across the street from Elland Road Stadium, is Noi’s Thai Kitchen. They’ve been serving football fans and folk in Leeds for over a decade, bringing vibrant Thai food to this southern corner of the city. You can grab a pint of Ossett Brewery ale and tuck into tasty starters like chicken satay and deep fried vegetables with chilli sauce. Then it’s time for the main course. Will you go for the oyster sauce pad or will you be tempted by the green curry? Get yours with rice or chips, or both!

Noi’s Thai Kitchen, The Old Peacock, 251 Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 8TU.