Where to enjoy a Thai feast in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
When you're craving a satisfying hit of flavours that span salty, sweet, sour, and of course, spicy, Thai food is usually the way to go. Luckily, we're not short on Thai cuisine in Newcastle, so chances are there's a Thai restaurant in your suburb.
Here's our guide to Thai restaurants and takeaway joints in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Time to start working your way through the list, or revisiting your favourites.
Absolute Thai
Absolute Thai is a reliable staple in the food lineup at Westfield Kotara. Fuel your shopping with dishes like kaprao kai gai dao – stir fried minced chicken topped with a fried egg, given plenty of flavour from smashed garlic, chilli, and Thai basil.
Where: Lvl 2 Food Court, Westfield Kotara, Cnr Park Ave & Northcott Dr, Kotara
Al-Oi Thai
Enjoy all your Thai favourites or try something new at Al-Oi Thai on Hunter Street. Don't miss the banquet menus starting from just $35.90 per person (four people minimum), with BYO wine.
Where: 541 Hunter St, Newcastle
Am Thai Delight
Am Thai Delight is a favourite with Mayfield locals, and for good reason. We can't go past its affordable lunch and dinner specials, like a main dish, entree, and drink starting at just $15.90 for lunch.
Where: 264 Maitland Rd, Mayfield
Bangkok Nights
Since opening in 2021, Bangkok Nights has become a Beaumont Street hotspot for authentic Thai food in an atmospheric space. You'll feel transported to Thailand with the dedicated street food menu, featuring dishes like boat noodle soup and khao kha moo.
Where: 37 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Bangkok on Darby
When it's time for Bangkok on Darby's $15 lunch specials, you better get there quick to beat the crowd. Affordability is not all there is to love at this inner city Thai joint – there's even a dedicated vegan menu for people eating plant-based who still want to enjoy their favourite Thai flavours.
Where: 9 Darby St, Newcastle
Benjamas Thai by Chin
This Darby Street Thai restaurant has been around for as long as we can remember, and with new owner Chin taking over in 2019, Benjamas Thai by Chin is still delivering on flavour.
Where: 100 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Kinn Thai
Enjoying a meal in Kinn Thai's open, breezy space is an ideal way to spend a balmy evening. The menu is huge and there are plenty of cocktails to choose from, so you'll just have to keep coming back to try it all.
Where: The Rooftop, Shop R3007, Northcott Dr, Kotara
Larnna Thai
Tucked behind the Honeysuckle strip, Larnna Thai has been quietly been going about its business of serving up delicious Thai flavours for more than 10 years. With an extensive menu of Thai classics to choose from, there's something for everyone.
Where: Shop 1/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Lilly Thai Takeaway
Lilly Thai Takeaway has to be one of the most affordable Thai spots in town, with its lunch menu boasting plenty of Thai favourites like panang curry and cashew nut stir fry starting from just $13.
Where: 1/73 King St, Warners Bay
Mekong Thai-Lao Restaurant
You might tend to overlook the restaurant at the Merewether Motel, but it's recently changed from a Chinese restaurant to Mekong Thai-Lao Restaurant. The menu is full of authentic flavours from Thailand and Laos, including Lao dishes like Lao sausage and tum mama, a spicy Lao noodle salad.
Where: 75 Railway St, Merewether
Pinto Thai by Chin
The second business venture by Chin Sopharakkul of Benjamas Thai by Chin, Pinto Thai by Chin is the Darby Street restaurant's younger, more relaxed sister. Expect quick and easy authentic Thai meals, with dishes like pad thai and krapow.
Where: Charlestown Square, 30 Pearson St, Charlestown
Ruan Kao Thai
This Mayfield West Thai restaurant has long been a fave with the locals and we totally understand why. Try the chef's specials like Siam duck or macadamia king prawns, or go for a classic like tom yum soup or massaman curry.
Where: 248 Maitland Rd, Mayfield West
Sticky Rice Thai
Whether you dine in at Sticky Rice Thai or grab takeaway, you can always expect a quality Thai feed. Don't miss the lunch specials starting at $12.50, and if you're up for an indulgent dinner, opt for the pla lad prik – whole snapper or barramundi deep fried and topped with tangy chilli sauce.
Where: 116 Hannell St, Wickham | 19 Scott St, Newcastle East
Thai Square
With banquet packages starting from $28 per person, Thai Square makes for a great spot to gather for celebrations. Don't skip dessert when you dine at Thai Square – black sticky rice with custard isn't something you see on every Thai menu!
Where: 26 Lake St, Warners Bay | 68 The Boulevarde, Toronto | 51 Dora St, Morisset
Thai Town Newcastle
Thai Town Newcastle is an ideal option for an easy lunch or dinner when you're in the Marketown vicinity. The menu is huge, so while it might be hard to choose, you're sure to find something to suit your tastebuds.
Where: Shop 112/135 Parry St, Newcastle West
The Grain Thai
When you're keen to enjoy a Thai feast dine-in instead of takeaway, The Grain Thai is the place to go. The spacious restaurant is great for a relaxed dinner, with a comprehensive menu (including a whole section dedicated to moo grob, or crispy pork belly) and heaps of cocktails and tap beer.
Where: 12 Beaumont St, Hamilton
The Grateful Thai
The Grateful Thai serves up a combination of traditional and modern Thai dishes, and the result is always delicious. Think modern takes on Thai flavours like sesame chicken wings, cauliflower magic croquettes, roasted duck curry, and grilled salmon with panang curry sauce.
Where: Charlestown Square, 30 Pearson St, Charlestown
The Humble Thai
Don't let the name fool you – Wirat and Nikki's homemade Thai food will blow your mind and have you coming back for more. For a visual showstopper, order the pineapple fried rice or the seafood in young coconut.
Where: 27 King St, Newcastle
The Icon Thai Restaurant
With a prime location overlooking Newcastle Harbour, The Icon Thai Restaurant is a favourite for classic dishes and some out of the ordinary Thai fare that will have you coming back to try more.
Where: Shop 2/15 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Top Thai
Wallsend locals will likely be familiar with Top Thai, which has long been a staple in the suburb. This low-key Thai joint offers a reliable roster of all your go-tos, like red curry, pad see ew, tom yum soup, and spicy cashew nut stir fry.
Where: 10 Kemp St, Wallsend
Toronthai
With two locations – one overlooking the water in Toronto and one on Alma Road in New Lambton, Toronthai has got you covered for Thai food in both Lake Macquarie and Newcastle. Good news for those eating gluten free – a number of dishes on the menu can be made gluten free.
Where: Shop 2/12 Alma Rd, New Lambton | 18 Victory Pde, Toronto
Have we missed somewhere? Contact us!