Sweet, spicy and nutty come to mind when mentioning Thai food, as they are some of the most prominent flavors. But by no means are they the only memorable ingredients. It seems that Thai cuisine combines elements of Chinese and Japanese cuisine resulting in an amazing culinary experience that transports you to different countries one plate at a time. Atlanta definitely has a myriad of Thai restaurants to choose from. Here are the top options for dining supremacy.
Nan
This Midtown hot spot is easily the most popular restaurant on our list. The prime location, cuisine, atmosphere and service have helped Nan top several “best of” lists for many years. Traditional fare such as satay, moo choo chee and pineapple fried rice accompany more modern dishes like gaht yang (Thai-style barbecue lamb chops) and nuea yang isan (N.Y. strip with Thai chili sauce). It doesn’t stop there because Nan offers some of the most deliciously innovative dessert choices to cap off an already stellar meal. Be sure to try the wild lemongrass caramel custard, lychee nut sorbet or my personal favorite the green tea crème brulée.
Nan is located at 1350 Spring St. NW, 404.870.9933.
Tamarind Seed
Another Midtown Atlanta favorite also makes our list. Tamarind Seed keeps customers in mind that may not be especially familiar with the various stages of spiciness that Thai food is known for. A “spicy guide” is at the beginning of their menu to ensure that you get the perfect flavor for your palate. Roast duck panang curry, lobster tail panang and the spicy lamb with basil are the most popular dishes. Owner and founder Chef Nan, of the previous restaurant on this list, crafts an upscale oasis that not only has great food, but also beautiful views of the city.
Tamarind Seed is located at 1197 Peachtree St. Suite 110, 404.873.4888.
Little Bangkok
While not the fanciest restaurant, it more than makes up for it with tasty traditional Thai recipes that will please even the harshest critic. An interesting fact about Little Bangkok is it features a Thai and Chinese menu, so you have no excuse not to sample the full spectrum of Asian food. Soups, salads, pad noodles and tofu are among the many options here. Daily lunch and dinner specials and a seven-day-a-week opening schedule are all the convincing you need to drop in and enjoy.
Little Bangkok is located at 2225 Cheshire Bridge Rd., 404.315.1530.
Spoon
Lurking near the Georgia Tech campus is this cozy Thai spot that is both trendy and traditional. College students and foodies are equally fond of Spoon because the portions are generous and the prices are even better. The menu features several items that are cooked to order and lunch times that run until late afternoon. There are two convenient Atlanta locations, both on the east and west side, however we frequent the west location on Marietta St. Menu favorites include the coconut soup with shrimp, pad z u and the golden red snapper.
Spoon is located at 768 Marietta St., Suite A., 404.522.5655.
Thai Restaurant of Norcross
This is spot is just a short trip outside Atlanta and the journey is well worth it. The décor is very eclectic with traditional Thai furnishings, but the star of the show is the food and it lives up to its’ reputation. Everything you want is here, from ginger fish and shrimp rolls to lao sausage and chicken satay. When times call for a little privacy, try a romantic table for two topped with orchids. It’s a nice touch to cap off a great meal.
Thai Restaurant of Norcross is located at 6065 S. Norcross-Tucker Rd., 770.938.3883.
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