Having been a staple of the British restaurant scene since the very first restaurants were introduced in the 1960s and 70s, Thai cuisine is always a popular choice. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or just love the bold flavours, you can't go wrong with classics like green curry or a pad Thai.
There are some pretty great spots to get your hands on these scrumptious eats right here in Cardiff, from independent cafes to swish date night spots. But if you're struggling to pick somewhere? We've rounded up the very best Thai restaurants Cardiff is home to, right here in this guide.
Best Thai Cardiff Restaurants
Brother Thai
Specialising in street food, Brother Thai is a Whitchurch Street haunt that was opened by Andrew Chongsathien in 2021, though they've been cooking up their signature Thai rotis since 2015. This unique dish is like a large taco, using a flakey paratha packed with Thai-inspired fillings - from their popular sticky spicy beef to roasted jackfruit or sticky seitan.
They also serve rice bowls and small plates, to be enjoyed alongside one of their delicious cocktails. All of this is prepared in their open kitchen, surrounded by sleek grey interiors in an intimate, relaxed dining space.
For a unique twist on classic meals, it has to be Brother Thai.
Giggling Squid
Whether you're looking for a Thai restaurant in Cardiff Bay or St David's, Giggling Squid has got locations in both. These pretty venues feature floral wallpaper and colourful seating, with beautifully presented cocktails to match.
This chain was founded in 2002 by husband and wife duo, Pranee and Andy Laurillard, but it only made its Welsh debut in 2023, after its huge popularity across the UK. Expect small plates such as salt and pepper chilli mushrooms or crispy spring rolls, as well as classic curries, stir-fries and rice dishes.
There's all sorts to try on the Giggling Squid Cardiff menu.
Rosa's Thai
Spanning cross two floors, Rosa's Thai is a spacious venue located in the Castle Quarter. The restaurant group was founded in 2008 by husband and wife team Alex and Saiphin Moore, inspired by Saiphin's upbringing in Khao Kho, northern Thailand.
Expect a relaxed, no-fills vibe here, with simple wooden interiors and a menu full of authentic favourites. Think chicken satay skewers, slow-cooked beef cheek red curry and stir-fried aubergine, to name just a few of their tasty eats.
Rosa's Thai are a well-established favourite in Asian cooking.
Tuk Tuk
Situated in the Cathays area, Tuk Tuk is an independent restaurant with a homely atmosphere to it. Its exposed brick walls and hanging plants provide a treat for your eyes, while the mouthwatering menu speaks for itself.
Feast on authentic meals like panang curry, pad Thai and tom yum soup, or switch it up with a shrimp cutlet sando. All the food is made fresh in-house by their talented chefs, paired with a wide variety of wines or carefully curated cocktails.
Tuk-tuck into succulent plates here.
Hug Paeng
Based in a residential home in Roath, Hug Paeng is a takeaway joint that's about as authentic as it gets. The chef and owner makes their curry paste from scratch, and they use only the finest ingredients to create their signature red and green curries.
Their name means 'Dearly Cherish' in a northeastern Thai dialect, where food is an essential part of their culture. They rotate seasonal dishes every few weeks, inspired by different regions of Thailand. Options include tofu, chicken, king prawns and more, with homemade spring rolls to boot.
For home-style cooking, head to Hug Paeng.
Moo Moo Thai Tapas
Moo Moo Thai Tapas is a City Road gem that serves both small plates and mains. And if you're looking for the best Thai takeaway in Cardiff, they offer that here as well. They aim to bring you the flavours of Bangkok, with dishes that are designed to share.
Choose between roasted duck breast in a creamy panang sauce, stir-fried tofu with cashew nuts, steamed sea bass fillets and so much more, paired with a great choice of wines.
Tasty Thai plates await at Moo Moo.
Chilli Basil
Having been around since 2014, Chilli Basil is one of the best Thai restaurants in Cardiff city centre. It's a halal eatery that specialises in freshly cooked stir-fries, in a casual environment that's perfect for laid-back group meals.
There's plenty to pick between on their extensive menu, ranging from creamy tofu red curry to green papaya salad or garlic pepper prawns, with many dishes costing less than £10 each.
There are curries galore at Chilli Basil.
Bangkok Cafe
A well-established favourite in Cardiff's dining scene, Bangkok Cafe is situated on Cowbridge Road. Their freshly prepared dishes are served on colourful plates, matching the bright leather booths around the venue. This spot was opened 10 years ago by Tamsin Ramasut, daughter of the Ramasut family who own Thai House, following years of travelling back and forth to Thailand to understand her heritage.
They use authentic methods to prepare the food, which is made up of locally sourced ingredients where possible - including Rogers & Sons Butchers, Celtic Coast Fish Mongers and Chef’s Choice Greengrocers. As for the menu, expect everything from red curry fishcakes to stir-fried roast duck and vegetable tempura - with a whole vegan menu available too.
For traditional recipes using local ingredients, Bangkok Cafe is your best bet.
Ton Thai Street Food Cafe
Found just outside the city centre in the Tongwylais area, Ton Thai Street Food Cafe is a popular restaurant and takeaway that offers all-day dining. The relaxed destination features bright orange walls and colourful artwork, with an outside seating area to boot.
They offer classics like red and green curry, alongside crispy bean curd, prawn tempura, garlic-fried aubergine and so much more.
Expect bold colours and flavours here.
For more top food picks, check out our guide to the city's best Indian restaurants.
