Though the North East of England may be a long way from South East Asia, that doesn't mean you can't sample some of its finest food. This city is filled with amazing Thai restaurants, from Jesmond to the Quayside, serving up your fix of tom yum soup, massaman curry and pad Thai.
We've picked out the very best spots to try, from beautiful rooftop haunts to cute cafes and colourful dining spaces. So if you're searching for a brilliant Thai restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne, look no further than this helpful guide.
Best Thai Restaurants In Newcastle Upon Tyne
Chaophraya
Possibly the best Thai restaurant in Newcastle city centre, thanks to its stunning interiors and amazing views, Chaophraya can be found at the top of Eldon Square, overlooking Monument and the surrounding area. As well as an elegant outdoor terrace, you'll find lots of opulent decor including golden statues, hanging lampshades and plush leather seating.
The venue group has been around more than 20 years, founded by husband and wide duo Kim and Martin - who were born and raised in Thailand and the UK respectively. They offer sharing set menus and three-course lunches for £25, as well as a 'Thai tapas' small plates option. Indulge in the likes of pad ka prao, crispy pork belly and stir-fried aubergine tempura, washed down with a range of refreshing cocktails.
Mantra Thai Restaurant Newcastle
One of the most authentic Thai restaurants Newcastle has to offer, Mantra Thai promises a high-end approach to traditional cooking techniques, with a huge menu of signature dishes. Their chefs have been cooking for over 30 years between them, having learned the recipes from growing up in Thailand.
Their elegant dining space on the banks of the Tyne features lots of pretty plants, paired with stylish, colourful decor. As for the menu, expect everything from tempura king prawns to panang pork curry or crispy fried mushrooms with cashew nuts, to name just a few of their fantastic options.
The Muddler
If it's stunning surrounds that you're after, you can't go wrong with a trip to The Muddler on Grey Street. There's a sunny outdoor terrace that's ideal for summer cocktails, while the inside promises decadent marble-topped tables, golden walls and dark leather furnishings, dimly lit to create a sultry atmosphere - perfect for date nights.
There's a pan-Asian menu to enjoy here, with a strong focus on Thai dishes, alongside sushi. Dive into plates of Thai red curry, crispy chilli squid, vegetable tempura and more, or choose the Bangkok set menu for £38 per person.
Zaap Thai
Situated on Newgate Street, Zaap Thai is a bright, colourful restaurant that's filled with quirky ornaments and vibrant furnishings. Expect quirky neon signs and posters for different Thai beers around the dining area, and you might even get to eat in a tuk tuk if you're lucky enough.
The walk in-only venue has been around since 2016, close to the shops and many of the city's best nightlife spots. Drop by for unique, modern twists on Thai plates like steamed pork dumplings, tofu red curry, duck in a five-spice sauce and much more.
Nadon Thai
Offering a relaxed dining setting, Nadon Thai can be found on Mosley Street in the city centre - one of three venues in this North East restaurant group. It's run by a family from Chiang Mai in Thailand, who pride themselves on providing bold, authentic flavours at an affordable price.
Their pretty interiors feature rustic wooden furniture, pretty greenery and warm lighting, while the extensive menu offers everything you'd want from a Newcastle Thai restaurant. We're talking tofu green curry, beef stir-fry in oyster sauce and prawn drunken noodles, with most main courses coming in at less than £15 each.
Sohe
Head over to Jesmond to discover Sohe, an upmarket venue that serves contemporary Thai and other pan-Asian dishes. Located on the buzzing Osborne Road, this sleek spot flaunts stunning interiors full of plush booth seating, gorgeous lampshades and dark colours, making for a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience.
Their internationally-inspired menu features the likes of chicken massaman curry, sweet and sour tofu stir-fry or a classic pad Thai in different flavours. What's more, there's an extensive cocktail list to wash it all down - we recommend the blackberry and lychee blend.
Bangrak Thai
A friendly Thai restaurant on Newcastle's Quayside, Bangrak Thai is a welcoming, intimate venue inspired by the street food vendors of Bangrak, a region in Bangkok. Everything is cooked fresh to order, they won't even pre-slice their herbs, and you can choose the spice level of your meal.
Familiar favourites include tom yum soup, panang curry and lemongrass chicken, but they also offer lesser-known dishes such as hoy nung mussels.
Thai House Cafe
Having begun as an independent business in the nearby Hexham, Thai House Cafe has now got a city centre venue as well. The Clayton Street location offers a no-frills dining experience, with casual surrounds and a small but carefully curated menu of family favourites.
Authentic dishes here include spicy fishcakes, massaman curry and their signature tom yum soup, all coming in at an affordable price.
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