Featured Restaurant Reviews
Super Thai by Soi Aroy
Ambience & Style Super Thai exudes a contemporary Thai vibe with modern touches that appeal to both locals and expatriates. The atmosphere balances casual dining comfort with polished restaurant aesthetics, creating a welcoming space for groups and families alike.
Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
- Tom Yum Soup: Fiery and aromatic with a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory notes
- Green Curry: Rich coconut-based curry with tender proteins and fresh Thai basil
- Pad Thai: Classic rice noodles with tamarind sauce, perfectly balanced sweetness
- Basil Stir-fries: Bold garlic and holy basil combinations with choice of proteins
Special Features
- Adjustable spice levels for all dishes
- Authentic Thai cocktails
- Multiple locations for convenience
- Generous portion sizes
Essence: Authentic Thai flavors with customer-friendly customization options
Sarai Fine Thai
Ambience & Style Traditional Thai elegance meets fine dining sophistication. The restaurant features a Thai-style dining room that transports guests to Thailand through carefully curated decor and authentic atmospheric elements.
Chef’s Profile Led by Isan-born Chef Lisa, the kitchen brings decades of heritage and constant innovation to every plate. Her northeastern Thai roots influence the menu’s authentic regional specialties.
Signature Dishes
- Isan-Style Grilled Chicken: Marinated with lemongrass, galangal, and coriander roots, grilled to smoky perfection
- Crispy Skin Duck Confit: Thai-spiced duck with perfectly rendered crispy skin
- Tom Yum Soup: Classic hot and sour soup with authentic depth
- Pad Thai: Chef’s interpretation of Thailand’s most iconic noodle dish
Ambience Rating: Fine dining with traditional touches Price Point: Mid to high range Best For: Special occasions, authentic Isan cuisine enthusiasts
Sabai Fine Thai on the Bay
Ambience & Style Stunning waterfront location with alfresco dining overlooking Marina Bay skyline. The setting combines natural beauty with urban sophistication, creating an unforgettable dining backdrop, especially during sunset hours.
Philosophy Premium ingredients drive the authentic Thai culinary experience. Every dish reflects the belief that quality produces genuine flavor profiles.
Menu Structure
- Appetizers: Fried spring rolls, satay skewers, Thai fish cakes
- Salads: Som tam (papaya salad), yam woon sen (glass noodle salad)
- Soups: Tom yum, tom kha gai
- Curries: Panang, green, red, massaman
- Mains: Stir-fries, grilled specialties, seafood preparations
Essence: Upscale Thai dining with breathtaking views Best For: Romantic dinners, business entertaining, tourists seeking premium experiences
The Beer People Co.
Ambience & Style Hidden gem with casual, no-frills atmosphere in the Jalan Besar neighborhood. The relaxed vibe appeals to those seeking authentic flavors without pretension.
Unique Concept Despite the name, this establishment delivers exceptional Thai food alongside an impressive selection of 150 Asian-label beers, creating an unexpected but delightful pairing experience.
Signature Specialty Southern Thai Boat Noodles: Unlike typical tom yum versions, these lean toward sour and spicy rather than sweet, offering an authentic regional interpretation rarely found in Singapore.
Menu Highlights
- Pad Thai
- Basil pork rice (gai pad krapow)
- Grilled pork skewers
- Spring rolls
- Boat noodles (star dish)
Price Point: Incredibly affordable Essence: Authentic Southern Thai flavors in an unexpected beer-focused venue
Traditional Thai Dishes: Analysis & Cooking Insights
Tom Yum Soup (ต้มยำ)
Flavor Profile: Hot, sour, aromatic, with umami depth
Key Ingredients
- Lemongrass stalks
- Galangal (Thai ginger)
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Thai chilies (bird’s eye)
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Palm sugar
- Prawns or chicken
- Straw mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
Cooking Instructions
- Bring stock to boil with bruised lemongrass, sliced galangal, and torn kaffir lime leaves
- Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse aromatics
- Add mushrooms and protein, cook until nearly done
- Add tomatoes and chilies
- Season with fish sauce and palm sugar
- Remove from heat, add lime juice
- Garnish with cilantro and additional chilies
Essential Technique: Never boil after adding lime juice to preserve bright, fresh acidity
Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)
Flavor Profile: Sweet, sour, savory, with textural contrast
Key Ingredients
- Rice noodles (sen lek)
- Tamarind paste
- Fish sauce
- Palm sugar
- Dried shrimp
- Firm tofu
- Eggs
- Garlic chives
- Bean sprouts
- Roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges
Cooking Instructions
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, drain
- Prepare sauce: mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar
- Heat wok until smoking, add oil
- Stir-fry protein until cooked, push to side
- Scramble eggs in wok
- Add noodles and sauce, toss continuously
- Add dried shrimp, tofu, chives
- Finish with bean sprouts (keeping some fresh)
- Plate and garnish with peanuts, lime, fresh sprouts
Critical Tips: High heat, constant motion, don’t overcook noodles
Green Curry (แกงเขียวหวาน)
Flavor Profile: Creamy, spicy, aromatic, slightly sweet
Key Ingredients for Paste
- Green chilies
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Lemongrass
- Galangal
- Coriander roots
- Cumin seeds
- White peppercorns
- Shrimp paste
- Kaffir lime zest
Curry Ingredients
- Coconut cream and milk
- Thai basil
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Thai eggplants
- Bamboo shoots
- Protein (chicken, beef, or seafood)
- Fish sauce
- Palm sugar
Cooking Instructions
- Fry curry paste in thick coconut cream until fragrant (2-3 minutes)
- Add protein, coat with paste
- Pour in remaining coconut milk
- Add harder vegetables, simmer
- Season with fish sauce and palm sugar
- Add softer vegetables and basil
- Finish with torn kaffir lime leaves
Pad Krapow (ผัดกระเพรา)
Flavor Profile: Savory, spicy, aromatic with holy basil essence
Key Ingredients
- Minced chicken or pork
- Holy basil leaves (krapow)
- Thai chilies
- Garlic
- Long beans or green beans
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Fried egg (topping)
Cooking Instructions
- Pound chilies and garlic into rough paste
- Heat wok with oil until smoking
- Fry chili-garlic paste until fragrant
- Add minced meat, break up and fry
- Add beans, stir-fry
- Season with sauces and sugar
- Add holy basil, turn off heat, toss
- Serve over rice with fried egg
Essence: Quick, high-heat cooking preserves basil’s peppery aroma
Restaurant Facets & Features Comparison
By Ambience Style
Fine Dining
- Sarai Fine Thai (Traditional Thai elegance)
- Sabai Fine Thai on the Bay (Waterfront sophistication)
- Blue Jasmine (Hotel restaurant refinement)
- Sawasdee Cuisine (Old-world Siam atmosphere)
Casual Dining
- Super Thai by Soi Aroy (Modern contemporary)
- A-roy Thai (Family-friendly)
- Joe’s Thai Kitchen (Neighborhood spot)
- Nakhon Kitchen (Heartland favorite)
Hidden Gems
- The Beer People Co. (Beer hall meets Thai kitchen)
- Korat Thai Cafe (Orchard Towers surprise)
- Jai Thai (Consistent neighborhood joint)
By Specialty Features
Halal-Certified
- Koh Nangkam (Southern Thai focus)
- Time for Thai (Family-friendly)
Spice Customization
- Super Thai by Soi Aroy (Adjustable heat levels)
- Aroy-Dee Thai Kitchen (Extra spicy available)
Regional Specialties
- Sarai (Isan northeastern cuisine)
- Koh Nangkam (Southern Thai)
- Noodle Cafe (Thai boat noodles)
- New Udon Mookata (Thai barbecue steamboat)
Budget-Friendly
- Took Lae Dee (“Cheap and good” philosophy)
- The Beer People Co. (Affordable prices)
- Nakhon Kitchen (Heartland pricing)
Multiple Locations
- Super Thai by Soi Aroy
- A-roy Thai
- Jai Thai
- Nakhon Kitchen
- Time for Thai
Delivery & Takeaway Options
Available Platforms
Most restaurants partner with major delivery services:
- GrabFood
- Foodpanda
- Deliveroo
Best Dishes for Delivery
Travels Well
- Pad Thai (noodles separate from garnishes)
- Fried rice variations
- Curries with rice
- Satay skewers
- Spring rolls
- Thai fish cakes
Order with Caution
- Tom yum soup (may spill)
- Crispy items (may lose texture)
- Boat noodles (best fresh)
Packaging Considerations
Premium restaurants like Sabai Fine Thai and Sarai typically provide superior packaging that maintains food temperature and prevents spillage.
Dish Analysis: What Makes Great Thai Food
Balance of Flavors
Authentic Thai cuisine achieves harmony among five fundamental tastes:
- Spicy (พริก – prik): Chilies
- Sour (เปรี้ยว – priao): Lime, tamarind
- Sweet (หวาน – wan): Palm sugar, coconut
- Salty (เค็ม – kem): Fish sauce, soy sauce
- Umami (อร่อย – aroi): Shrimp paste, dried seafood
Textural Contrast
Great Thai dishes incorporate varied textures:
- Crispy (fried shallots, peanuts)
- Soft (noodles, rice)
- Crunchy (fresh vegetables, sprouts)
- Tender (properly cooked proteins)
- Chewy (rice noodles, glass noodles)
Aromatic Complexity
Essential Thai aromatics create depth:
- Lemongrass (citrus brightness)
- Galangal (sharp, piney heat)
- Kaffir lime (floral citrus)
- Holy basil (peppery anise)
- Thai basil (licorice sweetness)
- Coriander root (earthy depth)
Menu Planning: Complete Thai Feast
Appetizer Course
- Mixed satay platter (chicken, pork)
- Thai fish cakes with cucumber relish
- Fresh spring rolls
- Fried spring rolls
Soup Course
- Tom yum goong (hot and sour prawn soup)
- Tom kha gai (coconut chicken soup)
Salad Course
- Som tam (green papaya salad)
- Yam woon sen (glass noodle salad)
- Larb gai (minced chicken salad)
Main Courses
- Pad Thai
- Green curry with chicken
- Pad krapow (holy basil stir-fry)
- Steamed fish with lime and chili
- Panang curry
Dessert
- Mango sticky rice
- Thai coconut ice cream
Beverage Pairing
- Thai iced tea
- Coconut water
- Singha beer
- Lemongrass drink
Location Guide: By Neighborhood
Central Singapore
- Sawasdee Cuisine (Bugis)
- Sabai Fine Thai (Marina Bay)
- Blue Jasmine (Little India)
- Diandin Leluk (Beach Road)
Orchard Area
- Korat Thai Cafe (Orchard Towers)
- Sarai (Tanglin Mall)
East Singapore
- Nakhon Kitchen (Bedok)
- A-roy Thai (Changi Airport)
North Singapore
- A-roy Thai (Novena)
- Time for Thai (Woodleigh Mall, Northpoint City)
West Singapore
- Super Thai (Pasir Panjang)
- Joe’s Thai Kitchen (Bukit Merah)
- Time for Thai (Bukit Timah)
Jalan Besar/Lavender
- The Beer People Co. (Jalan Besar)
- Noodle Cafe (Mackenzie Road)
- New Udon Mookata (Lavender Street)
Essential Thai Food Vocabulary
Dishes
- Pad (ผัด): Stir-fried
- Tom (ต้ม): Boiled/soup
- Gaeng (แกง): Curry
- Yam (ยำ): Salad (spicy)
- Tod (ทอด): Fried
Proteins
- Gai (ไก่): Chicken
- Moo (หมู): Pork
- Neua (เนื้อ): Beef
- Goong (กุ้ง): Prawn/shrimp
- Pla (ปลา): Fish
Preparation
- Ping (ปิ้ง): Grilled
- Kratiem prik Thai (กระเทียมพริกไทย): Garlic and pepper
- Nam prik pao (น้ำพริกเผา): Roasted chili paste
- Krapow (กระเพรา): Holy basil
Conclusion
Singapore’s Thai food scene offers remarkable diversity, from street-style boat noodles to fine dining interpretations. Whether seeking fiery authenticity, refined presentations, or budget-friendly comfort, these establishments deliver the complex flavors that make Thai cuisine beloved worldwide. The key to great Thai food remains constant: balancing bold flavors, respecting traditional techniques, and using quality ingredients to create dishes that are simultaneously comforting and exciting.