1. Pok Pok – Portland, Oregon
Chef Andy Ricker’s Pok Pok has become legendary in Portland, known for its northern Thai street food. The standout dish, Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings, combines bold flavors with a crispy texture. Pok Pok’s success has introduced many Americans to traditional Thai dishes rarely found outside of Thailand.
Signature Dish: Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings
Location: 3226 SE Division St, Portland, OR
Website: Pok Pok
2. Jitlada – Los Angeles, California
Jitlada in Los Angeles is a renowned institution for southern Thai cuisine. Chef Jazz Singsanong’s extensive menu features everything from spicy curries to seafood specialties. Known for its adventurous options like the Thai Spicy Salad, Jitlada offers a truly authentic Thai dining experience.
Signature Dish: Thai Spicy Salad
Location: 5233 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Website: Jitlada
3. Night + Market – Los Angeles, California
Chef Kris Yenbamroong brings a fun and vibrant take on Thai street food to LA’s dining scene with Night + Market. Known for its bold flavors, the restaurant offers a fusion of Thai street-food classics and contemporary dishes. Standouts include their crispy rice salad and famous pad Thai.
Signature Dish: Crispy Rice Salad
Location: Multiple locations in Los Angeles
Website: Night + Market
4. Kin Khao – San Francisco, California
Located in downtown San Francisco, Kin Khao serves up traditional Thai flavors with a modern twist. The restaurant’s dedication to high-quality ingredients shines in dishes like Khao Soi, a northern Thai curry noodle soup. With its chic decor and flavorful dishes, Kin Khao provides a unique Thai experience.
Signature Dish: Khao Soi
Location: 55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA
Website: Kin Khao
5. Lotus of Siam – Las Vegas, Nevada
Frequently named one of the best Thai restaurants in America, Lotus of Siam offers a diverse menu featuring authentic northern Thai cuisine. Known for its nam prik noom (green chili dip) and Thai noodles, the restaurant has become a must-visit for Thai food enthusiasts visiting Las Vegas.
Signature Dish: Nam Prik Noom
Location: 620 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV
Website: Lotus of Siam
Conclusion
From Portland’s Pok Pok to Las Vegas’s Lotus of Siam, these top restaurants offer authentic, flavorful Thai food that reflects the diversity of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of spicy curries, aromatic soups, or savory street food, these dining spots bring a true taste of Thailand to the USA.