Where to Find the Best Thai in Hong Kong
When most people think of dining in Hong Kong, their minds immediately drift to bamboo steamers stacked high with har gow, or the fast-paced charm of a local cha chaan teng. But as much as I love a good pineapple bun, there is a completely different, fiercely aromatic undercurrent running through the streets of Central and Sheung Wan. Hong Kong’s Thai food scene is surprisingly unapologetic. Driven by a tight-knit community and a local palate that respects serious heat, you don’t have to settle for toned-down curries or overly sweet stir-fries here.
Whether you are sweating through the humidity of the mid-levels or wandering the historic, sloping alleys of Sheung Wan, the scent of toasted chili, sweet holy basil, and rich pork broth is never far away. If you are craving a proper fix of sour, spicy, and savory, let me walk you through my absolute favorite spots in the city.
If there is one place that has completely redefined casual Thai dining in Hong Kong, it is Samsen. Tucked away on Jervois Street, this location builds on the massive success of its Wan Chai sibling, boasting an impressive 4.5 rating from well over 1,200 reviews. Walking into Samsen feels like stepping directly into a vintage Bangkok shophouse, complete with distressed walls, vintage posters, and an electric, noisy atmosphere. While the original location is famous for its dark, brooding boat noodles, the Sheung Wan outpost champions Khao Soi—the iconic Northern Thai curry noodle soup. The broth is rich, heavy with coconut milk and earthy spices, topped with a nest of crispy egg noodles that soak up the bowl's golden heat. Order a side of their wok-fried spicy pork with holy basil, and you will immediately understand why there is a line down the block every single night.
Just a short walk up the hill onto Hollywood Road sits Chachawan, a restaurant that stubbornly refuses to serve Pad Thai or green curry. Instead, this spot focuses entirely on the bold, rustic flavors of Isaan—Thailand’s northeastern region. With an incredibly loyal following and a 4.5 rating from nearly 900 reviews, Chachawan does not hold back on the bird's eye chilies or the fermented fish sauce. You are here for the grill and the mortar and pestle. The som tum (green papaya salad) is pounded fresh to order, vibrating with a lime-heavy acidity that cuts right through the heat. Pair it with their gai yang, a marinated chicken grilled over charcoal until the skin is deeply blistered and smoky, served with tiny woven baskets of sticky rice. The vibe is loud, the cocktails are strong, and the food commands your full attention.
Nestled within the creative, historic walls of the PMQ complex on Aberdeen Street, BKK Thai Street Food has quietly racked up the highest rating of our trio, boasting a stellar 4.6 from over 550 diners. This is the perfect sanctuary when you need a break from browsing the independent design boutiques upstairs. The menu is an accessible, highly executed love letter to Bangkok's night markets. The open front, casual seating, and vibrant energy make it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a lively dinner. Their pad kra pao is a masterclass in balance, the minced meat clinging to fresh basil and soy, crowned with an essential crispy-edged fried egg. It is straightforward, deeply comforting, and captures the exact essence of eating on a plastic stool in the Thai capital, right in the heart of Hong Kong's Central district.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you are planning to hit any of these spots, timing is everything. Hong Kong diners are serious about their meals, and both Samsen and Chachawan operate on a strict no-reservations policy for small groups. Your best bet is to arrive right when doors open for dinner, usually around 6:00 PM, or embrace the wait. Grab a cold Singha or a Thai milk tea, stand on the sidewalk, and soak in the neighborhood energy—the fast-moving lines are part of the local ritual.
Price-wise, you are paying Hong Kong rents, so abandon the expectation of backpacker-budget street food. Expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $400 HKD per person, especially once you add a round of drinks and inevitable extra plates to share.
Ready to Eat?
Hong Kong is a city built on endless exploration, and its Thai restaurants are no exception. The next time you find yourself wandering the steep steps of Sheung Wan or Central, let the scent of garlic and chili guide you. Grab a friend, order something spicier than you normally would, and dive into the brilliant, chaotic flavors these kitchens are firing up. If you discover a new favorite dish along the way, I’d love to hear about it—until then, stay hungry and keep exploring!