Last updated: August 15, 2024
If you’re looking for authentic Thai cuisine in Newcastle Upon Tyne and the surrounding area, these ten restaurants offer the perfect mix of flavour, ambience, and great service.
Mantra Thai
Mantra Thai is renowned for its modern, stylish interiors and sophisticated take on traditional Thai dishes. With an elegant dining atmosphere and changing set menus which take you on a culinary tour of Thailand, it’s perfect for a luxurious evening out. The menu boasts a variety of delectable dishes, from Thai classics to unique chef specials. The Panang Beef Curry is a must-try – slow-cooked tender beef in a rich and creamy red curry sauce with coconut milk and kaffir leaf, served with fragrant jasmine rice. (Dish pictured is lamb massamam).
Address: Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3SG
Zaap Thai
Zaap Thai offers a vibrant, street-food style atmosphere, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into the bustling streets of Bangkok complete with authentic Tuk Tuk! With a focus on bold flavours and authentic Thai street food, the menu is an adventure in every bite. The Pad Thai is a must-try, perfectly balancing sweet, sour, and savoury flavours with wok-fried rice noodles, prawns, and a tamarind-based sauce.
Address: 117 Newgate St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5RZ
Chaophraya
Located in the heart of Newcastle, Chaophraya is perfect for a luxurious Thai dining experience. Take the private lift in Eldon Square up to restaurant where you’ll be greeted by stunning interiors, buddhas and water fountains. The restaurant offers incredible views of the city out across Monument and down Grey Street, while there’s also a big roof terrace – perfect for al fresco dining in summer. The cocktails are a real treat and food is outstanding. Perfect for a special occasion, their menu blends traditional and contemporary Thai cuisine. Try the Massaman Lamb Curry – a luxurious favourite, slow-cooked to perfection and served with soft potatoes in a rich, nutty sauce.
Address: Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7AP
Thai House Cafe
This cosy spot is perfect for those seeking an intimate and homely dining experience. Thai House Café focuses on traditional family recipes, offering a small but carefully curated menu filled with the comfort of authentic home-cooked Thai food. Try their Tom Yum Soup – a hot and sour soup that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and spicy, packed with fresh seafood.
Address: 93 Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PZ
Nadon Thai
Nadon Thai is all about bold, authentic flavours in a comfortable and relaxed setting. The restaurant takes pride in using fresh, local ingredients to create a true taste of Thailand, with a menu offering a wide range of classic Thai dishes. The family who own Nadon Thai are from Chiang Mai in Thailand, serving up authentic cuisine at very reasonable prices. Try their Green Chicken Curry which is a customer favourite, with tender chicken in a fragrant coconut and green chilli sauce. There are also restaurants in Durham and Morpeth.
Address: 32-34 Mosley St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1DF
Sohe
For a contemporary twist on Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine, Sohe in Newcastle’s Jesmond area blends stylish dining with innovative flavours. The chic setting, combined with beautifully presented dishes, makes this a favourite among those seeking something different. They also serve excellent cocktails and the mango and chilli martini with Olmeca Tequila is a must-try. The Thai Red Curry with duck is a flavour-packed indulgence, served with aromatic Thai herbs and a rich coconut-based sauce, while the Chicken Massaman with peanuts is an authentic tasting curry, rich and delicious.
Address: 97-103 Osborne Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2TJ
Bangkok Palace, Whitley Bay
Bangkok Palace offers a laid-back dining experience, located in charming Whitley Bay, close to the beach. The restaurant is loved for its warm hospitality and menu featuring a variety of traditional Thai favourites. Try the Thai style soup with slow cooked beef, Som Tum (papaya salad) which is refreshing and tangy, featuring shredded papaya, lime, and a kick of chilli, and the Chicken with Pineapple.
Address: 7 Esplanade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2AH
Tayu Pan-Asian
Tayu Pan-Asian combines Thai cuisine with other Asian influences in a sleek, modern dining space. With a broad menu featuring fresh and vibrant dishes, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore beyond typical Thai offerings. Cocktail offers include 2 for £12 Sunday to Thursday, along with a mid-week menu where you can enjoy a main, side and a drink for only £14. We love the Chicken Katsu Curry and the Honey Chilli Chicken.
Address: 12b Nelson St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5AW
Orangegrass Thai, South Shields
Orangegrass Thai in South Shields is a hidden gem, offering a blend of traditional and modern Thai flavours. It’s a cosy place offering a good mixed starter with charcoal grilled satay chicken and chunky tiger prawns in a crispy pastry along with deep fried marinated chicken accompanied by a tantalising sweet chilli sauce. For mains try the Daad Diew stir fry with king prawns oozing in an oyster and dark soy sauce and a flavoursome trio of cumin, coriander and black pepper. Read the full review here.
Address: 3 Mount Terrace, South Shields, NE33 2EU
Thai Kun at Metrocentre
Located in the bustling Metrocentre, Thaikhun offers an extensive menu of Thai delicacies, all within a contemporary, stylish setting. The restaurant is known for its variety, making it a great option for both quick bites while shopping or a leisurely dinner afterwards. Try the Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice if you like a kick and the legendary khoo soi gai – chicken, a boiled egg and pickled veg might be the Thai dish you never knew was your fave!
Address: The Qube, Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9YG