Best Thai restaurants in Manchester 

Not to be confused with the country’s renowned combat sport, My Thai is a small chain of budget-friendly eateries with a site in both the Northern Quarter and on John Dalton Street. Inspired by the street food markets of Bangkok with its vibrant decor and fragrant aromas, the restaurants certainly don’t compromise when it comes to flavour, serving a range of authentic Thai dishes at affordable prices. Packed with curries, rice plates and noodle soups, the menu is extravagant and extensive – there’s even a ‘foodies’ section for those who want to adventure into the territory of salted crab, holy basil and ‘special pink broth.’

Expanding to Manchester from the capital, Rosa’s Thai Cafe opened its doors in a beautiful Grade II listed building on Deansgate mere weeks before national lockdown in 2020. With genuine hospitality and great recipes at the heart of its concept, Rosa’s founder Saiphin grew up on a mountain farm in Northern Thailand and is passionate about serving authentic Thai food in a relaxed, no-frills environment. Offering bold dishes packed with locally sourced ingredients, the menu includes signature drunken noodles, punchy rice dishes and unique twists on popular plates – such as Thai calamari and tangy pineapple curry.

Promising a culinary tour across East Asia with every meal, Tampopo offers a patchwork menu of popular dishes from Thailand and Vietnam, as well as Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia. With sharing platters and sociable bench seating, the diverse menu makes it the ideal option for large groups who may have different palates and preferences. The Thai options hold their own amongst the colourful dishes, with fiery Pad Krapow Kha stir fries, traditional red and green curries and Pad Thai noodle dishes. While it might not offer the most authentic dishes on this list, Tampopo is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Decorated with unique trinkets and serving dishes direct from the streets of Thailand, you’ll be transported straight to the Khao San Road with a trip to Thaikhun. With its famous tuk-tuk at the entrance, the dining experience promises to replicate the lively street market atmosphere that you’d expect to find on the streets of Bangkok. Choose between stir fries, curries, soups and salads, with plenty of contemporary twists and plant-based options. There’s also the ‘street food sharing stack’ available, similar to an Indian tiffin and popular as a packed lunch in Thailand – you pick a curry, a stir-fry, a noodle dish and a side of rice to share.

Tucked away on Deansgate Mews, Siam Smiles is a local treasure on the Manchester hospitality scene, adored by locals and critics alike. Once a tiny café squeezed in between supermarket shelves in Chinatown, the restaurant’s owner (and current head chef) leant her profession via the medium of YouTube videos following the departure of their chef. While the menu focuses on noodle and rice dishes, there’s also an impressive selection of salads and an extensive vegan menu. Be warned, however – this eatery might be small but it has a reputation for packing the biggest punch in the city with its spicy dishes.