Five of the best Thai restaurants on the Gold Coast

If it’s got the word coconut in its name, then we’re walking into that restaurant, so it’s no wonder we nominate CocoHut Taste of Thailand as a perennial favourite.

If it’s a bit chilly, then go the soup option – easily said but which one? The tom yum or the tom kha? Simple: if you’re yearning for a little coconut goodness without the heat, then it’s the kha. For a spicer version, the tom yum.

On the other side of the seasonal coin, the larb crispy chicken is filled with summer-y goodness: lemon juice, fish sauce, mint… need we go on? It hits all five senses and it’s a salad – who needs more?

Ignore the curries at your peril.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Coco crispy chicken basil ($18.90)

Twenty years and counting, Sunshine Thai in Coolangatta survives because it serves up fabulous food.

Start with the golden bags – chicken mince, fresh veggies and the delicious specialty Thai chilli sauce. Can’t choose? Order the mixed entree dish for one, two, three or four – spring roll, curry puff, golden bag and chicken satay. Definitely a crowd pleaser.

For something more substantial, the noodle and rice dishes offer vegetarian, chicken seafood and tofu options.

The massaman curry is mild enough for the most sensitive tummy, but it’s delish and those aromatics just keep giving.

Authentic Thai dishes, friendly service and large portions. What’s not to love about Sunshine Thai?

Dish Cult’s top pick: Whisky sauce stir fry with tofu ($25.90)

Feeling indulgent? Mamasan has you covered! Its extensive menu embraces Thai as well as other parts of South East Asia.

Be prepared to order a variety of smaller plates to share – no need for food envy here! Some of our favourites include the Moreton Bay bug wok tossed with umami black pepper and chilli sauce, garlic and lime. The Wagyu beef red curry is perfect for cooler weather too – it’s a 12-hour braised beef with daikon, banana chilli, coconut cream and peanuts.

Yes, it’s not strictly Thai but for the picky vegetarian, you can’t go past the sweet corn cakes served with pumpkin, zucchini and pineapple nuoc cham.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Wagyu beef red curry ($35)

Just because Nahm Thai is nestled in a shopping centre, doesn’t mean the food isn’t seriously good.

Kick off with the homemade fish cakes. It may only be an entree but this dish packs a big ole punch. You’ll also need an order of chicken satay, they’re a classic for a reason.

Move along with the chicken chilli jam noodle to wake the palate and satisfy those veggie cravings; the cashews add crunch and even more flavour.

In short, the menu is Thai die for (sorry, couldn’t help it).

Dish Cult’s top pick: Pork ribs served with fresh salad leaves and nam jim jaw ($29)

Oz Thai might have “takeaway” in its web address, but don’t worry, you can definitely eat in.

Who doesn’t love chicken wings – especially when served with that Thai standard: sweet chilli sauce. Bound to please both the young and not-so-young, in fact anyone who likes their chicken wings sweet and crispy.

The jungle curry will have you yodelling with glee – spicy red curry (without the coconut milk) and lashings of vegetables, now that’s a dish deserving of its name.

Basil, basil, basil – no, it’s not a bad Fawlty Towers impersonation, it’s the accompaniment to the chilli dish served with your protein of choice: chicken, pork, beef or tofu.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Garlic and pepper stir fry with housemade garlic sauce (from $18.00 to $20.50, depending on choice of protein)