There are different ways to define comfort food. For some, its traditional Southern cuisine or hearty, warm soups, but never count out the rich and savory flavors of Thai food when you want some comfort with a kick! Houston is home to a number of delicious and authentic Thai restaurants. To make it easier on the famished wayfarer, we’ve picked restaurants in some of Houston’s most-visited neighborhoods, so that no matter where you are, you can get the pad thai or yellow curry you so desperately crave.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Mango Tree Thai Bistro | Downtown

Anyone coming to H-Town will typically visit or stay in our sprawling Downtown area. So when you need a quick Thai option, head to Mango Tree Thai Bistro. The lunch special is a great option with your choice of a curry, noodle, fried rice or entrée option served with the appetizer of the day, soup and salad. The dinner menu is plentiful, but fan favorites seem to be any of the curry dishes, yum nua salad or Thai pepper steak. 

Nara Express | Midtown

Not too far from Downtown, you’ll find Nara Express. Though located next to a gas station, it’s a cult favorite for the true Thai enthusiast. If you look through Yelp reviews, there are multiple proclamations that this unassuming restaurant cranks out some of the meanest Thai food in Houston. Specific dishes to try include the pad see ew, crab angels and sticky rice.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Thai Cottage | Greenway Plaza & Upper Kirby

Thai Cottage serves up flavorful, delicious and traditional Thai dishes in a clean, modern atmosphere. The lunch menu is great value for money with options like the panang curry, pad Thai and Thai cashew nut entrée served with a vegetable egg roll and peanut salad dressing. The chic atmosphere also lends itself well to dinner with a drink menu that includes its ya dong shot, which is herb-infused Thai street liquor. Surprisingly enough, the shot is meant to help energize, boost blood flow and remedy ailments.

Thai Style Fast Food | Chinatown

Just because Houston’s Chinatown includes the name of one specific country, don’t count it out for tons of other ethnic eats. Head to Thai Style Fast Food for another hold-in-the-wall find at the corner of S. Gessner and Harwin. The customer service is said to be top notch, complemented by the delicious food. Some of the more popular options include Thai tea, red Thai curry and pad kee mao. The price point is easy on the budget, so order a few entrées and make it a family-style experience!

Street Food Thai Market | The Heights

Spicy and vegetarian friendly were a few of the ways Street Food Thai Market was described. This restaurant also doubles as a Thai grocery; so if you’re looking to make a Thai dish at home, pick their brains for great make-at-home supplies. Diners love the tom yum soup, the basil friend rice with beef and massaman curry. Further, Street Food Thai Market, purchases its fruits and vegetables daily from the local Houston Farmers Market and sources quality proteins from local Houston wholesalers.

Morningside Thai | Medical Center

For a cute, casual and friendly Thai experience, head to Morningside Thai. Located in a strip mall close to Medical Center, the restaurant is unassuming, but welcoming with a few outdoor tables. The menu has all of your Thai favorites with portions that ensure leftovers. Known for fresh ingredients, Morningside Thai does not disappoint in flavor and guests come back for the calamari, dumplings, herb fried rice and yellow curry.

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Veing Thai | Spring Branch

Another hole-in-the-wall, but unmissable Thai restaurant is Veing Thai in Spring Branch. This establishment is B.Y.O.B., so bring a few bottles of your wine, which they will open for a small corking fee, and enjoy deliciously authentic Thai food. The jungle curry is delicious and spicy, so beware! The chicken satay makes for a great appetizer, along with the garlic pork ribs or e-sarn sausage. With your wine in hand, you can enjoy a fabulous night out on a budget!