When I think ‘Thai food,’ I think ‘rainy day!’
The fact that I’m up for enjoying it all day, any day is a different story, but there’s something about the flavours of Thai food that go so well with the monsoons. The sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and aromatic flavours of Thai food bring an extra kick to those rainy afternoons. The heat from the chilies and the warmth of the spices are addictive as they are comforting. Fresh herbs, smoky grills, zesty citrus, and slow-cooked curries with luscious coconut milk – see where I’m going with this? Hopefully, my plans to go to Thailand this year work out and I can walk the streets of Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai for the real deal! Until then, here are the top Thai restaurants in Goa.
The Best Thai Restaurants in Goa
Thai & Wok, Panjim
Thai and Wok in Panjim has become my go-to spot for Asian cuisine, and I’ve been there at least 10 times. Their dishes are consistently good and made with homegrown, Oriental vegetables, giving you that fresh and authentic taste every time you visit – they take farm-to-table seriously! The place is always buzzing – a sure sign of its popularity, and the menu is so vibrant, filled with Thai names and images of the dishes – it truly feels like you’ve stepped into a bustling China-Town eatery.
Now, when it comes to the food, you’ve got to try the satay, spring rolls, soups, and curries. And let’s not forget the Pad Thai – it’s a must! Plus, they have this unique dish called Morning Glory, which you won’t find anywhere else in Goa. It is made with the leaves of the Morning Glory plant. Their menu is quite extensive, covering Chinese, Thai, Pan-Asian, and Balinese cuisine, which can be a bit overwhelming but also exciting. And the service? Just top-notch – the staff is friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and always ready with great recommendations. If you’re up for a flavorful journey through the diverse tastes of the East, Thai and Wok has made a name for itself as one of the best Thai restaurants in Goa and is the place to be!
Coco’s Kitchen Thai Street Food, Siolim
Coco Thai in Siolim is a hidden gem for all Thai food enthusiasts. This spot is truly special, with its chef hailing from Thailand and infusing every dish with authentic and delightful flavours that capture the essence of Thai cuisine. I’ve been a regular customer at Coco Thai for quite some time now, and I’ve never left disappointed.
The soups are simply amazing, and the flavors are unmatched by any other Thai restaurant in Goa. While some may find the prices on the higher side (read: steeeep), the portion sizes are generous. I always indulge in their spring rolls with sweet chili sauce and savor the Tom Yum or Tom Kha soup, which comes loaded with a variety of vegetables and traditional Thai spices. For the main course, I highly recommend trying their green curry with chicken or the classic Pad Thai, both of which never fail to impress. And if you happen to visit during Goa’s mango season, the mango and sticky rice dessert is an absolute must-try! The ambiance here is simple – no frills, and with typical garden furniture.
Fireback, Siolim
Fireback in Siolim, the newest and most upscale Thai restaurant in Goa, takes its name from Thailand’s national bird, the Siamese Fireback, while also alluding to its specialty in Thai-style grilled meats. Situated overlooking the backwaters and Siolim Church, on the same property as Hosa, this restaurant is renowned for its elevated dishes inspired by the vibrant street food of Thailand, all offered on a one-page menu. The open kitchen allowed us to watch the chefs in action, and if you’re dining solo or with a buddy up for some action, sitting at the counter by the kitchen window is a must for some added entertainment.
We started with the Pineapple Som Tam and Kingfish Salad, both bursting with bold flavors that hit us one after the other – sweet, tangy, salty, and tart all at once. The real star was the Fried Pork Belly, a dish recommended by the staff as a top seller. It had to be dipped in tamarind sauce, and wrapped in chargrilled cabbage, and it was one of the highlights of our meal.
Our server, Jacob, was a gem – candid, knowledgeable, and tons of fun. He warned us that the Jungle Pork curry would be “not spicy, but next-level spiiiiicy,” so we went with the Masaman Lamb Curry, which was simply divine. Loaded with tender lamb and chunks of pumpkin, it was a heavenly choice. We also tried the Thai Chicken Curry and Pad Thai. The Pad Thai, although on the sweeter side (as Jacob had cautioned), didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I’ve had Pad Thai before, never this sweet, and I couldn’t finish it then or even finish the leftovers at home later. The Thai Chicken Green Curry was nice, though.
For dessert, we savored the rich and refreshing Kahlua Ice Cream, beautifully presented and a perfect end to the meal. The Cashew Nut Cake was a bit of a mystery. It had a base similar to halwa or sheera, topped with cashew nuts and, wait for it – fried onions, served with a side of coconut milk. The combination was unusual, and I couldn’t quite figure out if it worked or not, but I couldn’t stop eating it. The portion was generous, definitely more than enough for two people
For more restaurants in Siolim, click here.
More Thai Restaurants in Goa
When it comes to Thai cuisine, many immediately think of Thai curry and sticky rice – and I must confess, I too find myself drawn to this comforting meal, especially on days when I need a simple, feel-good dinner Restaurants specializing in Thai curry and rice are plenty, such as Qi Pan Asian, Yaki Zushi, Masko, Wok & Roll, and Yazu, and in fact, 90% of the establishments featured on my list of the best Pan Asian dining experiences in Goa will have the dish on the menu. So you don’t always have to go to one of the Thai restaurants in Goa to get your fix.
You may also like to read my blog on beach shacks that are open during the monsoons and budget-friendly restaurants in Goa.
