West Seattle is home to some of the best Thai food in Seattle, WA. Whether you’re craving classic dishes like pad thai or something more adventurous like larb, there are plenty of options to choose from.
From family-owned restaurants to trendy spots, West Seattle has something for everyone.
Keep reading for where to get some amazing Thai food in West Seattle!
Table of Contents
Exploring Thai Cuisine
Understanding Thai Dishes
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fragrant spices, and fresh ingredients. Some of the most popular Thai dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and Green Curry. Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that is often served with shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Tom Yum Soup is a spicy and sour soup that is typically made with shrimp, lemongrass, and chili peppers. Green Curry is a coconut-based curry that is known for its spicy and sweet flavor.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Thai cuisine is known for its abundance of vegan and vegetarian options. Many Thai dishes can be easily adapted to be vegan or vegetarian by substituting meat with tofu or vegetables. Some of the most popular vegan and vegetarian Thai dishes include Papaya Salad, Vegetable Pad Thai, and Red Curry with Tofu.
Gluten-Free Choices
Thai cuisine is also known for its gluten-free options. Many Thai dishes are made with rice noodles or rice instead of wheat-based noodles or bread. Some of the most popular gluten-free Thai dishes include Tom Yum Soup, Papaya Salad, and Green Curry.
Overall, Thai cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that cater to different dietary needs and preferences. With its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, Thai food is a great option for anyone looking to explore new flavors and cuisines.
Best Thai Restaurants in West Seattle
1. Buddha Ruksa
Buddha Ruksa is a popular Thai restaurant located in the Genesee neighborhood of West Seattle. With over 1.1k reviews on Yelp, it is known for its delicious and authentic Thai food. Customers can enjoy their meal in a cozy and friendly atmosphere, or order takeout and delivery. The restaurant is open every day except Monday.
2. Srivilai Thai Cuisine
Srivilai Thai Cuisine is another popular Thai restaurant in West Seattle, located in the Admiral neighborhood. With 240 Yelp reviews, it is known for its fresh and flavorful food. Customers can dine in a casual and inviting atmosphere, or order takeout and delivery. The restaurant is open every day except Tuesday.
3. Bai Tong
Bai Tong is a Thai restaurant located in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, but it is worth the trip for those seeking authentic Thai food. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the menu features a variety of classic Thai dishes. Bai Tong has received numerous awards, including Best Thai Restaurant by Seattle Magazine. It is open every day for lunch and dinner.
Overall, West Seattle has a great selection of Thai restaurants that offer delicious and authentic Thai food in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a special night out, there’s a Thai restaurant in West Seattle that will satisfy your cravings.
Specialties and Must-Try Dishes
Pad Thai and More
Pad Thai is a classic Thai dish that is a must-try for anyone new to Thai cuisine. This stir-fried noodle dish is typically made with shrimp, but can also be made with chicken or tofu. Other noodle dishes to try include Pad Kee Mao, also known as drunken noodles, which is a spicy dish made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein.
Seafood Delights
Seattle is known for its seafood, and Thai cuisine is no exception. Tom Yum soup is a popular seafood dish that is both spicy and sour, made with shrimp, lemongrass, and other fragrant herbs. Prawns are another seafood staple in many Thai dishes, such as the popular Papaya Salad, which is a refreshing and spicy salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and peanuts.
Exotic Offerings
For the more adventurous eaters, Thai cuisine offers some exotic and unique dishes. Khao Soi is a Northern Thai dish that features a rich and creamy curry soup with egg noodles, topped with crispy noodles and your choice of protein. Boat Noodles are another Northern Thai specialty, made with a blood-based broth and your choice of meat. If you’re feeling daring, try the Boar Collar, a grilled meat dish that is both tender and flavorful.
No matter what you choose, Thai cuisine in West Seattle has something for everyone. Some other dishes to try include Garlic Chicken, a flavorful and crispy chicken dish, and Green Curry, a spicy and fragrant curry made with coconut milk and vegetables. Visit Bangrak Market or any of the other great Thai restaurants in the area to experience the flavors of Thailand right here in Seattle.
Thai Food Beyond West Seattle
Thai in Ballard and Fremont
Ballard and Fremont offer a variety of Thai food options. Pestle Rock in Ballard serves up authentic Northern Thai cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Pop Pop Thai Street Food in Fremont offers a casual atmosphere and delicious Thai street food.
Thai in Queen Anne and Capitol Hill
Queen Anne and Capitol Hill also have a great selection of Thai restaurants. Thai Fusion Bistro on Queen Anne serves up flavorful dishes with unique twists like their pumpkin curry.
Thai in Bellevue and Redmond
Bellevue and Redmond have a number of Thai restaurants worth checking out. Chantanee in Bellevue offers a refined dining experience with dishes like their spicy basil duck. In Redmond, Bai Tong serves up classic Thai dishes like pad thai and tom yum soup.
Remember, these are just a few of the many great Thai food options in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re in Kirkland, Lynnwood, Greenwood, Belltown, Wallingford, or beyond, there’s sure to be a delicious Thai restaurant nearby.
Supporting Local Thai Businesses
One of the best ways to support the West Seattle community is by supporting local Thai businesses. By doing so, you not only get to enjoy delicious Thai food but also help small businesses thrive in the neighborhood.
There are several Thai restaurants in West Seattle that offer takeout and delivery services. By ordering from them, you can enjoy your favorite Thai dishes from the comfort of your own home while supporting local businesses.
Some of the best Thai restaurants in West Seattle include Buddha Ruksa, Srivilai Thai Cuisine, and Aroy Mak Thai Food. Each of these restaurants has unique dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Additionally, you can also show support by leaving positive reviews on their Yelp pages or sharing their menus on social media. This helps spread the word about these businesses and encourages others to give them a try.
In conclusion, supporting local Thai businesses in the Seattle area is a great way to show your support for the community. By doing so, you not only get to enjoy delicious Thai food but also help small businesses thrive in the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 10 most popular Thai dishes?
Thai cuisine is full of flavor and spices that tantalize the taste buds. Some of the most popular Thai dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Green Curry, Massaman Curry, Papaya Salad, and Mango Sticky Rice. Other dishes to try include Pad See Ew, Panang Curry, and Drunken Noodles.
What is the menu at Buddha Ruksa in West Seattle?
Buddha Ruksa is a popular Thai restaurant in West Seattle that offers a wide range of Thai dishes. Some of the most popular dishes on their menu include Pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai Soup, Green Curry, and Panang Curry. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
What are some good Thai food delivery options in West Seattle?
If you’re looking for delicious Thai food delivery options in West Seattle, some great choices include Aroy Mak Thai Food, Srivilai Thai Cuisine, and Ka Pow Thai On Wheels. These restaurants offer a variety of Thai dishes that can be delivered right to your doorstep.
What are some popular West Seattle restaurants?
West Seattle is home to many popular restaurants, including Buddha Ruksa, The Matador, and Marination Ma Kai. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from Thai to Mexican to Hawaiian.
Why is Thai food so popular in Seattle?
Thai food has become increasingly popular in Seattle due to its unique blend of flavors and spices. Thai cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, basil, and ginger, which give the dishes a distinct flavor. Additionally, many Thai dishes are healthy and vegetarian-friendly, making them a popular choice for health-conscious Seattleites.
What is the base ingredient in most Thai meals?
The base ingredient in most Thai meals is rice. Thai cuisine is known for its use of fragrant jasmine rice, which is often served alongside curries and stir-fries. Additionally, many Thai dishes are made with coconut milk, which gives them a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.