Craving a taste of Southeast Asia? Tauranga has several great Thai restaurants with extensive offerings, friendly staff, and authentic experiences. Whether you’re after a classic pad Thai or keen to try something new, the restaurants below will scratch that itch and keep you coming back for more.
Keep reading for the nine best Thai restaurants in Tauranga for your next night out or takeaway mission.
EasyGo Thai
Location: Mount Maunganui
When looking for Thai food in Tauranga, it’s hard to beat EasyGo Thai.
Fast, reliable, and a local go-to spot, EasyGo has all the classics, plus some unique dishes that make any Thai meal a true treat.
Sitting a couple of doors down from the Social Club on Maunganui Road, EasyGo Thai specializes in takeaway and has plenty of room to dine in.
My favourites are:
- Pad Thai
- Pad see ew
- Green curry
- BBQ duck
- Choochee salmon: cooked in curry paste and served with steamed veggies
Thai Thani
Location: Papamoa / Tauranga
With a location in Papamoa and a second in Tauranga (aptly called Thai Thani 2), this Thai restaurant pulls out all the stops to make it feel like you’re eating in Thailand.
The interior is decorated in authentic Thai style. More importantly, the food is nothing short of delicious, making it easy to understand why it’s one of the best Thai restaurants in Tauranga.
At Thai Thani, you’ll find huge portions of all the favourites.
Must-try dishes include:
- Cashew chicken
- Pork belly
- Spicy lamb
- Salmon and prawn curry
Expect excellent service, reasonable prices, and awesome lunch deals.
Thai2Go
Location: Mount Maunganui
Thai2Go is my go-to Thai spot, and I can genuinely report that I’ve never had a bad meal here. Located on Maunganui Road just past New World, this Thai restaurant has it all and then some.
Mainly a takeaway place, food is served quickly with no fuss or frills. That said, there is still space for dining in.
The meals are fresh, it’s BYO, and consistently good.
When it comes time to order, you’d be remiss to skip the chicken larb, yellow fish curry, and mango sticky rice.
Dui’s Restaurant of Fine Thai Cuisine
Location: Mount Maunganui
Downtown Mount Maunganui simply wouldn’t be the same without Dui’s, one of the best Thai restaurants in the area.
Decorated to the nines with Thai tapestries and furnishings, a dinner here will transport you across the world. The food is just as lovely as the interior, with an extensive range of authentic dishes and something that will appeal to everyone.
With so many mouth-watering options, it’s best to start with Dui’s Selection, which gets you a little bit of everything from the appetizers. Follow with a pad Thai, tom yum, or a heaping bowl of curry.
The loveliest staff and some of the most delicious food make Dui’s in the Mount irresistible.
Thai Kitchen Restaurant
Location: Tauranga
Situated on Cameron Road near Countdown, Thai Kitchen Restaurant offers some of the best Thai food in Tauranga. They have a few tables inside and a bustling takeaway service. The food is fresh as can be, with flavorful local ingredients, and served with a smile by the kind staff.
You can’t go wrong with the massaman curry with tender beef and prawn toast. Other go-to items include the fried rice pilled high, the massive portion of pad see ew, and some of the most authentic dishes on this side of the world.
It’s slightly more expensive than other Thai restaurants in the area, but it’s well worth it for the portion sizes and real Thai zing.
Tasty Thai Restaurant
Location: Tauranga
Find Tasty Thai Restaurant in the middle of Cameron road. Tasty Thai serves all Southeast Asian goods with genuine flavours and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s well worth a visit for the curries served in ceramic boats or any other fine offerings on the menu.
Aside from the curries, which will never disappoint, other popular favourites include:
- Pad ka pow: meat with chillies, basil, and stir-fried veggies
- Tom kha gai: coconut milk soup with chicken
- Choo chee pla: fish fillets cooked in red curry paste
With extensive dine-in and takeout options, excellent service, and unbeatable prices, you’ll never leave Tasty Thai hungry!
Krung Thep Thai Street Food
Location: Tauranga Crossing
You’ll find Krung Thep Thai Street Food way out in Tauranga Crossing. It’s the perfect stop after a day of shopping or on your way in or out of town. This cozy food court restaurant sticks to its roots, quickly serving steaming bowls of Thai food in authentic street food fashion.
Try the tom kha, black pepper beef stir fry, and the spring rolls; they’re all great.
While portions may not be as big as at other Thai restaurants, they’re the right size for a filling meal. Paired with appetizers like curry puffs, chicken satay, or fish cakes, you’ll easily leave full.
Golden Rice Thai
Location: Tauranga
Feeding the masses since 2017, Golden Rice easily makes this list thanks to the outstanding food and authentic environment. Expect excellent presentation, piping hot plates, and unique spins on classic Thai dishes.
It’s tucked away on Devonport Road just behind the Strand, making it a convenient stop after a day in town or before a movie at the cinema on the next block.
Try the prawn pad thai, curry puffs, tofu green curry, and the decadent lamb rack. You’ll have to resist licking your plate clean, whether you choose to dine in or take away.
Ruk Thai
Location: Greerton
If you find yourself out in Greerton, Ruk Thai is worth a stop for a delicious lunch or dinner. It’s a family-run hole in the wall, with heavenly food and some of the best lunch specials in Tauranga.
Dishes worth trying include the honey duck stir fry, pad thai, and beef fried rice.
Whether you eat in or take away, you’ll be treated to exceptionally friendly wait staff, quick service, and reasonable prices. Just note that Ruk Thai is closed on Mondays, so save your meal for any other day of the week.
Further Reading
For more information on things to do in Tauranga, read our other articles:
- 13 Waterfalls near Tauranga & the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand
- Best Cafes in Tauranga: 12 Picks from the Bay of Plenty
- Cheap Accommodation in Tauranga for Backpackers
- 21 Things to do in Tauranga, New Zealand
- 9 Best Thai Restaurants in Tauranga: Your 2022 Guide
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