Where to Eat: Thai in Oxford

Tasty Thai cuisine in beautiful Oxford

A table is set with a variety of colorful dishes, including salads, a dish served in a hollowed pineapple, and bowls of what appears to be soups and stir-fries. The presentation is elegant, with garnishes like lettuce, carrots, and purple cabbage adding vibrant touches.
Image © Chiang Mai Kitchen via Facebook

Spotlight on: Chiang Mai Kitchen

Kemp Hall Passage, 130A High Street, Oxford, OX1 4DH

Boasting an Oxford certificate of excellence and coming up top in our Thai round-up, Chiang Mai Kitchen is your go-to spot for authentic Thai dining. Much like Oxford itself, the building is rickety building is filled with history and intrigue. This Grade II listed building was built in 1637 and has served Oxford as a university hall, police station, tearooms, Chinese, Indian and French restaurants in its time. Chiang Mai Kitchen has been serving ever popular Thai cuisine since 1993, an impressive 26 years.

The restaurant boasts a vast menu of traditional Thai flavours and more contemporary dishes. Be sure to try the Satay starter, which features charcoal grilled chicken and beef with a creamy peanut sauce, before moving onto the classic Gaeng Keo Wan or Gaeng Phet (Green or Red Curry) or their ever popular Gaeng Ped Yang (Roast Duck Curry). They offer a huge selection of vegan and veggie options including starts, soups, curries and mains. Missing your gap year? Enjoy an after-dinner tipple of Sangsom or Mekhong.


Best of the rest:


Giggling Squid

55 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AE

What? Quality Thai food in a wonderfully decorated restaurant.

Where? In the charming Jericho area.

Why? Sit amongst the beautiful floral wallpaper and whitewashed walls and enjoy some contemporary Thai cuisine. They offer large meals, tapas dishes and sharing platters. Try one of their unique desserts such as Lychee Yoghurt Ice Cream or Caramelised Mango Cake.


Bangkok House

42A Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, OX1 2EP

What? Fragrant cuisine using locally sourced produce and the skills of a classic Thai chef.

Where? Opposite The Bridge nightclub and bar.

Why? Not only do Bangkok House have an excellent menu filled with Thai classics, they also have a Special Menu packed with dishes that Thai locals from various regions would eat.


Sasi’s Thai

32-37 The Covered Market, Oxford, OX1 3DU

What? Home cooked Thai restaurant offering great lunch deals.

Where? This place is a hidden gem of the Covered Market.

Why? Open each day until 5.30pm, this no-fuss café is the perfect stop off for a cheap but tasty lunch. Keep an eye out for the specific daily specials and be aware that they use chillies authentically … it might be a bit spicy!