Top 15 Thai Restaurants in Amsterdam: Must-Try Spots + Best Dishes

Posted on: Februar 26, 2026

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Top 15 Thai Restaurants in Amsterdam (and Near Amsterdam)

Thai restaurant Amsterdam choices overwhelm you: bland curries, long waits, tourist traps. Here are 15 trusted picks—fast.

1) Quick intro + what “good Thai” means in Amsterdam

Thai food is about balance. A great Thai dish mixes sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in one bite. That is why pad thai can taste a little sweet, while tom yum soup can taste sour and spicy at the same time.

In Amsterdam, “good Thai” usually means two things: fresh ingredients and strong flavor. Fresh herbs like basil, lime, and lemongrass change the taste a lot. Strong flavor comes from sauces like fish sauce and curry pastes, not just extra chili.

Quick menu definitions (so you can order with confidence)

• Curry: a sauce dish, often with coconut milk, served with rice
• Som tam: green papaya salad (fresh, crunchy, often spicy)
• Pad krapow: basil stir-fry (usually spicy; often served with rice)
• Tom kha: coconut soup with galangal (creamy and sour)

A fast “is this place good?” checklist

• Smell: you notice basil, lime, garlic, chili
• Texture: veggies still have a crunch, noodles are not soggy
• Spice options: they can make it mild or spicy, or add chili on the side
• Consistency: the place is busy on more than one day, not only weekends

Simple planning tip

• If you want a calm meal, go earlier (around 18:00).
• If you want atmosphere, go later, but expect lines at popular spots.

2) How we chose the Top 15

This list is made for travelers and Thai food lovers. That means we care about taste, but also about how easy it is to actually enjoy the meal. A restaurant can be amazing, but if it is hard to reach, always sold out, or unclear about spice and allergies, it is not great for a short trip.

We used a simple method. We look for places that are established, have clear contact info, and show real signs of quality (fresh cooking, a focused menu, and repeat customers). For a few picks, we also checked official restaurant pages for basic facts like address and story.

Our criteria (and why they matter)

• Flavor balance: the core of Thai cooking is sweet/salty/sour/spicy
• Freshness: Thai food needs fresh herbs and fast cooking
• Menu range: at least a few curries, soups, and stir-fries
• Spice control: travelers need “mild” to be a real option
• Diet and allergies: clear handling of peanuts, fish sauce, gluten
• Location and access: close to trams/metro, or easy by train

How to use the list (step by step)

1. Pick the area you are already in (Centrum, De Pijp, Oud-West, Oost).
2. Decide dine-in or takeaway.
3. Choose two dishes before you arrive (one noodle + one curry is a safe plan).
4. Save the route in your phone so you can walk back easily.

3) Top 15 Thai restaurants in Amsterdam (and near Amsterdam)

How to get there (works for every place)

• Open Google Maps (or Apple Maps)
• Tap Directions
• Choose Public Transport
• Check the final walking minutes (Amsterdam streets can be confusing at night)

Tip for first-timers

• If you only pick one place, pick something close to where you sleep. A 15-minute tram ride after a spicy meal feels longer than you think.

1 | Lilly’s Thai Takeaway (Thai Weesp) (Weesp, near Amsterdam)

Lilly’s Thai Takeaway is in Weesp and is easy to reach from Amsterdam by train. The owners (Koi & Kwang) are two nieces from Nong Khai, Thailand, and they cook fresh Thai dishes by hand. They also offer catering in Weesp and nearby. (Thai Weesp)

Koi, one of the faces behind Lilly’s Thai Weesp, says food has always been her passion. As a child, she helped her mother at the market selling freshly grilled sausages, which taught her a lot about working with fresh ingredients and serving people with care. She never expected to run her own place one day, but those early lessons stayed with her. Her personal favorite on the menu is number 23, Kay Pad Kaprauw.

Extra tip at Lilly’s Thai Weesp: Koi sometimes makes Mango Sticky Rice. It’s not on the menu, so you have to ask. If you’re lucky, she’ll have it that day—and it’s seriously delicious.

I believe that good food is the foundation of happiness in life. So I want to make everyone happy with my food! Favorite dish: 95 Pad Thai Koong

Kwang | Co-founder Lilly’s

This Thai restaurant is located in the center of Weesp, a town that is officially part of the Municipality of Amsterdam. It sits right opposite the church and the town hall, so it’s easy to find when you’re exploring the old center. The kitchen is open, which means you can watch the Thai cooks prepare your meal fresh, step by step, as you wait.

How to get there: take a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Weesp, then walk to Nieuwstraat 64. (Thai Weesp)
Good first order: pad thai or pad krapow (then choose your spice level).

2 | Krua Thai Classic (Amsterdam)

Krua Thai Classic says it is a family-owned Thai restaurant in Amsterdam since 1991. They focus on keeping original flavors and authentic cooking. (kruathai.nl)

How to get there: best reached by tram/metro depending on your hotel area (use public transport directions).
Good first order: tom kha soup plus a curry with rice.

3 | Bird Thai Restaurant (Zeedijk, Centrum)

Bird Thai Restaurant is on Zeedijk and says it has been there since 1998. They highlight fresh ingredients and classic red/green curry sauces.

How to get there: walk from Amsterdam Centraal (it is close) or take a tram to Centrum.
Good first order: green curry (if you like spice) or red curry (slightly milder).

4 | Rakang (Jordaan area)

Rakang describes itself as Bangkok-style cooking and has a long history in Amsterdam. (rakang.nl)

How to get there: head toward the Jordaan area; use tram directions to Elandsgracht.
Good first order: curry + stir-fry combo for a full taste range.

5 | Raan Phad Thai (Amsterdam)

A good pick when you want a focused noodle meal. Look for pad thai done fresh, not oily or overly sweet.

How to get there: choose the nearest location from your map app.
Good first order: pad thai with shrimp or tofu, chili on the side.

6 | Tom Yum Kung (Amsterdam)

Best when you want soup-first Thai. Tom yum is hot and sour, and it wakes up your taste buds fast.

How to get there: use public transport directions from your current location.
Good first order: tom yum plus jasmine rice and a simple stir-fry.

7 | Kinnaree Thai Cuisine (Amsterdam)

A solid sit-down choice when you want a full menu (soups, curries, wok dishes) instead of one specialty.

How to get there: book or go early on weekends.
Good first order: massaman curry if you want mild comfort food.

8 | Songkran (Amsterdam)

A good option for classic Thai dishes in a restaurant setting. Great if your group wants different spice levels.

How to get there: pick the closest branch/spot if there are multiple listings.
Good first order: pad krapow (medium) and a fresh salad.

9 | De Kooning van Siam (Amsterdam)

A okay pick if you want Thai flavors with a more “dinner night out” feel.

De Kooning van Siam – located on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal – boasts authentic Thai decor, complete with Buddha statues, Thai paintings, lilies, and a wealth of gold. The tables are draped with white linens. Inside, an original Yul Brynner costume also hangs. The floor is tiled in black and red.

De Kooning van Siam is often praised for its cozy canal-house setting and friendly staff. Reviews also mention tasty Thai classics and solid portions, with a note that service can be slower when it’s busy—so reserving and stating your spice level helps.

How to get there: check evening tram schedules if you go late.
Good first order: curry and a shared starter platter.

10 | NK Thai Noodles (Amsterdam)

Good when you want noodles fast and simple. Noodle places are great for travelers because the food comes quickly.

How to get there: choose the closest location on your route.
Good first order: noodle soup or stir-fried noodles.

11 | Phu Thai (Amsterdam)

Often recommended as a reliable Thai option. Good for groups because the menu usually covers many basics.

How to get there: go early if you do not want to wait.
Good first order: tom kha + a curry.

12 | Top Thai Home (Amsterdam)

A strong option for takeaway/delivery nights. Perfect when you want Thai food at home after a long day walking.

How to get there: order delivery or pick up (check the app they use).
Good first order: curry + rice + one veggie dish.

13 | Pasoek (Amsterdam)

A good choice when you want Thai classics and a relaxed meal. Aim for dishes with basil, lime, and fresh veg.

How to get there: use public transport directions based on where you stay.
Good first order: stir-fry with basil and rice.

14 | Sawaddee Ka Thai Restaurant (Amsterdam)

A classic-style Thai option. Good if you want a familiar Thai menu: soups, curries, wok dishes.

How to get there: choose the easiest route from your hotel area.
Good first order: red curry if you want medium spice.

15 | Bar Mash (Amsterdam)

More Thai-inspired than traditional. Good if you want snacks and drinks with Thai flavors.

How to get there: best as an evening stop, not a “big meal” place.
Good first order: share small plates, then decide if you want dessert elsewhere.

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4) Best Thai dishes to try (first-timer picks)

If you are new to Thai food, start with dishes that show balance, not just heat. A simple first Thai meal is one noodle dish plus one curry. Add a fresh side if you want something crunchy.

Step-by-step “first Thai meal” plan

1. Pick a safe base: pad thai or fried rice.
2. Add one curry: green curry (spicy) or massaman (milder).
3. Add something fresh: papaya salad or cucumber salad.
4. Choose spice level: mild is fine. Thai spicy can be very hot.

Dish cheat sheet (what it is, who it fits)

• Pad thai: sweet-sour noodles; easiest first choice
• Pad krapow: basil stir-fry; bold flavor, often spicy
• Green curry: coconut curry; spicy and fragrant
• Massaman curry: mild, warm spices; comfort food (often peanuts)
• Tom yum: hot and sour soup; sharp and fresh
• Tom kha: coconut soup; creamy and less harsh than tom yum

Allergy warning (important)
Thai food often uses peanuts, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. If you have allergies, say it early and clearly.

• I’m allergic to peanuts. No peanuts, no peanut oil, please.

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5) Where to go by neighborhood

Amsterdam is compact, but the “right” restaurant is often the one you can reach easily. After a long day walking, a 10-minute trip feels great. A 35-minute trip can feel like too much.

Quick neighborhood guide

• Centrum: easiest for first-time visitors and quick walks after sightseeing
• De Pijp: good food area, lots of cafés nearby
• Oud-West: calmer dinners, less tourist pressure
• Oost: more local vibe, good for relaxed evenings
• Weesp (near Amsterdam): nice mini day trip plus Thai takeaway

Simple “pick a place” process

1. Find your hotel on the map.
2. Draw a mental circle of 15 minutes travel time.
3. Choose a Thai restaurant inside that circle.
4. If it is Friday or Saturday, book or go early.

Weesp tip (for Lilly’s Thai Weesp)
Weesp is reached by train and feels quieter than central Amsterdam. Lilly’s Thai Takeaway is at Nieuwstraat 64 and lists pick-up and catering options. (Thai Weesp)

If you’re building your food plan around the city center, it helps to know where to eat near major sights. After you’ve picked a Thai spot from this Top 15 list, you can also compare options close to De Wallen, which is one of the busiest areas for travelers. For more ideas (including what works well before or after an evening walk), check our guide to restaurants in Amsterdam Red Light District

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6) Dietary needs guide

Thai food can work for many diets, but you need to watch for hidden ingredients. The biggest one is fish sauce. It is common even in dishes that look vegetarian.

Definitions (simple)

• Vegetarian: no meat or fish (but may include egg)
• Vegan: no animal products (no egg, no fish sauce)
• Gluten-free: no wheat/gluten (watch soy sauce)

What to ask for (short and clear)

• Vegan: no fish sauce, no oyster sauce, no egg, please
• Gluten-free: gluten-free soy sauce if possible
• Peanut allergy: no peanuts, no peanut oil

Dishes that are often easier to adapt

• Curry with tofu (ask about fish sauce if vegan)
• Vegetable stir-fry with rice (ask about oyster sauce)
• Tom kha with tofu (ask what stock is used)

Why asking helps
Thai kitchens cook fast. If you tell them your needs early, they can pick the right sauce and avoid mistakes.

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7) Practical tips (reservations, costs, takeaway, etiquette)

A few habits make your Thai meal smoother. The biggest one is spice control. “Medium” can be very hot depending on the kitchen.

Simple spice guide (works anywhere)

• Mild: little or no chili
• Medium: noticeable heat
• Spicy: hot, not for beginners
• Thai spicy: very hot (ask for it only if you are used to chili)

Reservation and timing tips

• Weekends: go early or book if the restaurant takes bookings
• Best dinner window for less waiting: 18:00–19:00
• If you see a line: check takeaway as a backup plan

Good travel etiquette

• Don’t block bike lanes while checking maps
• Share plates if you are in a group (Thai meals often work well that way)
• If you love a dish, ask what it is called so you can order it again elsewhere

Quick checklist before you go

• Choose 2 dishes in advance
• Decide spice level
• Save the route in your phone
• If you have allergies, say them before you order

Thai food is a smart “pre-night-out” meal because it’s filling, quick, and easy to share with friends before you head out. If you plan to eat near Centrum, try booking an early dinner (around 18:00–19:00) so you’re not stuck waiting when the city gets busy. After dinner, you can build the rest of your evening around bars, clubs, and late-night areas using our Amsterdam nightlife guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Restaurants in Amsterdam