5 mouth-tingling Thai restaurants in the Tri-Cities

Summer days—ones spent outside on trails, or the beach, or simply lounging around in a backyard—have us desperately craving the bold, spicy flavours of Thai cuisine. They’re days that (after little deliberation) do not end up in the kitchen. Rather, they end on a picnic bench or spacious patio, surrounded by the sweet smells of grilled meats, seafood and explosions of bold flavours like garlic, lemongrass and galangal (topped with, of course, a generous squeeze of lime and torn herbs). It all just seems to make sense.

If you know, you know. If not, here are some of the best Thai restaurants the Tri-Cities has to offer, showcasing some of the best spicy, sweet, sour and salty flavours of summer.

Khob Khun Thai Cuisine

This quaint, tucked away kitchen in Coquitlam is easy to miss, though the food is unforgettable. Thai classics like massaman curry, tom yum noodle soup and Thai-style omelette with minced pork and green onion all pop with flavour and spice, and whether you like it mild or burning hot, the level of spice can easily be adjusted for each dish.

Address: 1143 Austin Ave., Coquitlam

Little Bangkok Thai Kitchen

A quiet, quaint spot in Port Moody, Little Bangkok has an extensive menu of Thai specialties guaranteed to introduce new flavours to your palate. The yum nau beef salad looks delicious, doused in lime juice, dried chilies and cilantro, as well as the pad Thai-style crispy wontons.

Address: 2335 St Johns St, Port Moody

Thai Coco

Thai Coco is a family-run gem in Port Coquitlam serving traditional Thai fare inspired by family recipes. Sifting through the menu, you’ll notice sections like “Mom’s Delicious Curries” and “Aunt Jenny’s Cold Wraps” that make you feel like you’re eating a wholesome meal in somebody’s home. Inspired to bring people together through food, they do just that.

Address: 3242 Westwood St. #103, Port Coquitlam

Ma Now Thai Kitchen 

This modern, dimly-lit Thai kitchen in Port Coquitlam is a fantastic spot to visit for any occasion and suitable to all dietary needs—though ingredients like fish sauce and shrimp are present in so many traditional dishes, they have vegan and vegetarian alternatives that are just as tasty.

Address: 2755 Lougheed Hwy #29, Port Coquitlam

Chada Thai Fine Cuisine

Chada Thai Fine Cuisine is a popular dine-in and takeout spot in Coquitlam’s Pinetree Village that takes pride in using fresh ingredients with no added preservatives. The slow-cooked beef curry immediately catches our eye, as well as the juicy tiger prawn rolls and silky, coconut-based soups.

Address: 2991 Lougheed Hwy #107, Coquitlam