Thai cuisine restaurants in Amsterdam
There are many great Amsterdam Thai restaurants scattered throughout the city, thanks to Amsterdam's large Thai population. By far the highest concentration of them is in the area around Nieuwmarkt just north of the Red Light District, what is known as Amsterdam's Chinatown. Despite the name, this area is home to people from many Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, in addition to its Chinese population. Nieuwmarkt Thai restaurants are some of the best in the city, as the Thai expats living nearby demand authentic Thai food and only eat where they serve just that.
High End Restaurants
Amsterdam Thai restaurants come in all forms, from the ultra high class, to cheap and cheerful diners. If you're looking for some good Thai food in classy surroundings, then one option to seriously consider is De Koning van Siam. This upmarket restaurant can be found close to the Oude Kerk at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 42, a few streets from Nieuwmarkt, and its two floors offer rich, comfortable surroundings suitable for everything from a date to a large group of colleagues; the restaurant can handle groups of up to 30 people.
Other top class Thai restaurants around Nieuwmarkt include Me Naam Naan, on the other side of the square at Koningsstraat 29. This restaurant's specialities are particularly spicy and come from an area in Thailand known as Isaan, in the northeast of the country. Me Naam Naan is very proud to have been voted as serving one of the city's 50 best meals by Time Out Amsterdam, and the service as well as the food reflects this pride. Much like its sister restaurant Song Kwae, Me Naam Naan uses fresh ingredients with authentic spices and curry imported from Thailand.
Mid Level Restaurants
Closely related is Song Kwae, a delightful little place on the southern edge of Nieuwmarkt at Kloveniersburgwal 14a. Established 10 years ago, Song Kwae takes its name from an 800 year old Thai river. The interior of the Thais Eethuis Song Kwae restaurant has more of a cafeteria feel than its sister, with tiled floors and wooden chairs replacing the rich materials of more high end restaurants, but the food is just as deserving of praise, and a little easier on the wallet to boot.
Little Thai Prince, further into Chinatown at Zeedijk 33a is a good choice for those looking for a comfortable Thai restaurant that won't break the bank. Little Thai Prince may have a rather limited menu, offering nothing that can't be found in other Amsterdam Thai restaurants, but their strength lies in offering excellent versions of classic Thai dishes such as the ever popular Thai green curry. Another mid-priced Thai restaurant worth a visit near Nieuwmarkt is Thai Restaurant Bird, across the street from its sister snackbar in our next entry.
Thai Snacks near Nieuwmarkt
If you're looking for more of an informal, snackbar atmosphere then there are a number of Thai restaurants around Amsterdam that specialise in great Thai food without the fuss. The first and most popular is Thai Snackbar Bird, located at Zeedijk 72. This rather cramped little eatery may not look like much, but the food has a reputation for quality throughout the city. The tiny, open kitchen means you can watch your meal being prepared amid flames and flashing woks, adding a little floorshow to the experience.
Last but not certainly not least is Ocha, across the canal at Binnen Bantammerstraat 1, a great choice among Nieuwmarkt Thai restaurants for those wanting an authentic and no frills service. Run by two sisters, Ocha offers a little more room to move than Bird and the food has just as good a reputation, making this another must-visit place for those serious about their Thai food.
Other Locations
Not all the Thai restaurants in Amsterdam are located on Nieuwmarkt, throughout the city there are a number of hidden gems. Cook Kai in the Jordaan, at Tweede Rozendwarsstraat 3, is a quaint little Thai kitchen, 5 minutes from Dam Square. 'Kai,' a small Chicken, is the logo synonymous with the Eat In/Take Away. Consequently, it is also the name of their head Chef.
The Royal Thai restaurant near Leidseplein at Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 94 specialises in traditional Thai seafood, such as the extra spicy, red curry Pla Phad Phed. The restaurant has ample seating, but if you would rather eat out then Royal Thai provides catering and take-out; to order please call 020-6267261.