Have you ever tried making Thai food at home? Pinterest recipes and YouTube shorts make it look easy, but let me tell you – it’s not.

When I tried making Pad See Ew at home, I’m pretty sure my sauce ended up tasting like pure soy sauce. The noodles were overcooked, the chicken was under-seasoned, and I was left with the burning question: why didn’t I just order takeout?

So if you’re like me and your Thai cooking skills are slim to none, I’ve done the legwork (and the taste tests) to find the top Thai restaurants in Christchurch that are as authentic as eating in Bangkok.

How much does it cost to get Thai food in Christchurch, NZ?

Thai food in Christchurch costs at least 18 NZD. The actual price depends on what you order and which restaurant you go to.

How I Chose

Authenticity: I looked for dishes that prominently featured authentic Thai herbs and spices. Furthermore, authenticity also extends to presentation, so I also considered the plating and garnishes used.

Atmosphere: I paid close attention to how the space was decorated and arranged. I looked for traditional Thai elements, such as intricate wood carvings, vibrant textiles, and warm lighting. Additionally, I assessed the cleanliness and organisation, noting whether the space was well-maintained.

Service: I looked for friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff who were well-versed in the menu. I checked whether they were able to offer recommendations, and accommodate dietary restrictions. I also paid attention to how quickly orders were taken and how timely meals were served.

Value for Money: Reasonable prices and generous portions are what I looked for. I wanted to feel full and satisfied with my meal and not regret the bill.

1. Thai Orchid Restaurant

Thai Orchid Restaurant is the Thai place to go to for cosy, casual Thai food. 

Inside, the dim lantern lighting creates a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. I particularly enjoy the small bar, where I sometimes order a custom cocktail or whatever they’re serving for the day.

Their menu has all the classic Thai favourites, like Pad Thai and Larb salad, all prepared without MSG.

Their crispy duck is their standout dish for me. The duck is crispy on the outside, while the inside remains tender and juicy. The homemade orchid sauce coating the duck is sweet but not overwhelmingly so.

I also never miss ordering the mango sticky rice. The sticky rice itself is soft and slightly chewy, while the coconut milk is not too sweet. Topped with fresh, ripe mango slices, it’s a dessert that’s simply irresistible.

Their generous portions are another strong point. I always feel like I’m getting good value for my money.

Now, while the service is generally great, I admit it can be a bit slow at times.

Customer Reviews

Very tasty and good-sized portions

“The 2 of us wandered in without a booking. It was very busy, but after a short wait we were fixed up with a drink, while Jules found a table for us. The restaurant is warm and inviting. Drinks and cocktails good. We got to our table and Jules gave us some suggestions. We ordered a salmon green curry and beef cheek curry. Both very tasty and good sized portions. Beef cheek just melted. We were full and couldn’t finish them. The waitress happily and efficiently boxed up the leftovers. The service was very good throughout, the ambience and vibe was good and food very nice. Overall a very nice night out and highly recommend . Thanks Jules and team”

K Thi Google Review  

Sublime food, everything was delicious 

“Thank you Jules for making our night memorable. Sublime food, everything was delicious and I really did enjoyed the Salmon dish, was cooked to perfection. Also I want to thanks Kristina for making my Pina Colada cocktail was indeed delicious.  On behalf of Aircon Christchurch team we thank you  for looking after us.  See you again next time.”

Marilou Pierce Google Review 

2. LA Ruby Thai Restaurant

LA Ruby Thai Restaurant combines modern elegance with a sleek, open bar, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of upscale Bangkok. The friendly staff makes you feel right at home, but the real draw here is the food.

If you like salad, they have plenty to choose from. My personal favourite is their Yum Thai. Crispy tofu is slathered in a rich peanut sauce paired with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots. It’s definitely the meal I order when I want to feel healthy.

Their roasted duck red curry is unforgettable. It features a juicy, tender duck in an aromatic red curry sauce that has a bit of spice. The sweet pineapple and tangy tomatoes complement the heat perfectly.

If you want noodles, get their Pad Kee Mao. I usually get it with prawns as I think they complement the spicy basil stir-fry quite well. However, you can also have it with chicken, beef, and pork or choose a vegetarian option. 

Just a little heads up: if you’re planning on coming at night, parking is hard to find because the parking lot is shared with other nearby shops.

Customer Reviews

All the flavours were so authentic and true to its roots

“LA Ruby is the  place if you want to experience the indigenous taste of Thai food. All the flavours were so authentic and true to its roots. Their Satay gai (chicken served with homemade peanut sauce) is simply delicious. I recommend the Kaeng lenge(yellow curry). The subtle flavours of the pineapple and the bamboo shoots all blended so beautifully..it was sophisticated and comforting an are lots more to enjoy.The staff is amazing. They make sure to remind you every now and then that you are having a luxury dining experience. They anticipate what you want even before you ask. The ambience is perfect for any time to chill around with friends or family .The seating is limited, so do make sure to book a table in advance.”

joshua avishek Karki Google Review 

Reasonably priced

“Me and the hubby really enjoyed our dinner. we shared satay chicken kebabs, combination pad Thai and the chefs recommendation of sizzling lamb with rice and throughly enjoyed it,a good sized portion so we had to get takeaway, will Def be back, Def recommend, great thats it’s local on the Eastside and reasonably priced 😊”

Tracy-Lee Ford Google Review 

3. Hoon Hay Thai Restaurant

Hoon Hay Thai Restaurant is the best place for Thai takeouts, but they also have dine-in options. Every time I walked in, the staff genuinely seemed to care about helping me get my order as quickly as possible. 

As an appetiser, I usually get the money bags. They are filled with corn, beans, and minced chicken, all wrapped in fried rice paper. It’s enough to whet your appetite.

But the true standout dish here is the Panang curry. With each spoonful, you can taste the cumin and coriander, plus a light kick from red chillies. The subtle sweetness from peanut and coconut milk balances the heat, while tender beef adds to the dish’s appeal.

The generous portion sizes are another reason I came here. I leave with a full stomach, and sometimes, I even have some leftovers to enjoy later.

However, I will say that if you’re planning on dining in, make reservations in advance online. The restaurant’s small size means seating fills up quickly. 

Customer Reviews

Food is consistently good. Great flavours. 

“This is our go to place for Thai takeaways. Food consistently good. Great flavours. The money bags and fresh chicken spring rolls are our go to starters. Last night we had the chicken red curry and the ginger dish with prawns. Very tasty. We ordered a delivery last night which took a little longer than estimated but was delivered hot and we were in no hurry. Highly recommend.”

Trish Pryke Google Review  

The service is amazing and the staff are so attentive.

“This is my absolute favourite Thai restaurant. The service is amazing and the staff are so attentive. My partner and I went here on valentines day, and the staff went above and beyond to create an amazing experience for us. There were fresh roses on each table, a little jar of valentines themed sweets and chocolates, and helium balloons all over the restaurant. When our food came out, even the rice was heart-shaped. We’ve come back here several times with more people in tow, the service is always wonderful, and the food is always incredible. I would highly recommend this place to anyone, thanks so much!!! “

Yuuki Abraham Google Review 

4. Co Ba Restaurant

Co Ba is where you go when you want to ditch the crowds but still enjoy authentic Thai food. Every time I go here, the waitresses never fail to give me good recommendations.

The portion sizes are also enough to have leftovers, so I’d say it’s good value for money.

Menu-wise, they have just about every authentic Thai dish you can think of – skewers, curry, seafood, and more.

If you like pork, their slow-cooked pork belly is top-notch. It’s super tender and comes with veggies, garlic, and a boiled egg, all topped with fresh coriander. Each bite melts in your mouth, literally.

I also love getting the Pad See Ew here. It features soy sauce-soaked noodles, fried eggs, broccoli, and cauliflower. I usually add beef or chicken to make it more hearty and delicious.

The restaurant is a little way down Addington, so it can be easy to miss. However, the authentic flavours will make it well worth the search.

Customer Reviews

Probably some of the best, tasty Thai around

Probably some of the best, tasty Thai around. Tucked away in Addington-hidden gem. The satay is good, the prawns are always plentiful (truly) and the food comes quickly, and most importantly, with a smile. Place is always busy with uber eats orders and a simple but cosy restaurant will suit most. Give it a go! Very good food!

Becca, Google Reviews

Staff are attentive and caring, super accommodating 

“Superb rare beef noodle soup, tasty specialty fish though it would be really authentic if it was a whole fish but that would have to do for the low demand. Staff are attentive and caring, super accommodating with young children making a mess, high chair available, parking right at the door. Great atmosphere, disable friendly setting, they do take always so the kitchen is always very busy and the wait is around 15-20 minutes at the table.”

S s Google Review 

5. Kum Pun Thai Restaurant

Kum Pun Thai Restaurant is my go-to spot for a lively and enjoyable Thai dining experience.

For starters, I always order the Tom Yum Soup. It’s spicy and sour, with a hint of sweetness. The first sip hits you with the tangy zest of lime and the subtle warmth of galangal root. Another spoonful in, and the heat from the Thai chillies creeps up on you.

But if you don’t do well with spice, the Massaman curry is pretty damn good here. In each bite, you’ll taste cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The sauce is creamy and slightly thick and the beef chunks don’t have a lot of fat.

You’ll also find chunks of potatoes and peanuts in the curry – it’s Thai comfort food at its best.

When it comes to dessert, you can’t go wrong with the banana roll. Deep-fried and served with vanilla ice cream, it’s a deliciously indulgent treat.

My only complaint is that the restaurant can get quite noisy. There were also times when I had to wait long to get a table.

Customer Reviews

I ordered Pad Thai with Chicken & Beef. It was delicious. 

“Just had lunch this afternoon at Kum Pum Thai Restaurant. I ordered Pad Thai with Chicken & Beef. It was delicious. The restaurant was very busy! Almost all the tables were full. It is a good idea to have your reservation ahead of time. The interior is beautiful. The service was a bit slow, maybe due to rush hour. It is recommended and will go again.”

Isfaqur Rahman Siddiqui Google Review 

This is arguably the best Thai restaurant I have ever had the privilege to visit

“This is arguably the best Thai restaurant I have ever had the privilege to visit. The occasion was a small intimate family birthday lunch for nine. Ambiance perfect. Attention to detail wonderful. Staff warm and engaging. Food delicate with good portion sizes.  Attention to detail couldn’t have been better.

One of our party is wheelchair bound and her needs in this regard perfectly accommodated. Large purpose built toilet and access a huge plus. Thank you to the staff and management for a special experience.”

Peter van Zoggel Google Review 

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