If you know Hamilton, then you definitely know that we’re in no shortage of awesome food spots. And for people like me who can probably live off eating Thai food only, the universe is pretty much in our favour.

But what use is many options if some of them aren’t even authentically Thai, or charge guests at a rate that’s pretty much a crime in this economy? You need food connoisseurs like our team to chop down your options.

Friends, here are the only Thai restaurants in Hamilton worth your time and money.

1. Chim Thai Restaurant

Known for their signature crying tiger dish, Chim Thai has been the go-to spot for many locals. Considering the quality of the food and presentation, we can definitely see why that’s the case.

Their staff are very helpful too, catering to customers with halal-certified meats and vegetarian options. Most of these are available upon request, so if you have meal restrictions, be sure to ask ahead.

The indoor ambience is cosy and intimate, while the terrace dining has enough space for families or larger groups. Parking was never an issue too, as there’s plenty of free street parking nearby.

The only improvement we want to see is with their service times, as there were instances of delays. Fortunately, they deal with the issue with grace, often offering guests discounts to enhance the experience. 

Clean restaurant, friendly staff

“Most of the time when i’m craving Chim Thai I always do takeaway and not once have I been dissatisfied or disappointed, from going in and receiving my order to having my meal at home there is nothing but positive remarks about the place, Clean restaurant, Friendly staff, Amazing food the list goes on. 10/10 for me I would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone and anyone.”

Ziiven | Google Reviews

Exceptional food

“Went to dine in last April 9th. The food at chim thai is exceptional! Very tasty and well prepared and you can chose among many menu options. I love the service at the place and manager Jess is so friendly, accomodating with the guests and always takes care to offer the best quality! I highly recommend this place. Always a great spot to get great food, amaaAzing food.”

Marla Marcelino | Google Reviews

2. Jasmines Thai Hamilton East

Jasmines earned high marks in our books with their delicious food – everything was perfectly balanced, from the taste to the texture of the dishes. Some of the best we’ve tried are their crispy pork pad thai and chicken satay.

When it comes to the service, we were impressed with how consistently friendly and helpful they are, even during busy hours. They even welcome diners to disclose dietary needs, with vegan and gluten-free options available upon request.

For those ordering in, we do appreciate that they have Uber Eats and DoorDash options. The flavours held up impressively even in takeout containers, so we’re sure the food quality is top-notch.

The only complaint we have is that sometimes, certain dishes like their green curry, have tough chicken meat. It’s a small issue though, and we believe you’ll still have a fine time here despite the very rare lapses.

Definitely a hit

“We ordered through doordash tonight and it was definitely a hit in our household.. the roti was fresh – the crispy pork pad thai was delicious and the green curry was my absolute fave! We made our own rice to go with the curry, but if you don’t have any already made I highly recommend to get rice as well.. will definitely order again!”

Pisila Mark | Google Reviews

Exquisite flavours 

“The green Thai curry is an exquisite blend of flavors, masterfully balanced to create a rich, aromatic experience that delights the senses. Each spoonful reveals layers of fresh herbs, coconut milk, and a hint of spice that transports you to the heart of Thailand. Equally remarkable, the Pad Thai is nothing short of divine—its delicate noodles coated in a tangy, savory sauce, complemented by the perfect medley of textures from fresh crispy pork and crushed peanuts. Together, these dishes elevate traditional Thai cuisine to an art form, leaving a lasting impression of authentic, vibrant flavors.”

Abram Samson | Google Reviews

3. Thai Orchid Restaurant Hamilton NZ

Operating for over 20 years, Thai Orchid has been a go-to spot for many locals. Now also a popular spot for tourists, we can say its fame is owed to its delicious Thai meals that you don’t have to break the bank for.

Solo dishes like the green duck curry and pad thai all had that authentic Thai flavour. They also have mixed entree platters available, which we liked as they make it easy to sample various dishes in one order.

It’s also best for groups who want to try multiple food options without spending an arm and a leg.

The service too, is above and beyond as we’ve experienced. We had a team member who was lactose intolerant, and they went out of their way to customise the meal and suggest alternatives.

Ironically, the service also needs some improvements. We did notice moments where staff seemed a little inexperienced, forgetting orders and returning to clarify. We understand that it can be frustrating, but it’s not a recurring issue.

Extremely yummy food

“I got a Prawn Stir Fried Cashew Nut delivered. I am new to the area so i have never tried this restaurant before. I was so satisfied! extremely yummy and i was pleasantly full, but not bloated so it was great. The delivery driver was friendly aswell. will defiantly dine in next time.”

Julia-Rose Bryant | Google Reviews

Delicious food and great service

“Loved everything about our visit. Not too noisy, lovely background music, delicious food and great service. We didn’t have to wait very long for the food either. Great puddings as well. I tried the deep fried chocolate ice cream. My husband had sticky black rice. Both yummy.”

Annette Hansson | Google Reviews

4. Thai Classic

For that casual dining experience with friends or family, Thai Classic is a great choice. They offer many traditional Thai dishes, so there’s plenty to try if you’re just exploring the cuisine.

We sampled over 10 dishes across 3 visits and we found the flavours to be vibrant, rich, and perfectly spiced. The pad thai and mussaman beef curry are some of the best, with serving sizes that are generous enough for sharing.

Food options are generally affordable, so it’s best to order multiple dishes and just share with your group. Plus, there’s free and paid parking available, making it an accessible option if you want a zero-hassle experience.

The service can be just a hit or miss at times. The staff can feel cold during busy hours, but attentive and friendly when there’s room for interaction. We understand the situation, but a little more consistency will really level things up.

Great dining experience 

“Had great experience dining in. We ordered the Beef Pad Thai and the Beef Mussaman Curry for our mains. Very tasty and good portion. We also tried the thai milk tea and the black sticky rice dessert, both were yum and something that we would get again. We also received good service for the staff, they were very welcoming. A place that we would recommend to our family and friends.”

Kay | Google Reviews

Served hot and fresh

“Group of 7 incl 2 littles ones. Warm welcoming staff. Delicious food. Can’t fault a thing. Our group really enjoyed the prawn dishes and I had the sizzling duck. Everything served hot & fresh. Topped it off with dessert – We had Sundaes, fried ice cream, the cheese cake and sticky rice. We devoured the lot. So good. They also have kids menu so suitable for all.”

Siaosi Fale | Google Reviews 

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