If there’s one thing we take seriously in the Bay of Plenty, it’s good food. And for Thai cuisine fans like us, checking out great restaurants is only part of the experience.

Searching through Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Papamoa, our team rounded up the best Thai restaurants that hit all the right notes. So if you’re travelling the area, don’t get lost in below-average touristy areas – bookmark your best food guide! 

1. EasyGo Thai

EasyGo Thai is a local favourite, which isn’t surprising considering how affordable their food is. Located just across from Quest Mt. Maunganui, it’s also an appealing spot for tourists who need a quick meal.

We liked how strong their range of traditional Thai food offerings are. We loved the panang curry with scallops and prawns, which come with generous seafood portions and this velvety coconut-based sauce.

On the rough side, we did notice that certain dishes lack a bit of spice and that depth of flavour that Thai cuisine is known for. We think it’s because they cater to foreign tastes too, who may not always favour spicy dishes.

Nonetheless, the service is fast and accommodating. During one of our visits, we had about 10 members with us and the food still came within 15 minutes. Even during busy lunch hours, there were no mix-ups in order or delays.

It’s also important to take note that the place is a bit small. If you’re coming as a big group, sitting together may be a struggle. On the good side, it gives off that intimate family feel without being cramped. 

Exceptional Thai food

“Loved this place. Food was great the guy at the front was bive enough to book us a spot here. When most of Anzac day was all booked up. Food was exceptional would reccomend the well priced platter for two. And the pad Thai was well made with a little spice to it. Curry puffs were the highlight for sure so floofy and tasty.”

Adrian Mchardy | Google Reviews

Warm and friendly staff 

“Always happy with the takeaways. I have coeliac disease so can’t eat gluten and the curries and phad Thai can be made gluten free. We also ordered a vegan curry which has a nice selection of veggies. The staff are always warm and friendly. I would highly recommend”

Amy Cosson | Google Reviews

2. Thai2Go Restaurant and Takeaways

Thai2Go is pretty popular in the area for its takeaway service, but it’s their dine-in experience that won us over. It’s simple, has solid food options, and the prices are just right for the area.

After sampling 8 different dishes, we have to say their red curry duck and prawn pad Thai are the standouts. Their common denominator is that the ingredients were fresh, with veggies still having that satisfying crunch.

If you’re sharing, we think their entree-for-two platter is the best choice. Yes, the portions are ideal for two, but we still recommend getting another dish or two if you’re feeling a little too hungry.

Service, however, feels too varied. Our first set of members noted that the staff were helpful when approached, while our second set of researchers all noted that the service wasn’t attentive at all.

This suggests an inconsistency in hospitality. Although we still like to note that they’re actually accommodating these concerns. One example is their staff allowing table changes due to noise levels, upon the guest’s request.

Very happy with everything 

Very happy with the food here. We arrived 8.10pm, they close 8.30pm and were happy for us to sit down and dine in. Monday night they have a special which is a main and drink for $30. We were all very happy with the food, service and facilities.

Christine Andrews | Google Reviews

A well recommended meal

My wife’s 50th Birthday the restaurant is used by her company and is well respected, there were 5 of us all with verying tastes, I have particularly sensitive digestion so had a mild cashew stirfry, scrummy, all were well satisfied and would go again at the drop of a hat. A well recommended meal.”

Lovely Jubbly | Google Reviews 

3. Dui’s Restaurant of Fine Thai Cuisine

Dui’s best selling point is its authentic approach to Thai cuisine. For context, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Dui, who trained in Bangkok to bring that Thai experience to the Bay of Plenty.

The food consistently lives up to its fine dining level. Our team sampled the red chicken curry, chicken pad thai, and crispy battered duck. The portions are perfect, and the flavours are very close to the ones you’ll have straight from Bangkok.

There are also mixed appetiser platter options, which we found ideal for sharing. Guests we spoke to noted that these are super filling, so we recommend ordering them if you’re really up for a hearty meal.

Takeaway is available online, with fast service and well-packaged food. We want to say the dine-in experience is just as good, but there are certain things that may put you off about it. 

For starters, parking was really a challenge for us (though a regular told us you have to arrive after 5:30 PM to secure parking). The service also took a hit during peak times, and the delays took us out of the fine dining setting.

Nice and relaxing atmosphere

“The entrées where beautiful to snack on while we enjoyed our cocktails. Our main course chrispy duck and chicken cashew on rice both meats were moist and vegetables cooked to perfection. We also endolged in a thai mango on rice dessert melt in your mouth amazing. Food presentation was beautiful. Atmosphere was nice and relaxing. Definitely recommend.”

Rina Barlow | Google Reviews 

Goes above and beyond

“Moon, dui and staff went above and beyond for not only me and my mum(first time diners and first time eating Thai cuisine) but every customer they had! Food was absolutely amazing! Dui puts so much love into his kai! and all though we were beyond full, managed to eat their rice/mango dessert which was to die for! Nga mihi Duis Thai restaurant 100/100 across the board! Will definitely recommend and be back!”

Boogie Stumpp | Google Reviews

4. Ruk Thai

Ruk Thai has been a long-standing local favourite that’s best known for its flavourful offerings at amazing prices. Service is fast, and the staff is always nice, so the experience is just as great as expected.

Our team was particularly impressed by the range of gluten-free options on the menu. Upon request, they can customise meals for guests with restrictions without compromising on the taste. 

If we had to pick favourites, the spicy beef noodles and pad thai pri pork were our top two. The flavours for both are really deep and well-spiced for the average diner. Portions are just right for solo diners too.

The dining experience itself was nice and pleasant. Even during busy hours, the indoor seating maintained a relatively low noise level that’s enough for conversation, but maybe not for light work or quick meetings.

We only wish their takeaway experience was just as good as the dine-in situation. We ordered a green curry, and the quality was different – oily with sparse meat portions. For something quick, it’s fine, but underwhelming for something hearty.

Fragrant and delicious food

“Ruk Thai do THE best red curry scallops in Tauranga and I’ve had them everywhere…. The scallops are plentiful, the rice is light and fluffy, the curry itself is fragrant and delicious, with soft lemongrass top notes, chock full of veges. Absolutely rate this dish! Service really good, considering how busy they were. A Tauranga must-do.”

Annacrusisnz | Google Reviews

Impeccable restaurant service 

“Absolutely loved this place. The service was impeccable, the restaurant is nice and the food delicious. They were honest and upfront when I asked about vegan options and knew exactly what I was talking about. I asked for Thai hot and it was perfectly spiced. Would recommend 100%, best Thai in town”

Dani Goffi | Google Reviews 

5. Lek’s Go Thai

Value for money is definitely Lek’s Go Thai’s best strength. Their dishes all come in generous servings, at prices that can be easily compared to an average Thai eatery,

In particular, we liked their $25 meal deal. For that price, you already get crispy spring rolls, rice, and a generous serving of green curry. As for the taste, the balance is perfect, even for those who prefer milder spice levels.

They can also accommodate dietary restrictions, with all food dairy-free and the option to remove peanuts. So if you have a little one who’s allergic to peanuts, it’s definitely a solid option.

While we favour certain dishes, we find that others are a little too lacking in terms of depth. Their pad Thai had noodles that were too short and overdone, which is sad if you’re only thinking of ordering the classics.

From a service perspective, though, they’re pretty split. We encountered a time when the wait time literally reached 50 minutes. And while that’s frustrating, we totally appreciate that they gave regular updates and were super friendly throughout. 

Super friendly and welcoming 

“The pad Thai is one of the best I’ve had—flavorful, well-prepared, and made with fresh ingredients. On top of that, the service is excellent. Everyone is super friendly and makes you feel welcome. Highly recommended. Thanks for the great food and warm service!”

Brenda Chamo | Google Reviews

Mouth-watering dishes

“So gooood!!! I got the $25 meal deal with spring rolls and green curry. The spring rolls were crispy and delicious and the green curry was mouth watering! Nothing too spicy. Great portion sizes, the curry came with rice. The cherry on top was the great service and super kind family that run the stand. Couldn’t recommend it more!”

Cole Hendricks | Google Reviews

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