There’s a lot to love about Thai food. There’s the fragrant curries, the fiery noodles, and that perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in every bite. But finding truly great Thai can be a real challenge. You might end up with bland pad thai or a curry that’s all heat and no heart. So skip the guesswork and head straight to any of these 12 Chesapeake spots where the flavors are authentic and the satisfaction is guaranteed.
Suphan Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 938-5292 | WEBSITE
Yes, this Chesapeake spot has a generic name. But it’s also a place where we can get red roast pork fried rice and/or Massaman curry for dinner, so it’s the kind of thing we’re willing to move past. They also do a $14 Thai beer deal that might make you forget a few more things. This is one of the least corporate-feeling restaurants in the Norfolk/VA Beach area, but somehow you can roll in on a Friday and sit right down.
Thai basil
$ | (757) 966-2698 | WEBSITE
Somehow, your craving for something comforting turned into a need for authentic Thai flavors, and now you’re looking for a place that delivers on every level. Thai Basil is a warm and welcoming restaurant with delicious pad thai, rich curries, and one of the best Beef Siam dishes in Hampton Roads.
It’s right in Chesapeake, which will let you enjoy tender beef in that insanely good spicy sauce, sip Thai coffee or tea while you savor fresh ingredients, and appreciate the friendly owner who makes every guest feel genuinely valued.
Jasmine Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 410-4368 | WEBSITE
Jasmine Thai Cuisine is a reasonably priced mom-and-pop spot in Chesapeake serving authentic Thai dishes. But for lunch or dinner, you can order a la carte, and get the Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, and Chicken Panang all at the same meal. Their Shrimp Pad Thai is also one of the best in town, and we challenge you to not order more than one dish.
Mikado Japanese & Thai Restaurant
$$ | (757) 842-6488 | WEBSITE
People of Chesapeake: Mikado Japanese & Thai Restaurant is always there for your Asian dining needs. The space is clean and welcoming, with comfy seating and convenient parking, so getting a table is rarely a problem. More importantly, the menu is varied and involves almost anything you could want from a Japanese-Thai fusion meal, from hibachi chicken teriyaki and sushi rolls to Panama Curry. Enjoy the attentive service and good prices. Or, you know, just order something new next time.
Mom & Son Thai Kitchen
$ | (757) 956-6366 | WEBSITE
This Thai kitchen in Portsmouth is a great place for a last-minute casual dinner outside Chesapeake. Despite having some of the best Penang curry in the area, things stay pretty calm here (maybe because the shopping center parking is getting so much attention). That just means more mango sticky rice or fried dumplings for you. And Krapow Kai Dow – which, like the home-cooked taste you’re going to be enjoying, is appropriate for any meal, if you really believe.
Ya Ya Asian Gourmet House
$ | (757) 282-6688 | WEBSITE
Ya Ya Asian Gourmet House remains the best spot to grab takeout in downtown Norfolk. But this clean, unassuming storefront also does a good dine-in experience that doesn’t get too hectic because all of their regulars are still at work during lunch hours. With sesame chicken and house fried rice, there’s a classic Chinese feel to the menu, and that’s exactly what you need when you’re craving something hot and fresh. The counter service is quick and there’s a $12 lunch special situation, too.
No.1 Yummy
$ | (757) 518-0888 | WEBSITE
There are only a few traditional “Chinese” items at No.1 Yummy, but we’ll take any chance we have to eat their General Tso’s Chicken. Before we get to that – be sure to get the Crab Rangoon and the Sweet & Sour Pork, which comes with perfectly cooked rice and is as flavorful and satisfying as a home-cooked meal. Now, about that General Tso’s.
We always go for the chicken and broccoli, the beef lumpia, or the roast pork egg foo yung, but the homemade iced tea is always great, too, so make sure to ask for it and enjoy. It’s takeout, after all.
Tida Thai cuisine
$ | (757) 616-0533 | WEBSITE
Chesapeake is known more for seafood shacks and chain restaurants than for authentic Thai cuisine. But that’s exactly why Tida Thai feels like such a hidden gem. It’s a peaceful spot with a straightforward menu, filled with flavorful dishes like green curry with pork and savory drunken noodles.
When all you’re really looking for is Thai food that makes it to your table as soon as humanly possible, this is a good bet – service is prompt despite the single hardworking server, and your water glass will never be more than halfway empty before they refill it. The generous portions and customizable spice levels mean you’ll leave satisfied without breaking the bank – most dishes hover around the $14-$18 range.
The simple, clean dining room with its warm lighting makes it perfect for a quiet lunch or low-key dinner, especially when you’re craving those consistently delicious crab rangoons or the creamy tom ka with tofu.
Bangkok Garden
$ | (757) 483-0799 | WEBSITE
Toss a spring roll anywhere in Chesapeake and you’ll probably hit a Thai restaurant with decent curry. Bangkok Garden is one of the established spots, but this family-run operation in a local strip mall is doing more than just reliable noodles and fried rice. They also make exceptional drunken noodles, Thom Lha chicken soup, and pumpkin curry – plus, they have a dependable atmosphere where you can enjoy all of those things with free refills of sweet tea.
Racha Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 549-9989 | WEBSITE
A cozy spot in Chesapeake, Racha Thai Cuisine’s authentic Thai fare is ideal when you want something comforting without the fuss. Their signature Pad Thai with generous shrimp is especially good if you’re craving something familiar, but we like some of the other dishes on the menu even more. The Drunken Noodles with tender beef has a nice kick of spice, and the Mango Sticky Rice with coconut cream has a fantastic sweet-savory balance on top, and is one of the most satisfying desserts around.
Bangkok Garden Thai and Sushi Bar
$ | (757) 967-8899 | WEBSITE
Bangkok Garden is a good Chesapeake Thai restaurant for dinner – but at lunch, it might be even better. Because no matter when you decide that today’s a good day to enjoy some authentic Thai food, there will probably be a table available at Bangkok Garden. The Thai menu isn’t going to blow you away, but it’s still good – we recommend the garlic sauce soft shell crab, or the Chicken Laab and combo fried rice. But you’re here for the excellent family-friendly atmosphere anyway.
The beautiful Thai murals and decorations create a very good take on the traditional restaurant setting, and the same great friendly service from the waitress is also consistent, if you’re looking for something reliable.
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 233-8220 | WEBSITE
If you could care less about a trendy dining scene and just need authentic Thai food as satisfying as possible, Sawasdee Thai Cuisine is your hidden gem. Is this the fanciest Thai restaurant in Chesapeake? No. But it’s incredibly flavorful and affordable, and there’s a good chance you’ll see families enjoying pad Thai that’s to die for. This is the definition of a neighborhood Thai spot, where people simply go to eat delicious food and not be impressed by the exterior.
Important: They also include extras like chicken and rice soup and watermelon for dessert with your meal.
