10 Best Thai Restaurants in the Inner-West

Sweet, spicy, salty, zesty or fruity – whatever flavour you’re craving, there’s a Thai dish that’ll have you licking your lips. The inner-west is home to a trail of Thai restaurants, including a mix of established eateries and newbies, and casual, fancy and fusion spots.

To teleport to Thailand without leaving your local area, book a table at these restaurants.

Pron Prohm

Fuss-free and family-friendly, Pron Prohm has had a loyal following since day one. If you’re in a group of four or more, get more bang for your buck with a banquet. With the Kings Banquet ($32 per person), you’ll score four entrees – think Thai fish cakes and chicken skewers – plus six mains. The grilled beef salad, crispy fish fillet and stir-fried prawns are delicious.

209 Concord Road, North Strathfield

Baywok

For fabulous Thai and Chinese fusion fare, head to Baywok. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can expect the usual dishes, as well as chef’s specials such as the slow-cooked lamb shank in a honey, lime and basil broth. The eatery is a member of the Coeliac Society, gluten-free diners aren’t just covered – they have a huge range of options.

61 Majors Bay Road, Concord

Atom Thai

Wander a little further, and you’ll reach Atom Thai. The eatery specialises in Northern Thai cuisine, and if you’ve been to the motherland, you’ll know what that means: it’s spicy! Try the banana blossom salad and the duck breast drizzled with a sweet-and-sour tamarind sauce. Meatless Monday? Go for the vegetarian duck (it’s delish), chicken satay skewers, or the four seasons tofu.

130 King Street, Newtown

Thai Pothong

A staple on Newtown’s King Street strip since the 90s, Thai Potong has room for 350 people – and it’s buzzing every night. There’s another location in Marrickville, and both dish up delights like betel leaf prawns with sweet chilli, crispy pork with broccoli, and a creamy yet tangy barramundi curry. Along with monthly specials, there are also dedicated vegan, gluten-free and kids menus.

Newtown & Marrickville

Chon

In Balmain, Chon’s interiors set the scene for a beautiful meal, with whitewashed walls, polished concrete floors and white paper lanterns strung from the ceiling. The menu takes diners on a trip through the regions of Thailand. If you’re stuck, try the quail egg wrapped in minced prawn and egg noodles, or the grilled scallops with a chilli lime dressing.

300 Darling Street, Balmain

Top tip: For a more casual setting,  Ruck Thai Restaurant  is a local favourite.

Buddha Raska Thai

When you’re in Burwood, make a beeline for Buddha Raska Thai. The family-run restaurant is known for its boldly flavoured dishes – many of which can be served spicy, mild, vegetarian or vegan. Just ask! Meat lovers, try the stir-fried pork belly with snow peas, broccoli and as much heat as you can handle. Otherwise, the crispy eggplant and chilli basil octopus are delicious.

135-137 Liverpool Road, Burwood

Doytao Thai

Doytao has venues scattered all over the inner-west, so your fix is never too far. All of them dole out fresh, flavoursome Thai food that can be tweaked to tingle your tastebuds. On your first visit, scan the ‘only at Doytao’ menu. The Volcanic Chicken covered in honey and flamed with brandy is a crowd favourite, as is the virtuous Nutri Fried Rice.

Newtown, Drummoyne and Croydon

I Rich Thai

Over in Drummoyne, I Rich Thai is intimate and dimly-lit, making it the perfect date spot. The menu is huge, so our advice is to share. Begin with the chicken curry puffs and veggie spring rolls, then tuck into the chilli basil lamb, or the gingery John Dory. As for the curries, they’re customisable – choose your rice, veggies, sauce and level of spice, and enjoy.

155 Victoria Road, Drummoyne

Bai Tong Thai

After you’ve conquered IKEA, stroll across the road and treat yourself to dinner at Bai Tong Thai. The neighbourhood gem takes cues from traditional street food. Start with the prawns, stir-fried in a house-made curry paste and – this is the Instagrammable part – served in a whole coconut. Then, move onto the lemongrass fish, and finish your meal with the mango ice-cream.

703 Princes Highway, Tempe

Koh Chang Thai

With a tangerine colour scheme and a beer garden beckoning outside, it’s no wonder Koh Chang Thai draws a crowd. Campsie locals linger over the papaya salad, caramelised tofu, and chargrilled chicken with lashings of peanut sauce. For mains, the roasted duck breast is popular, while the soft-shell crab with chilli jam satisfies every seafood lover’s cravings.

Clemton Park Village, 7/5 Mackinder Street, Campsie