Thai restaurants are not Newcastle’s strongest suit, however over the last few years, some better ones have popped up. Whether you’re looking for some authentic thai tom kha gai from the likes of Thai House Cafe, or something about more ‘chain’ like a good old pad thai from the likes of Chaophraya, Newcastle city centre now has a few choices that should let you get your spice on.
Mantra Thai Dining
📍 29 Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3SG
Fur coat, but the food comes from a fusion-ish background. It impresses some, but I’d rather go to the Thai House Cafe end of the spectrum – see below.
Zaap Thai
📍 The Gate, 117 Newgate Street
For a chain, this is relatively cheap, and really quite cheerful. I liked it, and if you were meeting a pal for a quick lunch, it’s definitely not the worst place to be.
Chaophraya
📍 15 Upper level, Grey’s Quarter, Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7AP
Fabulous location and view, with prices to match, for what is ultimately still just chain food. Stay for the view, just if you’re looking to eat, Thaikhun is just as good, really.
Thai House Cafe
📍 93 Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PZ
The best one. The definition of no-frills — it’s somewhere you’d walk past and not look twice at. But popular with locals and those in search of authentic levels of spice, and just a great Thai food experience overall.
Sohe
📍 97 Osborne Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2TJ
Now formally known as Parichat at Sohe, chef Parichat Somsri-Kirby (of 21 Hospitality Group, and previously Ko Sai) is the real deal, and now runs the kitchen at Jesmond cocktail bar Sohe. While the menu might well pander to British tastes, it’s all done with a deft touch, so while you won’t get 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 level of spicing, you will always get something that tastes good.
Thaikhun
📍 The Qube, Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9YG
Part of the Metrocentre, and very much the little less-formal sister of Chaophraya, I actually don’t mind Thaikhun. Sure, it appeals mostly to the Instagram generation, and it’s about as authentic as fish & chips in Bangkok, but it’s cheap, cheerful, and the food is alright. If I was stuck in the Metrocentre and had to eat, I’d go back.
Chilli Padi
📍Leazes Park Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4QT
Really like this place. Absolute no frills, cafeteria style restaurant. Big menu which does cover a lot more than just Thai, but what you’ll get is to some degree authentic, and always delicious (and plentiful).
Nadon Thai
📍 32-34 Mosley St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1DF
We’ve been here a few times and found it just about as good as Mantra Thai. There’s a cracking lunch deal which will only set you back a few quid as well, so if you’re really keen on a massaman curry, and can’t get to Thai House Cafe, you won’t go far wrong here.
Selected others
These might be a little further out, but are worth mentioning all the same.
River Beat was great but sadly closed over the pandemic and doesn’t look like it’ll be back in any shape.
Siam Supreme
📍 160 Heaton Rd, NE6 5HP
Never been.
The Siam Zaa
📍 4 Waterloo St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4DG
Never been, though it’s in the shadiest unit in town, so I’m not in a hurry to – unless you know otherwise…?
Bangrak Thai
📍 1-3 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JE
Just off the quayside, but we’ve not yet visited in its current incarnation.
I need to update this page! With:
- Pick Thai, Jack Thai, Soku, Teayempo, Yathai, Geisha, The Muddler, Kato
Is the absolute best Thai restaurant in Newcastle missing from this list? Where’s missing? If there’s a better Thai restaurant in Newcastle that’s not on this list please do let me know and we’ll get along for a pad thai and all the rest.
Not including information on Thai takeaways in Newcastle, and only covering the city centre (give or take!). Information last updated March 2026.
