There is something so comforting, yet exciting, about Thai cuisine, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. All in one bite, you will get notes of sweet, spicy, sour and salty flavors. It provides the perfect balance of soft and crunchy, creamy and chewy, within each mouthful. As you make your way through your dish, your taste buds will come alive with diverse flavors, but they’ll never be too overwhelmed. Scattered throughout Boston, there are a handful of Thai restaurants you can go to experience these intense flavors. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Mahaniyom in Brookline
Starting off with my all-time favorite: Mahaniyom. Located about 25 minutes from campus via train, this Thai tapas bar has a menu filled with authentic flavors. The restaurant itself is pretty small, but super cute. Because of its size, I would recommend making a reservation prior to going. As a tapas style restaurant, it does give you the opportunity to try so many phenomenal dishes. The first thing I order at every Thai restaurant is Thai tea. There are two dishes I insist you try: the beef panang and the pad thai. These two stuck out to me the most, especially the beef panang, with its rich, softly spicy flavor. The pad thai was also the best I’ve ever had, with the perfect balance of sweet and nutty in each bite.
- Thonglor in Brighton
Quite a bit further from campus, but one hundred percent worth the trip, is Thnonglor. It takes about an hour by train and 25 minutes by car, but that is a journey I’d be willing to take over and over to go back. The crispy duck curry is by far my favorite, and of course, mango sticky rice for dessert. This was one of my first Thai restaurants in Boston and it set the bar very high.
- Sugar and spice in Cambridge
Right in Porter Square, about 40 minutes away on the T, you will find Sugar and Spice Thai Restaurant. I think it’s safe to say that they have one of the best massaman curries in the city. It’s so rich, sweet, and nutty, with very mild heat, making it such a comforting dish. The entire restaurant is so pleasantly aromatic you won’t ever want to leave. And to finish off such a perfect meal: the mango sticky rice, of course.
- Rod thai family taste in Fenway
Just a 15-minute walk from campus, Rod Thai Family Taste is my go-to spot for takeout. It is always super fresh and the employees are incredibly friendly. I usually go for the pad see ew with crispy chicken, one of my favorite thai dishes, but their indonesian fried rice is also delicious. It also came with a side of sweet chili sauce, which is so good over any dish. On top of all that, it costs around $15, making it a great place to go as college students on a budget.
- Rod D by Sitti Thai Cuisine in Brookline
Located on the C line of the Green line, Rod D by Sitti Thai Cuisine is the perfect place to stop after a day of shopping at Coolidge Corner. It takes about 20 minutes to get there from Copley station, which is not a bad walk from campus, but also just a few T stops away. Here I also love the pad see ew with crispy chicken, as well as the tofu triangles. The little fried triangles come with a side of a sweet peanut sauce, and it is perfect to eat while waiting for your main dishes to arrive. Another reason why I love it here is that you can order dessert to your table from (or walk over to) the place next door: Oasit’s Sweet Dessert Studio. I think this may have been one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. You have to order the shibuya honey toast. Served with ice cream of your choosing and covered in fresh berries, the thick, warm, honey lathered toast is absolutely delectable.
- Black ruby in Cambridge
Finally, if you’re looking for something a little different, I would recommend Black Ruby: Thai Craft Burger and Dining. The restaurant puts a unique modern twist on traditional Thai flavors. To start, the scallion fries are perfect to hold you over while you wait for your main dishes in the aromatic dining room. Paired with a sweet dipping sauce, the fires are crunchy on the outside and warm and soft within. I tried a few dishes here, but the massaman burger was by far my favorite. A traditional burger, sliced in half, soaking in rich massaman curry. It was perfect, definitely the best burger I have had in a long time. And again, to finish off your night, the mango sticky rice. Around 35 minutes from campus, Black Ruby is a great dinner spot, with a modern, yet cozy vibe.