In just the last decade and a half, the population of Thai people in America has more than doubled. With that influx of immigrants has also come an influx of restaurants serving up delicious Thai cuisine. As a result, many Americans have had the chance to try this unique cuisine that was previously tough to find in the states.
With more Thai restaurants seemingly popping up every year, find the best ones in any given area takes a bit of searching. Columbus is no exception. While there are plenty to choose from in this bustling city, a few stand out as favorites among locals and visitors alike. You'll find these popular spots on GiftYa, where you can purchase a virtual gift card to send to friends and family members for every occasion. Add a personalized note, hit send, and they could be digging into Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, or dumplings by dinner time!
If you're ready to find the best Thai food in Columbus, keep reading!
787 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
Many locals have gone so far as to call Jiu Thai Asian Cafe the best—and most authentic—Thai food in the Columbus area. And if you've ever dined here, that will come as no surprise! With its modern decor and friendly service, Jiu Thai Asian Cafe is serving up fresh, authentic Thai and Chinese dishes for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Dine-in to delight in steaming hot platter after platter of delicious food. Or, take your favorites to go for the perfect take-out night in!
"Placed a take out/ delivery order and WOW! Was so impressed with the sauce on the tiger tofu. It was bold and flavorful without being too spicy. The veggies were very fresh too. The bubble tea I ordered was delivered cold and had a wonderful flavor-- not too sweet either! It's definitely some of the best tofu I've had so far in Columbus. I'm vegetarian but others in my party ordered chicken and said the food was good as well." -Yelp Review
(https://www.yelp.com/biz/jiu-thai-asian-cafe-columbus?hrid=-W71fvkAThqmocTN8MyfqA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))
Purchase a GiftYa card for Jiu Thai Asian Cafe.
3589 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH 43232, Southeast
Coming in a very close second on the list, Erawan Thai has some of the best, most authentic Thai food that Columbus has to offer. Oversized, yet affordable dishes fill the large menu, offering something for every taste and appetite. The restaurant space is small and quaint, but service is quick and diners rarely have to wait for a table. Dig into Drunken Noodles, Seafood Dry Tom Yum, and Pineapple Ocean Fried Rice. Erawan Thai not only offers tasty take-out, but will even bring it straight out to your car for you when you arrive!
"A new Thai favorite, this was authentic as I've had in the area in some time. We ordered the Chicken Drunken Noodles, Shrimp Red Curry, Chicken Fried Rice, and the pan fried dumplings. The spice level of 3/5 was just right, I usually eat spicy food but don't like to go over the top with it. Was worth every penny, great value and plenty for leftovers. Ordered take-out and did not have to wait long at all. They do accept Apple Pay. A must try!" -Yelp Review
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Purchase a GiftYa card for Erawan Thai.
15 E College Ave, Westerville, OH 43081
While this restaurant may be small, it more than makes up for it in big flavors! Thai Grille is as authentic as they come, with every dish featuring unique flavors and ingredients put together in creative and delicious ways. Fans of the restaurant rave about the Pad Kee Mao, Summer Rolls, and Tom Kha Gai, but no matter which of the many, many menu items you choose, it's certain to be tasty.
Like the other restaurants on this list, every dish at Thai Grille is made from scratch. If you want to order carry-out, be sure to call early to get your order in, so you won't be left waiting for it to get done when you arrive. But don't worry if you do end up waiting–we promise it will be worth it! The parking lot located at the restaurant is a bit on the small size, and may fill up during the lunch and dinner rush, but plenty of free parking is available just a short walk away.
"I love this place. We use their take out service. Shrimp rolls appetizer a favorite crispy every time.
I had shrimp soup a hot and sour delicious. I love the fact I can control the heat. I say mild still has a kick. Pad-See-Ew is main course we always get great flavor. Summer rolls one order will feed two the greens and veggies Always fresh." -Yelp Review
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Purchaes a GiftYa card for Thai Grille.
5577 N Hamilton Rd, Columbus, OH 43230
Don't let Chi Thai's modern decor fool you; the owners are far from new to the game when it comes to authentic Thai cuisine. This restaurant is a popular choice for locals looking for a casual night out. While prices may be a bit higher than the next spot on this list, the big portions and tasty food make up for it. Popular menu items include Pad Thai, Red Curry, and Drunken Noodles.
One unique feature about Chi Thai that locals in particular love is that the restaurant delivers! Whether you live nearby or are staying in a local hotel, you can order some of their tasty Pad Thai or a few platters and have it delivered straight to your door to enjoy. You can even order your takeout or delivery online for added convenience.
"So glad this place delivers! This is our first Chi Thai experience and I'm already scanning the menu to see what I'll try next time. All of our food was nice and hot when it arrived on our door step via contactless delivery. All together my husband and I ordered crab rangoon, szechuan dumplings, chicken and broccoli, and general tso chicken. Everything was amazing! The dumplings came with a yummy spicy garlic sauce. The portions were very large, lots of leftovers." -Yelp Review
(https://www.yelp.com/biz/chi-thai-columbus?hrid=RUI17SDNd_TCZy-WujSUnw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))
Purchase a GiftYa card for Chi Thai.
8736 Moreland St, Powell, OH 43065
With it's high ceilings, roomy atmosphere, and a touch of tropical decor, Thai Orchid is the perfect place to go when you want to imagine that you've jetted off to Thailand for some tasty cuisine. Their large menu features a variety of authentic favorites, including plenty of vegetarian options for those who want them. The restaurant is family-owned, and the friendly staff are always willing to help those unfamiliar with Thai food find a dish that they'll love.
Each meal is made with fresh ingredients and served up piping hot with plenty of delicious toppings, sauces, and sides. Their Green Curry Pork, Shu Mai, and Vegetable Fried Rice are favorites among loyal locals. Because each dish is made to order, and often made from scratch, keep in mind that takeout orders may take time to make, so plan ahead and order your food early to make sure it's ready upon your arrival.
"By far the BEST Thai Food in central Ohio. It is managed well and the staff are welcoming. It is family owned and you can tell from the moment you walk in. The food is dynamite. The menu is large. There are many vegetarian options as well. Prices are pretty modest for the quality, atmosphere, and attentiveness by staff. They also have live piano playing, and perfect ambiance. Highly recommend!" -Yelp Review
(https://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-orchid-restaurant-powell?hrid=miwe7S5XBruii1DRJvXWXQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))
Purchase a GiftYa card for Thai Orchid.
Whether you're looking for the perfect spot to grab takeout tonight or a restaurant that your friends or family members will love, you can't go wrong with one of these delicious Thai options in Columbus!
