Sawasdee: These top 7 Thai restaurants in Singapore will bring the taste of Thailand home

Photo: Nara

The thing we love most about eating out in Singapore is that we can be transported to pretty much any country, with a wide range of cuisines available at practically every corner of our island. And the thing we love about Thai food is that it's sweet, spicy and everything in between. What's not to love? Here are seven Thai restaurants to visit, the next time this craving hits you.

Blue Jasmine

Photo: Park Hotel Farrer Park

You'll get to dine the way Thais traditionally do here, as the menu focuses on communal dining with a series of sharing plates. We love this idea as it means we'll be able to sample a multitude of dishes in each meal. The menu is inspired by Thailand’s bustling street food culture and the flavours are authentic too, as the herbs and spices are imported directly from that country.

Photo: Park Hotel Farrer Park

Indulge in curries such as Orange Curry Stingray and Crab Meat Yellow Curry, or try the restaurant's signature items like Tiger Cry Beef Salad and Prawns With Petai. Each main order is accompanied with a choice of four types of rice – steamed, sticky, organic multi-grain and its signature Blue Jasmine Rice – so there's really something for everyone. If possible, choose to dine in the alfresco poolside area, which has a lovely view of our city's skyline too.

Level 5, Park Hotel Farrer Park, 10 Farrer Park Station Road; www.parkhotelgroup.com/en/farrerpark/blue-jasmine

Nara Thai

If you're in the mood for a fancy Thai meal or if you're celebrating a special occasion, this restaurant is a good option. It's homestyle Thai food in an upscale atmosphere, with old-school recipes served using the highest quality ingredients to provide a truly authentic Thai experience.

Be sure to try its renowned Ayuthaya Boat Noodles, an age-old recipe of thick brown broth flavoured with anise and cinnamon. Other signature dishes include Stir-fried Soft Shell Crab (with a yummy, thick yellow curry) and Steamed Sea Bass (with a tangy chili lime sauce). If you feel like dining in the comfort of your home, there's a takeaway menu too, with a selection of four bento boxes.

Photo: Nara

#B3-21 ION Orchard and #03-07 Westgate; www.narathai.com.sg

Mooks Thai Bistro

Photo: Mooks/Facebook

This casual bistro is a great spot for winding down with friends and the selection of Thai dishes will give your drinks an extra kick too. The menu includes, of course, Pad Thai, which features the venue's own special homemade sauce, and Pineapple Fried Rice. For something a bit spicier, try the Thai Minced Basil Chicken (the fiery red chillies are shiok!), Tom Yum Goong, Mooks Spicy Forest Curry or Fried Morning Glory, which is actually kang kong stir-fried with sambal. They also have specials like happy hour and brunch and lunch set deals, so check their website for details.

Photo: Mooks/Facebook

35 Smith Street and HomeTeamNS Clubhouse Bukit Batok, 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, #01-09B; www.mooksthai.com

Jane Thai

Photo: JaneThai/Facebook

This restaurant and bar has been in operation since 2000 so you know they must be doing something right. It used to be located at Orchard Towers but moved to its current home along East Coast Road last year and is still pulling in the crowds. Authentic Thai cuisine is the order of the day and you can drop in for a meal or get their food delivered to your home via Deliveroo, FoodPanda or UberEats. The prices are affordable and they open till midnight so it's a no-brainer to dine here really.

Photo: JaneThai/Facebook

There's all sorts of favourites here, such as Thai Fish Cakes, Pineapple Fried Rice, Green Curry With Chicken, Tom Yum Soup and Pad Thai. Until 30 November, HSBC credit cardholders get 15% off their a la carte food bill when they dine in here.  

41 East Coast Road; www.facebook.com/JaneThai.Singapore/

A-Roy Thai Restaurant

Photo: Aroy-Thai/Facebook

A longtime favourite in the restaurant scene – it's been around for 26 years! – a majority of this restaurant's clientele are regulars and it's no surprise that diners keep coming back for more, once you've tasted the food. Most of the ingredients here are delivered fresh from Thailand and every ingredient is carefully and meticulously hand-picked by the restaurant manager – now that's dedication! Specialty dishes include Thai Thick Red Curry, Tom Yum Soup and Papaya Salad. Don't miss the Signature Lemongrass Salad and the very interesting Seafood Otah In Coconut.

#03-61/63 Novena Square (Velocity), 238 Thomson Road; http://aroythai.com.sg

Tamarind Hill Singapore

Photo: Thai-Cuisine 

There are only two possible feelings you get when you dine here – you'll either feel like royalty or that you're on a relaxing holiday at a swanky resort in Thailand. Both of them suit us fine, so we certainly won't be complaining. Tamarind Hill is nestled atop the forested Labrador Nature Reserve, in a stand-alone colonial bungalow, with vast green surroundings that will take away all your stresses as soon as you enter.

And we've not even mentioned the food yet – Thai Burmese cuisine takes centrestage, with a variety of Indochinese flavours combined to sublime effect. The menu is extensive so take your time and enjoy your surroundings while you decide.

30 Labrador Villa Road, Labrador Nature Reserve Singapore; www.tamarindrestaurants.com/tamarind-hill-singapore.html

First Thai

Photo: TripAdvisor

One of the most popular Thai restaurants in Singapore, this is more like a coffee shop actually and is reminiscent of the experience of getting street food in Thailand. The no-frills eatery is almost always packed and they don't take reservations but the food is excellent so if at first you don't succeed, do persevere until you get a table here. The Tom Yum Goong is a must-try, with a generous serving of fresh prawns and it definitely packs a punch too – lightweights need not apply.

23 Purvis Street