The Best Thai Restaurants in KL for Real Thai Flavours
If you love bold flavours, spicy soups, and that addictive mix of sweet, sour, and salty, you’re in the right city. KL folks eat out almost every day, and Thai food easily tops the list when it comes to comfort and flavour. Whether it’s a fiery tom yum, creamy green curry, or a plate of mango sticky rice done just right, there’s something about Thai food that hits different.
But let’s be real, not every place serves the real deal. Some tom yum tastes like watered-down soup, and don’t even get us started on soggy mango sticky rice. So, we did the digging for you. This guide rounds up the best Thai restaurants in KL, places locals actually love, with solid reviews, great vibes, and food that keeps you coming back. We’ll also share what to order, how much to expect, and where to find them.
See also: 14 Best Western Foods in KL Served by The Reputable Restaurants
Top Thai Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
I listed the best Thai restaurants below with all the important information you should know before visiting each:
1. Chim by Chef Noom
Chim by Chef Noom stands as Kuala Lumpur’s premier Thai fine dining destination. The restaurant has retained its One Michelin Star in the 2026 Michelin Guide, cementing its position as one of Malaysia’s most celebrated Thai restaurants
Chef Noom (Bangkok-based) and Chef Willy are reasons for its popularity, as they both bring contemporary Thai techniques and plating. Their uniqueness is that they combine seasonal ingredients with Thai culinary heritage. This experience make this restaurant to stand out in this list of KL top restaurants.
The experience at Chim by Noom is not typical, as it’s a tasting journey rather than à la carte.
Must-try dishes:
- The Lost Recipe tom yum (200-year-old royal Thai recipe)
Price range:
Premium fine dining with tasting menus ranging from RM 620–720++ per person depending on the seasonal menu. Credit card guarantee required for reservations.
| Detail | Info |
| Address | L2-03, TSLAW Tower, 39 Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 KL |
| Hours | Dinner service, Tue–Sun 5:30 pm onwards (closed Monday) |
| Reservation / Policy | Requires credit card guarantee for tasting menu booking. Cancellation must be done 24 hours before dining day. |
| Website / Social | chimdining.com |
Why choose Chim by Chef Noom: Choose Chim when you’re treating yourself to a special-occasion Thai dinner with Michelin-level execution and creativity.
2. Gai by Darren Chin
Chef Darren Chin’s Gai remains one of KL’s most talked-about Thai food spots. The restaurant holds Michelin Selected status for 2023–2026 and Thai SELECT Premium recognition, showcasing its commitment to authentic Thai cuisine.
Must-try dishes:
- Gai’s signature crab omelette by Darren Chin (RM 180)
- Lady Boss Nana Signature Tom Yum Seafood (medium 2-3 pax: RM 135, large 4-5 pax: RM 188)
- Papa Suwit’s tom saeb oxtail stew
- Northern Thai grilled chicken with secret family recipe
Price range:
Mid to upper-mid range. Expect signature dishes like the crab omelette at RM 180, tom yum seafood (medium) at RM 135, and sharing plates that can raise your bill with premium seafood selections.
| Detail | Info |
| Address | 26A Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, TTDI, KL |
| Hours | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm & 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm daily (check for exceptions) |
| Website / Social | gai-kl.com |
Why choose Gai by Darren Chin: You can choose it for a refined take on northern Thai and Isaan cuisine, blending authentic family recipes with elegant presentation and Chef Chin’s Michelin-trained finesse.
3. Malai Thai (Menara Amplewest, KL City Centre)
Malai Thai is a pork-free Thai fine dining restaurant that has received Michelin Selected recognition for three consecutive years (2024, 2025, 2026) and holds Thai SELECT status. The restaurant sources all meat and ingredients from halal-certified suppliers, though it is not JAKIM certified as alcohol is served on the beverage menu.
Must-try dishes:
- Tom Kha coconut soup
- Thai curries (Massaman, Panang)
- Thai specialty cocktails (mocktails)
- Thai desserts (mango sticky rice, coconut pudding)
Price range:
Upper mid to premium dining. Expect mains in the RM 60–120 range, plus additional costs for sharing dishes and specialty beverages.
| Detail | Info |
| Address | GF, 6 Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur |
| Hours | 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm daily |
| Website / Social | https://malaithai.restaurant/ |
Why choose Malai Thai: If you’re Muslim or looking for halal Thai fine dining in KL, this is your best option with legitimate Michelin recognition and authentic Thai chefs.
4. La Moon Thai (TTDI)
La Moon Thai is a neighbourhood gem in TTDI led by Chef Korn of Erawan. It gained popularity when praised by Tatler Asia as an authentic and soulful dining restaurant. While some guidebooks label it as a casual spot, the execution is high on quality and flavours are bold and unforgettable, with fresh ingredients and attentive service staff.
Must-try dishes:
- Tom yum goong
- Beef shank curry
- Pomelo salad
- Crab omelette
- Seasonal specials (steamed squid, red curry duck)
Price range:
Moderate to upper mid, depending on your order. Seafood and seasonal specials will increase the bill.
| Detail | Info |
| Address | Unit No.2-1, Greens Terrace, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, TTDI |
| Hours | 12:00PM–3:00PM & 5:30PM–10:00PM |
| Phone / Contact | +6012-289 5575 |
| Notes | Pre-booking encouraged, busy during dinner |
Why choose La Moon Thai: Choose it for unforgettable authentic Thai taste in a peaceful neighbourhood setting with excellent service and consistently fresh ingredients.
5. KomPassion (PJ / Damansara Kim)
KomPassion blends bold Thai flavours with creative touches. The restaurant has earned rave reviews for signature dishes like smoked duck pomelo salad and green curry pork belly. The setting is casual but refined, making it a reliable spot for groups and casual Thai dining.
Must-try dishes:
- Smoked duck pomelo salad
- Green curry pork belly
- Black tom yum (Muek Tom Nam Dam)
- Thai milk tea
Price range:
Mid range with mains often in the RM 30–60 range.
| Detail | Info |
| Address | 5 Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, PJ |
| Hours | Wed–Sun 11:00–15:00 & 17:00–22:00 (closed Mon–Tue) |
| Phone | +60 18-289 6953 |
| Website/social | Main booking & info via LetSumai widget
Instagram: KomPassion Thai |
Why choose KomPassion: The signature smoked duck pomelo salad and green curry pork belly make this spot stand out for creative Thai flavours at reasonable prices.
6. Yan Wo Thai (Aman Suria, PJ)
Yan Wo Thai is a sibling concept from Yan Wo Seafood, offering dedicated Thai food with a no-frills, flavour-first approach. The restaurant is popular in Kuala Lumpur for its signature soft-shell crab in yellow curry, which draws repeat customers from across the Klang Valley.
Must-try dishes:
- Pu Nim Phad Phong Karree (soft shell crab in yellow curry)
- Tod Pla Kraphung (fried fish with Thai aromatics)
- Kangkung
- Tom sap / tom yum
Price range:
Mid to upper mid range, with seafood dishes commanding premium prices.
| Detail | Info |
| Address | A-G, 42 Jalan PJU 1/43, Aman Suria, PJ |
| Hours | 11:00–15:00 & 17:00–22:00 |
| Phone | +60 12-897 8687 |
| Website/ Social | Facebook: Yan Wo Thai 仁和泰 Instagram: yanwothai |
| Notes | Compact space, reservations recommended |
Why choose Yan Wo Thai: Choose Yan Wo Thai if you’re a fan of authentic seafood, especially the signature soft shell crab in yellow curry that’s worth the trip to PJ.
7. Thai Tae (Kuchai Lama / KL)
Thai Tae is beloved by locals in Kuala Lumpur who prefer authenticity over decor. This is the best option for those who always look for balanced spice in their Thai food. Service can be slow during busy times, but regulars say the wait is worth it for the authentic taste the restaurant brings to the table.
Must-try dishes:
- Red tom yum soup with seafood
- Fried tilapia with Thai herbs
- Somtam with salted egg
- Stir-fried shrimp with petai
Price range:
Affordable to mid level, making it accessible for regular visits.
| Detail | Info |
| Address / Venue | 23 Jalan 2/115a, off Jalan Kuchai Lama, KL |
| Hours | 11:30–15:30 & 17:00–22:30 |
| Phone | +60 19-328 2492 |
| Website/Social | Ordering site: thaitaekuchai.beepit.com
Facebook: Thai Tae Kuchai |
Why choose Thai Tae:It’s the best option for authentic tom yum soup with seafood and honest Thai flavours without the fine dining price tag.
8. Soi 55 Thai Kitchen
Soi 55 Thai Kitchen operates multiple branches across Kuala Lumpur (including Sri Rampai) and serves as a reliable fallback for consistent Thai food. Feedback indicates flavours are decent and authentic, though portions and pricing vary depending on what you order.
Must-try dishes:
- Clear tom yum
- Pad Thai
- Salted fried squid
Price range:
Affordable to mid range.
| Detail | Info |
| Locations | Sri Rampai branch, among others |
| Website/Social | Instagram: soi55thaikitchen |
| Notes | One Reddit user: “Red one is more creamy… pad thai is nice” |
Why choose Soi 55 Thai Kitchen: Choose Soi 55 if you want reliable Thai food with multiple convenient locations and are particularly a fan of well-executed squid dishes.
How to Choose Your Best Thai Restaurant in KL
If you’re still deciding which restaurant suits your needs, here are key factors to consider:
- Casual vs Fine Dining: For a relaxed family evening, head to La Moon, KomPassion or Thai Tae. For special occasions and Michelin-level dining, pick Chim by Chef Noom.
- Pork / Halal concerns: Malai Thai is pork-free and caters to Muslim diners. All other restaurants may serve pork, so always ask before ordering.
- Seafood & premium ingredients: Authentic seafood dishes like crab omelettes and specialty fish will increase your bill at any restaurant.
- Reservation & policy constraints: Chim requires booking guarantees and credit card deposits for tasting menus. Other restaurants recommend reservations during peak hours.
- Distance & convenience: Consider whether you prefer KL city centre locations versus PJ/TTDI if you want to minimize travel time.
- Spice level: Thai food can be intensely spicy. Don’t hesitate to ask for “less spicy” if you’re not used to heat levels.
- Recognition matters: In 2026, look for Michelin Selected or Michelin Star restaurants if you want guaranteed quality. Chim (1 Star), Gai, and Malai Thai all hold Michelin recognition.
Sample Itinerary / Pairing Tips
If you’re planning a Thai food crawl in Kuala Lumpur for a day:
- Lunch at La Moon (TTDI): Start light with balanced portions and authentic flavours.
- Afternoon break: Head to a cafe in TTDI or Damansara area.
- Early dinner at KomPassion or Yan Wo: Enjoy creative Thai dishes or signature seafood.
- Fine dining finale at Chim or Gai: End with a refined, memorable Thai dining experience.
Pairing suggestions: Wash down spicy or umami Thai flavours with jasmine rice, coconut water, or sweet Thai tea. End your meal with mango sticky rice or a coconut-based dessert.
What’s New in KL’s Thai Scene (2026 Update)
The Thai restaurant scene in KL continues to evolve. The 2026 Michelin Guide retained recognition for Chim by Chef Noom (1 Star), Gai by Darren Chin, and Malai Thai (all Michelin Selected), confirming these restaurants maintain their excellence year after year.
Chef Darren Chin has expanded the Gai concept with Gai Express on the ground floor of the TTDI location, offering more accessible Chiang Mai street food with the same attention to quality and technique.
Conclusion
Finding the best Thai restaurant in KL is about more than satisfying cravings—it’s about exploring a vibrant food culture that blends authentic taste, relaxed ambiance, and warm hospitality. From Michelin-recognised kitchens like Chim by Chef Noom to neighbourhood gems like La Moon Thai and KomPassion, every restaurant mentioned above offers an authentic taste of Thailand in the heart of Malaysia.
Whether you’re a Malaysian foodie or a traveler looking for unforgettable dining experiences, these Thai restaurants will keep you coming back. After all, great food isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating moments that linger long after the last bite.
Next time you’re searching for the best Thai food in KL, you’ll know exactly which restaurant to choose. Share with us which restaurant stole your heart.