Craving the perfect Pad Thai, a fragrant bowl of Tom Yum soup, or a spicy green curry that tingles your taste buds? You might be surprised to learn that Spokane, Washington, nestled in the heart of the Inland Northwest, offers a surprisingly diverse and vibrant Thai food scene. Forget assumptions – the Lilac City boasts a collection of Thai restaurants that deliver authentic flavors and innovative dishes to satisfy any craving. Thai cuisine, known for its harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and savory (umami) notes, relies on fresh ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies to create a symphony of tastes. While regional variations exist throughout Thailand, Spokane’s Thai restaurants generally offer a range of popular dishes that appeal to a wide audience. This article serves as your ultimate guide to navigating the best Thai eateries in Spokane, highlighting their unique offerings and helping you discover your perfect Thai meal right here in the Inland Empire. Prepare your palate for an adventure!
Spokane’s Thai Food Stars: Restaurants You Can’t Miss
Let’s dive into some of Spokane’s top-rated Thai establishments, each with its own distinct charm and culinary flair:
Bangkok Thai Restaurant
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Bangkok Thai is a long-standing favorite among Spokane residents. Its inviting ambiance and traditional Thai decor create a welcoming atmosphere for a casual lunch or a special dinner. The restaurant is known for its consistently delicious food, generous portions, and friendly service. Bangkok Thai avoids excessive frills, focusing instead on delivering classic Thai flavors prepared with care.
Their signature dish is arguably their Pad Thai. The noodles are perfectly cooked, maintaining a delightful chewiness, while the sauce strikes a delicate balance between sweet, sour, and savory. The addition of crunchy peanuts and fresh bean sprouts adds a satisfying textural contrast. Another must-try is their Massaman Curry. This rich and creamy curry features tender chunks of beef or chicken simmered in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, and aromatic spices. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. Prices range from twelve to sixteen dollars for most entrees.
What makes Bangkok Thai special is their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vegetables are always crisp, the meats are tender, and the spices are fragrant. The restaurant is also praised for its consistently excellent service and affordable prices. Customers consistently rave about the friendly staff and the quick and efficient service. One online reviewer stated, “This is my go-to Thai place in Spokane. The food is always delicious, the service is great, and the prices are reasonable.” Bangkok Thai caters to various dietary needs, offering a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu. A beautiful framed photo of a traditional Thai street scene adorns one of the walls, adding to the restaurant’s charm.
Ruins Thai
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Ruins Thai offers a unique twist to traditional Thai cuisine. Located in the heart of downtown Spokane, Ruins Thai has a modern and trendy atmosphere with exposed brick and contemporary lighting. The menu features classic Thai dishes alongside innovative creations that incorporate local and seasonal ingredients. Ruins Thai is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, attracting a diverse crowd of foodies and Thai food enthusiasts.
A standout dish at Ruins Thai is their Drunken Noodles, a spicy and flavorful stir-fry with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. The sauce is a fiery blend of chilies, garlic, and basil, providing a satisfying kick. Another popular choice is their Green Curry, made with fresh green chilies, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil. The curry is rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful. Expect to pay between fourteen and eighteen dollars for a main dish.
Ruins Thai differentiates itself through its focus on using local and sustainable ingredients. They partner with local farmers and producers to source the freshest ingredients possible. The restaurant is also known for its creative cocktails and its extensive wine list. One customer review noted, “Ruins Thai is a must-try! The food is amazing, the atmosphere is great, and the service is top-notch.” Ruins Thai can accommodate some dietary restrictions, but it’s best to inquire about specific needs when ordering. The modern decor provides a relaxed yet vibrant setting.
Queen of Sheba Ethiopian & Thai Restaurant
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While not strictly Thai, Queen of Sheba offers a fascinating fusion of Ethiopian and Thai cuisines, providing a unique culinary experience in Spokane. The restaurant’s decor reflects both cultures, with colorful Ethiopian artwork and traditional Thai decorations adorning the walls. Queen of Sheba is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and its friendly service.
Though they offer Ethiopian food, their Thai dishes are surprisingly well-executed. The yellow curry is worth mentioning. It features a mild, turmeric-based curry that complements a variety of ingredients. The restaurant also offers a variety of classic Thai noodle dishes such as Pad See Ew, featuring wide rice noodles, eggs, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of protein stir-fried in a sweet soy sauce. You can find dishes ranging from ten to fifteen dollars.
What makes Queen of Sheba special is its unique combination of flavors and its commitment to providing a diverse culinary experience. The restaurant is also praised for its generous portions and affordable prices. Customers often comment on the friendly service and the welcoming atmosphere. As one customer noted, “This place is a hidden gem! The food is delicious, the service is great, and the prices are unbeatable.” Queen of Sheba offers vegetarian and vegan options, and the staff is happy to accommodate dietary requests.
Discovering Hidden Thai Treasures
Beyond the well-established restaurants, Spokane is home to a few hidden gems that are worth seeking out. Keep an eye out for small, family-run establishments or food trucks specializing in authentic Thai street food. One such example is a food truck often found near Riverfront Park that serves incredible Khao Pad, a flavorful Thai fried rice loaded with vegetables, egg, and your choice of protein. The key is their perfectly seasoned sauce and the use of fragrant jasmine rice. Another hidden treasure is a small restaurant in the Garland District, specializing in Northern Thai cuisine, offering dishes rarely found in other Spokane Thai restaurants.
Exploring Thai Specialties: More Than Just Pad Thai
While Pad Thai is undoubtedly a beloved classic, Thai cuisine offers a wealth of other delicious and exciting dishes to explore.
Tom Yum Soup
A truly authentic Tom Yum soup should be a symphony of flavors. The broth should be intensely aromatic, with a balance of sourness from lime juice, spiciness from chilies, and savory notes from fish sauce and lemongrass. Look for restaurants that use fresh herbs and vegetables and don’t skimp on the chilies!
Green Curry
A good Green Curry hinges on the quality of the green chili paste. Restaurants that make their own paste from scratch often produce the most flavorful and authentic curries. The curry should be rich, creamy, and intensely fragrant, with a satisfying level of heat.
Pad See Ew
This noodle dish, featuring wide rice noodles, eggs, and Chinese broccoli, is a comforting and satisfying option. The key is the perfectly balanced sweet soy sauce that coats the noodles and vegetables. Look for restaurants that cook the noodles to a delightful chewiness and don’t overcook the vegetables.
Tips for Ordering and Savoring Thai Cuisine
Navigating the world of Thai food can be daunting, especially when it comes to spice levels. Most Thai restaurants use a spice scale, often ranging from one to five, with five being the spiciest. It’s always wise to start with a milder spice level and gradually increase it as you become more accustomed to the heat. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or clarification on the spice levels.
Familiarize yourself with some common Thai ingredients. Fish sauce, a staple in Thai cuisine, adds a salty and umami flavor. Galangal, a type of ginger, adds a distinctive citrusy aroma. Lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves contribute to the unique fragrance of many Thai dishes.
When ordering for a group, consider ordering a variety of dishes to share. This allows everyone to sample different flavors and textures. Be sure to include a balance of soups, salads, curries, and noodle dishes.
Perfect Pairings: What to Drink with Thai Food
To enhance your Thai dining experience, consider pairing your meal with a complementary beverage. Iced Thai coffee, with its rich and creamy sweetness, is a classic choice. Thai iced tea, a sweet and refreshing blend of black tea, spices, and milk, is another popular option. For those who prefer beer, a light and crisp lager or a pale ale can help to balance the spiciness of some dishes. Surprisingly, some wines pair exceptionally well with Thai food. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Riesling can complement the complex flavors of Thai cuisine.
Taking Thailand Home: Spokane’s Asian Markets
To further immerse yourself in the world of Thai cuisine, visit one of Spokane’s Asian markets. These markets offer a wide selection of ingredients for cooking Thai food at home, including fresh herbs, spices, sauces, and noodles. You can also find imported Thai snacks and drinks, as well as unique products that are difficult to find elsewhere. It’s a great way to discover new flavors and expand your culinary horizons.
Conclusion: Your Thai Food Adventure Awaits in Spokane
Spokane, Washington, offers a surprising and delightful array of Thai dining experiences. From established restaurants serving classic dishes to hidden gems offering unique culinary creations, there’s something for every palate. The dedication to using fresh ingredients, the passion for authentic flavors, and the warm hospitality of the local Thai community make Spokane a destination worth exploring for Thai food enthusiasts. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on your own Thai food adventure in Spokane today! Discover your favorite spots, savor the vibrant flavors, and share your recommendations in the comments below. The Lilac City is ready to transport you to the heart of Thailand, one delicious bite at a time. Let us know which restaurant is your new favorite!
