Houston, TX
For Thai in Houston, the local food press points to Street to Kitchen, Sao Lao Thai Café, and Vieng Thai. Picks from The Infatuation, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in The Infatuation. Updated July 2026.
Street to Kitchen · East End
Now in a larger East End space, this restaurant leans hard into heat, with near-tongue-obliterating spice built into an everyday menu of som tam, tom yum, and drunken noodles. The mango sticky rice is worth ordering regardless of what else lands on the table.
Sao Lao Thai Café · Northside
An attentive, generously portioned Northside spot known for crispy rice with pork and a red curry built around ribeye, a step up from typical neighborhood Thai. The portions and the ribeye curry give regulars a reason to make the drive across town.
Vieng Thai · Spring Branch
An unpretentious Spring Branch spot serving vibrant, assertively flavored dishes including sour sausage, purple eggplant, and spicy drunken noodles. The menu rewards diners who want bolder, more traditional flavors over a toned-down version, and the room stays casual and low-key throughout.
Songkran Thai Kitchen · Uptown
A compact, buzzing Uptown restaurant good for chicken satay and yellow curry, with happy hour specials and patio seating that draws a steady crowd of friend groups and couples. It works well for an after-work drink and a shared plate or two.
NUA Thai · Midtown
A casual Midtown spot that works equally well for dine-in or serious takeout, known for tom yum soup and drunken noodles that hold up well for delivery. It is a dependable neighborhood option for eating in or taking out.
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