Best Thai Restaurants In Detroit

Over the past 20 years the Detroit area has glommed onto Thai food as a staple cuisine, right up there with Italian and Chinese. Healthy vegetable-based dishes that use meat more as a condiment (or not at all) feature signature spicing -- and, if you wish, fiery hot peppers. Here are some of the best the region has to offer.

Bangkok 96

2450 S Telegraph Road
Dearborn, 48124
(313) 730-8161
bangkok96restaurant.com

This family-owned gem features an extensive menu of Thai noodle and rice dishes, soups and more. Vegetarian-friendly, but like most Thai places you can add the protein of your choice to most any dish. The place is frequently packed, and there's also a brisk takeout business.

Sy Thai

315 Hamilton Row
Birmingham, 48909
(248) 258-9830

A simple, attractive atmosphere, fresh food with a minimum of grease, and plenty of spice make this Thai diner a winner. Two hours' free parking in a nearby ramp is handy.

Bangkok Hung Café

29528 Northwestern Highway
Southfield 48034
(248) 356-0032

The tiny dining room is packed at lunchtime with workers from nearby office buildings, enjoying simple healthy Thai food with deceptively complex spicing and large portions. One of the better renditions of hot and sour soup you'll ever find. A busy takeout business as well.

Sala Thai

3400 Russell St.
Detroit MI 48207
(313) 831-1302
salathai.us

The Web site says Sala Thai means "a place to take a rest," but your tastebuds won't here. Wide variety of spice options (Mild, Mild Plus, Medium, Medium Plus, Hot, Extra Hot and On Fire). We've never journeyed beyond Hot because we were close enough to second-degree burns there, thank you. Lots of seafood options here as well. Find an additional location in Sterling Heights.

Thai Bistro

45620 Ford Road
Canton Township
(734) 416-2122
thaibistroofcanton.com

One of the region's oldest Thai restaurants, established in 1974, and bills itself as metro Detroit's first four-star Thai restaurant. Tons of vegetarian options, lots of unique chef's specials, and rave reviews on the Web sites. Cocktail service, a rarity at many Thai restaurants.

Amarin Thai

11528 E. 12 Mile Road
Warren 48093
(586) 582-8787
thaicuisine4u.com

Thai served fresh and spiced to perfection, not overcooked and greasy. Plenty of vegetarian and seafood options here. Also find Amarin II at 45709 Hayes Road in Shelby Twp.

Mai Garlic

36151 Plymouth Road
Livonia, 48150
(734) 261-1516

This restaurant combines Thai food with Chinese and Vietnamese dishes and does a brisk lunch business.