Thai Food in Nashville

Smiling Elephant - Review - Melrose - Nashville - The Infatuation

This little family-run restaurant has long been a neighborhood fixture—even before it opened, the original owner worked in Melrose out of an auto repair shop on the same plot of land as the restaurant’s current location. Plus, the Smiling Elephant crew is related to the chef behind Suzy Wong's House of Yum and International Market, so they're a part of Nashville's royal family of Thai food. photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin Pause Unmute The menu features all the classics, and the excellent pad thai is light and fragrant, trading the sticky-sweet iteration you might find at other joints for an herb-forward sauce, fresh vegetable textures, and bouncy rice noodles. The pad kra pao features a beautiful amount of thai basil, and everything can be served with eye-watering “Thai spice.” No matter your heat preference, Smiling Elephant delivers every time. Food Rundown Tom Kha This tom kha breaks your brain with its flavor complexity. Creamy coconut, citrusy lime, and something vaguely but pleasantly salty all play together in this lovely vegetable soup. The broth is complemented by bites of al dente carrot, squash, and broccoli, but you can also add chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Pad Thai If you know what you like, and what you like is pad thai, Smiling Elephant’s version is the best in the city. Stir-fried green bean noodles are topped with tofu, egg, peanuts, bean sprouts, red onion, and garlic, plus your choice of meat (we like chicken). The sauce is a light sweet/savory affair, and it all comes together with a squeeze of lime. photo credit: Casey Irwin Ginger Chicken Wanna swap noodles for rice? Order this one. The chicken may look slightly unseasoned when it hits the table, but do not fear—the flavor is there. A bite reveals spicy ginger, fresh green onion, earthy black mushroom, and tender chicken with a dash of peanut. This is perfect for anyone who isn’t big on sweeter tamarind-based sauces. - Bailey Freeman

Nashville’s original Thai landmark, revived by the Myint family. Lunch brings classic steam-table plates; dinner leans creative. Recognized with the Thai Select award and led by a 2024 James Beard semifinalist; lauded by The Infatuation.

From a neon-green truck to a brick-and-mortar favorite, Degthai delivers punchy curries, bouncy noodles, and spicy tom yum. Highlighted on Yelp’s Top 100 and noted by Axios Nashville; also recommended by Eater Nashville.

Siam Cafe - Review - Nolensville Pike - Nashville - The Infatuation

Siam Cafe is one of the oldest Thai restaurants in Nashville, and it’s still going strong. Since 1976, they’ve been serving classic Thai dishes long before Nolensville Pike became the go-to stretch for global eats. Along with International Market, this restaurant was the first taste of Thai food for generations of Nashvillians. The prices also seem stuck in another time—all the curries and noodles are under $15, making this one of the most affordable places in town, full stop. Come for takeout and get some $7 som tum and an extra peanutty massaman curry, or lad nah noodles covered in a rich gravy for a super filling meal that’ll cost under $25. photo credit: Kelli Dirks photo credit: Kelli Dirks photo credit: Kelli Dirks photo credit: Kelli Dirks photo credit: Kelli Dirks Pause Unmute - Anas Saba

A Lao-Thai grocery with a cafe in back—order sticky rice, laab, sai oua, and more. Celebrated by Eater Nashville for its adventurous, homespun menu that reflects Antioch’s immigrant community.

Homestyle central Thai cooking in a modest room—seek out mee kati and crispy duck in panang. Frequently recommended by Eater Nashville and favored by locals for value and warmth.

A petite counter inside L&L Market, run by Bangkok natives. Short, changing menus highlight pad see ew, salads, and daily curries. Featured by Eater Nashville; hours and offerings vary, so go early.

A beloved Thai-Lao staple reborn on 12th Ave S after a 2019 fire. Family-run, with crowd-pleasers like pad kee mao, papaya salad, and curries. Recent local coverage confirms the return.

Woodbine’s sleeper hit for generous portions and soulful curries, soups, and stir-fries. Eater Nashville calls out the value-packed menu and reliable classics under the radar.

Music Row anchor from chef-owner Nina Singto, rooted in Lao-Isan flavors with a lively bar scene. Frequently featured by Eater Nashville and spotlighted by Southern Living for its regional specialties.