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Guide to Thai Food In Tucson

Guide

Guide to Thai Food In Tucson

by Tucson FoodieAug 22, 2023Updated Aug 3, 20265 min read

Widely recognized as one the great cuisines of the world, the food of Thailand is vibrant with flavors and wonderfully versatile, including everything from fiery hot curries to comforting noodle dishes. Whatever your preference in Thai food and whatever part of town you live in, this guide will help you find the Thai restaurants near you in Tucson to suit your tastes.

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9 spots

(Photo courtesy of Bai Thong)

Bai Thong

4853 East Speedway BoulevardMidtown

A great choice in central Tucson for those who enjoy Thai flavors without the heat, Bai Thong offers curry dishes that satisfy a milder palate. Even some dishes labeled spicy might be considered on the mild side for some. Check out the Panang Curry with sautéed beef, served with red chili, fresh basil, coconut milk, and peanut sauce. It's wonderfully traditional and slightly sweeter than some of the other dishes. You've got a wealth of curries to choose from: green, red, yellow, Panang, and Massaman varieties with a choice of beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, and salmon.
Website ↗
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Char's Thai Restaurant

5039 East 5th StreetMidtown

Serving Tucson for more than 30 years, Char’s Thai is the city's first Thai restaurant. While the ambiance was updated in the last few years, the menu remains tried and true. Must-tries on the menu include the classic Pad Thai, crispy Egg Rolls, and Green Curry with Beef -- accompanied with carrots, peppers, and bamboo shoots and served over fried rice rather than white.
Website ↗Instagram ↗

Karuna's Thai Plate

1917 East Grant RoadUniversity & 4th Ave

In September 2021, a garbage truck crashed through this restaurant's storefront, scattering glass, bricks, and tables everywhere. A year later, Karuna's Thai Plate was finally able to re-open its doors. The restaurant remains modest, but the food is anything but. Check out the Gang Gar a savory, thin-sauced curry with chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp; heat lovers will like the spicy version. For vegetarians, the Panang Curry with Straw Mushrooms and Tofu hits the spot. Perfect for a hot day: the Larb salad, with cilantro, lemongrass, lime, and mint creating a medley of flavors.
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Khao Mun Gai at Kin Dee Thai (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Kin Dee Thai

5350 East Broadway BoulevardMidtown

Kin Dee Thai brings a tropical-inspired Thai brunch concept to the Williams Centre. The space features décor designed to contrast Tucson’s desert tones with lush accents, aiming for a relaxed and garden-like atmosphere.

Favorites include the humble Khao Mun Gai, refreshing Strawberry & Thai Basil Lemonade, and Khao Soi Braised Beef.

Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Luckie's Thai Asian Cuisine

8110 South Houghton RoadSouth Side

Located on the southeast side since 2009, Luckie’s offers a casual order-at-the-counter dining experience, with seemingly endless combinations and choices. The menu includes an impressive array of curry dishes, from the standard red, green, yellow, Panang, and Massaman varieties to the more unusual Chu Chi Curry (shrimp), Salmon Curry, Seafood Curry, and Gang Pah dry curry.
“The green curry with tofu is a day maker. The combination of velvety sauce, a hint of spice, and a mix of vegetables and crispy tofu creates a truly comforting experience.”
— Hannah Hernandez’s favorite
Website ↗
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(Photo courtesy of Mali Thai)

Mali Thai

12142 North Rancho Vistoso Boulevard #120Oro Valley

The owner of Mali Thai grew up in Thailand, helping their mother cook authentic Thai food. Now, folks in Oro Valley and eaters from all around Tucson can enjoy the classic recipes. From Tom Yum Soup to Crab Fried Rice and Fried Banana with Ice Cream, there's plenty on the menu to suit anyone's cravings.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Nattha's Bann Thai Asian

6970 East 22nd StreetEastside

Opened in 2022, this restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, featuring a menu that combines authentic Thai flavors and cherished Cantonese recipes from its predecessor, Peking Palace. Head Chef Sam, with over 25 years of Asian culinary expertise, ensures that every dish, from crispy egg rolls to rich curry paste, is prepared with fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients. Check out the "AppeThaizers," which include Yum Nua (grilled beef salad) and Tom Sabb (pork ribs). They've got Red, Green, Yellow, Mussaman, and Panang Thai curries, too, and the Pad Prik King (Thai rice stir fried with crispy pork belly) is mouthwatering!
"As a Chinese broccoli lover, I recommend the Pad Ka Na Moo Krob with stir fried gai lan and slices of crunchy pork belly in a garlicky, slightly sweet brown sauce."
— Jackie Tran’s favorite
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Sa-Ing Thai Cuisine

9136 East Valencia RoadSouth Side

There’s no need to travel into central Tucson for good Thai food. Head on down to the southeast side for a surprising delight. A super casual, no frills, seat yourself kind of place, Sa-ing Thai offers great tasting, authentic Thai food, plain and simple. There are five curries to choose from — the standard red, green, yellow, Panang, and Massaman — and each can be ordered with beef, chicken, pork, tofu, or shrimp. Sa-ing's Gaeng Garee (yellow curry) with shrimp, onions, and potatoes is the perfect blend of spice, heat, and texture.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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(Photo courtesy of Tuk Tuk Thai on Facebook)

Tuk Tuk Thai

12125 North Oracle Road #169Oro Valley

Tuk Tuk Thai is named after the auto rickshaw, the motorized version of a vehicle previously pulled by hand, horse, or bicycle. And as soon as you enter, you'll see why -- a life-sized Tuk Tuk immediately greets you, along with beautiful murals. This is Thai street food raised to an art form. The original midtown location was so popular, branches opened in the Foothills and Oro Valley.

If you're feeling adventurous, try the Hoy Joh (fried, savory meatball dumplings); the mango sticky rice dessert is a rare delight, too.  You won't go wrong with any of Tuk Tuk's curries: try the Khao Soi Chicken, Tom Yum Goong, or Pumpkin Curry Chicken. And don't forget to wash it all down with a tasty Thai tea.

Tuk Tuk Thai now has three locations:

  • 2990 N. Campbell Ave., Ste 130
  • 6878 E. Sunrise Dr., Ste 160
  • 12125 N. Oracle Rd., Unit 169, Oro Valley, AZ, 85737
"My go to local Thai, always fresh and delicious. Don’t miss the generous Pad Kee Mao with beef,  a rice noodle dish with a kick."
— Edie Jarolim’s favorite
Website ↗
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Frequently asked questions

Tucson has Thai restaurants spread across midtown, the eastside, the south side, and Oro Valley. Long-running options include Char's Thai on East 5th Street, and Tuk Tuk Thai, which now operates three locations. This guide covers 13 spots citywide.

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