Singaporeans are foodies at heart, and our love for bold, fiery food has made Thailand one of our most popular holiday destinations. If you want to relive your amazing Thai foodie adventures without paying for a flight and hotel, there is Thai SELECT.

Thai SELECT is a mark of certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce, The Royal Thai Government. The Thai SELECT logo on a restaurant window tells you that it serves authentic Thai food using traditional recipes, cooking methods and flavour profiles, endorsed by the Thai government itself.

Earning this prestigious mark is not easy; restaurants must pass strict evaluations on key criteria:

•         Authentic taste: The food must taste like it does in Thailand, prepared using traditional methods
•         Thai ingredients: Restaurants must use genuine Thai ingredients and authentic seasonings
•         Qualified chefs: The kitchen must be led by chefs, usually Thai nationals, highly experienced and trained in Thai culinary arts
•         Ambience & service: The restaurant’s atmosphere, decor and service standards must reflect Thai culture and hospitality, offering diners a complete cultural experience

10 Thai SELECT restaurants you have to try

Here is our list of 10 Thai SELECT establishments in Singapore that made us feel we were back in the Land of Smiles. They range from elegant fine-dining restaurants to casual eateries known for authentic boat noodles. Among them are 6 that are fresh on the list this year.

1. Kin Leaw Chill

Kin Leaw Chill was perhaps the highlight of our Thai SELECT journey this year. Focusing on Northern Thai cuisine, hard-to-find regional specialities and seafood, this Tanjong Pagar hidden gem balances affordable prices with massive, high-quality portions.

When I think back to the first dish we were served, the word cornucopia comes to mind. It was the Assorted Northern Platter or Khantoke (S$12 for large bowl, S$28 for small mixed platter). We also had the Crispy Pork Skin (S$5), which amazingly is made in-house, and Chilli Paste (S$8) and Northern Sausage (S$8).

Khao Soi Nong Gai (S$12.80) is a comforting Northern Thai classic featuring tender chicken drumstick nestled in a rich, aromatic coconut curry broth, served over yellow egg noodles and topped with crispy noodles. Eating this felt like receiving a warm, cosy embrace!

The very crispy whole seabass of the Pla Krapong Tod Nampla (S$38) was deep-fried to golden perfection, with its juicy flesh drizzled with a savoury, elevated fish sauce glaze for authentic Thai flavour.

However, the absolute peak perfection was the Tom Yum Thai River Prawn (S$18 for small, S$35 for large). Somehow Kin Leaw Chill infuses the plumpest river prawns with the most heavenly fiery, fragrant soup (available in creamy or clear broth). My mouth still waters at the sublime balance of zesty lime, lemongrass and rich seafood essence and even our Thai dining partners were very impressed. If you have just one dish from everything on this page, it must be this one!

Kin Leaw Chill sources all local seafood directly from the market, with no frozen ingredients. The river prawns are flown from Thailand, as are other essentials such as rice noodles. An extra bonus is that you are getting the royal treatment – Chef used to cook for the Chiang Rai royal family!

This restaurant is for true connoisseurs of Thai cuisine, with its sauces made from scratch and spices brought in and prepared straight from Thailand for authenticity. Even desserts are made fresh per order, something evident from the delightfully tender Mango Sticky Rice (S$9.80). Kin Leaw Chill will create any Thai dish that’s not on the menu — just call a day in advance so they can assemble it from the traditional ingredients.

Best of all, all this glorious food, welcoming Thai hospitality and wonderful culinary experience come with zero GST! 

26 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088449
+65 8112 1329
Mon: 11.30am – 10pm

Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
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2. Beerthai House Restaurant

Beerthai House Restaurant is another veteran of Singapore’s Thai culinary scene — this family-run restaurant cut its teeth at Golden Mile in the early 2000s. Its founder is Chef Somsak Chomprach, a pioneer of Thai cuisine in Singapore.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Beerthai House Restaurant dining experience — both the restaurant and building decor feature an interesting blend of Thai elements and Singapore iconography. The restaurant’s photo wall traces Chef’s journey through accolades and press features.

Our table unanimously decided that our favourite was the Steamed Seabass w/ spicy Lime Sauce (S$40). The seabass was super fresh and melt-in-the-mouth soft, swimming in a vibrant lime sauce of zesty, spicy flavour that invigorated the fish.

Irresistibly smoky and succulent, the Grill Pork Neck (S$15) was a lesson in balance between tender meat and rich fat. The lovely charred edge kept us reaching for more.

I strongly recommend you try the Thai Prawn Cakes (S$3/pc). These handmade prawn cakes are made in-house daily, never frozen. Each bite reveals an exceptionally bouncy, juicy texture stuffed with sweet prawn meat within the crisp, golden crust.

If you are ready to set your tongue aflame (I was not!), the Mixed Pork Salad (S$12) will do the trick. It packs a seriously fiery punch balanced with zingy lime, fresh herbs and the nutty crunch of toasted rice powder. If you’re a spice fan, this is a must-try.

Dining at Beerthai House Restaurant felt akin to being welcomed into a Thai friend’s home, and the intimate decor, lovely service and comforting, super authentic food add to that aura.

155 Kitchener Road, #01-01, Singapore 208528
+65 6291 2267
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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3. Sawasdee Thai Restaurant (Chinatown)

Small hawker kiosks are part of Thailand’s charm, and they have been the soul of its street food for generations. It is there that Auntie Wanpen, the founder of Sawasdee Thai Restaurant (Chinatown) began to share her home cooking with the world in the 1980s, eventually bringing it to Singapore in 2004.

As she has always done, Auntie Wanpen purchases fresh poultry and seafood from the local wet market daily; meanwhile, specific herbs are brought directly from Thailand. They are even adapted to dietary needs, offering a wide array of gluten-free and vegan options.

I absolutely love the fabulously interactive, slightly messy (my skill level plays a part) and absolutely delicious one-bite appetiser Miang Kham (S$12 for 2 pieces)! You wrap a betel leaf around a smorgasbord of ingredients, including toasted coconut, dried shrimp, lime, roasted peanuts and palm sugar sauce. What a heady explosion of flavours!

It comes a close second to Tom Yum Goong (S$18), made using a recipe from Auntie Wanpen’s hometown. Milder and creamier than the tom yum you may be familiar with, it is finished with a richer, smoother broth rather than the sharp, clear-sour style most restaurants serve.

Fans of seafood will immensely enjoy the Black Pepper Soft-Shell Crab (S$28), which is whole soft-shell crab, deep-fried to a delicate crisp and tossed with garlic, chilli and cracked black pepper for a fragrant, punchy bite. Just as good is the crispy Sweet & Sour Seabass Fillet (S$36) — the vibrant sweet and sour sauce with bell peppers, pineapple and onion was intoxicating!

A familiar favourite, the Pad Thai Goong (S$16) of stir-fried rice noodles with prawns, egg, tamarind and bean sprouts, then topped with crushed peanuts and lime was also memorable.

We ended on a high note with the Coconut Ice Cream with Black Sticky Rice (S$12). One of the best I’ve ever had, there really is no substitute for house-made coconut ice cream. 

If you are in Chinatown, a detour into Sawasdee’s cosy, easygoing ambience is well worth it.

6/8 Trengganu Street, Singapore 058460
+65 9610 9975
Mon to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 11.30pm
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4. Bold Thai

Bold Thai is both a restaurant and a bar located in the heart of the CBD at Capitol Singapore, run by two sisters who bring a hands-on touch to every diner’s experience. They have a very unique approach to Thai cuisine, blending their authentic roots with a modern flair.

An in-house bartender conjures up cocktails that complement the bold spices of their dishes, perfect for everything from a business lunch to casual high tea to a lively dinner.

The highlight of the menu for us was the Sea Bass Hotpot with Coconut Soup & Sides (S$48, U.P.: S$58). Featuring succulent sea bass in an extraordinarily creamy (and highly addictive), rich coconut broth. It is served with premium sides, making for an indulgent, flavourful hotpot experience. 

Hiding something special in a fairly ordinary name is the Garlicky Chicken (S$20). Tender chicken pieces sauteed golden and coated in a fragrant garlic glaze deliver a punchy, savoury kick that pairs brilliantly with rice.

Haul in the Prawn Net (S$38), too — it’s exquisitely crafted around sweet, juicy prawns wrapped in a delicate, crispy lace net to create a delightful interplay of textures with the flavours to match. This was a fun dish!

The Bold Eggy Salad (S$16) is a vibrant, refreshed classic packed with eggs and crisp greens, tossed in a zingy, punchy dressing that brings a wonderful contrast to heavier Thai dishes. The health-conscious will approve!

13 Stamford Road, Capitol Singapore, #B2-55, Singapore 178905
+65 6513 0020
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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5. IM EM Thai Kitchen

Run by the son of the lady who operated the iconic Dee Tongue in Golden Mile Centre, IM EM Thai Kitchen in Aperia Mall has a heritage that stretches back almost 3 decades. We keep going back for their unpretentious, no-frills dishes that feature bold flavours and don’t hold back on the heat.

Recipes are toned down to suit local tastes but if you are up for the challenge, tell them you want it ‘Thai spicy’ and prepare your tongue for the fire.

Our top recommendation is the Gaeng Hung Lay (Northern Thai Pork Belly Curry) (S$15). This Northern pork curry with Indian and Burmese influences is rich and slightly sweet, boasting a flavour created by the mother and perfected by the mom-son duo over the years.

Firm customer favourite, Yum Pak Bung Grob (Crispy Morning Glory Salad) (S$15) is a crispy snack ⁠eaten with a spicy yum sauce to cut the oil flavour. It goes with almost anything on the menu as a side dish. We had to resist ordering a second plate — the morning glory stays impossibly crisp under the sauce, and that spicy-sour hit makes it dangerously easy to snack on between mains. I’m still thinking about this…

We also recommend you try the Pla Yum Samun Phrai (Fried Fish in Spicy Herb Salad) (S$38). This is sea bass with a crispy outer layer and soft, flaky interior, ⁠fried and mixed with a special spicy, tangy yum sauce. We loved how the crunch held up even after being tossed through the sauce — each bite balanced heat, tang, and that fresh herbal lift without ever masking the fish itself.

12 Kallang Avenue, Aperia Mall, #01-40, Singapore 339511
+65 9112 0662
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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Pinky’s Kitchen Nakhon Si: Authentic Thai dishes like green curry chicken, pad thai & pad kra pao at Bukit Canberra

6. Sarai Fine Thai

Sarai Fine Thai is true to its name, a fine-dining establishment in Tanglin ideal for celebrating special occasions. It is headed by Isaan-born Chef Lisa, who brings over 27 years of culinary experience to the kitchen. Her masterful ability to showcase elements of her heritage while perfecting the balance of flavours with premium ingredients left us in awe.

We made a brilliant start with the Mango and Salted Egg Yolk and Prawn Topped With Crispy Fish aka Yum Ma Maung Kai Ken Goong Sod (S$29). Chef has created a mesmerising salad of contrasting but complementary flavours and textures — sour mango, rich salted egg yolk and juicy prawns are brilliantly balanced by carrots and crispy fish strips in culinary harmony.

We also tried 2 dishes that are making their menu debuts — Steamed Chicken in Purple Bouquet (S$29++) and Massaman Curry with Oxtail (S$38++).

The first made us sit up as we got a sense of the meticulous effort put into the filling. Patiently marinated and broiled to evoke exceptionally deep, nuanced flavour this was a revelation in every bite.

The curry was pure melt-in-the-mouth perfection. The tender oxtail completely absorbs the luxuriously aromatic curry for a rich, comforting bite that lingers on the palate. It will make its menu debut at the end of Aug 2026.

Get a taste of Chef’s hometown with the Isaan Thai-style Grilled Chicken Gai Yang (Half) (S$29). Made with spring chicken for incredible natural tenderness, its beautifully charred exterior, juicy flesh and vibrant blend of Thai herbs and spices elevate an ordinary-name dish into a hidden gem.

One element of Sarai Fine Thai lingers in my thoughts: the extraordinarily beautiful plating that whetted our appetites. The restaurant itself is a sublime exercise in quiet opulence; the decor is marked by warm woods, soft light and softer linen, creating a quiet, luxurious space that regales all your senses.

163 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Mall, #03-122, Singapore 247933
+65 6737 0818
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
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7. Khao Hom by Rung Mama

It’s not just a name — Rung Mama of Khao Hom by Rung Mama is an actual person, a Thai mother who has been sharing her love of, and skill at making homely Thai dishes since the 1980s. I love that eating here felt like being invited into a Thai family’s home for a shared meal.

Rung Mama also hails from Isaan in northeastern Thailand, a region known for exceptional food and lovely hospitality.

I’ll just start by telling you my favourite dish here because the memories are so pleasant! It was the Crispy Kangkong with Minced Pork & Prawn Dip (Yum Pham Boong Krob) (S$14.80). The crispy veggies paired with a house-special savoury-tangy minced pork and prawn dip were almost unbelievably good; it’s the perfect side to any Thai main dish.

Also featuring the restaurant’s own fermented yum sauce recipe is the Fried Pork Jowl with Fermented Fish Sauce (Yum Kor Moo Tod Pla Ra) (S$22). Its punchy, umami-laden kick brings out the best from the crunchy, golden-fried pork jowl for a simultaneous serenade of heavenly tastes.

We had heard so much about the seafood here and opted for the Thai Yellow Curry with Crab Meat (Pu Phra Phong Karee) (S$30). It was such a good choice — generous chunks of fresh, exceptionally sweet fresh crab meat invite you from a rich, aromatic yellow curry egg sauce. There is zero fishiness, just pure, velvety comfort with a perfectly judged hint of spice.

If Thai home cooking is like Khao Hom by Rung Mama, I may just move there…

88 East Coast Road, Katong Square, #01-05/06/07, Singapore 423371
+65 6737 0818
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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Djitsun Mall, 5 Ang Mo Kio Central 2, #01-06, Singapore 569663
+65 8202 2512
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
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8. MP Thai

MP Thai, a Jurong East restaurant, is known for exceptional quality and generous portions for a great price, as well as its ‘eat like a local’ vibe. That doesn’t surprise us, given its Thai owner and all-Thai kitchen team.

Our absolute favourite has long been the BBQ Pork Jowl (S$15), a grilled Thai-style dish that has the juiciest, most tender texture and deliciously charred edges. Because the meat is marinated in a host of Thai flavours before being grilled, you are hit with a wonderful combination of smoky, savoury and sweet flavours.

For a true Thai sharing experience, get the Esan Hotpot (S$39). Inspired by the vibrant flavours of Northeastern Thailand, it brings people together around a rich and spicy aromatic broth and fresh ingredients. That includes pork slices, chicken slices, fish balls, straw mushrooms, egg, pork liver bowl and a vegetable basket.

What’s more Singaporean than a crab dish and what’s more Thai than a yellow curry? Bring those together and you get the delectable Yellow Curry Crab (S$20). Warm spices, a creamy coconut base and just a hint of sweetness create a comforting Thai classic that regales you with its fragrant, piquant aroma and rich flavours.

Another popular seafood dish here is Steamed Grouper Slices with Lime & Chili (S$22). It’s a back-to-basics recipe that eases back on the seasoning to let the fish shine, teased along by the zesty lime and heat from Thai chilli.

2 Venture Drive, Vision Exchange, #02-41/42, Singapore 608526
+65 9757 5403
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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9. Sawadee Thai

For a quarter of a century, Sawadee Thai has been bringing authentic, deeply comforting Thai flavours to the local food scene. Head Chef Ning’s use of traditional techniques as well as authentic ingredients, such as the prized Sisaket garlic from her hometown envelop dishes in heady, intoxicating aromas.

Nothing in the Sawasdee Thai kitchen comes from a pre-made, mass-produced jar. Every curry paste is pounded from scratch using fresh herbs and gently roasted spices. Even the glutinous rice powder is toasted in-house with makrut lime leaves, galangal and lemongrass to ignite a delicious herbal warmth.

Our extraordinary journey here began with the Tom Khlong with Smoked Fish (S$14). Inspired by Chef Ning’s childhood, this rare Thai soup features charcoal-grilled dried fish and fire-roasted aromatics. The resulting broth of tamarind, lime and smoky chillies possesses a complex warmth that easily outperforms the standard bowl of tom yum.

We also recommend the Red Curry with Roasted Duck (S$28). Marinated for 8 hours in a rich spice paste, it is then cooked with sweet pineapple and lychee, so the fruit wonderfully balances the coconut milk. For meat lovers, the Crying Tiger (S$38) beef pairs a deliciously caramelised crust with a fragrant, house-made nam jim jaew dipping sauce.

Finally, do not miss the vibrant Lemongrass Seabass (S$48). It begins with fresh seabass fillets marinated in coriander root and Sisaket garlic, then fried until golden and delightfully crisp. Served with a lively seafood dipping sauce, each bite captures the glorious harmony of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours that define the best of true Thai cuisine.

9 Tan Quee Lan Street, TQL Suites, #01-01, Singapore 188098
+65 6238 6833/ +65 9233 7335 (WhatsApp only)
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm
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10. Slurp

Nestled inside the vibrant Thai Supermarket, Slurp is where you go when you don’t want a “Singaporean version” of your favourite Thai street food. Dishes are created using the spices, condiments and ingredients on the supermarket shelves, the very same ones everyday Thais use in their own homes.

It’s amazing watching Chef Jong and his skilled Thai team behind the scenes — cooking here is more about memory and gut feel than formal training and recipes. They bring bold, aromatic flavours straight from Thailand to your plate.

We fell in love with their classic Pad Thai ( from S$11.90). Imported noodles come painted in an enticing house-made tamarind sauce. Slurp’s modern take on this iconic dish adds crispy soft-shell crab and fresh green mango, a steal at S$19.90 for the treasure trove of flavours —sweet, tangy and savoury — in perfect balance.

The Pad Mama Prawn and Tobiko Lava (S$19.90) is a playfully fun dish. Springy noodles absorb intense wok hei before being anointed with a lavish topping of salty tobiko roe. Homemade green chilli salsa cuts right through the rich flavours with a fiery, fresh kick that will set your tastebuds alight.

It’s hard to resist the aroma, sights and sound of their bubbling Tom Yum Mama Hotpot (S$24.90). Overflowing with juicy prawns and crispy pork belly, the pot’s true star is the creamy, spicy tom yum broth enriched with evaporated milk and roasted chilli paste. Slurp-able!

It would be a travesty to overlook the Pork or Beef Boat Noodles (S$10.90 to S$11.90); the broth is simmered to perfection over 6 hours intensifying the marvellous flavours, helped along by roasted chilli flakes. Pork scratchings add a wonderful salty crunch.

12 Kallang Avenue, Aperia Mall, #01-17/20, Singapore 339511
+65 6908 2019
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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Learn About Thai SELECT: To find out more about the Thai SELECT certification and its global standards, please visit www.thaiselect.com.

Get Certified: If you are a restaurant in Singapore wanting to apply for the prestigious Thai SELECT certification, visit the official application portal here or contact the Thai Trade Center in Singapore at [email protected].

* This article is brought to you in partnership with Thai SELECT, The Thai Trade Center in Singapore.

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