Thai Restaurants

Whether planning a special night out with your friends, a romantic night with your partner, or if you simply can´t be bothered to cook; going out is always a good option. Of course, the next step is deciding which cuisine and where to find it. There are the usual safe bets, Italian, Chinese for something a little harder to find perhaps Mexican or Indian. But if none of these sound quite right, how about treating your taste buds to a Thai experience? Good Thai cuisine is a balance of spices and herbs, a medley where there is never one spice that dominates the entire dish. Ranging from spicy to subtle, sweet and sour, there is a dish for everyone´s palate. There isn´t a large selection of Thai restaurants in Prague, but many expats have a favorite that they have “discovered” at some point or other. To make it easier for those seeking a bit of spice in their evening, we´ve put together a local Thai sampling.

There are two Thai restaurants in the centre of Prague which seem to be recommended over and over again for their combination of excellent Thai food and reasonable prices. Siam Orchid (Na Poříčí 21 Prague 1, www.siamorchid.cz) is a Thai gem hidden in a passageway next to Bílá Labuť on Na Poříčí. There is a covered “outside” dining area, as well as the dining area inside the restaurant. Main meals range from 110-295 CZK and the restaurant is open daily from 10-11pm. Modrý zub (Jindřišská 5 Prague 1, www.modryzub.com) is another favorite, conveniently located just off Wencelas Square. It offers Thai cuisine and also has a small Sushi menu on the side. In the front sits the modernly decorated restaurant and in the back is a fast food/take-away section, though there are a few tables here where you can quickly munch down a meal. The main meals range from 155-265 CZK. However, if price is not an issue, Modrý zub also has a selection of specialties for those looking to splash out: Cuttle fish, lobster and for the daring – frog legs The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 10am-12am, Saturday from 11am-12am and Sunday from 11am-11pm. However, the kitchen closes one hour before the restaurant´s closing times.

If you would like a Thai restaurant with a unique décor, try Arzenal (Valentinská 11 Prague 1, www.arzenal.cz). Found right next to the Staroměstská metro station; Arzenal is a gallery, store and Thai restaurant all rolled into one. The art is designed by world renowned artist, Boris Sípek, and includes everything found in the building, from the chairs to the tableware. All of these products can be purchased, so if you fall in love with the glass you drank out of, the cutlery you used, or the plate you ate off – don´t worry, you can purchase a set to have at home. Main courses generally range from 200 to 400CZK, with a few vegetarian options at a lower price. Arzenal is open every day from 11am-11pm.

Heading over to Prague 2, there are a few Thai options in this neighborhood. One favorite is Lemon Leaf (Myslíkova 14 Prague 2, www.lemon.cz) which offers both Thai and international cuisine. The interior is very light and airy, with large windows that look onto the street. There is also a small patio area, giving you the option to sit outside in the warmer months. Here the Thai main meals range from 150 to 250CZK, but for the budget conscious they offer a lunch menu for 99CZK throughout the working week. Noodle Bar (Plavecká 4 Prague 2, www.noodle.cz) has a modern Asian décor to it. Slightly retro, with the use of red, white and black, it makes for a funky place to hangout. Noodle Bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but for the rest of the week is open from 11:30am-10pm. Last food orders are taken at 9pm. Main meals range from 160 to 275CZK. Also in Prague 2 is Thaiko (Jaromírova 182/62 Prague 2, www.thaiko.cz), found near the tram stop Svatoplokova. This is a 100% non-smoking restaurant which offers Thai and Japanese food. Open daily from 11:30am-11pm, most of the Thai main meals are under 200CZK.