Sandra MillerCraving a plate of perfectly balanced pad Thai or a deeply aromatic green curry? You’re definitely not alone. The local food scene is packed with hidden gems and bustling Asian kitchens serving up incredibly authentic Southeast Asian flavors.
Navigating all the menus and spice levels can feel a bit overwhelming when you just want a satisfying meal. That’s why I hit the streets to track down the best Thai restaurants in Indianapolis for your next dining adventure. From cozy neighborhood spots to vibrant industrial-chic eateries, here’s a curated guide to the places that will make your taste buds dance.
How Much Does Thai Food Cost in Indianapolis?
In Indianapolis, a standard Thai meal generally ranges from $15 to $30 per person, with weekday lunch specials often sitting around the $12 to $16 mark.
| Meal Type | Price Range |
| Lunch Specials | $12 – $16 |
| Dinner Entrees | $15 – $22 |
| Appetizers | $7 – $12 |
| Specialty Seafood/Duck | $24 – $32 |
1. Thai Recipes Restaurant
Website: http://www.thairecipesrestaurantindy.com/
Address: 404 E. Thompson Rd. Suite # G2, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Contact: (317) 388-5152
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu – Sun: 11:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, rich curry when the craving strikes, especially when you can control the exact amount of heat in your bowl. Thai Recipes Restaurant makes its mark by offering highly customizable spice levels, allowing you to tailor authentic dishes perfectly to your heat tolerance.
This cozy neighborhood establishment feels incredibly welcoming, and the generous portion sizes ensure you always get great value for your money.
The kitchen staff is wonderfully accommodating, frequently adapting meals for gluten-free needs without sacrificing any flavor. If you’re currently working with a nutritionist regarding dietary restrictions, you will appreciate their flexibility. The friendly service during dine-in is consistently excellent.
However, keep in mind that the kitchen strictly stops taking orders fifteen minutes before closing, so late-night diners need to plan accordingly.
Customer Reviews:
Staying at a hotel near by saw this place on Google decided to stop in and glad I did. Service was quick, the staff were all very kind. And the food was delicious and came out very fast. The spice level was a little mild for hot but I did not got the hottest they had. A must stop for Thai food lovers.
Randy Hoffon | Google Review
Got lunch here for the first time. Very good! Didn’t get any pictures because we ate it so fast. I am gluten free and they were very helpful in explaining what is and is not gluten free. They took extra care to mark every item that I could have as gluten free on the to go boxes. I ordered the fried rice (gluten free) & the drunken noodles, both lunch specials. Amazing food for a very good price. We will be back.
– | Google Review
2. Phaya Thai Street Food
Website: https://phayathaiindy.com/
Address: 5645 N Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216
Contact: (317) 802-7543
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Sat: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Missing the vibrant energy and bold aromas of Southeast Asian night markets? Phaya Thai Street Food brings that exact culinary experience to the Midwest with a menu heavily inspired by traditional street vendors. This spot delivers a fast-paced, casual dining atmosphere centered around everyday street-style dishes that are cooked fresh right in front of you.
The open kitchen layout fills the room with incredible scents of garlic and holy basil.
Their value-packed lunch specials are a massive hit, typically pairing a main entree and rice with a complimentary starter. If the weather is warm, the outdoor seating area is a fantastic place to enjoy a quick midday meal.
The main drawback is that the indoor dining room is quite intimate, meaning it often gets very crowded and noisy during peak lunch hours.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Thai spot. One of the best in Indy. The food is very flavorful and fresh. Quick, friendly service from the staff. I really enjoy grabbing lunch here because it doesn’t take a long time and the quality of food is top notch.
Justin Amber | Google Review
My husband and I have been to many other Thai restaurants, but this one of the best!! Service is always 10/10 the owner and his wife are so sweet!
We get their pad thai Chicken and pad see ew, beef. And for dessert their sticky rice with ice cream! So good!
nohely flores | Google Review
3. BODHI
Website: https://www.bodhi-indy.com/
Address: 922 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Contact: (317) 941-6595
Hours: Sun – Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fri – Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Finding a venue that balances an upscale, energetic vibe with deeply rooted culinary traditions can be tough. BODHI completely nails it as a 21-and-over establishment operated by three generations of women, pairing heirloom family recipes with an acclaimed craft cocktail program. The industrial-chic setting immediately sets a stylish tone for date nights or evening gatherings.
When I visited last month to try their signature basil stir-fry, the complex layers of spice completely blew me away.
The menu features an extensive selection of vegetarian adaptations, while the seasonally rotating drink menu is expertly crafted by talented mixologists. You can even enjoy your meal on their beautiful outdoor patio, which feels like a lush urban oasis.
The only catch is that they enforce a strict ninety-minute dining time limit per table, making it difficult to linger over drinks.
Customer Reviews:
this place is so good! one of my favorite restaurants in indy. the service is always great and the food is always delicious. the portion sizes are good too, you get a lot of food for what you pay. show up early because it fills up fast!
Molly Church | Google Review
One of the best restaurants in Indy! Located on the popular Mass Ave strip near Bottleworks. Plenty of parking along the street or at Bottleworks. The level of flavor in every dish is outstanding. We’ve never had a dish that didn’t blow us away. So many vegetarian and vegan options. Most entrees can be made vegetarian or vegan. Their tofu is cooked to the perfect crispness! The vibe is hip and cool and perfect for a date night or night out with friends. Definitely the best Thai food in Indy!
Jillian McBride | Google Review
4. Thai Curbside by Sawasdee
Website: http://thaicurbside.com/
Address: 2445 E 65th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Contact: (317) 292-9168
Hours: Daily except Tue: Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM; Dinner: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Sometimes you just want to eat exceptional food in sweatpants on your own couch. Thai Curbside by Sawasdee is a revival of a beloved local staple that focuses heavily on convenient takeout while meticulously preserving rich, traditional culinary flavors.
Their grab-and-go ordering system is incredibly fast, ensuring your meal is ready by the time you pull up. I ordered their massaman curry for a movie night recently, and the sturdy packaging kept everything piping hot during the drive home.
The portion sizes are massive, frequently providing enough leftovers for the next day’s lunch. They even offer comprehensive catering services if you need to feed a large crowd for an event.
That said, one important detail to note is their relatively limited operating schedule, as they primarily focus on a very short evening dinner window.
Customer Reviews:
Atmosphere feels authentic. A little rustic, but like your mom’s kitchen kinda way. Service was beyond hospitable! The man taking my order was patient and helpful, but I know you want to know about the food. Remarkable! I got a soup, that tasted like pad Thai and lemon grass soup mixed, but had an ample amount of veggies and spice. Perfect for this snowy, cold, day. I will return so much I may have to become an employee haha!
Miranda Hummel | Google Review
Highly recommend Thai Curbside!! I’m always looking for a good Thai food restaurant, especially one that serves Khao Soi soup. The food was authentic and delicious, plus the service was great!! The small dining area would not work for a large group but is perfect for a party of 1-3 people. 10/10 would recommend!!
Anna Woolf | Google Review
5. Thai Spice
Website: http://www.thaispiceindiana.com/
Address: 2220 County Line Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Contact: (317) 881-2243
Hours: Mon – Fri 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sat: 11:00 AM -10:00 PM, Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Feeding a large group with diverse tastes requires a kitchen that can handle huge orders and varied preferences. Thai Spice is a long-standing culinary fixture that solves this problem with a massive, varied menu featuring a wide array of options like standard stir-fried noodles and whole deep-fried fish.
Their spacious dining room easily accommodates larger families, ensuring everyone has enough elbow room to share plates comfortably. The hearty portion sizes are guaranteed to satisfy the largest appetites at your table.
The kitchen splits its lunch and dinner services on weekdays, which guarantees freshly prepped ingredients for each rush. You will find unique regional curries and hard-to-find seafood delicacies that are rarely seen elsewhere in the city.
Just be aware that their menu pricing runs slightly higher compared to similar local establishments.
Customer Reviews:
This has been my favorite Thai restaurant for a Long time. Nothing else compares. I am So Thankful that my Aunt Janet invited me here many years ago! Everything we order is always delicious. Some of our favorites include the Padd Thai, Shrimp Rangoon, Summer Rolls, Cashew Chicken, Pineapple Fried Rice, and every vegetable stir-fry that we have tried.
michelle snyder | Google Review
Excellent food and service. The lunch menu is reasonably priced with good options. Lunch included a nice bowl of soup and a spring roll. The lunch portion was perfect. Our meals were served quickly. Everything was delicious. The vegetables and meat cooked perfectly.
Caution in the tight parking lot, especially if you drive a larger SUV or truck.
Diane Ellis | Google Review
