Kowloon City, Hong Kong—Long established as the city’s unofficial “Little Thailand,” Kowloon City continues to be the epicenter of authentic Thai cuisine, bolstered by a vibrant local Thai community. This unique cultural concentration, evident in bilingual signage and the annual Songkran Water Festival celebrated since 2007, has cultivated a remarkable density of quality Thai dining options. For 2024, a curated list of nearly 10 essential Thai eateries offers an exploration of the neighborhood’s culinary diversity, ranging from long-standing institutions serving traditional recipes to newer, trendy concepts designed for the contemporary diner.
The district, particularly along streets like Fuk Lo Tsun Road, A-T-W-L Road, Nam Kok Road, and Lung Kong Road, hosts over 200 restaurants, with Thai establishments making up approximately 30%. These venues, often Thai-owned and operated, consistently deliver genuine flavors at accessible prices, drawing locals and tourists alike who typically pair their meals with a visit to the nearby historical Kowloon Walled City Park.
Spotlight on Kowloon City’s Premier Thai Restaurants
The 2024 dining guide highlights several must-try establishments, each uniquely contributing to Kowloon City’s gastronomic landscape:
Traditional Stalwarts and Local Favorites:
- Kum Tai BBQ and Kum Tai Smoothie (金泰燒烤＋金泰沙冰): A fixture for two decades, Kum Tai is renowned for its Thai skewers, including marinated chicken wings and pork neck, best dipped in their signature satay and sour-spicy sauces. While the BBQ spot offers dine-in, the popular smoothie outlet is takeout-only and often sees long queues, proving the enduring appeal of their authentic street food.
- Chao Phraya Thai Restaurant (昭拍耶泰國餐廳): Originating in the 1990s and revived by the founder’s grandchild, Chao Phraya is acclaimed for its deep, aromatic boat noodles. The broth, simmered with pork bone, black garlic oil, and Thai herbs, frequently sells out before the evening service begins. Other notable dishes include crispy fried pork knuckle and their rich Tom Yum soup.
- Cambo Thai Restaurant (金寶泰國菜館): Operating since 1991, Cambo quickly became a celebrity favorite. Specializing in seafood, diners flock here for items such as chili paste stir-fried clams, raw prawns (sa-shi-mi style), and their particularly popular bursting shrimp balls—golden, crunchy appetizers with a satisfying, popping filling.
- Thai Royal Place Restaurant (泰皇閣泰國菜館): This in-demand spot on A-T-W-L Road frequently necessitates long waits. The atmosphere, featuring rustic brick walls and Thai murals, complements signature dishes like perfectly seared Angus beef and succulent curry soft-shell crab, which balances spice with subtle coconut notes.
- Golden Orchid Thai Restaurant (金蘭花泰國菜館): Celebrating over 30 years, Golden Orchid is a revered establishment. Their Yellow Curry Chicken in a Large French Loaf is a mandatory order, allowing diners to soak up the rich, flavorful curry with the fluffy bread. This long-standing venue is also noted for not imposing a service charge.
Modern Concepts and Late-Night Options:
- Orange Elephant Thai Restaurant (Orange Elephant Thai Restaurant): Appealing to large groups and family gatherings, this restaurant is known for generous portions and a pleasant dining setting. While popular for classic offerings like charcoal-grilled pork neck, Orange Elephant also serves picture-worthy dishes such as seafood rice baked in a coconut and egg net Pad Thai. Its expansion to North Point now grants convenient access to Hong Kong Island residents.
- BTS Food Station (BTS 美食站): Taking inspiration from the Bangkok transit system (BTS), this spot features subway-themed decor and a menu designed like a route map. It’s one of the few Thai venues in the area open until 1:00 AM, making it ideal for late-night supper enthusiasts. Signature dishes include Crispy Thai Pork Knuckle and their Boat Noodles.
- Lung Jie Thai Restaurant (隆姐泰國美食館): Managed by “Lung Jie,” a Bangkok native, and staffed entirely by Thai employees, this restaurant prides itself on authenticity, utilizing many ingredients imported directly from Thailand. The presentation is highly emphasized; the pumpkin curry, a signature dish, is often visually striking and sells out early in the day.
Kowloon City continues to showcase the evolving narrative of Thai immigration and cultural integration in Hong Kong, offering an enriching culinary journey that honors tradition while embracing modern tastes. Visitors are encouraged to explore this eclectic mix to fully appreciate the depths of Thai flavor available outside of Thailand itself.