In Hong Kong’s Kowloon City, the legacy of the Thai diaspora is written not just in street signs but in the fragrant steam rising from dozens of family-run kitchens. This enclave, affectionately known as “Little Thailand,” clusters around the former Kowloon Walled City and is home to more than 200 restaurants, roughly a third of which serve Thai cuisine. For 2024, UFood editors have curated a guide to nearly 10 essential establishments, balancing decades-old institutions with trendy newcomers, all united by the authentic hand of Thai chefs and owners.
The Roots of a Culinary Enclave
Thai immigrants began settling in Kowloon City generations ago, creating a self-sustaining cultural hub. The community’s presence is so strong that the annual Songkran Water Festival has been a fixture here since 2007. Streets like Fok Loy Road, Nga Tsin Wai Road, and Nam Kok Road buzz with Thai script and conversation. The result is a food scene that is less a foreign imitation and more a direct transplant of Bangkok’s culinary soul.
The Pioneers of Kowloon City’s Thai Scene
Several restaurants have anchored the district for decades. Kam Thai BBQ & Kam Thai Smoothie has stood for 20 years, famous for its smoky grilled chicken wings and pork neck, slathered in a secret satay sauce that draws daily queues. Nearby, Kam Bo Thai Restaurant has been a celebrity favorite since 1991, famed for its “exploding shrimp balls” and chili paste clams.
Chao Phraya Thai Restaurant once held the title of Hong Kong’s largest Thai eatery. Now revived by the founder’s grandson, it serves a boat noodle soup based on a closely guarded family recipe, simmering pork bone and black garlic oil until it often sells out before dinner. Similarly, Golden Orchid Thai Restaurant has been running for over 30 years, drawing crowds for its “volcano curry”—a massive inflated round bread served with a rich yellow curry that cascades over the sides—and is notable for not charging a service fee.
Modern Takes and Late-Night Feasts
The district is also embracing contemporary dining. Orange Elephant Thai Restaurant has made a name for itself with affordable, shareable plates that are as photogenic as they are flavourful, including a baked seafood rice served in a coconut. Its popularity recently warranted a second branch in North Point.
For those who crave late-night spice, BTS Food Station—named after the Bangkok Mass Transit System—keeps its kitchen open until 1 a.m. The menu is designed like a subway map, featuring classics like boat noodles alongside playful takes on Korean-Thai fusion.
An Immersive Cultural Feast
The most authentic experiences remain with the family-run spots. Lung Jie Thai Restaurant imports roughly 90 percent of its ingredients directly from Thailand, and the entire staff hails from the country. The standout is a stuffed pumpkin curry that sells out almost immediately. Meanwhile, Thai Royal Cuisine draws perpetual queues for its seared Angus beef steak and a coconut-infused curry soft shell crab that captures the essence of Thai comfort food.
Exploring Kowloon City’s Thai food scene is more than a meal—it is a living history of migration and community. Whether you crave fiery boat noodles at noon or grilled skewers at midnight, the heritage of this unique corner of Hong Kong is served on every plate. After a stroll through the historic Kowloon Walled City Park, stepping into one of these eateries offers a taste of a story that is equal parts Hong Kong and Thailand.