For decades, Kowloon City has been Hong Kong’s unofficial “Little Thailand,” where a thriving Thai diaspora has woven authentic flavours into the district’s fabric. Now, as visitors flock to the newly revitalised Kowloon Walled City Park and surrounding streets, a wave of both traditional and Instagram-friendly Thai restaurants awaits. In 2024, the neighbourhood boasts more than 60 Thai-run eateries among its 200-odd dining outlets—many open until the early hours. Here is our curated guide to the top spots that define Kowloon City’s Thai dining renaissance.
The Thai Heart of Kowloon City
Thai immigrants began settling in Kowloon City in the late 20th century, creating a self-sustaining community where street signs appear in Thai, temples serve as gathering points, and an annual Songkran water festival has been held every April since 2007. Today, streets such as Fuk Lo Tsun Road, Nga Tsin Wai Road, Nam Kok Road, and Lung Kong Road form the epicentre of this cultural hub. According to local tourism data, approximately 30% of the area’s restaurants are Thai-owned—a concentration unmatched anywhere else in Hong Kong.
2024’s Must-Visit Thai Eateries
Below are eight establishments that range from heritage pioneers to modern upstarts, each run by Thai chefs or families. Prices remain accessible, with many dishes costing under HK$100.
1. Kam Thai BBQ & Kam Thai Smoothie
A two-decade institution, Kam Thai is actually two outlets: a sit-down barbecue house and a takeaway-only smoothie shop. Its grilled skewers—chicken wings, pork neck, and jumbo sausages—are legendary, slathered in a signature satay sauce and tangy chilli dip. Must-try: the tom yum seafood noodle soup and pineapple fried rice. Open daily noon–11pm.
2. Chao Phraya Thai Restaurant
Once Hong Kong’s largest Thai restaurant in the 1990s, Chao Phraya briefly closed in 1997 before being revived by the owner’s grandson. Boat noodles are the star: a family-secret broth simmered with pork bones, black garlic oil, coriander root, star anise, cinnamon, and galangal. The fragrant stock often sells out before dinner. Other standouts include deep-fried pork knuckle and oyster omelette. Daily 11:30am–10pm.
3. Kam Bo Thai Restaurant
Opened in 1991, Kam Bo was among the first Thai restaurants in the district and remains a celebrity favourite, once operating five branches. Seafood dominates—chilli paste clams, raw shrimp sashimi, and the signature “exploding shrimp balls” (golden crispy spheres bursting with filling). Daily 11:30am–11pm.
4. Thai Emperor Thai Restaurant
Located on Nga Tsin Wai Road, this busy spot features Thai-themed murals and wooden furniture. The grilled Angus beef is cooked medium-rare with a vivid pink centre, while the curried soft-shell crab carries a subtle coconut richness. Daily noon–10pm.
5. Orange Elephant Thai Restaurant
A photogenic choice for groups, Orange Elephant offers generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. Signature dishes include coconut-baked seafood rice and egg-net pad thai. The chain has expanded to North Point, making it easier for Hong Kong Island residents to sample its affordable fare. Daily noon–11pm.
6. Golden Orchid Thai Restaurant
A veteran since 1993, Golden Orchid is run by a Thai head chef and famously charges no service fee. Its star dish is a large round loaf of bread drenched in yellow curry with chicken—a decadent carb-on-carb affair. Other old-school favourites include crispy pork knuckle, basil-lime clams, and sticky rice chicken wings. Daily noon–10pm.
7. BTS Food Station
Named after Bangkok’s Skytrain, BTS Food Station decorates its interior and menu like a metro map. Late-night diners rejoice: it stays open until 1am—rare in Kowloon City. Try the BTS Hainanese chicken, braised pork knuckle in soy sauce, or the tom yum seafood army stew. Daily noon–1am.
8. Lung Jie Thai Restaurant
With two branches, Lung Jie sources 90% of its ingredients from Thailand, and the entire front-of-house team is Thai. The pumpkin curry—served inside a hollowed pumpkin—is both visually striking and delicious, often selling out early. Also recommended: seafood curry in a bread bowl. Hours vary by branch; check before visiting.
What This Means for Food Lovers
Kowloon City’s Thai food scene is more than a meal—it’s a cultural immersion. The concentration of authentic, affordable, and family-run spots makes it a unique culinary destination in Hong Kong. For visitors planning a trip, combine a walk through the Kowloon Walled City Park with a late-afternoon feast at any of these eateries. Many offer takeaway, so you can sample multiple spots in one evening.
Actionable takeaway: Bookmark the addresses listed above, arrive hungry, and don’t shy away from the skewers or boat noodles—they’re the soul of Little Thailand.