Cover Oyster with Green Chilli Granita (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
Oyster with Green Chilli Granita (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
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From tangy som tum and fragrant green curry to smoky grilled meats and delicately layered desserts, Thai cuisine is a masterclass in bold flavour, balance, and complexity
Rooted in royal traditions and rich regional influences, Thai food is both fiery and refined—where every dish is a harmony of sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spice. In the Klang Valley, Thai dining continues to evolve, blending time-honoured techniques with modern interpretations. Whether it is a fine-dining feast or a laid-back neighbourhood favourite, the city’s top Thai restaurants are as diverse as the cuisine itself.
This year’s Tatler Best 2025 celebrates the most exceptional Thai establishments in the region—from award-winning institutions to new-wave eateries redefining the genre. Whether you are after opulent tasting menus, comforting street food-inspired dishes, or something in between, this guide rounds up the very best of Thai dining in Malaysia’s capital.
See also: 10 restaurants for dinner during your next trip to Penang
Chim by Chef Noom
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Beautiful entrance of Chim by Chef Noom (Photo: Chim by Chef Noom)
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Must Try
- The Lost Recipe
- Goong Sarong
- Oyster with Chili Granita
An extension of Bangkok’s Chim by Siam Wisdom, the restaurant is driven by culinary storytelling and shines the spotlight on Thai cooking, history, and ancient recipes reinvented with contemporary techniques. A standout here proves to be The Lost Recipe, a forgotten recipe thought to have originated 200 years ago crafted with fish and robust Thai aromatics. Menus here rotate with the seasons and diners can expect the establishment’s beverage programme to follow suit with its sommelier curating alcohol pairings for every lineup of dishes and offering personalised wine pairings.
Gai by Darren Chin
Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Crispy fish with mango salad (Photo: Gai by Darren Chin)
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Must Try
- Lady Boss Tom Yum Seafood
- Crab Omelette
- Panang Red Curry
- Panang Red Curry
Established by acclaimed chef Darren Chin and his wife Nana, Gai by Darren Chin revisits familiar Thai recipes, uplifting them with precision and soul. Crafted with ingredients sourced from Thailand and Malaysia, meals here take shape with the restaurant’s signature seafood tom yum featuring Songkhla river prawns and panang red curry made with hand pounded curry paste and fresh coconut milk.
Gai by Darren Chin
Address:
26A, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
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Kompassion
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Petaling Jaya
Tom Khlong Goong (Photo: Kompassion)
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Must Try
- Porky platter
- Smoked duck pomelo
- Grilled fish miso paste
This contemporary Thai restaurant is helmed by Nikom Uatthong and loved for its hearty, comforting offerings that suit the local palate, blending familiar flavours with innovative combinations rarely found in other Thai restaurants. Since 2013, the restaurant has been known for its vibrant curries and aromatic stir fries, which are colourful, textural, and ideal for sharing. Don’t miss the Gaeng Raweng Kurobuta Pork Neck curry with turmeric and young jackfruit and the jumbo prawn Tom Khlong Goong.
La Moon Thai
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Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Photo: La Moon
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Chef Kornn, who hails from Bangkok, Thailand, aims to bring authentic Thai food and experience into Kuala Lumpur. Having previous experiences in established Thai restaurants such as Erawan, he ventured off to open his own venue. La Moon is famed for its crab meat omelette and spicy glass noodles—in every dish, their ingredients are fresh and succulent, and the quality is evident. The ambiance is friendly and bright, making it a good spot for a good catch up with friends and family.
Nok Yung Thai Cuisine
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Bamboo Hills
Green curry (Photo: Nok Yung Thai Cuisine)
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Must Try
- Tom Yum Seafood
- Steamed Red Snapper
- Crispy Thai Pandan Chicken
Capturing the essence of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage, Nok Yung offers an authentic and immersive Thai dining experience. Blending traditional Thai cuisine with a modern, relaxed atmosphere, it is inviting to diners of all calibres—from those looking for a casual meal, to those seeking a more refined culinary adventure. The menu is populated with a wide variety of classic Thai dishes from chef Ponsit Inpang, bringing over a decade of culinary experience to the table. Don’t miss out on classics like their tom yum and green curry.
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About
Raisa, our Dining Writer, grew up in a multicultural household where food was more than just a meal—it was a way of expressing love. With Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage, she was constantly surrounded by diverse flavors, home-cooked feasts, and the joy of sharing meals with family.
Her passion for food deepened during her studies in the UK, where she experienced vastly different dining cultures. A firm believer in the power of food to tell stories, she loves traveling, experimenting with local dishes, and uncovering hidden gems to share with others.
When she’s not writing about food, she’s likely munching on chips, chocolates, or whatever snack is within reach.
Work
Raisa covers all things food and drink, from emerging dining trends to timeless culinary traditions. She enjoys spotlighting new talent, discovering innovative menus, and sharing the best of the local dining scene with the world.
Follow her on Instagram @raisazulqaisar
