Recently, the WORLD OF BUZZ team was in the mood for some delicious Thai food, but you know how it goes – it’s nearly impossible to find eateries that serve TRUE authentic Thai cuisines.
In the end, we simply picked a random Thai restaurant in the mall just to satisfy our cravings; little did we know that the food actually turned out to be pretty good, different from our usual fare. Then we noticed that this restaurant was (proudly) displaying a certificate which explains why their food tasted SO GOOD!
Turns out it’s a Thai SELECT-certified restaurant, which means that the Royal Thai Government gave them their stamp of approval for serving high-quality bona fide Thai cuisine.
Here’s what we found out about the Thai SELECT certification:
Thai food at its most authentic
Apparently, Thai SELECT is a prestigious certification awarded to Thai restaurants worldwide that fulfil all criteria in capturing the true authenticity and quality of Thai cuisine. The certification is managed by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), who recently announced 35 Thai restaurants in Malaysia that have been handpicked as Thai SELECT Restaurants.
In order for establishments to be deemed Thai SELECT-worthy, eateries have to undergo a diligent assessment and strict evaluation process, as well as utilise certified Thai SELECT products as part of their ingredients.
With various pricing and offerings, Thai SELECT Restaurants are divided into three award categories:
- Thai SELECT Signature: Premium quality, refined decoration, excellent services, and outstanding Thai culinary image.
- Thai SELECT Classic: Excellent quality and considerably good services.
- Thai SELECT Casual: Authentic Thai taste, for small-sized and limited service establishments such as fast food restaurants, food courts outlets, food trucks and food stalls.
If you love Thai food as much as we do, check out these Thai SELECT Restaurants to get your Thai food fix!
Kuala Lumpur
Signature
1. Gai by Darren Chin [Pork-free]
Serving delicious northern Thai cuisine with a focus on shareable dishes, like the spicy-sour tom saeb oxtail stew and signature chargrilled free-range chicken, all in a family-friendly Michelin Guide restaurant.
📍 26A, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
🕓 Opens 12PM – 3PM and 6 – 11PM; closed on Mondays.
2. La Moon [Pork-free]
Fresh spring rolls with prawn
Enjoy authentic Thai favourites like pomelo salad and pineapple fried rice in a vibrant setting with expert hospitality and a great selection of beers.
📍 Unit No.2-1,Greens Terrace, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
🕓 Opens daily, 12PM – 3PM and 5.30 – 9.30PM (Reservations only)
3. Malai Thai Cuisine [Pork-free]
Pad Pong Karee
Award-winning, Michelin Guide-recognised Thai cuisine with a pork-free menu, offering authentic dishes and speciality desserts in a fine dining setting.
📍 Ground Floor, Menara Ample West, 6, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 12PM – 10PM.
4. KomPassion [Non-halal]
Gaeng Lanjuan
Chef Kom of KomPassion challenges the conventional idea of Thai cuisine in Malaysia by serving contemporary Thai dishes that are unique yet familiar in their own way.
📍 5, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
🕓 Opens 11AM – 3PM and 5PM – 10PM, closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Classic
5. Amarin Heavenly Thai [Pork-free]
Amarin Heavenly Thai offers a feast for the senses with warm greetings, regal decor, and mouth-watering authentic Thai cuisine.
📍 S045, Level 2, Centre Court, Mid Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 10PM – 10PM.
6. Ali Tomyam Thai Restaurant [Halal]
Serving up authentic and flavourful Thai dishes in a casual and welcoming setting since 1989!
📍 7X, Jalan Keramat, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 54000 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens 12PM – 2.30PM and 6PM – 12AM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 5PM – 12AM on Saturday and Sunday; and 6PM – 11.45PM on Tuesday.
7. Isan Thai Restaurant [Non-halal]
Kai yang
Dive mouth first into authentic northeastern Thai cuisine, with their must-try dishes like kai yang (Isan BBQ chicken) and tangy Tom Yam talay (seafood).
📍 H-0-3A, M-Avenue, Jalan 1/38a, Segambut Bahagia, 51200 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 12PM – 11PM.
8. Busaba Heavenly Thai [Pork-free]
Miang Kham
This luxurious haven offers exquisite Thai delicacies, stylish ambiance, and exceptional service; don’t miss Busaba’s house blend of 100% Arabica beans for a full-bodied, nutty-floral cuppa.
📍 F15, 1st Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 10AM – 10PM.
9. Celadon Royal Thai Cuisine [Pork-free]
Immerse yourself in a setting adorned with ancient Thai artefacts while savouring authentic Thai cuisine crafted by skilled chefs. Don’t miss their popular Green Curry and Tom Yam.
📍6.37, Level 6, Pavilion, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
🕓 Opens daily, 10AM – 10PM.
10. Baan Thai 2 Seafood & Thai Cuisine [Non-halal]
White Tom Yam Soup
Since 2016, Baan Thai has been serving authentic, award-winning Thai cuisine, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation to deliver a true taste of Thailand in Malaysia.
📍 Lot pt 15288a, Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 12PM – 4.30AM.
11. Thai Luck Thai Cuisine [Halal]
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A flavourful journey through traditional Thai dishes awaits you here, with a focus on authentic ingredients and vibrant tastes.
- KL branch:
📍 7-0-11, 7-0-11, Jalan 3/109f, Danau Business Centre, 58100 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 11AM – 9.30PM.
- Cyberjaya branch:
📍 Lot G03 & Lot G04, 03-01 & 03-01A, Tamarind Square, Persiaran Multimedia Cyber 10, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 11AM – 9PM.
12. Thai Tuk Tuk [Pork-free]
Steamed siakap with chilli, garlic & lime sauce
Expect a delightful array of classic Thai street food with a modern twist, perfect for a casual yet flavourful meal.
📍 Level G3, Publika Shopping Gallery, No. 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 11AM – 9.30PM.
13. Thai Eats Street Food [Pork-free]
Phad Thai
This eatery delivers an authentic Thai street food taste, bringing the essence of Bangkok’s bustling food scene to your plate.
📍 OKR Auto City, Lot 4426B, Jln Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens 11.30AM – 2.30PM on weekdays, and 5PM – 1AM daily.
Casual
14. Thai-In Mookata [Non-halal]
Head over to Thai-In Mookata for a delicious mix of Thai BBQ and hotpot that’s perfect for sharing and savouring traditional flavours.
- Old Klang Road branch:
📍 Lot 4426, OKR AUTO CITY, Batu 4 1/2, Jln Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 5PM – 12AM. - Kepong branch:
📍 102, Jln Metro Perdana Barat 2, Taman Usahawan Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 5PM – 12AM. - Subang branch:
📍 6, Jalan SS 13/3e, Subang Jaya Industrial Estate, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor.
🕓 Opens 5PM – 12AM, closed on Monday. - Cheras Trader Square branch
📍 49-G, Jalan Dataran Cheras 3, Dataran Perniagaan Cheras, 43200 Cheras, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 5PM – 12AM. - Setapak branch
📍 3, Jalan 14/27b, Desa Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 5PM – 12AM. - Rawang branch
📍 PUSAT KOMERSIAL ANGGUN CITY, 92 & 93, Jalan Anggun City 1, Taman Anggun, 48000 Rawang, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 5PM – 12AM.
15. Mama Lek [Pork-free]
This humble stall in Setapak is operated by a Thai-Malaysian woman who learnt to cook Isan-style Thai beef noodles from her mother.
📍 Jalan Prima Setapak, Taman Setapak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens 12PM – 6PM, closed on Monday.
16. Thai Yeh Kope [Non-halal]
Signature Crab Meat Fried Rice
Embark on a flavourful adventure at this award-winning restaurant, which deliciously fuses traditional Thai and Chinese flavours that have been around for 90 years.
📍 1-G, Jalan Kuchai Maju 18, Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.
🕓 Opens daily, 10AM – 10PM
Selangor
Classic
17. Thai Thai [Pork-free]
Spare no expense with authentic royal Thai cuisine, with an array of fragrances, textures & flavours that’ll tantalise Malaysian foodies.
📍Lot OB-1D, Oasis Boulevard, Sunway Pyramid, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 10AM – 10PM.
18. Jatujak Bangkok Street Food [Non-halal]
Taste the bustling flavours of Bangkok street food in Ara Damansara, with authentic Thai dishes like Phad Thai and mango sticky rice.
📍 B-G, 31, Jalan PJU 1a/3j, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 12PM – 3PM and 5PM – 10.15PM.
19. Veg Fish Farm Thai Restaurant [Pork-free]
This neighbourhood favourite of 13 years promises a unique, lively Thai dining experience, next to a picturesque pond and surrounded by lush forest in Hulu Langat as live music plays into the night.
📍 KM4, Jalan Hulu Langat, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 11AM – 11:30PM.
20. Tommy Thongchai [Non-halal]
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Both purists and modernists would be satisfied at this urban Bangkok cafe, serving Thai classics as well as some fusion favourites to tickle your taste buds.
📍 The Square, G.005, Jaya One, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 11.30AM – 9.30PM.
21. Mr. Tuk Tuk [Pork-free]
Explore the diverse flavours of Thailand at Mr. Tuk Tuk, where you’ll relish creamy Green Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice, and the must-try mango sticky rice for a sweet finish.
- IOI City Mall branch:
📍 LG31-C, LG Floor, IOI City Mall, Lbh IRC, Ioi Resort, 62502 Putrajaya, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 10AM – 10PM. - Starling Mall branch:
📍 S-228, Level 2, The Starling Mall, No. 6 Jalan SS21/37, Uptown, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
🕓 Opens daily, 10AM – 10PM.
Penang
Classic
22. WhatSaeb Boat Noodles [Non-halal]
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Penang’s first Thai SELECT Restaurant has been serving some of the most lip-smacking boat noodles (among other dishes) in the country since 2014.
📍 173, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
🕓 Opens 12PM – 10PM, closed on Tuesday.
23. Chili Head Bar & Eatery [Non-halal]
Enjoy the rhythmic waves at Straits Quay and Chili Head Bar’s daily live music as you sink your teeth into authentic Thai dishes.
📍 3A-G-11 Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Seri Tanjung Pinang Tanjung Tokong, 10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
🕓 Opens daily, 12PM – 11PM.
Johor Bahru
Classic
24. Chatri Signature Authentic Thai Cuisine [Halal]
Experience authentic, homemade Thai cuisine in a cosy, home-like setting.
📍 11, Jalan Eko Botani 3/7, 79100 Gelang Patah, Johor.
🕓 Opens 11.30AM – 10.30PM, closed on Monday.
25. Chok Dee Thai Restaurant [Non-halal]
A no-frills Thai restaurant that focuses on serving flavourful, authentic Thai dishes and excellent service. Do order their signature spicy seafood kengsom on rainy days!
📍 Plaza DNP L2-01, No 59, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor.
🕓 Opens 24 hours daily.
Pahang
Classic
26. Wild Thai Mookata [Non-halal]
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Eating Thai barbecue on the hills of Cameron Highlands is a must-try experience, especially with over 10 flavours of marinated meat to choose from.
📍 Cameron Centrum, D-2-54, Presint 1, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang.
🕓 Opens daily, 1.30PM – 10.30PM; and 1PM – 10.30PM on Friday.
Kelantan
Classic
27. Kengsom Thai Restaurant [Halal]
Don’t let its facade hide the fact that this restaurant serves some of the highest quality Thai cuisines in Kota Bharu!
📍 Jln Kebun Sultan, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
🕓 Opens daily, 12PM – 9.30PM.
Sarawak
Classic
28. Pandan Thai Delight [Pork-free]
Generous portions with consistent high quality and flavours – it’s no wonder this humble Thai restaurant has been getting rave reviews!
📍 73, RH Plaza, Jln Stutong Baru, Sedc Woodhouse, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak.
🕓 Opens 10AM – 9PM, closed on Monday.
Don’t settle for less… when it comes to Thai cuisine!
No matter which restaurant you choose, the Thai SELECT award assures that these are the upsides of dining at a Thai SELECT-certified establishment:
- Cooked by authentic Thai chefs
- Made with the finest, freshest ingredients
- Diverse Thai cuisine menu
- Warm hospitality from the staff
- Beautiful decor and ambiance that reflects Thailand’s culture
Thank you, DITP, for recommending these awesome Thai restaurants! We don’t know about you, but we’re going to try ALL these restaurants for the full Thai gastronomy experience. 😋
For more info about Thai SELECT Restaurants, visit this website.
