A Taste of Thailand in Olympia and Thurston County: Where to Find the Best Dishes
Olympia and Thurston County are home to a vibrant Thai community and a thriving culinary scene showcasing the unique flavors of Thailand. From the bustling streets of downtown Olympia to the charming towns dotted throughout the county, there's a Thai restaurant to satisfy every craving.
The Essence of Thai Cuisine
Thai cuisine, drawing inspiration from Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian culinary traditions, is a symphony of flavors, expertly balancing sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter tastes. Fresh herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves mingle with fiery chilies, rich coconut milk, and savory fish sauce to create dishes that are both complex and comforting.
Eight Thai Restaurants to Visit in Thurston County
Exploring Thai cuisine is not just about the food; it's about immersing yourself in a culture that values fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the art of balancing taste. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or new to Thai food, Olympia and Thurston County offer a delicious journey of culinary discovery.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Explore these top-rated Thai restaurants in the Olympia region:
All About Pad Thai - Olympia
1919 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502
This food truck, found at West Central Park in Olympia, specializes in Pad Thai, offering a variety of this classic dish with different protein and vegan options.
Streets of Singapore - Olympia
913 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501
This downtown Olympia spot specializes in Southeast Asian comfort food but their Pad Kra Phao with spicy, garlicky pork, Holy Basil, and Thai chilies topped with a fried egg is Thai Street Food royalty.
Nou Thai Restaurant - Olympia
415 Water St SW, Olympia, WA 98501
Located in the heart of downtown Olympia, Nou Thai is a local favorite known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. Their Pad See Ew and Green Curry are must-tries, but you’ll be missing out if you skip the roti and curry dip appetizer.
Mekong Thai - Olympia
125 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
Offering a wide range of classic Thai dishes, including curries, noodles, stir-fries, and soups, this downtown Olympia favorite also has house specialties like Mekong Deep Fried Tofu and Mekong Special Noodle Salad. Pro Tip: Order a round of Mekong Fried Chicken Wings tossed in their signature fish sauce for the table.
Lime Leaf Asian Fusion - Lacey
5730 Ruddell Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98513
This highly rated pan-Asian restaurant heavily features Vietnamese cuisine, but they also highlight Thai specialties like Pad Thai and a variety of curries. If you're looking to explore a broader range of Southeast Asian flavors beyond just Thai cuisine, Lime Leaf Asian Fusion is a great place to start.
Bangkok Thai - Lacey
700 Sleater Kinney Rd SE Ste C2, Lacey, WA 98503
Looking for Thai dishes but have folks in your party clamoring for Chinese? Bangkok Thai in Lacey serves up authentic dishes that are also optionally gluten-free.
Esan Zap Thai - Lacey
9323 Martin Way E #114/116, Lacey, WA 98516
Lauded as “Thai you’ve been dying to try,” this is Thai food crafted by a Northeastern Thai Thailand chef and features his family’s recipes. Be prepared for bold flavors and fiery spices! Pro tip: Get the Khao Moo Dang: this rice dish featuring sliced BBQ pork, crispy pork, and Chinese sausage topped with house sweet red sauce, and soy vinaigrette is a regional dish you’ll only find at Esan Zap.
Red Lantern Asian Fusion - Yelm
10501 Creek St SE, Yelm, WA 98597
After a long day exploring Yelm and the gateway to Mount Rainier, head to Red Lantern Asian Fusion for authentic Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese dishes sure to refuel you and your crew in a hurry. Pro Tip: Order the Swimming Rama – a dish of lightly blanched fresh spinach topped with tender chicken, pork, beef, prawns or tofu in our delicious creamy peanut sauce.
Thai Garden Restaurant-Lounge
2735 Harrison Ave NW #440, Olympia, WA 98502
Pad Thai Express
315 Cooper Point Rd NW Ste 102, Olympia, WA 98502
Thai Pavilion Restaurant
303 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501
Narai Thai Asian Cuisine-Express
320 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501
More Cuisines to Explore
Related Content:
All About Pad Thai
1919 Harrison Ave NW Olympia, Washington 98502
Streets of Singapore
913 Capitol Way S Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 900-2181
Nou Thai Street Food
415 Water St SW Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 584-9162
Esan Zap Thai Cuisine
9323 Martin Way E #114/116 Lacey, Washington 98516 (360) 539-4799
Mekong Thai Restaurant
125 Columbia St NW Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 352-9620
Lime Leaf Asian Fusion
5730 Ruddell Rd SE Lacey, Washington 98513 (360) 459-6548
Bangkok Thai Restaurant
700 Sleater Kinney Rd SE Ste C2 Lacey, Washington 98503 (360) 459-3732
Red Lantern Asian Fusion
10501 Creek St SE Yelm, Washington 98597 (360) 458-1500