Let’s be honest: Fayetteville has its share of culinary frustrations. The bland chain restaurants, the parking lot chaos on Dickson Street, the eternal search for authentic spice. But nestled among the Ozark hills are some truly vibrant gems that make the hunt worthwhile. Like these eleven exceptional Thai spots, for example.
TK Chinese & Thai Hot Foods
$ | (479) 966-8419 | WEBSITE
TK Chinese & Thai Hot Foods is a food truck that wears a lot of hats. The little Fayetteville spot can, depending on the hour, feel like a lunch rush destination or a dinner takeout hub or a late-night craving fix. They have consistently delicious menu items, like a very popular Pompano fish with fried rice. It’s the kind of place you end up after a long day, hungry and ready to dig into their egg rolls, which are shockingly crispy for food from a truck.
It’s mostly simple, pleasingly priced dishes and drinks, especially when they get busy on the weekends. But it’s a fantastic spot if you’re in the mood for outstanding cuisine and maybe a Thai tea or two.
KIN ZABB THAI AND SUSHI
$ | (479) 900-8066 | WEBSITE
While wandering through Fayetteville, we often wish we could stumble upon a hidden gem that feels like a secret escape from the ordinary. That’s kind of exactly what Kin Zabb Thai And Sushi is. The small family-owned spot (so don’t come here if you’re looking for a sprawling dining hall) isn’t the flashiest place on the block, and it’s not your average chain restaurant.
No, this place is usually filled with regulars who know about the fresh ingredients that never disappoint, and newcomers seeking authentic Thai dishes and excellent sushi. Kin Zabb does both those things really well (their Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll is just lovely), and the space has a cozy atmosphere with simple décor and warm lighting.
Original A Taste of Thai
$ | (479) 251-1800 | WEBSITE
Finding Original A Taste of Thai tucked away in Fayetteville is more rewarding than you’d expect. This long-standing spot has been a local favorite for over two decades, offering a consistently delightful experience. Inside, it’s charming and well-appointed, with a cute, unique atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The attentive staff ensures a pleasant visit, always refilling drinks and providing friendly service that makes you feel genuinely cared for.
You’re not coming here for generic takeout—rather, for heavenly and rich dishes like the evil jungle prince curry, which has received high praise, or the must-try coconut ice cream that’s light and delicious. Some of the menu items might have slight variations, like the pad kee mow, but they’re still thoroughly enjoyable. The separate vegetarian menu offers wonderfully good options that even meat-eaters would appreciate.
With lunch specials every day of the week and amazing dishes across the board, this place is a heartfelt ode to authentic Thai cooking. Some might think a restaurant that’s been around this long could rest on its laurels, but these are seriously impressive meals that keep people coming back year after year.
Thai E San
$ | (479) 587-8177 | WEBSITE
Fayetteville doesn’t have many authentic Thai spots, but Thai E San is the real deal done right. Inside the bright space it’s all warm wood and simple decor. Servers bring steaming bowls of green curry and coconut soup as friendly chatter fills the air. Dishes are flavorful (and generous). Plus, there’s always quick refills on drinks. This is a great spot for family dinners, or for whenever you crave larb or pad see ew that tastes just like Thailand. They do takeout too.
Thai Spice
$ | (479) 935-3332 | WEBSITE
Thai Spice is a Thai restaurant where servers have a sixth sense for when you’re on the last bite of your curry. This spot serves fantastic green curry with pork, chicken wing appetizers, special fried rice, and a range of customizable dishes with spice levels precise enough to satisfy any palate. Grab a table for a meal with friends during happy hour for beer, or swing by for takeout before a busy evening.
But it’s probably best not to make concrete plans after—Thai Spice is so delicious you’ll just want to savor every last flavorful bite.
Salathai
$ | (479) 575-9311 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of reasons to visit Salathai, a cozy, authentic Thai restaurant tucked away in Fayetteville. It’s a perfect spot for a casual dinner with family or to enjoy a comforting meal on your own. They serve a fantastic cilantro rice soup, offer the popular No 8- Sen Lak Tom Yum with chicken, and have plenty of vegetarian options with tofu substitutes in case you’re avoiding meat. And if you’re looking for value, their reasonable prices make dining here an affordable treat.
The friendly owner ensures excellent service, making sure all customers leave satisfied with the fast and attentive experience.
Apple’s Thai Nee Kitchen
$ | (479) 379-0656 | WEBSITE
Thoughtful, authentic touches are what set this Fayetteville gem apart from the rest of the area’s Thai spots. If you like dining al fresco, a relaxing covered outdoor area is provided. After you’ve finished your meal, you get huge portions that leave you satisfied and perfectly seasoned flavors that linger pleasantly. They have a reasonably priced menu that uses fresh ingredients and a curry selection that’ll make both Thai food connoisseurs and novices happy.
Plus, there are vegetarian and vegan options that go way beyond your average Thai restaurant menu. The overall feel of the space kind of makes you feel like you’re being welcomed into a very genuine family home.
Siam
$ | (479) 935-3131 | WEBSITE
Siam occupies a cozy spot that makes parking a breeze. It still has that warm, welcoming atmosphere that wraps around you like a favorite blanket, so it’s still perfect for a casual meal with friends. But whereas some Thai spots focus on elaborate presentation, Siam is all about genuine, flavorful food with a “college-friendly” concept (as shown by the affordable pad Thai that keeps students coming back).
There’s a fantastic red curry with chicken that packs a real spicy punch at level 3 and fried veggie rolls that come with a delightful peanut sauce. Order those if you’re dining in and want to feel full and happy. Otherwise, keep Siam in mind for any night you crave comforting dishes like mango rice or steamed dumplings, or just a reliable takeout option.
Thai Diner
$ | (479) 582-1804 | WEBSITE
Thai Diner is a hidden gem in Fayetteville inspired by the authentic Thai eateries that are starting to catch on in the area. But this is one spot we can get behind, because we quite enjoy savoring curries in welcoming spaces while kind owners create delicious food. And that’s exactly what you can do at Thai Diner.
This place also has a busy parking lot, which is something to note since the lot can be a tight squeeze, and it’ll be comforting to know you have a guaranteed spot (especially if you’re coming here with kids). The Massaman curry with avocado is very good and they have chicken noodle bowls too.
Detra’s Diner
$$ | (479) 305-2297 | WEBSITE
The freeway is generally a place you go if you’re trying to get somewhere fast, but Detra’s Diner is a great spot for people who’d like to stay away from those rushed exits and generic chain restaurants. This roadside find works for a solid cheeseburger at lunch or a breakfast burrito and coffee as the morning traffic rolls by.
But Detra’s Diner is undoubtedly a comfort-food spot and generally the best choice for anyone in the middle of a road trip who doesn’t want to settle for fast food yet and would like to be around people who feel the same way.
Chao’s Asian And American Foods LLC
$ | (479) 316-9191 | WEBSITE
What is it that’s so satisfying about eating in a parking lot? Is it the casual atmosphere or the feeling of being outdoors? Whatever the case, it’s probably why Chao’s is one of our favorite Asian spots in Fayetteville. You can dine inside (in the cozy, no-frills space) but the parking lot seating is where it’s at on a warm day. Luckily you can also just grab takeout and go. The portions are generous (and a reasonable $12-$15 for most entrees).
The standard fried rice is just fine, but if you’re hungry get the curry rice that’s a standout balance of savory and rich.
