You know those lush green mountains that frame Hilo’s crescent bay? That’s Hawaii. In case you forgot, the Big Island is a culinary crossroads, and it’s a prime spot for Thai food. Across Hilo’s neighborhoods, you’ll find all sorts of Thai spots—northern, southern, street-style, and more—in addition to a single generic pad thai joint. Skip that place, but try these ones.
Ratana’s Green Papaya Salad
$ | (808) 987-3844 | WEBSITE
Plan a solo lunch or quick dinner at Ratana’s Green Papaya Salad in the heart of downtown Hilo. The space is cozy with two small tables, and it’s always buzzing with locals who appreciate fresh ingredients and authentic family recipes. Obviously start with the green papaya salad, then try some chicken skewers, massaman curry, and shrimp spring rolls.
Hilo Siam Thai Restaurant
$ | (808) 238-5068 | WEBSITE
Every time we get pad thai from a generic takeout spot, we’re a little disappointed in ourselves. Those noodles were decent, but were they really worth more than a movie ticket? At Hilo Siam Thai Restaurant near Downtown Hilo, the Pad Thai chicken noodles are perfectly balanced, a little sweet and tangy, cost $14.95 a plate—and we ordered a second helping immediately after finishing the first.
The consistently delicious and flavorful dishes at this six-seat cozy spot from owner Pong include Coconut Chicken soup, spring rolls, and Thai ice tea, and a lot of them can be sampled in the Special 1—Chef Suwan’s Favorite, which features shrimp and crab meat simmered with fresh vegetables in a yellow curry paste and coconut. But it’s only a teaser. Follow it with a lunch of fresh noodles, authentic chicken dishes, and a Thai ice tea to finish.
Aloydee’s Thai Food
$ | (808) 542-5166 | WEBSITE
Standing at Aloydee’s small counter, digging into pineapple fried rice bursting with sweet-tart flavor and curry noodles with that perfect zing, you could easily be convinced you’re somewhere in Bangkok. Wake up, because you’re actually in Hilo. Start with the fresh summer rolls, then get the basil fried rice that’s become a local favorite, and finish it off with an immaculately spiced drunken noodles. If there’s papaya salad on the menu, get it.
Thai smile
$ | (808) 799-5446 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving genuine Thai food in Hilo, you should know that’s technically referred to as ‘Thai Smile weather.’ Get yourself over to this hidden gem near the farmers market, where you can dive into a plate of garlic shrimp in a cozy dining area with simple wooden tables and warm lighting. Order at the counter where the friendly owner offers basil fried rice, pineapple fried rice with shrimp, and pad kee mao, and pair everything with a Thai iced tea in a tall glass.
The meals are fresh and authentic, with just the right spiciness levels, making this place a must-try for a flavorful and satisfying experience that even foodies with high standards will appreciate.
New Saigon Restaurant
$ | (808) 935-4564 | WEBSITE
This family-owned Hilo spot serves Thai classics in generous portions and offers standout dishes like Pad Thai, spring rolls, and Korean chicken, all made with a perfect balance of flavors. Get your chicken in crispy fried form, wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping. If you’re looking for a cozy and welcoming dinner, New Saigon also does a family-style meal that comes with your choice of two entrees, plus rice and spring rolls to share.
And it all comes on simple white plates that really round out the restaurant’s humble neighborhood feel.
Nim’s Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine
$ | (808) 333-5189 | WEBSITE
If you’re hunting for Hilo’s most authentic Thai food, this charming spot from a Chiang Mai native delivers. Flavorful, generous, and packed with ingredients so fresh they practically sing, Nim’s takes Northern Thai classics and brings them to a cozy Hilo storefront.
Come for satisfying dishes in a space that feels like a tasteful Thai living room—we especially love the fresh fried spring rolls hiding under a light wrapper with the perfect crisp, and the spicy noodle dish, which sounds straightforward, until you dig your fork in and find huge servings of noodles, veggies, and that signature kick.
Naung Mai Thai Kitchen
$ | (808) 934-7540 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of places to eat Thai food in Hilo, but not many of them are so authentic that you could eat a green curry and feel like you’re in Bangkok. Except for Naung Mai Thai Kitchen, a local favorite that’s been serving the community for years. It shines in the evening after a long day exploring the island when you are too tired and too hungry to do anything except eat, but we’ve also visited for lunch to enjoy pad thai and pretend we are on vacation.
They’re famous for their Panang Curry with veggies, which is served with brown rice, but a visit to Naung Mai isn’t complete without a full meal—think generous portions of curry with unique vegetables like purple potatoes, and big bowls of authentic Thai tea.
Bangkok Villa Hilo
$ | (808) 640-5518 | WEBSITE
Bangkok Villa Hilo offers a casual dining experience with the comforts of authentic Thai cooking. In the small, welcoming space, you’ll find a straightforward menu featuring pad thai, papaya salad, and summer rolls with a fresh vegetable filling and peanut dipping sauce. Order what you like—maybe the excellent curry and a portion of pad thai—then let the owners know your preferred spice level, and they’ll happily adjust it.
To round things out, there are also vegetarian options available, like the summer rolls and various curries. With quick service, generous portions that are easy to share, and outdoor seating where you can catch the ocean breeze, it’s a favorite spot for an inexpensive, well-made meal.
New Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine
$$ | (808) 969-3777 | WEBSITE
It’s been too long since you tried New Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine. We get it—subjecting yourself to Hilo’s tourist trail without a real destination feels wrong. But tucked away from the usual spots lies New Chiang Mai, the authentic Thai restaurant where you should eat curry at least once a year. Order a Thai iced tea, skip the rest of the menu—except for the Pad Thai—and let the friendly staff decide on your spice level.
It’s a Hilo institution, and the visitors from the mainland at the table next to you have been coming here for years to eat the Buddha rama curry.
Tina’s Garden Cafe
$ | (808) 935-1166 | WEBSITE
From the team behind some of Hilo’s most beloved spots, Tina’s Garden Cafe is where you can enjoy creative Thai cuisine while you soak in a lush garden atmosphere. The cozy dining room is consistently popular, and the menu offers plenty of generous dishes, like chicken roll, summer fruit salad, and panang curry. No matter what you order, make sure to try the unique Thai Pizza for its inventive flavors.