
Best Thai Restaurant Singapore: Top Authentic & Michelin Spots
Few meals spark as much debate in Singapore as where to get the best Thai food. The city packs everything from blistering-hot Isan street eats to richly decorated dining rooms serving Royal Thai recipes. This guide compares the top contenders—Un Yang Kor-Dai (Michelin-listed since 2021) and the long-standing Yhingthai Palace (opened in 1993)—along with other Michelin-recognised spots, so you can order with confidence.
Michelin-listed Thai restaurants in Singapore: 4 ·
Year established (Yhingthai Palace): 1993 ·
Recommended authentic Thai restaurants (Danielfooddiary): 12
Quick snapshot
- Michelin-listed (Michelin Guide)
- Issan Thai cuisine (Un Yang Kor-Dai official website)
- Founded 1993 (Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow)
- Michelin-listed (Michelin Guide)
- Michelin-listed (Michelin Guide)
The following facts are drawn from official and review sources.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin-listed Thai restaurants in Singapore | 4 | Michelin Guide |
| Year Yhingthai Palace opened | 1993 | Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow |
| Un Yang Kor-Dai Thai SELECT certification | 2-star | Un Yang Kor-Dai official website |
| Un Yang Kor-Dai TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice (2022) | Top 10% worldwide | Un Yang Kor-Dai official website |
| Un Yang Kor-Dai Michelin Plate award year | 2021 | SevenRooms |
| Yhingthai Palace Michelin award | Bib Gourmand | Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow |
| Authentic Thai restaurants recommended by Danielfooddiary | 12 | Daniel Food Diary |
| Yhingthai Palace overall rating (review aggregate) | 3.75 / 5 | Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow |
Which Thai restaurant in Singapore has a Michelin star?
No Thai restaurant in Singapore currently holds a Michelin star. The Michelin Guide lists four Thai restaurants — Un Yang Kor-Dai, Jungle, Yhingthai Palace, and MP Thai — but each has either a Plate or Bib Gourmand distinction, not a star.
Is Un Yang Kor-Dai Michelin-starred?
- Un Yang Kor-Dai received a Michelin Plate in 2021 (SevenRooms) and has maintained recognition for four consecutive years (Lemon8).
- The restaurant is not starred; it is listed as Bib Gourmand or Plate — both indicate good value but not a star.
What other Thai restaurants are Michelin-listed?
- Jungle — modern Thai cuisine, also listed as Michelin Plate.
- Yhingthai Palace — Bib Gourmand recipient.
- MP Thai (Vision Exchange) — Michelin Plate, affordable option in Jurong East.
How to verify Michelin status for Thai restaurants in Singapore?
- The official Michelin Guide website provides the full list and award categories.
- Thai SELECT certification is a separate government-backed authenticity mark (Un Yang Kor-Dai official website).
Michelin inclusion does not equal a star. A Plate or Bib Gourmand signals good-value eats, while starred venues remain absent from Singapore’s Thai scene.
The implication: diners should not expect a star at any Thai restaurant in Singapore; the highest recognition is a Plate or Bib Gourmand.
What are the top-rated Thai restaurants in Singapore?
Ratings vary across platforms, but a few names consistently appear at the top.
Which restaurants appear on TripAdvisor’s top 10?
- Un Yang Kor-Dai earned a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award, placing in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide (Un Yang Kor-Dai official website).
- Yhingthai Palace carries a moderate aggregate rating of 3.75 / 5.
What do local food blogs recommend?
- Local food blog Daniel Food Diary lists 12 authentic Thai eateries, including Un Yang Kor-Dai and Soi 47 Thai Food (described as a hidden gem for home-style cooking).
- Seth Lui’s guide recommends 11 authentic options, but the list is from 2023 and lacks updates.
How do ratings compare across platforms?
- Aggregate scores from Google and TripAdvisor favour Un Yang Kor-Dai for its consistency and unique Isan focus.
- Yhingthai Palace scores high on ambience (8/10 for decor) but lower on overall satisfaction.
The pattern: user reviews and expert lists both point to Un Yang Kor-Dai as the top performer, though Yhingthai Palace remains a strong contender for ambience.
Where can I find authentic Thai food in Singapore?
Authenticity hinges on credential and regional focus.
What defines “authentic” Thai cuisine?
- Thai SELECT certification, awarded by the Thai government, is a reliable marker. Un Yang Kor-Dai holds a 2-star Thai SELECT certification (official website).
- Yhingthai Palace sticks to traditional Thai and Thai-Chinese recipes.
Which restaurants focus on regional Thai (Isan) dishes?
- Un Yang Kor-Dai specialises in Isan cuisine from north-eastern Thailand, known for robust heat and fermented flavours.
- Its menu includes house-made Isan tamarind dip for pork.
Are there hidden gems off the tourist trail?
- Soi 47 Thai Food is frequently cited by Daniel Food Diary as a home-style Thai spot away from the main dining strips.
- Yhingthai Palace’s Purvis Street location feels tucked away, offering a quieter setting.
The implication: if you want the most regional Thai experience, Un Yang Kor-Dai is the only Singaporean restaurant that centres Isan cooking. For classic central Thai, Yhingthai Palace remains a reliable choice.
What is the best fine dining Thai restaurant in Singapore?
Fine dining Thai in Singapore is limited because no restaurant holds a Michelin star. That said, some venues elevate the experience.
Which Thai restaurants offer a Michelin-starred fine dining experience?
- None. As of 2025, all Michelin-listed Thai restaurants in Singapore hold Plate or Bib Gourmand status, not stars.
- Jungle aims for a modern Thai fine‑dining feel, with artistic presentation and a Tanjong Pagar location.
How does the ambience compare across fine dining options?
- Yhingthai Palace’s interior is opulent, with gold and red decor and high ceilings, rated 8/10 for ambience.
- Un Yang Kor-Dai is casual and small, with limited seating and a homely feel.
What is the price range for a fine dining Thai meal?
- Expect to spend SGD 40–80 per person at Yhingthai Palace or Jungle; Un Yang Kor-Dai is more affordable at SGD 25–50.
Singapore lacks a starred Thai restaurant, so “fine dining” here means good service and decor rather than a formal degustation. For a truly premium meal, Royal Thai cuisine at Yhingthai Palace is the closest you’ll get — but it remains a Bib Gourmand, not a star.
The catch: without a star, fine dining Thai in Singapore relies on atmosphere and reputation rather than a top Michelin rating.
Which Thai restaurant in Orchard is recommended?
Orchard Road has several Thai eateries, but none are Michelin-listed.
What Thai restaurants are located in the Orchard Road area?
- Nara Thai (Plaza Singapura) is a Bangkok chain known for traditional curries.
- A-Roy Thai (Orchard Gateway) offers a quick, affordable menu.
- Neither appears on the Michelin Guide’s list of Thai restaurants.
How do Orchard Thai restaurants compare to those in other districts?
- Orchard options tend to be chain outlets with more standardised menus.
- Independent, Michelin-recognised restaurants are clustered in Purvis Street (Yhingthai Palace), South Bridge Road (Un Yang Kor-Dai), and Tanjong Pagar (Jungle).
Which Orchard Thai restaurant is best for a shopping break?
- For a fast, reliable meal, Nara Thai is consistent and air-conditioned.
- If you want a short walk from Orchard Road, Yhingthai Palace on Purvis Street is under 10 minutes away.
The trade-off: Orchard Thai joints are convenient but lack the authenticity and Michelin recognition found in other districts. For a memorable meal, travel a few blocks to Purvis Street or South Bridge Road.
Comparison of top Michelin-listed and popular Thai restaurants
Among the 4 Michelin-listed Thai restaurants and popular spots like Nara Thai and Soi 47, one pattern emerges: the most acclaimed venues focus on either traditional central Thai or the Isan region.
| Restaurant | Cuisine type | Michelin recognition | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Un Yang Kor-Dai | Issan (north-eastern) | Michelin Plate (2021) | 57 South Bridge Road |
| Yhingthai Palace | Thai / Thai-Chinese | Bib Gourmand | 36 Purvis Street |
| Jungle | Modern Thai | Michelin Plate | Tanjong Pagar |
| MP Thai | Thai | Michelin Plate | Jurong East |
| Soi 47 Thai Food | Home-style Thai | None | Neighbourhood (various) |
| Nara Thai | Central Thai | None | Orchard (Plaza Singapura) |
Upsides
- Wide range from street-style to fine dining
- Four restaurants recognised by the Michelin Guide
- Authentic Isan cuisine available at Un Yang Kor-Dai
- Affordable options like MP Thai and Soi 47
Downsides
- No Thai restaurant in Singapore holds a Michelin star
- Orchard offerings are mostly chains with standardised quality
- Authenticity markers like Thai SELECT are not widely advertised
- Many top-rated restaurants have limited opening hours (e.g., Un Yang Kor-Dai closed Mon)
What we know for sure — and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Un Yang Kor-Dai is Michelin-listed and specialises in Isan cuisine
- Yhingthai Palace was founded in 1993 and holds Bib Gourmand
- There are exactly 4 Michelin-listed Thai restaurants in Singapore
What’s unclear
- Which restaurant serves the most authentic Issan cuisine is subjective
- Whether any Thai restaurant will earn a Michelin star in the near future
- Best overall Thai restaurant depends on personal taste and budget
“Yhingthai Palace was founded by a couple passionate about Thai cuisine, offering authentic dishes since 1993. Their dedication to tradition has earned them a loyal following.”
— Seth Lui, Seth Lui (local food site)
“Soi 47 Thai Food is a hidden gem for home-style Thai cooking, a welcome departure from the city’s more tourist-oriented spots.”
— Daniel Food Diary, Daniel Food Diary (local food blog)
For Singapore diners seeking the best Thai meal, the choice is clear: prioritise Michelin-listed options like Un Yang Kor-Dai for guaranteed authenticity, or explore hidden gems like Soi 47 for home-style cooking. But as popularity grows, be prepared for wait times — especially at Un Yang Kor-Dai, which operates limited evening hours.
For a hidden gem in the Orchard corridor, consider Tha Siam Authentic Thai Kitchen at Parklane Shopping Mall.
Frequently asked questions
Is the food at Thai restaurants in Singapore halal?
Most Thai restaurants in Singapore are not halal-certified, though some use halal ingredients. It’s best to check with the restaurant directly. Un Yang Kor-Dai, for instance, does not carry halal certification.
What is the price range for Thai food in Singapore?
Casual meals cost SGD 10–20 per person; mid-range restaurants like Yhingthai Palace run SGD 30–60; fine dining experiences at Jungle can go up to SGD 80 per person.
Are there Thai restaurants open late in Singapore?
Few Thai restaurants are open past 10 p.m. Un Yang Kor-Dai closes at 9 p.m. (last seating). Some spots in Little Thailand (Golden Mile Complex) stay open until midnight.
Can I find vegetarian Thai food in Singapore?
Yes, many Thai restaurants offer vegetarian versions of classics like green curry and pad thai. Yhingthai Palace and Nara Thai have dedicated vegetarian sections.
What is the difference between Thai and Isan cuisine?
Isan cuisine originates from north-eastern Thailand and is characterised by bold, spicy flavours, sticky rice, and fermented ingredients. Central Thai food is milder and often coconut-milk based. Un Yang Kor-Dai is the only Isan specialist in Singapore.
How to make a reservation at Un Yang Kor-Dai?
Reservations are available via the official SevenRooms platform. Walk-ins are accepted only if seats are available.
Do Thai restaurants in Singapore offer delivery?
Many do. Yhingthai Palace and Nara Thai are available on GrabFood and Deliveroo. Speciality restaurants like Un Yang Kor-Dai do not offer delivery.