Sticky Rice, Tugun: It’s Thai, but not as you know it. Sticky Rice balances traditional flavours with innovative techniques to give us a reimagined take on Thai cuisine. Its eclectic tropical fit-out sets the scene for the punchy, flavour-packed dishes that lie ahead. Think rich curries, hand-cut noodles, barbecued delights and a killer cocktail list. Tom Yum Collins, anyone?

Som Tam Gai, Mermaid Beach: This much-loved Mermaid Beach venue is designed to bring people together with various plates for sharing. The skewers cooked on the charcoal grill will transport your taste buds to a makeshift roadside market in Thailand, whilst the pan-fried scallops with coriander dressing offer a tasty starter. The fresh dishes here prove once and for all that you can make friends with salad, with the spicy-yet-sweet green mango, lychee and herb salad with sinus-clearing green Nahm Jim acting as a stand-out hero.

Spice Kitchen & Bar, Broadbeach: Thai cuisine has been spun on its head at Spice Thai, putting a contemporary lean on the classics. Located within The Oasis dining precinct, Spice is pushing the boundaries of Thai cuisine in the best way possible with tasty snacks like spice-fried chicken with house-made sriracha alongside baos and aromatic tom yum soup. Those keen on the classics can opt for stir-frys or a massaman, Penang or green curry, while our plant-based friends can pick from the vegan menu.

Thaitanic, Nerang: We love a pun just as much as we love tasty Thai dishes. Luckily for us (and Nerang locals), Thaitanic offers up both on Ferry street near the Nerang River. Far from the cold depths of the Atlantic Ocean, Thaitanic offers a warm, laid-back and inviting vibe for diners chowing down on the likes of tom-zap with pork broth and Thai herbs, or the chef’s special deep-fried barramundi with seafood sauce and garlic. Simple yet delicious, Thaitanic’s fragrant flavours and classic eats are bound to get your taste buds excited.

Nahm Talay Thai, Surfers Paradise: Nestled into the newly-renovated Paradise Centre is Nahm Talay. It’s Thai, but not as you know it. The menu at Nahm Talay Thai takes you from 7:00 am right through to midnight and features wildly interactive and theatrical elements such as liquid nitrogen and a bubble gun to create smoke-topped cocktails. We’re drooling at the thought of sinking our teeth into a soft-shell crab croissant and charred wagyu tataki with cucumber, caviar and chilli.

Absolute Thai Homemade, Southport: No frills, huge servings, authentic flavours and friendly service are the core ingredients for every dish at Absolute Thai Homemade. Located on Scarborough Street in Southport, a quick look at its reviews shows that Absolute Thai Homemade is a staple for locals, offering up a myriad of classic Thai dishes bursting with flavour. If you’re stuck for choice during your first visit, may we recommend the deep-fried soft-shell crab, crying tiger grilled beef and Southern-style Samui curry?

Ari Thai Kitchen & Bar, Robina: Settle in for lunch or dinner at Ari Thai Kitchen & Bar (upstairs at The Kitchens at Robina Town Centre), and you’ll be transported to the backstreets of north-central Bangkok. Expect dishes like whole squid and barbecued pork neck coming hot (and spicy) off the grill, as well as whole crispy barramundi and a series of stir-fried creations fresh from the wok.

House of Siam, Hope Island: If you like your Thai served with a side of pristine water views, then House of Siam is where it’s at. Located at Hope Island Marina, House of Siam serves up a range of dishes based on traditional recipes, as well as classic favourites like Thai curries (which are all gluten and dairy free!). As for the sweets, you can’t go past the sticky rice with house-made Thai egg custard.

Lam Lam, Coolangatta: This hidden gem is perched on the northern end of the Coolangatta esplanade and is a buzzing hot spot for locals. If you’re not a southern dweller, this casual seaside eatery is worth the trip. Here, you’ll find fresh and vibrant Thai food – start with the potato-wrapped prawns with plum sauce and slurp on tom Kha chicken soup before tucking into hearty curries, tasty wok-fried creations and delicious noodles. There’s also a colourful vegan menu, including a range of plant-based curries.

Cocohut Taste of Thailand, Surfers Paradise: If you’re after a Friday night feast or quick and affordable bite to eat at lunch, then look no further than Cocohut. Serving the best Thai street food in Surfers Paradise, prepare to feast on a bounty of stir-fried, noodle, curry, soup and salad dishes. Crowd favourites include Coco crispy chicken basil, roast duck curry, Coco mega hot put and the crispy chicken rice sets. Don’t forget to curb those lunchtime hunger pangs with any of their specials under $16!

See Thai, Southport: Crack open your favourite drop (it’s BYO!), order a serve of roti with peanut sauce, fried chicken wings or crab spring rolls, then kick back and work your way through See Thai’s extensive menu. You’ll find everything from tasty curries and noodle dishes to an abundance of fresh and colourful stir-fry combinations, soups (the tom yum is a delight) and vibrant salads. Don’t look past the fruity roasted-duck salad or the green curry served with a grilled fillet of salmon.

Seaside Kitchen & Bar, Burleigh Heads: Craving authentic Asian flavours by the beach? Perched on the Gold Coast Highway opposite the Burleigh Heads hotel, Seaside serves fast, fresh and seriously delicious Thai food to hungry beach-goers. Start your feast with a seaside net roll filled with crab meat, prawn and fish, slurp up the crowd-pleasing tom kha soup or devour one of the signature dishes. Word on the street is that the pineapple fried rice with seafood and pork rib with Thai-style sauce is to die for!

Tuk Tuk Thai, Robina: Often bustling with Robina locals, Tuk Tuk at Easy T Centre is a popular spot for traditional Thai eats. You’ll find all the crowd-pleasing favourites here, from Thai soups to curries, barbecued delights, vibrant salads and fried noodle dishes. It’s casual, there’s no shortage of choice, and it’s BYO!

Chiangmai Thai, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise: Chiangmai Thai is part of Gold Coast history, first opening in Nobby Beach in 1993 before relocating to Broadbeach and opening a second bustling restaurant in Surfers Paradise. Originally from Chiangmai, the owners wanted to create an authentic experience that transports hungry tourists and locals to Thailand for a meal. Both restaurants boast indoor and outdoor dining spaces, perfect for chowing down on one of the infamous banquet sets or cherry-picking the Thai classics that are bound to fill your belly and leave you craving more.