Don’t drive past the nondescript strip center because you’ll be missing out in Chaba Thai’s generous portion sizes. Some must-order items include the Spicy Basil Chicken with preserved egg. Chaba Thai also has a fine pad see-ew, a classic dish with wide noodles and a choice of protein. It’s an approachable, entry-level dish for those unfamiliar with the cuisine.

Lao and Thai cuisine meet at this Convoy District restaurant. Discover flavorful renditions of larb with your choice of chicken, beef or pork. The dish packs the fresh flavors of lime juice, chilis, mint and cilantro in every addicting bite. Don’t overlook the Laos portion of the menu either like the Lao cuisine platter, an introduction that includes beef jerky, sausage, spare ribs and wings, and steamed veggies. Food is only available for takeout.

Head in early to Koon Thai to take advantage of their first-come, first-served outdoor seating. Its winning combination of classic Thai dishes in a laid-back atmosphere has led to quick success, as the company has since opened three more restaurants under the AAHARN brand. Try the Boat Noodles. It’s a bigger rendition of the small bowls of hot soup served by the merchants who traverse Bangkok’s canals. Choose a version featuring beef or pork, plus choice of thin or thick noodles.

Located in the original Sab-E-Lee location, Thai Papaya’s specialty is som tam, or shredded green papaya salad. There are 10 different varieties that elevate this essential dish with some creative additions. Just one example is the som tam khai kem, which gets its flavor with the additions of salted egg, fresh tomato, dried shrimp, green beans, peanuts, fresh red chili, lime juice and fish sauce.

The Original Sab-E-Lee’s dining room in Linda Vista gets packed enough to have a waiting list on Friday and Saturday nights — but since the start of the pandemic where indoor dining is either limited or prohibited, the takeout orders are just as busy. Go here for classic Thai dish like stellar tom kha gai with the push-and-pull tartness of lime juice and the contrast of creamy coconut milk. Duck larb with crushed red chili, red onion, green onion tops, fresh mint and ground rice for texture, is just as good.

The dishes at this Adams Avenue location are as pretty as they are masterfully executed, and worth a call for delivery or pickup. The crispy-skinned E-Sarn Sausage made with ground pork is addictive and gets extra flavor from the additions of ginger, galangal, lemon grass and chili. Both this and the Half Moon fried wonton skins stuffed with curried potato, peas and carrots are the kinds of dishes that have diners coming back for more.

Vegan and vegetarian Thai dishes headline the menu at this University Heights restaurant. Flavors are on point for many of their dishes but lean towards the conservative side when it comes to spice levels. A don’t-miss item is the pad see-ew— wide rice noodles sautéed with broccoli, carrots and cabbage. Carnivores ordering satay with mock chicken won’t miss the real thing.

Order ahead for takeout but drivers be warned: parking in this area of University Heights is scant so plan accordingly. A few dishes like the yum nuea, a beef salad, or young duck curry, make a pickup worth the extra effort. Unlike other places, Bahn Thai does not fool around on spice levels. Diners get the heat they order — a refreshing change from other places that dial the spice level back.

Go here for Northern Thai fare like its namesake dish khao soi. It features crispy rice noodles cut from a big square of dough that’s laid over a cloth to steam over a pot then fried. Dishes here tend to have gentle sweetness to temper any heat, including the pad phet served with either pork belly or fried fish, chili paste, coconut milk, Thai eggplant, bamboo shoots, bell pepper and Thai basil, all with a fried egg on top. There’s now a second location in Ocean Beach ready for takeout or delivery.

Supannee’s regular delivery of fresh local fish makes it not just a great Thai restaurant, but a great restaurant in general. Add in an exemplary wine list (perfectly geared for Thai cuisine) and you have a go-to spot in Shelter Island. Classic Thai dishes are just as well executed as restaurant specialties, like the som tam, a shredded green papaya salad with cherry tomatoes and plenty of blanched peanuts. Outdoor seating is available, as well as delivery and takeout.

Humans cannot live by pasta alone, which is only one reason why Thai restaurant AAHARN is a welcome addition to the Little Italy area. Heat levels are as-requested. Standout dishes include tum yum, loaded with sturdy straw and wispy enoki mushrooms, or order specials like the lemon & lime fish featuring a steamed filet in a lime-garlic broth. A second location is in the University City area, and both sites offer delivery or takeout