Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee

Nearby Nashville is well known for the wide variety of international cuisine available throughout the city. While Nash's neighbor to the East may not have the same volume of international restaurants, that doesn't mean that there aren't a few exotic cuisines worth trying during your visit to Knoxville, Tennessee.

Knoxville is home to no shortage of incredible restaurants, including a handful of delicious and authentic Thai destinations. Whether you're in the mood for a big bowl of Pad Thai or a spicy curry, you have a variety of options to choose from in the area.

Planning a visit to Knoxville and want to budget ahead of time for your meals? Or perhaps you have family or friends who live there or are planning to visit? A virtual GiftYa card makes it easy to purchase gift cards to local restaurants. Add a personalized note, hit send, and your friends or family can use their gift right away to order their favorite Thai dishes.

If you're ready to find the perfect spot or two to buy a gift card to, keep reading to learn the top 5 Thai restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1. Thai Basil

Casual Thai cuisine in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains

530 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862 (https://www.thaibasiltn.com/index.html)

This simple, casual restaurant is perfect for tourists traveling through the greater Knoxville area and looking for a delicious, healthy lunch or dinner. Thai Basil is located a short drive away from Knoxville, in nearby Sevierville, Tennessee. They offer a variety of authentic Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients. You'll find all of your classic favorites on the menu, like curries, Pad Thais, and fried rice dishes.

Monday through Friday each week, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thai Basil offers lunch specials that start at just $8.75 and come with a starter, entree, and your choice of protein or extra veggies. The restaurant is family-owned, with friendly staff that are always there to welcome visitors with a smile. While this is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to dine, the quick service and large dining room mean that you'll rarely see a wait.

"This place exceeded my hubby and I's expectations! We were craving Thai and decided to take a chance on Thai Basil- they knocked it out of the park!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-basil-restaurant-sevierville?hrid=TXI52gbhZsHw7rAkoVAChQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Thai Basil.

2. Jai Dee Thai and Japanese Cuisine

Modern Thai and Japanese food in a colorful location

823 Melrose Pl, Knoxville, TN 37916 (https://www.jaidee865.com/)

When you're looking for a little variety, Jai Dee Thai and Japanese Cuisine is the place to go. With an extensive menu featuring both Thai and Japanese favorites, Jai Dee is a favorite among locals and visitors to Knoxville alike. Pad Thai, crispy duck, and drunken noodles are a few Thai dishes that are mainstays on the menu. A lengthy list of sushi options means that everyone will likely find their favorite roll here. Order a platter of sushi or a mix of sushi, noodles, and starters to go for a delicious dinner at home. Or, dine in for a casual evening out.

Located just a few blocks away from the University of Tennessee, Jai Dee Thai and Japanese Cuisine is a popular choice among students looking for filling and affordable meals. Many of the meals are under $10 and include a protein, base, and plenty of veggies and spices.

"The best Thai in Knoxville!!! They also have amazing sushi!! The drunken noodles and green curry is delicious!! Fantastic customer service!!!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/jai-dee-thai-and-japanese-cuisine-knoxville?hrid=f3joKLtABJHztej3dUitDA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Jai Dee Thai and Japanese Cuisine.

3. Chaiyo Thai and Sushi Bar

Authentic Thai cuisine and hand-rolled sushi

601 James Agee St, Knoxville, TN 37916 (http://www.chaiyosrestaurant.com/index.html#home)

Chaiyo Thai and Sushi Bar is a popular spot for both authentic Thai cuisine and fresh, hand-rolled sushi. Their extensive menu includes just about every Thai staple that you could think of, as well as a large variety of sushi platters and rolls. Mix and match your favorites, or order an oversized platter to share. Their house specials include Pineapple Fried Rice, which features Jasmine rice that's stir-fried with curry powder, pineapple, red peppers, raisins and cashews, and Massaman Curry, which is a potato, carrot, and onion curry topped with whole peanuts and served with white rice.

Like the others on this list, Chaiyo Thai and Sushi Bar has reopened for dine-in at this time and is following CDC guidelines for safe eating. But they continue to offer carry-out and even delivery for orders over $35 and destinations within 4 miles of their restaurant. If you opt to dine in and you're in the mood for a little heat, try sampling Chaiyo's hottest spices. Finish your meal and prove that you can handle the heat, and you might just get your picture up on their wall of previous brave eaters.

"I love this place, I always come here for their Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), and have yet to find a place that makes it as good as they do. I also love their fried California Roll!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/chaiyo-thai-and-sushi-bar-knoxville?hrid=x-rSQCkue9Nx7R0i6q4Blw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Chaiyo Thai and Sushi Bar.

4. Surin of Thailand

Upscale Thai cuisine with a beautiful dining room

6213 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 (http://surinofthailand.com/)

Stepping into Surin of Thailand's dining room feels a little like being transported to the jungles of Thailand. The dark decor, bamboo accents, and traditional statues set the mood. And if that doesn't do it for you, one bite of their authentic Thai cuisine will certainly transport you halfway around the world.

Surin of Thailand is actually a chain, with several locations scattered across the Southeast. Like the other locations, Surin of Thailand in Knoxville is a modern dining experience that combines great food, a full bar, and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. An oversized menu features everything from noodles and rice to stir-fries, sushi, appetizers, desserts, and more. In the kitchen, a master chef oversees the preparation of every dish, to ensure quality and authenticity.

"As always everything was great!!!!! We ate at the restaurant. Felt very safe if you are concerned because of covid.  Very happy atmosphere. Love to see servers happy and having fun!!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/surin-of-thailand-knoxville?hrid=lStLLL5eos2SpBRaEi7Kgw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Surin of Thailand.

5. Taste of Thai

Simple, authentic Thai cuisine

8926 Town And Country Cir, Knoxville, TN 37923 (https://www.facebook.com/tasteofthaiknoxville/)

When you're in the mood for Thai food and looking for a relaxed, laid-back experience, Taste of Thai is a great choice. This restaurant may be simple, but that's a big part of its charm. A small, clean dining room is good for dining in, but their oversized patio and covered tables are a big draw. Dig into fresh, authentic Thai favorites like drunken noodles and curry in the warm Knoxville sunshine. It might not be Thailand, but close your eyes and take a bite and you might just feel as though you're relaxing on a Thai beach.

Everything at Taste of Thai is made from scratch. In fact, the owner reportedly sources many of the restaurant's ingredients from local farmer's markets! The friendly staff is always happy to offer suggestions, especially to those who may be new to trying Thai cuisine.

"Taste of Thai ... Wow! I have family members that lives in Thailand and on numerous occasions, I would go to visit ... and thus far ... Taste of Thai is the most authentic Thai I have had in the states." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-thai-knoxville-3?hrid=bS5Dm357Kx28z-OQNv917w&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Taste of Thai.

From spicy curry to fresh, hand-rolled sushi, there's no shortage of delicious Thai meals waiting for you in Knoxville. Use this list to find the perfect spots for lunch and dinner during your visit to the city, or to pick the perfect destination to purchase a gift card to for your friends and family.