Heading to Chesapeake soon? We’ve got some thoughts. First, forget the chain spots—you’re gonna want authentic flavors. Second, prepare for spice levels that’ll make you sweat (and love it). Third, get ready to feast. This isn’t some stuffy ranking of every Thai joint around. It’s just where we’d go if we were craving pad thai tonight. So welcome to Chesapeake, and let these spots show you the way.
No.1 Yummy
$ | (757) 518-0888 | WEBSITE
No.1 Yummy is the only Chinese restaurant you should be ordering from when you visit Chesapeake for the first time. It’s in a modest strip mall off a busy road, and you have to navigate through a parking lot and past a few other storefronts just to get to the door. But that’s all a part of the charm. Once you get inside, you’ll find incredibly friendly owners, plus great food and large portions like General Tso’s Chicken and Crab Rangoon.
If you want a lighter meal or just want something comforting when you’re not feeling well, the chicken and rice soup is right there on the menu and makes an excellent, soothing alternative.
Mom & Son Thai Kitchen
$ | (757) 956-6366 | WEBSITE
Mom & Son Thai Kitchen is a double delight. The cozy, clean dining room has been serving generous plates of Penang curry, tingling-good Krapow Kai Dow, and Portsmouth’s best mango sticky rice since its recent reopening, while the shopping center location offers plenty of parking and easy access.
It’s a great option in Chesapeake for couples looking to share huge portions of incredible Thai food, but it’s welcoming enough for a solo order of chicken Santay or fried dumplings (or a mild spice level, if that’s your preference).
Jasmine Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 410-4368 | WEBSITE
Jasmine Thai Cuisine is a charming Chesapeake restaurant, and for good reason. It serves authentic Thai cuisine in a warm, family-owned setting where the friendly ladies make diners feel right at home. On a busy night with a spicy Tom Yum soup, a plate of Pad Thai, and the right appetite, their dining room is one of the most delightful places you can sit in the area to enjoy food made with love.
You can’t go wrong with the Chicken Panang or the Shrimp Pad Thai, but it’s their consistently amazing spicy dishes that made the heat what it is today.
Tida Thai cuisine
$ | (757) 616-0533 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of Thai restaurants in Chesapeake, but if you only have time for one, it should be Tida Thai. Head to this local spot for Crab Rangoons, chicken and eggplant, and savory drunken noodles. They also have generous portions, with dishes like green curry with pork and tom ka with tofu praised for their spiciness and creaminess. But if you’re in the mood to pair your meal with a quiet dinner atmosphere, there’s always the peaceful setting.
Nice Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 543-9116 | WEBSITE
Nice Thai Cuisine is one of the first places we send people for Thai food in Chesapeake. Almost everything here is cooked to perfection—from the spring roll appetizer with that delicious Thai dipping sauce, to the popular dishes like Pad Prik Khing, Drunken Noodles, and Panang curry. And while you might find shrimp Pad Thai on lots of menus in Chesapeake, Nice Thai Cuisine does the basics better than almost anyone else. Bring cash or plan on using the ATM inside.
And yes, it’s lunch time, but you’re going to want to try their great lunch combos (they make some of the best in the city).
Ya Ya Asian Gourmet House
$ | (757) 282-6688 | WEBSITE
Yes, Ya Ya Asian Gourmet House is known for their flavorful takeout Chinese, but it’s nearly impossible to find parking downtown. Luckily, the simple counter-service setup offers excellent dine-in options with popular dishes a la carte. Stop by at lunch for a quick bite (fingers crossed for the sesame chicken) and grab your order to go for dinner elsewhere in the neighborhood.
Bangkok Garden
$ | (757) 483-0799 | WEBSITE
If you did any research before planning your meal, you probably learned that we have a lot of great Thai restaurants. The combination of drunken noodles with chicken, spring rolls, and Thom Lha chicken soup is as satisfying as watching an early 2000s romcom in jammies on a rainy day. Bangkok Garden in Chesapeake makes two versions: one with chicken fried rice and the other with curries such as green curry and pumpkin curry.
Though we prefer the latter, both are beautiful, flavorful dishes topped with tasty side salad and spring roll with duck sauce. And if you need something sweet before you continue your day, the free refills of sweet tea made from the same tea leaves used for Thai tea are on the way out.
Racha Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 549-9989 | WEBSITE
Thanks to its generous portions, flavorful Thai classics, and mango-topped desserts, this cozy Chesapeake restaurant works just as well for a family dinner as it does for a casual night out with friends. It comes from the same warm and welcoming approach as other local favorites, but it’s easier to find parking at this darker, more intimate spot. Racha Thai Cuisine serves immaculately prepared food with none of the fuss that sometimes comes with it (plus they have patient and kind staff).
Jen Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 420-2424 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving something authentic, head to Chesapeake. From shopping centers and strip malls to chain restaurants and fast food joints, Chesapeake is a world of its own. And nowhere captures the warmth better than Jen Thai Cuisine. The walls of this spot are covered in years of family photos, Thai art, and handwritten notes, and it’s possible you’d get full before finishing a bowl of Tom Kha soup.
In addition to serving classic Thai dishes, Jen Thai has a menu of standout curries with things like coconut milk and spices. They also make good Pad Thai and vegetarian options, and offer friendly service, helpful recommendations, and quick meals.
Bangkok Thai Cuisine
$ | (757) 937-5273 | WEBSITE
Bangkok Thai Cuisine used to be a simple takeout spot where you’d grab quick, reliable Thai food on the go. Now, it’s a welcoming, clean restaurant with a cozy ambiance, generous portions, and some of the area’s best authentic dishes. It’s popular for both dine-in and takeout, but they serve the same delicious, customizable meals all day. Our favorite is the mango curry, made with rich coconut milk, tender chicken, and perfectly ripe fruit.