9 Authentic Thai Restaurants In South Carolina That Locals Say Are Worth The Drive Every Time
I’ve spent years chasing the perfect pad Thai across South Carolina, and every mile has been worth the journey.
From the foothills of the Upstate to the breezy corners of the Lowcountry, I’ve discovered family-run Thai kitchens where recipes come straight from the heart.
The scent of lemongrass, basil, and sizzling garlic fills the air long before the first bite hits the table. These spots aren’t about quick takeout—they’re about authenticity, passion, and dishes that whisk you to the streets of Bangkok without ever leaving the Palmetto State.
1. Sirin Thai (Greenville)
Tucked away in Greenville’s bustling food scene, this gem has become my go-to spot whenever I need a flavor fix that actually tastes like Thailand. The family running Sirin Thai doesn’t cut corners, and you can taste the difference in every spoonful of their tom yum soup.
Their green curry hits that perfect balance between creamy coconut and fiery chilies, making my taste buds do a happy dance every single time. The menu reads like a love letter to traditional Thai cooking, with dishes you won’t find at chain restaurants.
Locals rave about this place on Yelp for good reason—the portions are generous, the staff treats you like family, and the prices won’t empty your wallet.
2. Basil Thai Restaurant (Mount Pleasant)
My first visit to Basil Thai left me wondering why I’d waited so long to discover this Mount Pleasant treasure. The aroma of fresh basil and lemongrass greets you at the door, promising something special before you even sit down.
Their pad see ew noodles come out perfectly charred with that smoky wok flavor that’s impossible to replicate at home. What really sets this place apart is their attention to detail—every garnish, every sauce, every presentation shows care.
Check out eatatbasil.com to peek at their menu, and trust me when I say their lunch specials are an absolute steal. The crispy spring rolls alone are worth the drive from anywhere in the Lowcountry.
3. Thai Elephants (James Island, Charleston)
Finding a Thai spot with solid vegetarian options can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but Thai Elephants makes it easy. Even happycow.net gives them props for their plant-based menu, which tells you something about their commitment to serving everyone.
Their massaman curry with tofu became my comfort food during a particularly rough winter, warming me from the inside out with its peanutty richness. The James Island location means you’re never too far from the beach, making it perfect for a post-sunset dinner run.
Families love this place because the staff genuinely enjoys having kids around, and the elephant decorations keep little ones entertained while waiting for food.
4. Taste of Thai (Charleston, Orleans Rd)
Sometimes the best restaurants hide in the most unexpected strip malls, and Taste of Thai proves this theory beautifully. I stumbled upon this Orleans Road spot by accident one hungry afternoon and immediately knew I’d found something special.
Their drunken noodles pack enough heat to make your forehead sweat, exactly how they should taste according to my Thai friends. You can order online through tasteofthaisc.smiledining.com, which has saved me countless times when I’m too tired to cook but craving something authentic.
The lunch crowd here moves fast, with regulars who clearly know what’s up ordering their usual favorites without even glancing at the menu.
5. Thai Lao Restaurant (Myrtle Beach)
Myrtle Beach might be famous for seafood buffets and pancake houses, but Thai Lao Restaurant brings something completely different to the table. The menu blends Thai and Lao cuisines in ways that surprise and delight your palate with every visit.
I’ll never forget my first taste of their larb—a tangy, herby meat salad that’s become my standard order whenever I’m in town. The sticky rice here tastes exactly like what I ate during my backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, which is the ultimate compliment.
Beach vacationers who discover this place often end up coming back multiple times during their stay, abandoning their resort restaurants for the real deal.
6. Thai Smile Cuisine (Hilton Head Island)
Hilton Head might scream golf courses and beach resorts, but Thai Smile Cuisine adds an unexpected international flair to the island’s dining scene. Booking through OpenTable makes snagging a table super easy, especially during the busy tourist season when everything gets packed.
Their pineapple fried rice arrives in an actual hollowed-out pineapple, looking almost too pretty to eat until hunger takes over. The seafood here benefits from the island location, with shrimp and fish that taste ocean-fresh in every curry and stir-fry.
Locals appreciate having a sophisticated Thai option that impresses visiting relatives without feeling stuffy or pretentious about it.
7. Mai Thai Cuisine (West Columbia)
West Columbia doesn’t always get the culinary credit it deserves, but Mai Thai Cuisine is changing that narrative one plate at a time. The family behind this restaurant clearly takes pride in their cooking, treating each dish like they’re serving it to their own relatives.
Their panang curry strikes that elusive balance between sweet, savory, and spicy that makes you want to lick the bowl clean. Check out mai-thai.top for their full menu, though I warn you that deciding what to order becomes genuinely difficult when everything looks amazing.
The neighborhood vibe here feels welcoming and unpretentious, like your cool aunt’s kitchen if she happened to be an incredible Thai chef.
8. Thailand Restaurant (Columbia – St. Andrews Rd)
Columbia’s dining scene keeps growing, but Thailand Restaurant on St. Andrews Road has been holding it down for years with consistent quality. Even experiencecolumbiasc.com recognizes this spot as a local favorite, which speaks volumes about its staying power.
Their tom kha gai soup has nursed me through more colds than I can count, with its coconut broth working better than any medicine. The lunch buffet on weekdays offers an economical way to sample multiple dishes, perfect for indecisive eaters like me who want to try everything.
Students from nearby USC flock here for affordable meals that actually fill you up, creating a lively atmosphere that makes solo dining feel less lonely.
9. Thai Taste of Spartanburg (Spartanburg)
Spartanburg surprised me with its international food options, and Thai Taste stands out as a shining example of authentic cooking done right. The owners clearly haven’t compromised their recipes for American palates, keeping the flavors bold and true to their roots.
Their pad kra pao delivers that addictive combination of basil, chilies, and savory sauce over rice that I crave at least twice a month. The portion sizes here border on ridiculous in the best possible way, often leaving me with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
Upstate residents know this restaurant as their secret weapon for impressing out-of-town guests who think South Carolina only does barbecue and fried chicken.