Ban Thai:

Kabukicho’s Unexpected Thai Food Gem

Entrance to Thai restaurant Ban Thai

Kabukicho is best known for its neon-lit nightlife — clubs, bars, karaoke joints, and everything in between. But tucked within all the chaos is Ban Thai, one of the best Thai restaurants in Tokyo. With a 3.64 Tabelog rating and a Hyakumeiten award, Ban Thai isn’t just a hidden gem — it’s a local favorite that serves up delicious, authentic Thai food with over 100 dishes to choose from, all at reasonable prices.

Step inside and you’ll be surprised by the contrast to the surrounding streets. Beautiful wood furniture, warm lighting, and an elegantly decorated interior create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It's a space that feels relaxed yet refined, ideal for a date night, a casual meal with friends, or even a family dinner.

Warm wood interior of Ban Thai

Tips for Visiting Ban Thai

Ban Thai’s popularity means it often draws a crowd — especially on weekends. While the restaurant is large, you may still encounter a line. The good news is that it moves quickly thanks to the efficient service and ample seating. Dinner reservations are available, but note that lunch is walk-in only, so you may want to time your visit accordingly.

If you're looking to avoid the wait entirely, aim for a weekday evening. Arriving when the doors open at 5:00 PM almost guarantees you a table. The early dinner hours are also great for a more relaxed experience, before the nighttime energy of Kabukicho kicks in.

More Than Just Japanese Food

If you’ve had your fill of sushi, ramen, and gyoza, this is your sign to dive into Tokyo’s rich and diverse food culture. Tokyo’s food scene goes way beyond Japanese cuisine, and exploring the city’s many diasporic communities through food is one of the most rewarding things you can do here. Ban Thai is a perfect example of that — authentic, approachable, and beloved by locals and visitors alike.

The restaurant also makes it easy for international guests. Their QR code ordering system is fully translated into English, so you can browse the entire menu on your phone without confusion. And with over 100 items available, you’ll definitely want to come back more than once. From spicy papaya salad and fragrant green curry to hearty noodle dishes and tropical desserts, the variety is impressive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with the “most popular” section on the menu — it’s packed with tried-and-true favorites that won’t steer you wrong.

Gapao rice from Ban Thai

Here are tokyo hibi’s top picks:

  1. Green Curry with Eggplant (#70)

  2. Gapao Rice (#85)

  3. Pad Thai with Shrimp and Pork (#86)

If you’re a fan of spicy food, the green curry and gapao rice make a perfect pairing. One great approach is to order the curry on its own and pair it with a main like gapao rice, which already comes with rice. That way, you get to enjoy two distinct flavors without ending up with two full-sized meals. The curry works almost like a flavorful side dish — rich, aromatic, and just the right amount of heat — making it easy to sample more without overdoing it.

If spice isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The pad thai is a great choice — no spice, but full of flavor. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and filling without being too heavy. Interestingly, while most Thai restaurants in Tokyo serve pad thai with shrimp by default, Ban Thai’s version with pork was a welcome surprise — and it might just be better than the usual.

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