Authentic Thai Flavours, Cultural Moments, And Exciting Prizes Are Still Waiting For You This August
There’s something extraordinary about Thai cuisine, something that goes far beyond flavour. It’s not just about what’s on the plate; it’s about the story behind it. The careful layering of herbs and spices, the balance of sweet and sour, the cultural symbolism in every dish, Thai food is a culinary expression of the country’s rich history, vibrant spirit, and deep-rooted traditions.
And now, thanks to the Thai SELECT East Africa campaign, diners across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania can experience this firsthand.
Throughout this August, eight Thai SELECT-certified restaurants are serving more than just meals, they’re offering a passport into Thai culture, one bite at a time.
It’s More Than a Menu, It’s a Cultural Journey
Walk into any Thai SELECT-certified restaurant and you’ll find menus thoughtfully curated to reflect the very heart of Thai culinary artistry. These are dishes that carry generations of tradition, elevated by chefs who have mastered the craft.
Expect flavour combinations that are bold yet balanced, fiery yet soothing, rich yet refreshing. And while the settings may vary, from elegant rooftops to serene garden courtyards—the mission remains the same: to bring authentic Thai culture to life, through food.
A Tour of East Africa’s Thai SELECT Menus
Here’s what awaits you at Thai SELECT-certified restaurants in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda:
Thai Chi – Sarova Stanley, Nairobi
+254 719 048 005 / +254 719 048 006
A Timeless Classic with Royal Thai Roots
Located in one of Nairobi’s most historic hotels, Thai Chi is elegance defined. The restaurant’s menu reads like a love letter to Thailand, where every dish is rooted in tradition and authenticity.
Menu highlights:
- Tom Yum Goong (prawn soup with lemongrass & galangal)
- Panang Curry with Chicken
- Deep-Fried Red Snapper in Thai Chili Sauce
Experience: Classic Thai décor, dim lighting, and soft traditional music make every meal feel like an intimate cultural escape.
Thai Chi 102 – Lavington, Nairobi
+254 793 000 444 / +254 735 432 102
Laid-Back Authenticity in a Lush Urban Setting
This cosy neighbourhood gem offers relaxed dining without compromising on authenticity. Perfect for casual lunches, family dinners, or intimate evenings.
Menu highlights:
- Green Curry with Chicken
- Pad See Ew (stir-fried flat noodles with soy sauce)
- Thai-Style Chicken Wings
Experience: A warm ambiance paired with lush garden views, making it a serene spot for authentic Thai comfort food.
Bang Bang Thai Kitchen – Village Market, Nairobi
Bold Street Flavours with a Contemporary Twist
Bang Bang brings the bustling energy of Bangkok’s street food to Nairobi. It’s colourful, vibrant, and unapologetically bold in flavour.
Menu highlights:
- Thai Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao)
- Crispy Pork Belly
- Thai Milk Tea
Experience: Trendy, social, and buzzing with energy, the perfect spot for adventurous foodies and weekend meetups.
Herbs & Spices – Nairobi Serena Hotel
Tel: +254202842333 / Cell: +254732123333
Refined Thai Dining in an Oasis of Calm
At Serena Hotel, Herbs & Spices creates a dining atmosphere of elegance and peace. The focus? Sophistication, balance, and Thai culinary artistry.
Menu highlights:
- Thai Green Curry with Prawns
- Pomelo Salad with Lime Dressing
- Duck in Red Curry
Experience: Upscale and peaceful, perfect for business lunches, quiet evenings, or when you want to savour Thai cuisine with finesse.
The Aviary Rooftop Cocktail Lounge – Dusit Princess Hotel, Nairobi
Skyline Views, Thai Tapas & Craft Cocktails
Perched above Nairobi’s Westlands, Aviary is where modern rooftop vibes meet authentic Thai bites. Think sharable tapas paired with handcrafted cocktails.
Menu highlights:
- Thai Beef Skewers with Peanut Sauce
- Crispy Spring Rolls
- Thai Mojito (infused with lemongrass & mint)
Experience: Chic rooftop dining, skyline views, and lively music—ideal for sundowners with friends or casual cultural nights.
Thai Kani – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Beachside Bliss Meets Authentic Thai Cooking
With the ocean breeze as your backdrop, Thai Kani offers a unique coastal twist on Thailand’s rich culinary traditions.
Menu highlights:
- Red Curry with Prawns
- Pineapple Thai Fried Rice
- Grilled Chicken in Lemongrass Marinade
Experience: Breezy and coastal, where the freshness of the sea marries the spice of Thai herbs—a laid-back yet flavour-packed escape.
Entebbe Palm Hotel – Entebbe
Lakeside Dining with a Thai Twist
Set against the backdrop of Lake Victoria, this serene hotel restaurant offers a curated Thai menu that’s as refreshing as the setting itself.
Menu highlights:
- Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup)
- Massaman Curry with Beef
- Stir-Fried Morning Glory (Pak Boong Fai Daeng)
Experience: Calm lakeside dining where the breeze complements the lightness and balance of Thai flavours.
Bangkok Thai Cuisine – Kampala
A Cosy Escape into Bangkok’s Bustling Streets
Right in the heart of Kampala, this restaurant recreates the vibrant food culture of Bangkok. Expect bold flavours and authentic street-style classics.
Menu highlights:
- Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles)
- Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tam)
- Thai Red Curry
Experience: Intimate and welcoming, with dishes that transport you straight to Thailand’s bustling capital.
Behind the Menus — A Taste of Thailand’s Traditions
What makes Thai cuisine unforgettable is its balance. Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy, all five flavours are carefully woven into each dish. Thai chefs often say that if one flavour dominates, the dish is incomplete.
- Use of Fresh Herbs & Spices: Lemongrass, galangal, Thai basil, and kaffir lime are essentials. Always fresh, never dried.
- Wok Technique: A key to Thai cooking is high-heat stir-frying, quick cooking to lock in flavour and freshness.
- Balancing Heat: Chili is used with restraint, meant to awaken taste, not overwhelm it. A squeeze of lime or touch of palm sugar brings harmony.
- Presentation as Culture: In Thai culture, food is an art form. Expect carved vegetables, delicate garnishes, and plating that reflects harmony and respect.
This Week: Come Hungry, Leave Inspired
As Thai SELECT Month unfolds, participating restaurants will preview:
- Exclusive Set Menus crafted only for this campaign.
- Chef’s Specials that highlight Thailand’s diverse regional cuisines.
- Cultural Storytelling through dishes representing northern Chiang Mai, northeastern Isaan, and central Bangkok styles.
Whether you’re a seasoned Thai food lover or new to the cuisine, this is your chance to taste Thailand’s cultural identity through its most expressive medium, food.
Taste. Learn. Vote.
And here’s where you come in. Every diner this August gets a chance to vote for their favourite Thai SELECT restaurant in East Africa. Each meal brings you closer to deciding who will be crowned the region’s best.
So, sip that lemongrass tea, savour that coconut-based dessert, and cast your vote for the restaurant that captured Thailand’s spirit most perfectly.
About Thai SELECT
Thai SELECT is an internationally recognized mark of certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government. It honors restaurants and food products that deliver authentic Thai cuisine globally, following traditional preparation methods, original recipes, and exceptional service standards.
The certification comes in various tiers, including Thai SELECT Signature for fine dining and Thai SELECT Casual for quality Thai food in a relaxed setting. Additionally, Thai SELECT-certified products allow you to enjoy true Thai flavors at home with confidence.
Whether dining out or shopping for ingredients, the Thai SELECT logo is your trusted seal of authenticity, quality, and cultural integrity.
