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Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine

10.16.25

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I’ve been on a mission to try more local restaurants that I haven’t experienced before, and Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin has been at the top of my list. It’s a buzz-worthy spot and for good reason. The restaurant has earned Michelin recognition three years in a row, in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

This Tustin location opened earlier this year, while the original Chiang Rai Thai has been winning over diners in Long Beach for years. Word is definitely out, as the restaurant is almost always packed. Hot tip: join the waitlist on Yelp before you arrive. You’ll need to be within four miles of the restaurant to add your name, but it’s a great way to time your visit so the wait is short.

The Tustin location of Chiang Rai Thai is vibrant and full of charm, with hand-painted parasols in bright reds, blues and yellows suspended from the ceiling, giving the space an artistic and festive feel. The cozy dining room features warm wood accents, green paneled walls, and displays of traditional Thai items, including bamboo baskets, tiffin carriers and bottles neatly arranged on illuminated shelves. With both counter and table seating, the restaurant feels inviting and comfortable, perfect for families and groups to share a meal together.

The extensive menu can be a little overwhelming, but don’t overthink it. Start with what made them famous. The Michelin recognition centers on the Khao Soi Series, a Northern Thai curry noodle dish featuring boiled and fried egg noodles in a creamy, slightly spicy curry sauce. It’s served with your choice of protein and topped with red onion, lime, pickled mustard greens and crispy shallots. This is their signature dish and an absolute must-order.

Other highlights include crab fried rice with real crab meat, red curry with chicken, and the Chiang Rai Local Food section featuring authentic Northern specialties such as Sai Ua (spicy pork sausage) and Nam Prik Mueng (a flavorful combination of curry pastes, pork skin and steamed vegetables). For seafood lovers, the steamed branzino with spicy lime sauce is another standout.

Chiang Rai Thai is a great family-style restaurant, perfect for sharing a spread of bold, comforting dishes. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is lively, and every dish feels like a journey to Northern Thailand.

Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant
608 E 1st St., Tustin. 714.714.0082 | chiangraitustin.com
Closed Mondays. Open 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 4–9 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday:
12–2:30 p.m., 4–9 p.m. Sunday.

Original location: 3832 E Anaheim St., Long Beach. 562.494.3003.

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