Best Cheap Eats Thai Restaurants in SoMa (94103)
4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
Showplace Square spot focused on country-style Thai street food led by Chef Nutnawat “Kobe” Aukcarrapasutanun. Menus lean spicy-savory with Isan salads, grilled meats, and crispy-rice specialties.
Must-Try Dishes:
Som Tum (Papaya Salad), Nam Khao Tod (Crispy Rice & Sausage Salad), Crying Tiger (Grilled Beef)
What makes it special: Regionally focused Isan menu with assertive flavors and house techniques.
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Long-running SoMa standby (since 1995) serving wok-fired Thai staples with a lively bar program. Locals come for bold, balanced flavors—spicy basil stir-fries, curries, and noodles—delivered fast enough for a dependable lunch or pre-show dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Fried Rice, Crispy Catfish Salad, Honey Roasted Duck
What makes it special: Long-running Thai spot pairing familiar classics with a proper bar.
8.1
Loft-style Thai canteen in the historic Jackson Brewery pouring cocktails and regional plates. Known for Chiang Mai khao soi and shareable snacks, it’s a practical pick before nearby nightlife or shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi (Chiang Mai curry noodles), Steamed Tapioca Dumplings (sakoo sai moo), Grilled Pork Skewers
What makes it special: High-ceilinged SoMa space serving regional Thai plates and cocktails.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-run SoMa classic offering straightforward Thai comfort dishes at wallet-friendly prices. A reliable neighborhood stop with generous portions and steady execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Imperial Rolls, Chicken Curry lunch set, Kow Pad Talay (seafood fried rice)
What makes it special: Decades-long neighborhood fixture with steady, honest Thai cooking.