Outstanding dinner here tonight! We highly recommend giving this place a try if you’re in the mood for Thai food. Large menu, there is definitely something on there for everyone. Even the pickiest eater! Portions are large and full of flavor!
Overview
Walking into Naung Mai Thai Kitchen at 2216 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, United States, feels less like stepping into a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s home. I stopped by on a rainy afternoon after hearing repeated praise from locals, and the first thing that stood out was the aroma-lemongrass, coconut milk, and chili drifting through the small dining room. It immediately set the tone for a meal that felt thoughtful, comforting, and carefully made.
From a diner’s perspective, the menu is refreshingly focused. Instead of overwhelming you with endless options, it highlights classic Thai dishes done well. Pad Thai arrives with noodles cooked just right, not mushy, not dry, and balanced with tamarind sweetness and a gentle tang. The green curry has a depth that suggests time and patience, something Thai food experts often emphasize. According to research shared by culinary institutes like the Culinary Institute of America, authentic Thai curry relies on freshly pounded curry paste rather than shortcuts, and you can taste that extra effort here. The sauce coats each bite evenly, and the vegetables still have a bit of crunch, which tells you they’re cooked to order.
I’ve eaten Thai food across Washington, from busy Seattle kitchens to quiet coastal towns, and one thing I’ve learned through experience is that consistency matters more than flash. During a second visit a few weeks later, the flavors were just as balanced as the first time. That kind of reliability is what turns first-time diners into regulars. It’s also something reviewers consistently mention in online reviews, often describing the food as bold but approachable, never overpowering.
One dish worth mentioning by name is the house special curry, which the staff explained is prepared in small batches throughout the week. That process keeps flavors fresh and allows the kitchen to adjust spice levels carefully. Speaking of spice, the heat scale is honest. When you ask for medium, you get medium-not bland, not painfully hot. This attention to detail reflects professional kitchen standards outlined by organizations like the James Beard Foundation, which often highlight balance and respect for ingredients as markers of quality cuisine.
The dining space itself is simple and relaxed, making it easy to linger over a meal. While the location on Commercial Avenue is central and easy to find, parking can be a little tight during peak hours, which is worth noting. Still, most diners agree it’s a small trade-off for food that feels this genuine. Takeout is also popular here, and during one visit I noticed a steady stream of locals picking up orders, suggesting strong community trust in the kitchen.
What really stands out, though, is how the restaurant fits into Anacortes’ food scene. In a town where seafood often dominates menus, having a Thai kitchen that delivers consistent quality adds welcome variety. Studies from the National Restaurant Association show that global flavors continue to grow in popularity across the U.S., and places like this are a good example of why. They offer comfort, familiarity, and just enough adventure to keep things interesting.
There are limits, of course. Seating is modest, so larger groups may need to plan ahead, and the menu doesn’t rotate frequently. For some diners, that might feel restrictive. For others, it’s reassuring to know exactly what you’re getting each time you visit. Based on personal experience and the steady stream of positive reviews, the latter group seems to be winning.
Every visit reinforces the same impression: care, balance, and a clear respect for Thai cooking traditions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Thai cuisine or someone easing into it for the first time, this kitchen offers a meal that feels both accessible and deeply satisfying, grounded in real technique rather than trends.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Asian-owned ✓ Identifies as veteran-owned ✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 715 reviews
Family group of five in the party. We were coming from a swim meet at Fidaglo Aquatic Center. The commentator was unorganized and the meet ran way over time. I had to change our reservation time twice. They were so nice and accommodating. Our waiter made our day by being so friendly. Helped us relax by being joyful and fun. The food was delicious and prepared to each persons taste. Can't wait to visit again. Oh yes! The adorable robot wait staff so cute!
Naughty Mai Thai Kitchen is a fabulous place to enjoy a delicious Thai meal. Their menu is extensive, their prices, in my opinion, very reasonable compared to other Thai restaurants and the food is delicious! I spent a couple weeks in Thailand a few years back, and ate the best meals of my life there. Finding any restaurant, Thai or other, in the US that is comparable to the taste and quality we experienced in Thailand is quite difficult, but I'd say Naung Mai Thai Kitchen is at the top of my list for Thai restaurants I've tried since that trip. Their staff are very sweet and attentive and the atmosphere is also quite pleasing. I would most definitely recommend enjoying a meal here and this is by far my favorite restaurant and dining experience I've had in the city of Anacortes.
This place was excellent! I’m from the DC area where there are many Thai places and many authentic restaurants of different cultures live. I was very impressed by how good and authentic tasting this place was! Service was great and so was the ambiance. I got the Thai Noodle Duck Soup - similar to a pho :)
In terms of food I found it to be okay but reasonably priced. Actually 12.99 these days is a bargain! It seems to be a standard small-town Thai. There is a robot that brings your food out! I had the spicy basil which was good. Chicken was moist, veggies fresh but pretty soupy. My dining partner had a pork “garlic dish “ which was also soupy but aside from a sprinkle of fried garlic it didn’t have much going on. Other dining partner had the basil fried rice and seemed neutral. Some confusion from the waitress when asking about gluten free but the host seemed to be confident that everything could be made gluten free. Non-factor observations: the forks are HUGE. and the plating was awkward, I guess I should have asked for more plates.
Ordered takeout and the experience was just amazing! 10 out of 10! Greeted by such friendly staff We were seated to wait and the restaurant was so beautiful and clean and welcoming. I wish we could've dined in. But I'm not kidding 6 min waiting and our food was ready!!! The appetizers were crunchy, hot and flavorful! Paired well with all the sauces it came with! I ordered cashew chicken and rice... This is top 1 on my list! To say that even if it's 2 hours away I will come back! Sadly there is no pictures of the food it was too good that it was gone before I remembered to take one! Open one near Seattle! Thank you!
Review of Naung Mai Thai Kitchen restaurant in Anacortes, Washington a short 80 mile drive up I5 from Seattle and a short drive to the Canadian border. Naung Mai Thai Kitchen offers a warm welcome and delicious Thai cuisine in the heart of Anacortes. The experience here is more than just a meal—it's a testament to excellent service and thoughtfully prepared dishes. We started with the Summer Fresh Rolls with Peanut Sauce, which were light and flavorful. The peanut sauce had a rich, nutty taste, though diners should note that a swirl of hot sauce in the middle adds a kick, something to keep in mind if spice isn’t your preference. The rolls were slightly small, but their freshness and taste made up for it. For entrées, we ordered Pineapple Fried Rice with Chicken and Pad Thai with Chicken, with added Pineapple. The pineapple fried rice was beautifully balanced, sweet, savory, and packed with textures from the tender chicken, nuts, and juicy pineapple. The Pad Thai had its signature tangy-sweet flavor, and the added pineapple introduced an extra layer of brightness to the dish. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of our visit was the outstanding service. Our waitress, a seasoned staff member with over five years at the restaurant, provided hospitality beyond expectations. Before the restaurant even officially opened, she noticed us waiting outside and invited us in to take a seat, a thoughtful gesture that set the tone for our experience. Overall, Naung Mai Thai is a definite must-try for anyone in Anacortes looking for excellent Thai food with exceptional service. Whether you're a longtime fan of Thai cuisine or exploring new flavors, this restaurant delivers in both taste and hospitality.
Really enjoyed this spot. They offered much of the typical thai restaurant options you might be familiar with. Enjoyed the sampler Platter and the basil fried rice. Only thing is they for sure pulled their punches on the heat level, I should have done "Thai Hot". Their 4/5 heat level was a little mild for me. Service was top notch. Overall was a great little spot.