Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Thai Food

Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or sweet, these Champaign-Urbana spots serve up big Thai flavor in every bite

Noodles? Rice? Served alongside sushi? How about on a paper plate in the middle of campus? We have everything when it comes to Thai food, so find out about all of your options here. Team chambanamoms loves Thai food, so we have tips on where and what to enjoy when you venture out for this branch of cuisine.

As with all of our “favorite food” lists, we focus on locally owned restaurants around Champaign-Urbana and beyond.

Maybe it’s a Champaign vs. Urbana kind of thing, but our readers seem to largely divide their allegiance between Champaign’s Thara Thai and Urbana’s Siam Terrace. Thai throwdown, perhaps?

(This list is in alphabetical order.)

Basil Thai, Urbana: Basil Thai has been in Urbana for many years. The peanut lovers shrimp is so good!

Golden Wok, Champaign: Golden Wok has good prices and a great Pad Thai dish.

Siam Terrace, Urbana: Serving Thai and Japanese cuisine. Vegetarians will love the choice of tofu, seitan, or veggies for any of their dishes. The food is so delicious and the staff are very accommodating. Their vegetable Pad Thai with extra peanuts and lime slices is a winner.

Sticky Rice,Champaign: One of a few restaurants around that serves a combination of Lao and Thai cuisine (as well as a few Chinese and Vietnamese dishes). The family sources seasonal products from its farm in Villa Grove. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their pineapple fried rice.

Sushi Siam, Champaign: This place couples Thai food with a sushi menu. They make the best chicken pad see ew! You can also try their beef noodle soup. All of the sushi rolls we’ve tried were delicious, as an added bonus. 

Taste of Thai,Rantoul: If you don’t mind a little drive, Taste of Thai in downtown Rantoul is amazing! The dishes are affordable and quite good.

Thai Fusion, Campustown (Green Street and newer location in the Illini Union): We love this family-owned hidden gem which opened on Green Street in 2022. More recently, it opened a space in the basement of the Illini Union. Smaller menu, but it does NOT disappoint. Definitely get the basil stir fry.

Thara Thai, Champaign: Thara Thai will customize anything and the food is always good. Their pineapple rice and coconut dessert is amazing! Be prepared for a wait, not usually for a table, but the food takes a while to come out. Readers remark that Thara Thai is the most authentic Thai food around Champaign-Urbana. “They don’t Americanize it unless you want it that way.” Even comes with limes because it’s not Thai without fresh limes!

Y Thai Eatery, Campustown: This casual spot on campus has a great reputation and for good reason. The Thai food is delicious and you can’t beat the prices and quick-service nature.