There’s no shortage of international cuisine in Bali, and Thai food is no exception.
Thai food always seems to hit the spot in Uluwatu. Whether it’s after a surf, a beach day or just a slow afternoon, those familiar flavours are easy, comforting and something most people never get tired of.
Uluwatu has a good range of places to choose from, too; some are simple, relaxed restaurants with quick plates, and others are a bit more polished with bigger menus and proper sit-down dinners.
It’s the kind of food you don’t have to overthink. You order what you feel like, it arrives fast, and it’s always satisfying. If Thai food is what you’re craving, Uluwatu has you.
There are only a handful of places, and we’ll give you the rundown of each here.
TL;DR, Editors’ Choice:
- Nana Thai Kitchen – Our personal favourite for proper Thai flavours and consistently good food.
- Kat’s Kitchen Pecatu – The same reliable Thai dishes as the main outlet, but in a quieter, easier spot.
- Pok Pok Ulu – The go-to for fresh, spicy papaya salad and proper roadside-style Thai cooking.
- Note: All of the Thai restaurants listed are great!
7 Thai Food Spots In Uluwatu:
1. Nana Thai Kitchen
Nana Thai Kitchen is the spot everyone quietly recommends in Uluwatu, and for good reason: the food is consistently solid, the flavours stay close to what you’d get in Thailand, and the portions are decent without being heavy.
Their pad krapao is one of the better ones around, properly fragrant with Thai basil rather than just chilli and garlic thrown together. Curries are on the richer side, but still balanced, and the papaya salad comes out fresh with that proper crunch. It’s a small, straightforward restaurant, nothing glossy, just friendly staff and quick plates that taste the way they should.
Prices are fair, it’s easy to drop in after the beach, and it’s the sort of place you end up returning to because you know exactly what you’re getting. If you like things authentic, this is some of the best Thai food you’ll find in Bali.
Where Is It: Jl. Pura Kulat, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
2. Kat’s Kitchen
Kat’s Kitchen offers a relaxed but slightly refined Thai experience, good for groups, dinner with mates, or a laid-back night out. The menu ticks all the Thai-food boxes: from zingy soups and salads to stir-fried noodles and curries, and you can generally pick the spice level to suit your mood.
The setting sits somewhere between casual and comfortable, with indoor seating but a friendly, easygoing feel. Prices are reasonable, and it works if you want a full-on Thai meal without leaving Uluwatu. A reliable spot when you’re craving authentic Thai flavours and a no-drama dinner.
Where Is It: Uluwatu St No.132, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
3. Tichanan Thai Restaurant
Tichanan Thai Restaurant is one of those Uluwatu spots that feels a bit underrated, small, tidy and consistently praised for flavour rather than flash. Their menu covers the usual Thai staples, but what people seem to love most are the curries and anything stir-fried.
The pad krapao gets regular shout-outs for being fragrant and not overly sweet, and their tom yum leans classic, with a cleaner broth than a lot of places in the area.
Portions are decent, prices are friendly for Uluwatu, and service is fast enough that it works well for a casual dinner or a quick lunch stop on the way to Padang Padang. Nothing fancy, just delicious Thai food that tastes the way you want it to.
Where Is It: Uluwatu St No.99, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Tichanan Bali
4. Pok Pok Ulu
Pok Pok Ulu is a proper roadside-style kitchen on Labuansait, and the name gives away their strength: in the Thai language, “pok pok” is the sound of a pestle and mortar being used. Their papaya salad is the standout: fresh, spicy and smashed to order, not just thrown together in a bowl.
They also do a good larb (minced pork salad), and most of the stir-fries come out hot and punchy, more in the “Thai home cooking” direction than the polished restaurant style. The place itself is simple: open-front, casual seating, cold drinks, and quick food made in plain sight.
It’s the sort of spot you stop at because you can smell the Thai spices as you walk past, and the food backs it up. Great for a light, cheap meal that actually tastes like Thailand.
Where Is It: Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364, Indonesia
Online: Pok Pok Ulu
5. Kat’s Kitchen Pecatu
If you like Kat’s Kitchen, but want a change of location, they actually have two outlets in Uluwatu, and the Pecatu branch is the quieter, easier one to get into.
The menu mirrors the original almost dish for dish, so you can expect the same solid green curry, reliable pad thai and those big, comforting plates of fried rice they’re known for. Portions are generous, flavours are clean and balanced, and nothing feels watered down for tourists.
The space itself is relaxed and open, good for easy dinners, quick lunches or bringing a few mates without needing a reservation. Service is straightforward, food comes out fast, and it just works when you want Thai food that tastes the way it should.
A strong pick if you’re staying around Pecatu or heading from the beaches nearby.
Where Is It: Jl. Raya Uluwatu Pecatu No.5x, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
6. Pad Thai At Bali
Pad Thai at Bali is one of those easy, no-hassle Thai spots you end up at when you want something quick, filling and familiar. It’s a small, casual restaurant with tables out front, friendly staff and food that comes out fast.
As the name suggests, their pad thai is the main draw — big portions, nicely balanced, not too sweet, and good value for money. They also do solid curries and stir-fries, with flavours that lean more homestyle than polished, which actually works in their favour.
It’s the sort of place you duck into on the way home or after a long beach day, because you know you’ll get a decent meal without waiting around. Nothing fancy, nothing overdone, just straightforward Thai dishes that hit the spot when you’re hungry and want something reliable.
Where Is It: No.13 A, Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
7. Baan Ying Thai
Baan Ying Thai is a simple, dependable Thai restaurant that does the classics well without trying to reinvent anything. Portions are generous, the food comes out quickly, and the flavours sit comfortably in that “proper Thai but not too intense” zone.
Their curries are the highlight – creamy, balanced and consistent, and the stir-fried dishes are solid if you’re after something straightforward with rice. It’s an easy place for a casual dinner, especially if you’re staying nearby or just want something you know will be good without overthinking it.
Prices are fair, service is friendly, and the menu is big enough that everyone will find something they like. Nothing overly styled or modern here, just reliable Thai food that tastes how it should and works well for a relaxed meal in Uluwatu.
Where Is It: Uluwatu St No.88, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Baan Ying Thai
FAQs
Does Bali Have Thai Food?
Yes, and plenty of it. Bali’s dining scene is huge, and Thai food is one of the more common cuisines you’ll find around the island. Uluwatu has a solid mix of casual Thai restaurants and more polished spots, so it’s easy to get your fix of familiar flavours while you’re here.
What Are Good Thai Dishes To Try?
A few dishes are always reliable: pad thai, pad krapao, green curry, red curry, massaman, tom yum, tom kha, green papaya salad, chicken satay, fish cakes and spring rolls, and of course, rice.
If you like a bit of heat, anything with fresh chilli, Thai basil or lime usually hits the spot. Thai food is built around bold flavours, so even the simple dishes taste great.
What Ingredients Are Used In Thai Food?
Thai cooking leans on fresh herbs and aromatics like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaf, coriander, garlic, and green and red chili. Coconut milk and coconut cream is common in curries, while fish sauce, lime, tamarind and palm sugar help balance the salty–sour–sweet flavours.
You’ll also see meats like minced chicken and pork, plus prawns, shrimp and squid in seafood dishes; eggs are also common. It’s all about big, authentic Thai flavors, kept fresh and simple.
Can You Get A Grab In Uluwatu?
Yes, you can use Grab in Uluwatu, but availability can vary depending on the time of day and where you’re staying. If you’re further down towards places like Bingin or Uluwatu Temple, it can sometimes take a little longer to get a driver.
What Is The Etiquette For Eating In A Thai Restaurant?
Nothing too complicated. Order food to share if you’re with friends, don’t be shy about asking for more or less spice, and expect dishes to arrive as they’re ready rather than all at once. It’s relaxed, easy and not overly formal.
Does Uluwatu Have A Nightlife?
Yes. Uluwatu has a mix of bars, beach spots and late-night places, especially around Bingin, Padang Padang and the main Uluwatu strip. It’s not as wild as Canggu or Seminyak, but you’ll still find drinks, music and a decent atmosphere most nights.
Happy hour is popular in the area, just check out this guide to the best happy hours in Uluwatu!
Does Drunken Noodle Have Alcohol In It?
No. Drunken noodles – or pad kee mao – don’t contain any alcohol at all.
The name has a few theories behind it, but the most common explanation is that it’s the kind of dish people crave after a night out: spicy, salty and full of flavour. Another suggestion is that the heat is so intense it makes you reach for a drink.
Either way, there’s nothing alcoholic in the recipe, just wide rice noodles, fresh chilli, Thai basil and whatever protein you choose.
Is It Wrong To Eat Thai Food In Bali?
Not at all. Bali has always been international when it comes to food, and Thai restaurants are part of that mix.
It’s perfectly normal to eat Thai dishes while you’re here, just like you’d eat Italian, Japanese or anything else you feel like. It’s worth noting that international food has a certain degree of authenticity in Bali.
Final Thoughts On Thai Food, Uluwatu
This food is perfect for Uluwatu, and after a day on the waves, you can’t go wrong with anywhere on the list above.
It’s quick, tasty, affordable and ideal after a big beach day or a night out. What makes it even better here is the mix of options – you can go casual with a plate of pad krapao, grab a curry to share with mates, or sit down somewhere a bit more polished for dinner.
No matter where you end up, the flavours tend to stay true to what people love about Thai cooking: fresh herbs, a good kick of chilli, bright lime, fragrant lemongrass and that balance of sweet, salty and sour.
Uluwatu has plenty of great spots serving it up, so you’re never far from a decent meal. If you love Thai food, you’ll eat well here.