Thai Dining in the Champaign-Urbana, IL Area

Once nearly unheard of, Thai food has been experiencing a significant increase in popularity in the past few years. Most major cities have at least one Thai restaurant. Since the University of Illinois attracts so many international residents, Champaign-Urbana has many more. No matter what kind of Thai food you're looking for, chances are, you'll be able to find it.

Champaign's Thai restaurants can be divided into two basic categories: establishments which cater to students, and mid-scale dining. The former can be great if you're looking for a quick, cheap meal that's not the same old burgers and fries. However, if you'd like to have an evening out, the higher-end restaurants offer a better atmosphere, and still maintain reasonable prices.

Student-Style Restaurants

For those attending the University of Illinois, it doesn't get much cheaper or easier than Thai at the Y. Serving a variety of inexpensive dishes from the University YMCA, this establishment is popular with many students of all ethnicities. However, because of its location in the center of campus, it's almost impossible for non-students to reach unless they're on foot. Parking in the area is nearly impossible, except in the summertime.

A few streets north of the YMCA is located the Home of Gourmet Chinese and Thai Restaurant. Locally known as Home of Gourmet, this is a small, diner-style restaurant serving a variety of Americanized Chinese, authentic Chinese, and Thai dishes. Curries at Home of Gourmet are thick and hearty. This might not be authentic, but it's certainly delicious! If you're not planning on eating a lot, stick to the small size, since the large can easily feed two. Dishes that Home of Gourmet does particularly well include Pad Thai, Gan Gallie Gai, and Massamun Curry. You can also get other kinds of curries, stir fried dishes, and appetizers. Tea or water are the best beverages, since soda is sold only by the can.

Campus town's third Thai establishment is Basil Thai. Another low to moderately priced restaurant, its curries and other dishes are a bit more authentic than Home of Gourmet. Parking in the area can be difficult while school is in session, but is easier than at the YMCA. Basil Thai serves excellent curries, as well as other dishes like Tom Yum, Peanut Sauce Stir Fry, and Thai catfish. Sodas and other drinks are easy to obtain. Try the Thai iced tea or Thai iced coffee if you pay this restaurant a visit. Seating is plentiful, except around lunchtime, when you can expect to have a hard time finding a spot among the students. Basil Thai is located in a complex at the corner of Green and Fifth streets.

Finer Dining

If you're hoping for an interesting place to get dinner, and don't want to venture into campus, there are still plenty of Thai restaurants to choose from.

Siam Terrace is located in downtown Urbana, on Main Street. Parking can be found on the street, or in public lots nearby. Generally, you'll have no trouble reaching the restaurant, except at the busiest times of day. Expect to be welcomed by friendly service and attractive decor. Any dish can be made more or less spicy on a scale of one to three, but expect dishes that are ordinarily considered spicy to be hotter than mild dishes, even if you request the same number for both. Don't miss Siam Terrace's catfish, Pad Woo Sen, and Mock Duck.

North of Siam Terrace, on University Avenue, is Miko. This restaurant serves a variety of different cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai. The atmosphere is very elegant, and the service prompt and polite. However, since this restaurant aims to offer dishes from many countries, the Thai selection is more limited than at some of Champaign-Urbana's other Thai establishments.

You'll be greeted almost immediately when you enter Tara Thai in Champaign. Located near the Prospect Avenue exit from Interstate 74, this is a great stop for travelers who are tired of the usual road fare. The food selection and quality is similar to Siam Terrace, as is the system of "hotness" for dishes. However, Thara Thai also offers a small selection of Vietnamese-style soups, and the seating is less upscale.

For very authentic Thai dining, Nitaya, located in downtown Champaign, is the place to go. Dishes are fresh and attractively presented. The restaurant itself has a unique, immediately recognizable atmosphere, and sports a mural of Thailand on the exterior wall. In addition to the usual array of curries, Pad Thai, and other dishes, Nitaya also offers desserts. The mango rice is particularly good.

No matter what you're looking for in a Thai restaurant, Champaign-Urbana has an establishment that will fit the bill. From small student eateries, to classy restaurants at a reasonable price, there's no better city in central Illinois for Thai cuisine.