Must Be Thai

I finally made it back here after way too long, and honestly, I'm kicking myself for staying away. I'm genuinely baffled as to why this place isn't at the top of every "Best Thai in San Jose area" list. Everything we ordered was vibrant, punchy, and clearly made with care. The dishes are all carefully crafted - none of the run-of-the-mill stuff. Same goes for the menu - which sets it apart from other Thai spots in the area. (this was a to-go order - so I can't comment on the vibe in the restaurant) If you're looking for Thai food that hasn't been "watered down" or over-commercialized, this is it. Don't let the middle-of-the-pack rankings fool you--this is a top-tier spot. I won't be waiting this long to come back next time.

Cisco L

This will be our 2nd time dining at Must Be Thai— overall a solid, family‑friendly meal. The Tom Yum soup was the standout, it was very delicious! It was savory, and aromatic — a perfect starter. The Pad Prik Moo Krob delivered great texture with crispy pork and a spicy‑tangy sauce. The non‑spicy Pad Thai with chicken was mild and comforting: noodles were tender, sauce lightly sweet, and the chicken was cooked through — great if you want no heat. Service was friendly and the place felt casual and relaxed. Would recommend for anyone craving reliable Thai classics.

Jude B

This place is one of my go-to Thai restaurants. The flavors lean a bit more American-style than super traditional Thai, but it’s honestly perfect for the American palate — bold, flavorful, and super satisfying. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients and the seasoning/spice is on point. My favorites are the Pat See Ew with beef, Tom Kha soup, and Pad Kra Pao — all packed with flavor. The papaya salad is fresh with a great kick, and the Pad Thai is amazing. Also they even have fresh coconut water. Everything I’ve tried here has been delicious — highly recommended!

Boruch Hahn

I keep coming back. 🛬 The flavors at this restaurant is the most authentic Thai flavor you can get. 🇹🇭 The #1 Pad Thai in the Bay Area. 🎖️ The dishes and the presentation is always on point.🥢 The temperature and the flavors of each item are always just right. ♨️ I’ve had probably about half the items on the menu. They all hit the spot.🫃 Yes, at busy hours, you may have to wait a bit for a seat. But the it is always worth it. ⌚️ Realistically a 4.6 ⭐️ rating

Samantha L

Been here couple times for weekend dinner. Usually packed so waiting can be long. You can get on the waiting list through the web ahead, but you only have like 5mins to be present after they let you know it’s your turn. Food is good; less salty than other thai places. Our fav are green curry, hang lei curry, tom yum fried rice, and pok pok thai (like it more than pok pok lao which is saltier). Our young kids like the noodles.

Lily Vladimirovna

Absolutely loved this place! The food was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented — honestly some of the best Thai food I’ve had in a long time. There are spicy options on the menu, but I specifically asked for a non-spicy dish. Unfortunately, the one I received was still quite spicy. I had already eaten a bit, but I let the server know I couldn’t eat spicy food — and they handled it so professionally and kindly. Without any issue, they brought me a new, completely non-spicy dish that was just as delicious. That kind of service really stands out — respectful, caring, and genuinely thoughtful. One small downside: the tables felt a little sticky. But honestly, the amazing food and outstanding service totally made up for it. Also, just a heads-up for weekends — be prepared to wait for a table. The very first time we came, our baby was 5 months old, and we waited almost an hour to be seated. We were given a table outside, and although it was a bit chilly, they had overhead heaters that helped a bit. On weekdays though, everything was great — no wait, quick seating, and a relaxed vibe. You can sit inside or outside, and now that it’s summer and the weather is warm with no wind, sitting outside has been really pleasant. Highly recommend this place for incredible Thai food and genuinely kind service.

Lindsey G

Must Be Thai is hands down our go-to spot in San Jose for authentic Thai cuisine, and OMG, it never fails to impress. The food quality is consistently superb, and it’s no surprise that this place is always packed with loyal customers who know a good thing when they find it. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and the staff are always friendly, attentive, and quick to make sure you’re well taken care of. Despite how busy it gets, we’ve never felt neglected or had to wait long for our food—an impressive feat considering how popular this place is. What really sets Must Be Thai apart are the custom spices and sauces—a true standout feature that’s hard to find elsewhere. Every dish feels unique and bursting with flavor, and those house-made sauces add a level of complexity that takes the entire dining experience up a notch. Our favorites? The Pad Thai with Chicken is absolutely the bomb. Perfectly cooked noodles, tender chicken, and a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that are perfectly executed every time. Then there’s the Pad See You—a bold and flavorful dish that’s packed with umami, featuring broad noodles and a delectable sauce that’s rich and satisfying. But the real showstopper has to be the Pixel Chicken. The chicken is cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served with their punchy dipping sauce that packs a flavorful punch of heat and tang. It’s unlike any other dish we’ve had at a Thai restaurant—absolutely addictive. Every time we visit, we leave with full hearts and full stomachs. Whether you’re new to Thai food or a seasoned fan, Must Be Thai will not disappoint. We highly recommend making it your next go-to spot!

+1

Lo

Nice Thai restaurant! We came on a weekday for lunch and it was pretty packed. We ordered a variety of items and shared it family style. The pad see you was really good, the papaya salad was nice and fresh. The Tom yum fried rice was good as well. The staff were attentive and nice.

+3

Food: we’ve tried this place multiple times before and after they update the menu. Their tom yum fried rice amazed us for sure; definitely our favorite of all. Service: they get very busy so it’s always better to get on the waitlist earlier. Their price is definitely more up there compared to other Thai restaurants in Bay Area. Ambiance: vibey and cozy. Small party are more suitable.

Muthu Kumar

First time at Must Be Thai in San Jose and it was buzzing on New Year's lunch. Food's made-to-order with customizable spice levels and ingredients. We tried Pad Thai, Pad Ki Mao, and Green Curry - the eggplants in the curry were a unique touch. Green curry was a bit underwhelming though - missed bamboo shoots and Thai basil flavor. Limited portions, but worth a try. Avg experience, might revisit for the vibe and customization options.