Pai Kin Kao
Thai & Ramen Restaurant
in Cambridge, MA

617-945-2977

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My experience at the restaurant was great. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. Highly recommend this restaurant.

Alex Martinez

/

Customer

Pai Kin Kao in Cambridge, MA: Authentic Thai Cuisine with a Modern Twist

Welcome to Pai Kin Kao, Cambridge’s go-to spot for authentic Thai cuisine in a warm and inviting setting. Located in the bustling heart of Cambridge, MA, our restaurant is dedicated to bringing the vibrant flavors of Thailand to New England with traditional dishes, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to quality that you can taste in every bite. If you’re searching for the best Thai restaurant in Cambridge, look no further than Pai Kin Kao!

Discover Authentic Thai Dishes Made with Fresh Ingredients

At Pai Kin Kao, which translates to “let’s eat rice,” we’re passionate about creating delicious Thai dishes that capture the essence of Thai culture. Our menu features a wide array of classic Thai dishes, from savory stir-fries to spicy soups, sweet desserts, and more. We use fresh ingredients sourced locally whenever possible, along with high-quality Thai spices, herbs, and sauces imported from Thailand to ensure authentic flavors.

Customer Favorites: Signature Dishes at Pai Kin Kao

Among our most popular dishes is our Thai Fried Rice—a comforting, flavorful classic made with jasmine rice, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein. Each plate is seasoned with a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and white pepper, creating a savory dish with just the right amount of Thai seasoning.

Other customer favorites include:

  • Pad Thai: Thailand’s iconic noodle dish, made with tamarind sauce, stir-fried rice noodles, peanuts, bean sprouts, and fresh lime.
  • Green Curry: A creamy, flavorful curry with coconut milk, basil, bell peppers, and your choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Tom Yum Soup: A traditional hot and sour Thai soup with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, and mushrooms, offering a perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors.
  • Massaman Curry: A mildly spicy curry with potatoes, peanuts, and tender chunks of meat, cooked in a rich, fragrant coconut milk sauce.
  • Papaya Salad (Som Tum): A fresh, crunchy salad made with shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and a tangy Thai dressing.

Whether you’re looking for a classic Thai dish or something a bit more adventurous, our menu has something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.

What Sets Pai Kin Kao Apart?

Pai Kin Kao isn’t just a Thai restaurant; it’s a dining experience rooted in Thai hospitality and culinary passion. Here’s why our guests love coming back to our Cambridge location:

  1. Authentic Flavors: We use traditional Thai ingredients and cooking techniques, allowing the true flavors of Thailand to shine through in each dish.
  2. Locally Sourced Ingredients: Supporting local farmers and suppliers is important to us, and we incorporate fresh, locally sourced produce in our dishes whenever possible.
  3. Dietary Options: We offer a variety of options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, so everyone can enjoy Thai food without compromise.
  4. Comfortable Atmosphere: Our restaurant offers a cozy and casual setting, ideal for lunch with friends, a family dinner, or even a solo dining experience.
  5. Convenient Location in Cambridge, MA: Situated in the heart of Cambridge, Pai Kin Kao is easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re in Kendall Square, Harvard Square, or Central Square, we’re a short distance away.

Pair Your Meal with Traditional Thai Beverages and Desserts

No Thai meal is complete without a refreshing drink or dessert! We offer a variety of traditional Thai beverages, including Thai Iced Tea and Thai Iced Coffee, as well as imported Thai beers. Our dessert menu features Mango Sticky Rice, a beloved Thai dessert made with ripe mango, coconut sticky rice, and a drizzle of sweet coconut milk, providing the perfect ending to a flavorful meal.

Planning an Event? Pai Kin Kao Offers Catering and Takeout in Cambridge

Looking to bring Thai flavors to your next event? Pai Kin Kao offers catering services throughout Cambridge and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s a corporate lunch, a family gathering, or a special celebration, we can provide an assortment of our best Thai dishes to fit your needs.

In a hurry or prefer to enjoy your meal at home? We also offer convenient takeout and delivery options. Our dishes are carefully prepared and packaged to ensure they arrive fresh and ready to enjoy.

Visit Pai Kin Kao: Cambridge’s Best Thai Restaurant

For those searching online for “best Thai restaurant Cambridge MA,” Pai Kin Kao is here to satisfy your cravings for authentic, flavorful Thai food. We’re proud to be part of the Cambridge community and look forward to sharing the rich, diverse flavors of Thailand with you.

Join us for lunch or dinner, or place a takeout order today to enjoy our delicious menu from the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s for a quick lunch break, a relaxed dinner with friends, or catering for a special event, Pai Kin Kao brings the best of Thai cuisine to Cambridge. Experience the vibrant taste of Thailand at Pai Kin Kao—Cambridge’s authentic Thai dining destination!

Here’s a breakdown of the main categories and popular items from the menu at Pai Kin Kao Thai Restaurant in Cambridge, MA:

Appetizers

  • Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables, served with a sweet and tangy sauce.
  • Crab Rangoon: Imitation crab meat with cream cheese.
  • Papaya Salad: A refreshing salad with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and chili, seasoned with lime and fish sauce.

Stir-Fried Noodles

  • Pad Thai: Classic Thai stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind sauce, peanuts, egg, and bean sprouts.
  • Pad See Ew: Flat rice noodles in a sweet soy sauce with Chinese broccoli and egg.
  • Pad Kee Mao: Also known as “Drunken Noodles,” these flat noodles are stir-fried with spicy basil sauce, bamboo, and tomatoes.
  • Rad Na: Wide, soft rice noodles with Chinese broccoli and egg in a rich gravy sauce.

Curry Dishes

Each curry is served with jasmine rice and customizable with protein choices.

  • Red Curry: A coconut-based curry with bell peppers, bamboo, and basil.
  • Green Curry: Green curry paste blended with coconut milk, bamboo, string beans, and basil.
  • Yellow Curry: Curry with a milder flavor, featuring white onion, bell peppers, and carrots.
  • Massaman Curry: A peanut-infused curry with sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions.
  • Panang Curry: A thick, mildly spicy curry with crushed peanuts, bell peppers, and string beans.

Fried Rice

  • Thai Fried Rice: Jasmine rice with Chinese broccoli, tomato, onion, and scallion.
  • Basil Fried Rice: Jasmine rice stir-fried with basil, bell peppers, and red onion.
  • Tom Yum Fried Rice: Inspired by the Tom Yum soup, with tangy flavors from tom yum paste, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Thai Street Foods

  • Guay Tio Haang: A noodle dish with ground pork, sweet sausage, and roasted red pork, garnished with crispy wontons.
  • Khao Soi: A Northern Thai curry noodle soup with yellow curry, egg noodles, and crispy noodles on top.
  • Pad Ka Prow: Spicy stir-fried dish with basil and chili, served over jasmine rice.
  • Khao Moo Dang: Roasted red pork with Chinese sausage and boiled egg, served with sweet BBQ sauce over rice.
  • Crispy Pork Belly Basil: Crispy pork belly with spicy basil sauce, paired with jasmine rice.

Stir-Fried Dishes

  1. Cashew Nut – A flavorful stir-fry with roasted cashew nuts, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli, served with jasmine rice. The combination of cashews and sweet pineapple adds both crunch and a mild sweetness to the dish.
  2. Sweet & Sour – This classic Thai stir-fry is made with pineapple, bell peppers, carrots, and onions in a sweet and sour sauce, served alongside jasmine rice. The dish balances tangy and sweet flavors with fresh vegetables.
  3. Broccoli in Brown Sauce – A simple but satisfying dish with stir-fried broccoli and carrots in a savory oyster sauce, topped with fried garlic and served with jasmine rice. The dish highlights the fresh, crisp texture of broccoli with a rich brown sauce.
  4. Ginger Sauce Stir-Fry – A warming dish with mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and chives, stir-fried in a ginger-infused brown sauce, and served with jasmine rice. The ginger adds a peppery, earthy taste to complement the vegetables.
  5. Phrik Khing – A spicy stir-fry made with red curry paste, oyster sauce, and kaffir lime leaves, featuring string beans for a satisfying crunch. This dish combines Thai spices for a flavorful and slightly spicy kick.

Each stir-fried option is served with jasmine rice and can be customized with various proteins, including chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu, allowing for a tailored Thai meal experience​

Seafood Specials

  • Sweet and Sour Fish: Deep-fried fish fillet topped with sweet and sour chili sauce, pineapple, and bell peppers.
  • Little Mermaid: A crispy fish fillet with spicy papaya salad, creating a balance of heat and crunch.

Sides

  • Jasmine Rice, Sticky Rice, and Fried Egg: Simple additions that complement the main dishes.

Each dish reflects the rich, balanced flavors that define Thai cuisine, blending sweet, spicy, sour, and savory notes to create a satisfying experience​​