Enjoy dining on authentic Thai food with an ocean-front view at Thai Rin in Kailua-Kona. This local favorite has served up tasty dishes since 1991, making it the oldest Thai restaurant in Kona. It remains popular with residents and visitors to the area for its food and views.
Thai Rin serves up a variety of favorite Thai entrees. Options include pad thai, papaya salad, tom yum soup, curries, and much more. Plus, the restaurant has a full-service bar. You have several alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options to pair with your meal if desired. Favorites include Thai iced tea, Thai coffee, mai tai, and pina colada. If you have dairy allergies or intolerances, request coconut milk in your Thai iced tea or coffee.
One of the hallmarks of Thai food is spiciness. Some people avoid this cuisine due to this reputation. However, you don’t have to be like spicy food to enjoy your meal at Thai Rin. Even if the spiciness of Thai food turns you off, you will still find many palate-pleasing options with mild to no spice at Thai Rin. For those who want extra heat, the restaurant offers “Thai hot” as an option to add extra spice to your meal.
When dining, don’t miss the following visitor recommendations for the top dishes at Thai Rin:
Pad Thai
Thai Rin serves several variations of Pad Thai, but visitors rave about them all. The dish starts with a base of rice noodles sauteed with bean sprouts and green onion. You get a choice of protein to round out the dish. Options include chicken, tofu, pork, beef, scallops, shrimp, fish, squid, or a seafood combination.
Visitors note that Thai Rin’s version of Pad Thai is a little on the sweeter side. If you want to enjoy something spicier, try the Spicy Noodles and order them “Thai hot.”
Chicken Satay
Grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce and cucumber salad are the simple ingredients in Chicken Satay. However, because there are so few ingredients, the quality of each contributes more to the overall flavor of the dish. This appetizer at Thai Rin has juicy chicken, and visitors claim is to die for. It’s also a staple that never disappoints due to the consistency of the kitchen. Try this as a starter and you may forget about the rest of the meal. It’s that good.
Yellow Curry
Yellow Curry has potatoes, onions, bell pepper, carrots, and coconut milk to round out the flavor. This is the ideal entree if you want something authentically Thai without the dish being super spicy. The flavors meld perfectly together for a rich and flavorful experience. As with the noodle dishes on the menu, you get your choice of protein for the Yellow Curry. Chicken or shrimp are popular choices at Thai Rin to eat with this milder form of curry.
Mango and Sweet Sticky Rice
Always save room for dessert, especially at Thai Rin. When available, order the seasonally available Mango and Sweet Sticky Rice. This simple treat uses a sliced fresh mango served alongside sweet, sticky rice. It’s a fruity finish to your meal that will satisfy your palate. If you cannot get this dessert due to the availability of fresh mangoes, try the mango ice cream instead for a creamy, fruity dessert.
Enjoy the taste of flavorful Thai dishes that include options for all palates and perfect views of Kailua-Kona Bay when you visit Thai Rin.
Insider Tips:
-Try to time your visit to enjoy a seat at the outdoor dining area at sunset. You’ll have a great view of the sun sinking over the bay.
-The spicy dishes at Thai Rin are milder than most other places. Order “Thai hot” if you want more of a kick.
-Find parking behind the restaurant in a small lot or park nearby on the street.