Parázs Presszó Thai Restaurant (Jókai Street)

Budapest's Thai restaurants can be grouped into two categories: there are a few formal establishments with a service staff and a comprehensive drinks menu, while most others comprise mom-and-pop takeouts operating out of small, undecorated spaces. Parázs represents the former genre, so if a proper sit-down Thai meal is what you're after, head to District 6, not far from downtown. Know before you go that Parázs isn't cheap by local standards, with main ranging €15-20.

Since its opening in 2007, Parázs has grown into a chain restaurant with three locations across the city, but this one, in Jókai Street, offers the most complete food and drinks menu. Apart from familiar Thai classics like pad thai and drunken noodles, the menu pays respect to regional Thai fare, too. No matter what you order, the kitchen puts out composed, elegantly plated dishes, many with spice levels that will leave your mouth burning. I can recommend the electrifying green curry, the deep-fried whole tilapia fish, and the two spicy dishes from the Isan region: the grilled pork (nam tok) and the refreshing green-papaya salad.

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