Here’s Why The Thai Food Capital Of The World Is Actually In Alaska
It may seem strange that this small town in the middle of Alaska is known for its Thai food, but that is definitely the case. Fairbanks has 24 Thai restaurants (at the moment) for the 32,000 residents (in the city limits) and that means the most per capita of any city in Alaska, and among the highest in the U.S. Since the Thai restaurant craze hit Fairbanks in 1989 with the opening of the Thai House, Thai food has become the favorite of locals and travelers alike. Since that time, anyone who has lived in or grown up in Fairbanks will always crave the Pad Thai of home.
The Thai House opened in Fairbanks in 1989 in a small downtown location.
The Noodle House (731 2nd Ave) has classic Thai, northern Thai and Laotian cuisine. The owners Lanoi and Ang make the best Thai food, entirely from scratch. Renowned for their homemade Drunken Noodles and zesty Squid Salad.
Tiparos (404 Lacey St.), Bahn Thai (541 3rd Ave.), and Siam Square (59 College Road) are all downtown as well. Bahn Thai has an elegant atmosphere and Tiparos has a homey feel, with Siam Square somewhere in between, all with excellent cuisine.
Fairbanks also features several drive-up locations for those on the go. Simply Thai (3611 Rewak Dr) is close to the grocery stores so you can grab dinner when you go shopping.
The Lemon Grass (388 Old Chena Pump Rd.
Ste K) is the favorite of the University crowd and the West side of town. They use local ingredients when available in the summer, including their famed Pumpkin Curry in the autumn.
Not to mention Nim's (1456 South Cushman St.), Sweet Basil (1456 S Cushman St), Spicy Thai (1189 Old Richardson Hwy), My Thai (Lathrop and Van Horn) and more. If you are in town, check out all restaurants this mecca of Thai food has to offer.
