Restaurant review: Sao Thai

Rue Américaine 122, 1050 Ixelles

What’s good? Sao Thai offers mouthwatering Thai delicacies in a warm and refined setting. The staff is welcoming, attentive and ready to accommodate special requests. The food is delicious and nicely presented. As a starter, we ordered the Assiette Sao, an assortment of six different warm appetizers with sauces. As main course, we shared a Kai pad med mamaung — succulent wok-fried chicken with cashews, peppers and pineapple — and a Discovery plate which includes four different curries accompanied by rice. Our favorite? The scrumptious green curry! Mildly spicy, it includes tender chicken and Thai eggplants that burst with flavor.

What’s not? We were eager to explore more exotic desserts, but the only traditional option available was the Sticky Mango Rice, so our choices were limited.

Vibe: The atmosphere is warm and vibrant while maintaining a sophisticated touch. From high tables with swing chairs to the elegant round tables at the center of the room you have plenty options. It’s the perfect place for a business lunch as well as for an intimate date night. 

Who’s picking up the check? While pricier than an average Thai takeaway, the experience is well worth it. Appetizers range from €13 to €19, while main dishes are priced between €22 and €32. Water is on the expensive side (€6.50), so we recommend opting for a nice bottle of red wine at €32 instead!

Fun fact: Sao is the name of the chef and, together with her husband Leon and her son Beer, she runs the restaurant to share her passion for Thai culture and food with the customers.

Insider tip: Step outside your takeaway comfort zone and try something beyond the usual Pad Thai. You won’t be disappointed!

How to get there? Located in one of Brussels’ most stylish neighborhoods — the Châtelain district of Ixelles — at the corner of Rue Américaine and Rue du Mail. It’s a 45-minute walk from Schuman or a 24-minute ride on the 60 bus toward Uccle-Calevoet.

Review published on  March 6, 2025. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO.