Thai Dining in the Champaign-Urbana, IL Area

Once nearly unheard of, Thai food has been experiencing a significant increase in popularity in the past few years. Most major cities have at least one Thai restaurant. Since the University of Illinois attracts so many international residents, Champaign-Urbana has many more. No matter what kind of Thai food you're looking for, chances are, you'll be able to find it.

Champaign's Thai restaurants can be divided into two basic categories: establishments which cater to students, and mid-scale dining. The former can be great if you're looking for a quick, cheap meal that's not the same old burgers and fries. However, if you'd like to have an evening out, the higher-end restaurants offer a better atmosphere, and still maintain reasonable prices.

Student-Style Restaurants

For those attending the University of Illinois, it doesn't get much cheaper or easier than Thai at the Y. Serving a variety of inexpensive dishes from the University YMCA, this establishment is popular with many students of all ethnicities. However, because of its location in the center of campus, it's almost impossible for non-students to reach unless they're on foot. Parking in the area is nearly impossible, except in the summertime.

A few streets north of the YMCA is located the Home of Gourmet Chinese and Thai Restaurant. Locally known as Home of Gourmet, this is a small, diner-style restaurant serving a variety of Americanized Chinese, authentic Chinese, and Thai dishes. Curries at Home of Gourmet are thick and hearty. This might not be authentic, but it's certainly delicious! If you're not planning on eating a lot, stick to the small size, since the large can easily feed two. Dishes that Home of Gourmet does particularly well include Pad Thai, Gan Gallie Gai, and Massamun Curry. You can also get other kinds of curries, stir fried dishes, and appetizers. Tea or water are the best beverages, since soda is sold only by the can.