Thai cuisine has captivated global palates for generations, renowned for its vibrant spices, tangy flavors, and aromatic depth, offering a truly unique culinary adventure. However, its widespread popularity has sometimes led to adaptations that stray from its authentic essence.
To safeguard and celebrate Thailand’s rich culinary heritage, the Thai Ministry of Commerce introduced the rigorous Thai SELECT certification. Restaurants and products bearing this mark not only adhere to traditional Thai recipes and ingredients but also meet exacting standards of professional service.
The Orchid Star of Honor ranking system, with its four tiers—3-star, 2-star, 1-star, and Thai SELECT Casual—serves as a reliable guide for those seeking genuine Thai dining experiences. To date, this prestigious certification has been awarded to over 1,500 restaurants and 700 products across 80 countries.
Thai SELECT’s Milestone in Vietnam: 13 Certified Restaurants
In 2026, Vietnam’s Thai SELECT culinary landscape achieved a notable milestone with the addition of Thai Basil, a 1-star certified restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. This brings the total number of accredited establishments in the country to an impressive 13.
Food enthusiasts in major cities can now embark on a flavorful journey at top-tier destinations. In Ho Chi Minh City, alongside the newly certified Thai Basil, visitors can indulge in favorites like Golden Elephant, SOMTUM ZAAP – THAI ISAN KITCHEN, Pad Thai – Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh, and Jatujak Retro Bar. In Da Nang, Kin Kin Thai Food and Thai Market continue to excel, offering exceptional dining experiences.
While each restaurant boasts its unique ambiance, ranging from upscale to casual, they share a common mission: preserving the rich legacy and authenticity of Thai cuisine.
A Culinary Extravaganza at Thai SELECT Restaurant Week 2026
Beyond traditional dining settings, the essence of “The Authentic Taste of Thailand” will take center stage at the highly anticipated Thai SELECT Restaurant Week, held from July 30 to August 1, 2026, at Hall A5, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
This event offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic Thai dishes prepared by certified restaurants, including Golden Elephant, Pad Thai, Jatujak Retro Bar, Thai Basil, and Thai Market. Attendees will also enjoy captivating cooking demonstrations by chefs from Golden Elephant, Jatujak Retro Bar, and Thai Basil, creating an immersive culinary experience.
With Thai SELECT, discovering authentic Thai cuisine has never been more convenient. Simply scan the QR Code to access the website and detailed map, effortlessly locating all Thai SELECT-certified restaurants in Vietnam.
Whether it’s a cozy dinner at a traditional restaurant or convenient Thai-certified products for home cooking, Thai SELECT is your trusted companion, bringing the “Authentic Taste of Thailand” directly to your table.
