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The Royal Thai Embassy has officially awarded prestigious Thai SELECT certifications to six outstanding Thai restaurants in South Africa, recognising their commitment to authentic Thai cuisine and culinary excellence.

The certificates were formally presented during a solemn ceremony held in Pretoria on the 1st of July 2025, led by Mr. Paisit Boonparlit, Chargé d'Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy. The event celebrated not only the recipients but also the deepening cultural and culinary ties between Thailand and South Africa

The Thai SELECT certification, granted by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, is a globally recognised seal of authenticity, guaranteeing that a restaurant delivers genuine Thai taste, ingredients, and hospitality. The certification is valid for three years from when they are first given or renewed.

“As Thai food continues to gain global recognition, we aim to encourage food enthusiasts to experience authentic Thai cuisine. Look for authentic Thai taste, Look for Thai SELECT symbols” said Mrs.Wichuda Akaramethathip, Director of the Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria.

The newly certified Thai SELECT restaurants are:

Cape Town

• Wang Thai: Lagoon Beach, Cape Town | Tel: 021 551 6684

KwaZulu-Natal

• Taste of Thai: Lower Quarry Shopping Centre, Pin Oak Ave, Hilton, Pietermartizburg, KZN | Tel: 033 343 1234

Gauteng

• Pad Thai by Fire Lion – Shop C7, Northview Shopping Centre, Northgate, Randburg | Tel: 064 723 3862
• Lotus Thai – 9 Dely Rd, Hazelwood, Pretoria | Tel: 012 346 1719
• Hello Thailand – G/F, 1A Iris Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston | Tel: 084 020 2444
• Chef Micky’s Thai Dining – 102 Corlett Dr, Birnam, Johannesburg | Tel: 073 314 8188

These restaurants have showcased unwavering dedication to delivering traditional Thai flavours, exceptional service, and an authentic dining atmosphere. Diners can identify certified establishments by the Thai SELECT logo, a symbol of genuine Thai quality.

Thai cuisine is beloved worldwide for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavours. Iconic dishes include Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), Tom Yum Kung (spicy and sour prawn soup), which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024, Green Curry, Massaman Curry, Pad Ga Prow (stir-fried basil), Som-Tum (spicy mango salad), and the ever-popular Mango Sticky Rice.

With these latest additions, South Africa now proudly hosts six Thai SELECT certified restaurants, giving food lovers across the country the opportunity to enjoy truly authentic Thai cuisine.

For more information on Thai SELECT, or to find certified restaurants and Thai food products worldwide, visit www.thaiselect.com or follow @Thai Select on Facebook.