Zen Thai Cafe Downtown Phoenix: Authentic Thai Cuisine & Noodle Soups on Central Ave

Zen Thai Cafe Introduce

Nestled in the heart of Arizona's bustling urban center, Zen Thai Cafe offers a genuine escape to the vibrant, aromatic culinary world of Thailand. This acclaimed Thai restaurant, located in downtown Phoenix, has cultivated a reputation among local patrons for serving authentic, flavorful, and generously portioned dishes. It’s more than just a place to grab dinner; it’s a destination for high-quality Asian restaurant cuisine that consistently delights the senses.

As an establishment proudly identifying as Asian-owned, Zen Thai Cafe brings the authentic flavors and traditional preparation methods of Thailand right to the 85004 community. The menu is a comprehensive exploration of Thai favorites, ensuring that whether you crave the sweet-and-sour tang of classic stir-fries, the rich spice of curries, or the comfort of a steaming bowl of noodles, your preference is covered. Classic dishes like Pad Thai Noodles, Pad Se Iew, and the deeply aromatic Massaman Curry are expertly crafted using fresh ingredients, capturing the essence of the country's diverse regional cooking styles.

Zen Thai Cafe is particularly celebrated for its diversity in offerings. Customers often highlight the menu’s flexibility to accommodate all dietary preferences, making it a reliable choice for Vegetarian options and those seeking Healthy options, alongside rich comfort dishes. The atmosphere is frequently described as a blend of casual and Trendy, providing a cozy and welcoming backdrop that enhances the dining experience, whether you are visiting for a quick work lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends. The commitment to a delightful experience is cemented by the consistent praise for their Fast service and the overall friendliness of the staff, solidifying its place as a favored local gem.

Beyond the standard Thai menu, the restaurant truly shines with its selection of unique and specialized items. The dedicated sections for NOODLE SOUPS and CHEF SPECIALS showcase culinary creativity, featuring dishes like Khao Soi (a Northern Thai curry noodle soup), Bangkok Pho Tom Yum Noodle Soup, and the highly-recommended Fish Three Flavors entree. This inventive approach, while staying rooted in authentic techniques, makes Zen Thai Cafe a compelling choice for any Arizonan seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Location and Accessibility

Zen Thai Cafe is perfectly situated in a prime, highly accessible downtown location, making it convenient for professionals, residents, and visitors in Phoenix. The exact address is:

Address: 110 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

Located on North Central Avenue, the restaurant is housed within the historic and expansive Heard Building, right in the financial and cultural core of the city.

Accessibility features are robust, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons:

Downtown Presence: The 85004 location is within easy walking distance of major downtown attractions, businesses, and government buildings, making it an excellent spot for a midday Lunch or an evening Dinner.
Physical Accessibility: The business provides comprehensive accommodations, including a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
Parking: While the area is busy, various parking solutions are available nearby, including accessible spaces to cater to the needs of the community. Local guidance suggests utilizing the Luhrs Garage for convenient access to the venue.

Services Offered

The range of services at Zen Thai Cafe is designed to accommodate nearly every dining scenario, from a quick solo meal to a large group celebration.

Dining Flexibility: Offers essential service options including comfortable Dine-in seating with Table service, as well as convenient Takeout for meals on the go.
All-Day Service: The cafe operates for both Lunch and Dinner, with special LUNCH PLATES available on weekdays, perfect for the downtown working crowd.
Beverage and Bar Service: Features a full beverage program, including Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, and Hard liquor. A dedicated Bar onsite enhances the dining and socializing experience.
Tea and Coffee Selection: Highlights include a Great tea selection—a feature highly praised by customers—along with quality Coffee options.
Happy Hour Specials: The venue offers both Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food, providing excellent value and a great way to unwind after a workday in Phoenix.
Reservations and Group Dining: The restaurant Accepts reservations, making it easy for large Groups or planned outings to secure a table in the popular downtown area.
Inclusivity and Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as Casual, Cozy, and Quiet, appealing to a diverse Crowd that includes the Family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, and those seeking a Transgender safespace.
Family Amenities: It is designated as Good for kids and provides High chairs for younger guests.
Payment Methods: Accepts modern payment technologies for speed and convenience, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Zen Thai Cafe distinguishes itself in the competitive Phoenix restaurant scene through a combination of superior food quality, service highlights, and unique menu offerings.

Exceptional Noodle Soup Variety: A major highlight is the extensive selection of authentic Thai and Asian noodle soups, a rare find in the area. Options range from comforting Wonton Noodle Soup and Classic Ramen to specialties like Thai Boat Noodle Soup and the signature Bangkok Pho Tom Yum Noodle Soup, offering a unique regional experience.
Chef-Driven Specials: The CHEF SPECIALS menu features highly-rated signature plates such as Fish Three Flavors and creative rice dishes like Pineapple Fried Rice and Hawaiian Fried Rice, showcasing a sophisticated culinary touch beyond standard fare.
Great Tea Selection: Customer reviews specifically call out the quality of the tea selection, making it a perfect spot for tea enthusiasts alongside classic Thai iced beverages.
Dedicated Curry Lineup: Offers all five major Thai curries—Red Curry, Yellow Curry, Panang Curry, Green Curry, and Massaman Curry—allowing for a customized and authentic curry experience. They also offer the unique Pineapple Duck Curry for an elevated entree.
Health and Dietary Focus: The extensive Salads menu (including Tiger's Cry and Larb Salad) and readily available Vegetarian options ensure that the restaurant caters to a wide range of health-conscious diners.
Vibrant Atmosphere & Bar: The combination of a Cozy and Trendy ambiance, paired with a full bar offering Cocktails and Happy hour drinks, makes it ideal for social gatherings and evening entertainment.
Dessert Innovation: Features traditional and seasonal Thai desserts like Thai Sticky Rice with Mango (Seasonal) and Fried Banana With Coconut pineapple Ice Cream, providing a sweet and authentic conclusion to the meal.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about a special dish, or order takeout, residents of the Phoenix area can easily reach Zen Thai Cafe:

Address: 110 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Phone: (602) 340-8899

What is Worth Choosing

For the Arizona resident seeking a truly satisfying and authentic Thai restaurant experience in downtown Phoenix, Zen Thai Cafe is the premium choice for several compelling reasons.

The primary draw is the authenticity and depth of the menu. It's one of the few places in the area where you can find a fully realized exploration of Thai cuisine beyond the basics. The inclusion of dishes like Khao Soi and Thai Boat Noodle Soup speaks to a commitment to regional Thai flavors that will appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and those looking to expand their palate. When considering a classic, the curries are highly recommended; the Massaman Curry and Panang Curry are frequently praised for their richness and balance.

Furthermore, the value proposition at Zen Thai Cafe is consistently noted in customer feedback, with patrons stating that the prices are very reasonable and the portions are very filling! This commitment to generous portions of amazing food, combined with a Fast service highlight, makes it exceptionally well-suited for a dependable, quality meal at any time of day, particularly during the weekday lunch rush.

Finally, the dining environment and social offerings elevate the experience. With a Casual yet Trendy setting, a full bar for Happy hour drinks, and a staff that is committed to inclusivity, Zen Thai Cafe is more than just a place to eat—it's a welcoming social hub. Whether you are craving the comfort of a Spicy Pork Belly Ramen or a classic Pad Thai, Zen Thai Cafe delivers an authentic, high-quality, and deeply satisfying piece of Thailand right in the heart of the Valley of the Sun.

Zen Thai Cafe Food & drink

APPETIZERS
Crispy Veggie Rolls (4)
Mixed vegetables (Carrots and Cabbage) and glass noodles in flour paper, served crispy with sweet and sour sauce
Crispy Tofu
Tofu served crispy with tangy homemade peanut sauce
Tempura Shrimp (4)
Crispy shrimp, served with tempura sauce
Potstickers (6)
Chicken and Vegetable dumpling blanched, lightly crunchy and crispy, served with house ponzu sauce.
Crispy Shrimp Rolls (4)
Shrimp, mixed vegetables and glass noodles wrapped in flour wrap, served crispy with sweet and sour sauce.
Thai Wings (5-6)
Crispy tempura breaded chicken wings served with Zen hot and sour wing sauce
Chicken Satay (4)
Tender Chicken breast marinated in coconut milk and Thai traditional spices and herbs, served with homemade cucumber chutney and homemade peanut sauce
Super Summer Rolls (2)
Wrapped with rice paper, organic spring veg mix, cucumber, carrot, thin rice noodles Served with sweet & sour sauce and homemade peanut sauce. Choice of -Tofu | Shrimp | Avocado
Sweet Potato
Thai style sweet potato in coconut batter and sesame seeds, served crispy with tangy homemade peanut sauce
Crab Rangoon (6)
Cream cheese and imitation crab meat in wonton wrap, served crispy with sweet and sour sauce

SOUPS
Vegetable Soup
Mixed Vegetables (Broccoli, Carrots, Cabbage) in a clear broth
Tom Yum
World-renowned Thai "spicy and sour" soup has a wide mix of Thai herbs, Thai spice, mushrooms, tomato, cilantro, and green onion.
Tom Kah
Thai coconut milk soup with a healthy dose of Thai herbs, Thai spices, mushroom, tomato, cilantro and green onion
Wonton Soup
Chicken wontons, veggie, broth, topped with scallion, cilantro, roasted garlic and pepper.

NOODLE PLATES
Pad Se Iew
Flat rice noodles with egg, Chinese broccoli, garlic and carrot.
Chow Mein
Chinese influenced noodles chow mein, cabbage, carrot, onion and bean sprouts.
Drunken Noodles
Flat rice noodles with garlic, onion, carrot, bell pepper, bean sprouts and fresh basil
Pad Thai Noodles
Thin rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, green onion served with side crushed peanut.
Pad Woon Sen
Clear mung bean noodles with egg, mixed vegetables (Broccoli, Carrots, Cabbage), garlic, onion, broccoli.
Chow Mein
Chinese egg noodles with Cabbage, Carrot, Onion and Bean Sprouts

CURRIES
Red Curry
Thai red chili pepper base, green bean, bell pepper in coconut milk, topped with eggplant and basil. Served with steamed rice.
Yellow Curry
Thai yellow pepper, infused with curcuma, turmeric, herbs base, carrot and potato in coconut milk. Served with steamed rice.
Panang Curry
Sweet-dried chili base, bell pepper, broccoli. Served with steamed rice
Green Curry
Thai green chili, herbs and spices base, green bean, bell pepper, basil and top with eggplant. Served with steamed rice
Massaman Curry
Classic peanut curry base, potato in coconut milk and peanut. Served with steamed rice
Pineapple Duck Curry
Pineapple in red curry, duck meat, coconut milk, tomato, basil. Served with steamed rice
Coconut Custard Curry
Classic Curry base, boneless Basa fish, wholesome Asian herbs and spice, coconut milk, egg, vegetables, basil. Served with steamed rice.

ENTREES
Sweet & Sour
Pineapple, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and sweet onion sautéed in a light tomato sauce sweet onion sauteed in a light house tangy sweet sauce. Served with steamed rice
Veggie Delight or Broccoli Delight
Veggie Delight - Veggie mix (Broccoli, Carrots, Cabbage), green bean, scallion, bean sprouts. Broccoli Delight. -Broccoli, carrot and sauteed in house sauce. Served with steamed rice.
Spicy Eggplant
Eggplant, carrot, onion, bell pepper, basil sauteed in garlic sauce. Served with steamed rice.
Veggie Delight
Veggie mix, green bean, carrot, broccoli, bean sprouts and scallion sautéed in house sauce.
Ginger Angel
Onion, mushroom, fresh ginger, and bell pepper sauteed in garlic ginger sauce. Served with steamed rice.
Garlic & Black Pepper
Bed of vegetable sauteed with garlic and black pepper delight sauce. Served with steamed rice.
House Fried Rice
Jasmine rice, egg, sweet onion, carrot, broccoli and topped with scallion.
Drunken Fried Rice
Choice of meat, egg, chili, garlic, bell pepper, sweet onion, carrot and basil
Spicy Green Beans
Green bean in house curry paste, coconut milk with garlic, bell pepper and basil. Served with steamed rice
Spicy Basil
Choice of protein or ground meat, basil, garlic, onion, and bell pepper sauteed. Served with steamed rice (add a fried egg $2)
Cashew Nuts
Onion, dried chili, bell pepper, topped with cashew nuts sauteed in brown sauce topped with scallion. Served with steamed rice.

CHEF SPECIALS
Orange Chicken
Crispy natural chicken tossed sesame seeds and served with orange and pineapple sweet and sour sauce.
Orange Tofu
Tofu tossed sesame seeds and served with orange and pineapple sweet and sour sauce.
Fish Three Flavors
Crispy Swai fish fillet served with special tangy sweet and sour sauce. Served with steamed rice
Pla Rad Phrik
Fresh Swai fish fillet served crispy with chili coco sauce. Served with steamed rice
Hawaiian Fried Rice
Jasmine rice, chicken, egg, pineapple, cumin, turmeric spice, raisin, cashew nut, onion
Crab Fried Rice
Jasmine rice, Crab meat, egg, veggie mix, brown sauce, scallion and cilantro
Pineapple Fried Rice
Jasmine rice, shrimp, egg, onion, roasted pineapple, raisin, cashew nut, cumin, turmeric spice, topped with bell pepper, served in pineapple
Shrimp Tempura With Tamarind Sauce
Crispy Shrimps served with house veggie and sweet & sour tamarind sauce. Served with steamed rice
Pepper Steak
Tenderloin grilled marinated steak topped with Thai style sauce and vegetable
BBQ Turmeric Coconut Chicken
Natural bone in chicken marinaded with Asian spices, coconut, lemongrass, garlic, pepper, turmeric served with steamed rice and steam veggie.
Teriyaki Chicken
Tender chicken breast, sesame, garlic, house miracle sauce, house veggie. served with steamed rice
Thai BBQ Pork
Tender juicy Pork with Thai BBQ style marinaded with Zen sauce, Thai herbs, spice, garlic and sesame served with steamed rice and steam veggie

NOODLE SOUPS
Pho Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken, rice noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro and scallion in a spicy sour soup, topped with crushed peanut and roasted garlic
Rice Noodle Soup
Chicken, rice noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro and scallion in tasty broth & topped with roasted garlic & pepper.
Bangkok Pho Tom Yum Noodle Soup
Chicken with coconut base, herbs, rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, bean sprouts, chili oil, cilantro and scallion in chicken broth and topped with roasted garlic and pepper
Rice Noodle Soup With Beef Stew
Tender Thai stew beef, rice noodles, bean sprouts, basil, cilantro and scallion in beef broth, Chinese broccoli and topped with roasted garlic and pepper.
Duck Noodle Soup
In house roasted duck beast, rice noodle, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli, cilantro and scallion in whole of herbs and spice duck bone broth and topped with roasted garlic and pepper
Thai Boat Noodle Soup
Thai traditional cooking style beef, whole of herbs and spices, rice noodles, bean sprouts, in tasty five spice beef broth, basil, cilantro and scallion and topped with roasted garlic and pepper
Wonton Noodle Soup
Wonton wrapped with tasty pork and shrimp, wonton egg noodle, bean sprouts, cilantro and scallion in bone broth and topped with roasted garlic and pepper
Khao Soi
Traditional Northern Thailand Curry, chicken in coconut milk, turmeric, herbs, spice base, egg noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro and scallion topped with crispy noodles & crispy shallot
Classic Ramen
Tender roasted BBQ pork, ramen noodles, garlic oil, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli, roasted sesame
Shrimp Tempura Ramen
Crispy shrimp tempura with ramen noodles, garlic oil, Chinese broccoli, bean sprouts
Spicy Pork Belly Ramen
Pork belly, Medium spicy pork soup base, ramen noodles, Chinese broccoli, scallion, roasted sesame

DESSERTS
Fried Banana With Coconut pineapple Ice Cream
Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream
Thai Sticky Rice with Mango *(Seasonal)
Fresh mango served sweet sticky rice topped with coconut milk and Sesame seeds. *This dish is seasonal and may not always be available.
Sticky Rice with Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream
Sweet sticky rice topped with coconut milk
Sticky Rice with Custard
Sweet sticky rice topped with coconut milk

LUNCH PLATES
Available Monday – Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sweet & Sour Broccoli Delight Vegetable Delight Ginger Angel Garlic Black Pepper House Fried Rice Spicy Basil Drunken Noodles Pad Thai Noodles Pad Se-iew Red Curry Yellow Curry Panang Curryu Massaman Curryu Green Curry

Salads
The Zen Salad
Organic Spring mix, steamed thin rice noodle, grilled tenderloin steak slices, topped with fresh mango, avocado, tomato, served with our house lime salad dressing
House Salad
Organic spring mix vegetables, seasonal vegetables, tomato, cucumber served with homemade peanut salad dressing
Tiger's Cry
Tenderloin Steak slices with tomato, fresh mint, green onion, cilantro, in lime dressing with Cabbage.
Larb Salad
Choice of ground chicken, pork or tofu with roasted rice, fresh mint, green onion, cilantro, in lime dressing served with Cabbage
Yum Gai Salad
BBQ chicken, onion, mint, roasted rice, tangy, lime sauce, served with Cabbage
Pacific Island Salad
Mixed Seafood (Calamari, Shrimp, Basa Fish & Mussel), fresh mint, green onion, cilantro, red onion, in lie dressing served with Cabbage
Shrimp Salad
Shrimp, roasted rice, green onion, cilantro, red onion, in lime dressing served with Cabbage
Woon-Sen Salad
Ground pork, Shrimp Glass noodle, tomato, red onion, in lime dressing

Zen Thai Cafe Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Zen Thai Cafe Photos

Zen Thai Cafe Location

Zen Thai Cafe

Arizona Maricopa County Phoenix Central City North Central Avenue

110 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

Zen Thai Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 568 user reviews.

yellow currydrunken noodlesbobakhao soiwingsmusicserverappetizersorange chickensummer rolls

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

There isn’t much to add that hasn’t already need said. It’s a fantastic place with great staff and amazing food! The prices are very reasonable and the portions are very filling! I love the flexibility in their menu to accommodate all dietary preferences. The decor is fun too!
September 16 · Heather Squire
Zen Thai Phoenix offers a delightful experience for lovers of authentic Thai cuisine. Their menu features classic dishes prepared with fresh ingredients, bringing the vibrant flavors of Thailand to Phoenix. It's a fantastic spot for a flavorful and satisfying meal in a relaxed setting.
June 30 · Yn Ants
I ordered Zen special salad and Pad Thai. Pad Thai is fair, thought The Zen Salad shd be their special, unfortunately it's so disappointing. Just some greens and sliced mango over rice noodles, and the sauce tasteless.When I ordered the dishes, I didn't realize that salad came with meat. But when I ordered Pad Thai, I did ask to have tofu instead of meat, I wished they could alert me that salad came with beef, I would like to change that as well. Although I'm not 100% vegetarian, but feeling their service just so careless.When I was done with the lunch, the server dropped me the check not even bothering to ask If I need some to go boxes when both my dishes were half full there, and I had to call herback to give me some boxes.The restaurant decor well and neat though.
July 28 · Katharine King
As others say this place is awesome with great staff. I went there for lunch. I ordered Drunken noodle from their lunch menu. While it tasted pretty good, I was disappointed how small the portion size was. I ended up ordering additional summer rolls, and while I could tell it was made fresh, the dipping sauces were not impressive. The sweet sauce was the same sauce for the hot spring rolls (which won't go well with cold summer rolls IMHO), and the peanut sauce was flavourless. This restaurant has great atmosphere, all the girls who work there are attentive and friendly. I had a good dinning experience other than what I've mentioned above. Would I go back? Probably not.
October 02 · Yasuhiro Koide
I highly recommend this restaurant for those who are looking for creative flavors in Thai dishes. I ordered the Fish Three Flavors plate with veggies and white rice. The sauce that came with the dish balanced out the crispy and meaty Swai fish. I was looking for something other than the traditional, common Thai cuisines and I most definitely received it.The minor ding I would give is I asked for water to go (being I walked a great distance in the sweltering from/to my hotel) and instead of giving me filtered water as they did with my meal, they gave me tap water which clearly I can taste the metals in the water. Luckily, I drank enough water at the restaurant to not have to drink the tap water back to the hotel.
May 16 · Alice Craig