Thai Express Menu with Prices is something you likely want to check before you walk in, and for good reason. The chain offers fast, casual Thai food that fits most budgets, but the numbers can shift depending on your location and the protein you pick. Thai Express prices its curry dishes by protein choice, with tofu consistently running a dollar less than chicken.
That simple rule helps you estimate most of the menu before you even look at the board. But there is more to the story, so here is a full breakdown of what you can expect to pay, what comes in each box, and how to keep your total low.
Thai Express Menu With Prices
Before you order, you should know that this is a franchise. That means the owner of your local store sets the final numbers. The prices below are a national average based on current urban locations. You might see a 50-cent swing in either direction if you are in a mall or a downtown food court.
Most locations also run a lunch special that ends at 3 PM. That special usually shaves a dollar or two off the regular bowl price. If you are flexible with your timing, that is the easiest way to save.
Main Dishes And Rice Bowls
The core of the menu is the stir-fry and rice bowl section. These come with jasmine rice unless you pay extra for fried rice. You pick your protein, and the price follows the protein, not the sauce.
- Chicken or Pork Bowl – $9.49
- Beef Bowl – $10.29
- Shrimp Bowl – $10.99
- Tofu or Vegetable Bowl – $8.49
- Mixed Protein (Chicken and Shrimp) – $11.49
Every bowl comes with your choice of sauce. The most popular options are Pad Thai, Cashew, Basil, and Teriyaki. There is no upcharge for the sauce, which is nice. You also get a standard portion of protein, which is usually around 4 ounces.
If you want to upgrade your white rice to Thai fried rice, expect to pay about $1.50 more. Brown rice is also an option at a similar premium. Some locations offer a “double protein” option for an extra $3.00, but that is not advertised on the main board.
Curry Dishes
Curries are served in a separate section because they take a bit longer to prepare. They come with a side of rice, and the sauce is heavier than the stir-fry bowls. You have three main curry options: Red, Green, and Yellow.
- Red Curry with Chicken – $10.49
- Green Curry with Tofu – $9.49
- Yellow Curry with Beef – $11.29
- Massaman Curry with Shrimp – $11.99
As noted in the opening, tofu is always the cheaper route. The difference is usually exactly one dollar, but sometimes it is $1.50 if the store is in a high-rent area. The curry comes with bamboo shoots, bell peppers, and basil. You do not get a lot of vegetables in the red curry, so if you want more bulk, ask for extra veggies for $0.75.
Most people do not realize that you can order the curry “dry” if you want less sauce. It is not on the menu, but the staff will do it if you ask. That gives you a thicker, more intense flavor.
Noodle Dishes
If you are not in the mood for rice, the noodle section is your next stop. Pad Thai is the star here, but there are also Singapore noodles and Drunken noodles. The portion size is generous, and it is easy to split if you are not very hungry.
- Pad Thai with Chicken – $9.99
- Pad Thai with Shrimp – $11.49
- Drunken Noodles with Beef – $10.79
- Singapore Noodles with Tofu – $8.99
- Pad See Ew with Pork – $9.79
The noodle dishes do not come with a side of rice. That is a common mistake for first-timers. If you want rice on the side, it is an extra $2.00. The Pad Thai is the most consistent item on the menu, so it is a safe pick if you are new to the chain.
One thing to watch: the Drunken noodles are spicy by default. If you do not want heat, you have to specify “mild” when you order. The staff usually asks, but not always.
Appetizers And Sides
Appetizers are where you can blow your budget if you are not careful. The prices seem small, but they add up fast. Here is the standard list:
- Spring Rolls (2 pieces) – $3.49
- Vegetable Dumplings (4 pieces) – $4.29
- Chicken Satay (2 skewers) – $5.49
- Crispy Wontons (6 pieces) – $4.99
- Tom Yum Soup (small) – $4.79
The chicken satay is the best value if you are hungry. It comes with a peanut sauce that is actually quite good. The spring rolls are fine but a little small for the price. You are better off skipping the wontons because they are mostly dough.
If you want a side of plain jasmine rice to stretch a meal, it is $1.99. That is cheaper than upgrading your main dish to fried rice. A smart move is to order a noodle dish and a side of rice, then mix them together. That gives you two meals for about $12.
Drinks And Desserts
The drink menu is simple. You have soft drinks, bottled water, and Thai iced tea. The Thai iced tea is the only one worth the money, but it is sweet. Very sweet.
- Soft Drinks (can) – $1.99
- Bottled Water – $1.79
- Thai Iced Tea – $3.49
- Thai Iced Coffee – $3.79
For dessert, most locations only offer Fried Bananas or Mango Sticky Rice. The Mango Sticky Rice is seasonal, so do not count on it in the winter. Fried Bananas are $3.99 for three pieces. They are fine but not a must-order.
Combos And Meal Deals
Some locations offer a “Combo Box” that includes a small appetizer, a main, and a drink. This is usually only available during lunch hours. The price is around $11.99, which is a good deal if you compare it to ordering separately.
You can also build your own combo if you ask nicely. Pick a soup or app, then a half-portion of a main dish. Not every store allows this, but the franchise system gives managers some flexibility. It never hurts to ask.
How To Order To Save Money
If you want to keep your total under $10, follow this simple process:
- Choose tofu as your protein. It is cheaper and the sauce carries the flavor anyway.
- Skip the appetizer. The main dish portion is large enough.
- Drink water instead of Thai iced tea.
- Order during lunch hours (before 3 PM) if possible.
That strategy gets you a full meal for around $8.50. If you are really hungry, add a side of rice for $1.99 and you still stay under $11.
Nutritional Notes And Allergens
If you have dietary restrictions, you need to know a few things. The curries contain coconut milk, which is dairy-free but high in fat. The Pad Thai sauce contains fish sauce and tamarind, so it is not vegan. The spring rolls are fried in shared oil, so cross-contamination is possible.
You can ask for gluten-free soy sauce, but it is not always available. The rice noodles are gluten-free, but the soy sauce used in the wok is not. If you have celiac disease, this is not the safest place to eat.
Location Variations
Airport locations are the most expensive. They often charge 15-20% more than a standard mall store. If you are at the airport, expect to pay $12.99 for a chicken bowl. That is the biggest price jump you will see.
University campus locations tend to be cheaper because they compete with other fast food. You might find a chicken bowl for $8.99 there. The portion sizes are also sometimes smaller, so it balances out.
Loyalty Program And Coupons
Thai Express has a rewards app called “Thai Express Rewards.” You earn points on every purchase. After about $50 spent, you get a $5 voucher. It is not a great program, but it is free to join.
You can also find coupons in local coupon books or on the store’s social media. Many franchise owners post a “student discount” day or a “happy hour” for drinks. Follow your local store on Instagram to catch those deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Thai Express Have A Secret Menu?
No official secret menu exists, but you can customize almost anything. Ask for extra sauce, double veggies, or a mix of two sauces. The staff will usually do it without a fuss.
Is The Lunch Special Available On Weekends?
Most locations only run the lunch special on weekdays. Some mall stores do it on Saturday, but Sunday is almost always full price. Check with your local store to confirm.
Are The Prices On The Website Accurate?
The website prices are often outdated. Franchise owners set their own numbers, so the site shows a base price. The physical store menu is the only reliable source.
Can I Order Delivery And Pay The Same Price?
No. Delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash add a markup of 15-30%. You will also pay service fees and tips. If you want the menu price, you have to pick it up yourself.
What Is The Spiciest Item On The Menu?
The Drunken Noodles with extra chili is the spiciest. The Green Curry is also hot, but it is tempered by the coconut milk. If you want extreme heat, ask for “Thai hot” on any stir-fry.
That covers the full Thai Express menu with prices. The key takeaway is that you can eat well for under $10 if you stick to tofu, skip the drinks, and go during lunch. The food is consistent, the portions are decent, and the customization options are better than most fast-food chains. Just remember to check your local store’s board before you order, because the numbers are not universal.