Not strictly Thai, Mae Asian Eatery also highlights Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, all in a homey style. (The spot’s name, after all, means “mother.”) No matter what kind of comfort food you’re craving, Mae’s iteration will be familiar yet revolutionary. See: 12-hour braised Short Rib Khao Soi, bathed in buttery yellow curry served with bright, crunchy toppings; Thai General Tso’s Chicken of chili-fried fowl and steamed broccoli; and the vegan-friendly Thai Ma-Po Tofu, a rich chili-bean sauce with bell peppers, onions, peas, carrots, mushrooms, and scallions. If you’re dining in at the Central Square spot, don’t miss the Thai “Tea” Ki cocktail, which is coconut rum-spiked Thai iced tea.

Eric Twardzik contributed reporting.

Cha Yen Thai Cookery is a small, suburban spot that delivers destination-worthy, authentic eats in Watertown. (Luckily for city dwellers, classically trained chef-owner Manita Bunnagitkarn has followed up with downtown Boston’s Kala Thai Cookery—more on that in a few.) Fine presentation enhances delicious dishes like piping bowls of Khao Soi Brisket; Tamarind Shrimp; and minced-pork or mushroom Larb flecked with herbs and crunchy puffs of rice. Start off with a bang and order the Fried Curry Dumplings filled with fiery green curry-chicken. You can also pick up Cha Yen’s Homemade Ice Cream in flavors like coconut, Thai tea, and durian.

Mahaniyom is not your typical Thai takeout (though it’s one of our fave places for that). Rather than mix-and-match curries and stir-frys, the menu at this Brookline Village bar is a curated selection of drinks-friendly dishes meant to fill the table tapas-style. Don’t get us wrong, of course there’s curry: It’s just that Massaman comes as prepared, with slow-cooked beef shank and a side of roti; and a lighter-brothed Kang Pu (Crab Curry) is popular among seafood fans. You’ll find us at the bar, exploring which snacks—such as Kai Tod Had Yai, southern Thai-style fried chicken wings; or oysters accompanied by house-made chili jam, seafood sauce, and crispy shallots—match best with bevvies like the Thai iced tea-infused Mahaniyom Sazerac.

For lovers of classic Thai-style dishes ready for a little something extra, check out this bar and restaurant in Brighton. The mural of a fun-loving icon of Indra, a Buddhist god, in Boston suggests your first move: Order up an Insta-worthy cocktail such as Thong, a New York Sour riff with lime and thyme. A reliable takeout spot for all the favorites, Thonglor also offers bountiful plates of more unknown dishes. Start with Kui Chai (fried chive dumplings with sweet soy sauce for dipping) and try the Moo Makam, a crispy pork stir-fry with a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce and crispy shallots; or Mama Tomyum, a spicy seafood soup with noodles and crispy wonton.

A city expansion for the chef-owner of Cha Yen, Kala Thai Cookery brings fresh Thai cuisine and cafe vibes to the North End of Boston. Along with a vibrant mug of Thai Iced Tea or Iced Coffee—which both present beautifully layered with sweetened condensed milk—we love this spot for a lunch like Grilled Shrimp over rice with mint, cucumber, tomato, and smoked chili; Char Kway Teow, a noodle stir-fry with shrimp and pork sausage; or Stir-Fried Garlic with beef. Start with a half-dozen steamed Kapow Dumpling, perfectly pleated and filled with spicy minced chicken and basil.

There’s a place for time-honored Thai food: on the Theater District-edge of Chinatown, where for nearly 40 years Montien Thai has been dishing up plates so generous they deserve a curtain call. The menu is as vast as the serving sizes, but don’t be afraid to ask for assistance—nor for the “authentic” menu. You can stick to tried-and-true, or try something new like Montien Sausage, a house-made version of a northeastern Thai-style grilled pork specialty; and Play-Goong Salad, combining fresh shrimp with spicy lime juice, mushrooms, tomatoes, and lemongrass. We also love the Spicy Basil Fried Rice here, and stir-fried flat noodles with crispy fried chicken.

Named for a famous style of steak served with jaew, a spicy toasted-chili sauce, Crying Thaiger kicks things up a notch with a handful of riffs on the dish. The Malden spot aims to make even vegetarians cry with joy by offering Crying Vegetables & Tofu in addition to Crying Pork, Rib Eye, or Salmon. It’s not all about the heat here, however. Sweet soy sauce for dipping, or a sticky-sweet glaze invariably accompanies inviting apps such as house-made pork dumplings and Honey Ribs. Pad Thai lovers, take note: The sweet and tangy stir-fry gets a unique makeover on the menu as Wonton Pad Thai, which subs crispy wonton skin for the usual noodles.