Five Spice

Five Spice brings the vibrant flavors of authentic Thai cuisine to the heart of Zürich, operating as both a welcoming restaurant and a dedicated delivery service under the name Thai-Kurier. Located at Sihlfeldstrasse 81, near the well-known Lochergut area, this dining spot has quickly become a favorite for those seeking high-quality, carefully prepared Thai and Asian dishes. Whether you're looking for a quick, flavorful lunch, a sit-down dinner, or a convenient delivery to your doorstep, Five Spice offers a flexible experience centered around fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes.

The restaurant's foundation is built on a simple but powerful formula: great food and genuine care that makes customers return time and again. With a spacious interior that seats up to 65 guests and an additional outdoor area for 30 people, the atmosphere is casual yet attentive, making it suitable for everything from a solo meal to a group gathering. The team, led by a chef with extensive experience at leading hotels in Thailand, uses a refined selection of Asian spices to create dishes that stand out in Zürich's culinary landscape. Every plate reflects a commitment to authenticity, from the careful preparation of signature sauces to the artful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes that define Thai gastronomy. Customers frequently praise not only the food but also the warm, familial service that transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience.

Services and Ordering Options

Five Spice is designed to accommodate a wide range of dining preferences, ensuring that every guest can enjoy Thai cuisine in the way that suits them best. The restaurant offers three primary service channels: dine-in, pickup, and delivery. For those who choose to eat on-site, the south-east Asian inspired interior provides a relaxed and inviting backdrop, perfect for a lunch break or an evening out. The outdoor terrace, with seating for 30, is a particularly popular choice during Zürich's warmer months, allowing diners to savor their meals in the fresh air.

For customers on the go or those who prefer to eat at home, the pickup service is fast and efficient. Orders are placed online through the restaurant's user-friendly website, and the food is ready for collection within a short timeframe, allowing busy professionals and families to enjoy restaurant-quality meals without delay. The delivery service, branded as Thai-Kurier, extends Five Spice's reach across a broad swath of Zürich. This service is not just an add-on; it is a core part of the business, driven by a mission to bring the best Thai food in the city quickly, reliably, and with a personal touch. Delivery is fulfilled by courteous couriers on two wheels, ensuring that orders navigate city traffic efficiently and arrive hot and fresh. The delivery zones cover areas such as Sihlfeld, Hard, Altstetten, Wollishofen, Enge, and the city center, with a clear fee structure based on distance.

Menu Highlights at Five Spice

The menu at Five Spice is a curated journey through Thai and Asian gastronomy. Signature dishes are prepared with an emphasis on balance—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes harmonize in every bite. The restaurant is particularly known for its generous portions and the use of only the freshest ingredients, a point repeatedly praised by customers. From classic street-food staples to more refined creations, the selection caters to both adventurous eaters and those seeking familiar comforts.

Appetizers and Soups

Starters like Gung Sarong (deep-fried prawns wrapped in crispy noodles) and Tod Man Pla (spicy Thai fish cakes) set the tone for a memorable meal. The contrast of textures—crunchy exteriors giving way to succulent interiors—demonstrates the kitchen's attention to detail. For a comforting, aromatic start, the Tom Kha Gai, a coconut milk soup infused with galangal and lemongrass, is a popular choice, especially during cooler months. Its creamy, fragrant broth provides a soothing prelude to the bolder flavors that follow.

Salads and Main Courses

For those craving freshness, the Som Tam Thai—a classic green papaya salad—delivers a satisfying crunch and a tangy, spicy kick. It exemplifies the Thai knack for combining raw, vibrant ingredients with a dressing that hits every note on the palate. Among the mains, the Pad Thai is a perennial favorite, executed with the perfect wok hei and a balance of sweet tamarind and savory notes. The restaurant's Five Spice Duck and Roter Curry are standout signatures, offering richer, more complex flavor profiles. The duck is prepared to achieve a crisp skin and tender meat, while the red curry simmers with a depth of spice that reflects the chef's expertise. Another highlight is the Nam Tok Nüa, a grilled beef salad that showcases the bold, herbaceous side of Thai cooking, with tender slices of beef dressed in a fiery, lime-infused sauce.

Beverages and Extras

To complement the meal, Five Spice offers a Homemade Ice Tea that provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spices. The attractively priced lunch menus provide an excellent opportunity to sample a variety of dishes without a large time commitment, while the extensive à-la-carte menu is available for a leisurely dinner experience. Whether you are stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a full evening, the menu is structured to provide value and satisfaction at any pace.

Chef-Driven Culinary Philosophy

At the core of Five Spice is a culinary philosophy that prizes freshness, authenticity, and the transformative power of spices. The head chef, who honed their skills as an executive chef at multiple leading hotels in Thailand, brings a level of discipline and creativity that elevates every dish. This background in high-volume, high-expectation kitchens has instilled a commitment to consistency and precision, ensuring that each order—whether plated for a dine-in guest or packed for delivery—meets exacting standards.

The kitchen's approach to ingredients is uncompromising. Produce is sourced with an eye for quality and seasonality, and the pantheon of spices is carefully calibrated to achieve the layered flavors that define Thai cuisine. Unlike many Western interpretations that might blunt the heat or sweetness, Five Spice stays true to traditional profiles, trusting that Zürich's diners are ready for an authentic experience. This dedication has earned the restaurant a loyal following, with many reviews highlighting the consistent quality and the ability to taste the difference that fresh, properly handled ingredients make.

Delivery Excellence and Coverage

The delivery operation, Thai-Kurier, is not merely a logistical afterthought but a central pillar of Five Spice's identity. The service is built around the idea that great food should be accessible anywhere, and the team has invested heavily in making the process seamless. Online ordering is streamlined through the restaurant's website, allowing customers to browse the full menu, customize their selections, and track their orders with minimal friction.

Delivery coverage is extensive, reaching neighborhoods across Zürich. The primary zones include Sihlfeld, Hard, Alt-Wiedikon, Friesenberg, Albisrieden, Altstetten, Escher Wyss, Gewerbeschule, Wollishofen, Enge, Wipkingen, Werd, Unterstrass, the city center, Lindenhof, Langstrasse, Bahnhofstrasse, Wiedikon, Aussersihl, Kreis 9, Industriequartier, Kreis 2, Kreis 10, Kreis 6, and Kreis 1. The fee structure is transparent: Zone 1 carries a delivery fee of CHF 4.90 with a minimum order of CHF 30.00, while Zone 2 has a fee of CHF 6.90 with the same minimum order requirement. The couriers themselves are a key part of the experience—friendly, efficient, and dedicated to representing the brand with every interaction. As one reviewer noted, the couriers are "friendly and always with a smile," turning a simple delivery into a positive touchpoint.

Why Choose Five Spice

Several factors set Five Spice apart in Zürich's competitive food landscape. First and foremost is the authenticity of the cuisine. In a city with many Thai restaurants, Five Spice distinguishes itself through its chef's pedigree and a refusal to compromise on traditional flavors. Dishes are not adapted to a bland, generic palate; instead, they invite diners to experience the true vibrancy of Thai cooking. Second is the flexibility of service. The ability to seamlessly switch between dine-in, pickup, and delivery means that Five Spice can meet customers wherever they are, whether they have an hour to linger on the terrace or need a quick meal delivered to their office.

Third is the portion size and value. Reviews consistently praise the generous servings, making the restaurant a popular choice for those who want to feel satisfied without overspending. Fourth is the quality of ingredients, which is palpable in every dish. From the crisp vegetables in the Som Tam to the tender meats in the curries, the freshness is immediately apparent. Finally, the team's genuine care—from the kitchen staff to the delivery couriers—creates a welcoming atmosphere that extends beyond the restaurant's walls. As the owner's responses to reviews show, every piece of feedback is valued, and the team actively engages with its community.

Opening Hours and Contact

Five Spice operates with hours designed to serve both lunch and dinner crowds throughout the week. Restaurant and Kitchen Hours: Tuesday through Friday, the kitchen is open from 11:00 to 13:00 and again from 17:30 to 21:00. On Saturdays and Sundays, the evening service runs from 17:00 to 21:00. Pickup Service: Available Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 to 13:00 and 18:00 to 21:00, Saturdays from 17:30 to 21:00, and Sundays from 17:30 to 21:00. Delivery Service: Tuesday to Friday, delivery is offered from 11:30 to 12:59 and 18:00 to 20:59; on Saturdays and Sundays, it runs from 17:30 to 20:59. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

For inquiries, reservations, or catering requests, the team can be reached by phone at +41 44 536 75 21 or via email at office@thaikurier.ch. The physical address is Sihlfeldstrasse 81, 8004 Zürich, a convenient location near Lochergut that is easy to reach by public transport or car. Catering services are also available for special events, allowing customers to bring the flavors of Five Spice to private functions, corporate meetings, or celebrations.

Customer Praise and Community Connection

The relationship between Five Spice and its customers is one of mutual appreciation, as evidenced by the consistently high ratings and glowing reviews across platforms. With a 4.9-star rating from 266 reviews on Google Maps, the restaurant has clearly struck a chord. Customers frequently mention the "excellent Thai food," the "fair prices," and the "pleasant ambiance," even as they note that many choose pickup or delivery for convenience. The owner's active engagement with reviews—thanking patrons for their feedback and acknowledging their support—reinforces a sense of community that is rare in the fast-paced food industry.

This connection extends to the restaurant's role as a local employer. Five Spice regularly hires delivery couriers, offering competitive hourly wages between CHF 25.00 and CHF 28.00 and seeking individuals who are reliable, knowledgeable about the city, and capable of providing friendly service. The job description emphasizes the team's familial atmosphere and the opportunity to be part of a growing, performance-oriented business. By investing in its staff, Five Spice ensures that the care evident in the kitchen is matched by the care shown at the doorstep.

Location and Ambiance

Five Spice's location at Sihlfeldstrasse 81 places it in a vibrant, accessible part of Zürich. The proximity to Lochergut means that the restaurant benefits from excellent public transport connections, making it an easy destination for those coming from different parts of the city. The neighborhood itself is a mix of residential and commercial activity, providing a steady stream of both regulars and curious newcomers. Inside, the south-east Asian inspired décor creates a warm, casual environment. Wooden accents, subtle lighting, and cultural design elements transport diners momentarily from the Swiss city to a setting that echoes the streets of Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The outdoor seating area, accommodating up to 30 guests, is a coveted spot during the summer, where the buzz of the neighborhood adds a lively backdrop to the meal. For those dining solo, the layout is equally welcoming, with comfortable seating that does not feel isolating, and the attentive staff ensures that every guest feels looked after.