Thailand Foodservice Market Size and Share

Thailand Foodservice Market (2025 - 2030)
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Thailand Foodservice Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Thailand foodservice market reached USD 35.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 51.4 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.74%. The market growth is driven by tourism recovery, increased adoption of digital ordering platforms, and growing consumer demand for convenience. Cloud kitchens and delivery applications are enabling restaurants to expand their reach beyond traditional physical locations. The market benefits from Thailand's extensive retail network, high smartphone adoption rates, and a growing middle-class population seeking diverse dining options. Competition is increasing as international chains adapt their menus to local preferences, domestic companies enhance their omnichannel presence, and technology-focused businesses use data analytics to predict consumer behavior. However, growth varies across market segments, with rising costs and stricter food safety regulations affecting profit margins despite overall revenue growth.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By foodservice type, Quick Service Restaurants led with 51.02% of the Thailand foodservice market share in 2024, whereas Cloud Kitchens are projected to surge at a 26.13% CAGR through 2030.
  • By outlet, independent operators commanded 74.21% of value in 2024, while chained outlets are expanding at an 8.11% CAGR to 2030.
  • By location, standalone venues held 90.19% share in 2024; travel-oriented sites are forecast to record the fastest 11.01% CAGR over the same period.
  • By service type, dine-in represented 68.12% revenue in 2024, yet delivery is advancing at an 11.02% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Foodservice Type: Cloud Kitchens Drive Digital Transformation

Quick Service Restaurants maintain their market dominance with a substantial 51.02% share in 2024, reflecting the strong consumer preference in Thailand for cost-effective and accessible dining solutions. This segment's success stems from its ability to meet the demands of urban professionals and families who require efficient meal options in their daily routines. Full Service Restaurants have demonstrated resilience by maintaining their core dine-in operations while strategically expanding into takeaway and delivery services to meet evolving consumer needs.

Cloud Kitchens are experiencing remarkable growth at a 26.13% CAGR through 2030, driven by widespread adoption of digital ordering platforms and changing consumer behavior patterns in food delivery services. The café and bar segment continues to flourish as Thailand's coffee culture matures, particularly with the expansion of specialty coffee establishments. This growth extends beyond the capital, with notable development in key tourist and commercial centers like Chiang Mai and Phuket, where both local and international consumers drive demand for premium coffee experiences and nightlife entertainment.

Thailand Foodservice Market: Market Share by Foodservice Type
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By Outlet: Independent Operators Maintain Dominance Despite Chain Expansion

The Thai foodservice landscape remains firmly in the hands of independent operators, who control 74.21% of the market in 2024. This dominance stems from Thailand's deeply rooted entrepreneurial dining culture and the country's diverse regional cuisine preferences. Independent establishments have successfully maintained their market position by leveraging their operational advantages, including reduced overhead costs, the ability to adapt menus quickly to local tastes, and well-established community relationships that foster customer loyalty.

While independent restaurants continue to lead the market, chained outlets are experiencing significant growth at 8.11% CAGR. These chains are capitalizing on their substantial financial resources, implementing efficient standardized operations, and building strong brand recognition that resonates particularly well with younger demographics and tourism segments seeking reliable dining experiences. The independent sector, however, faces mounting challenges from escalating operational costs and increasingly complex regulatory compliance requirements that naturally favor larger operators with economies of scale. In response to these pressures, independent restaurant owners are adopting collaborative approaches, forming informal networks and purchasing cooperatives to enhance their competitive position while maintaining their unique market identities.

By Locations: Travel Venues Capitalize on Tourism Recovery

Standalone locations dominate Thailand's foodservice landscape, commanding 90.19% of the market share in 2024. This significant market presence reflects the country's deeply rooted neighborhood-based dining culture, where establishments ranging from street food vendors to local restaurants serve as essential community fixtures. These independent venues continue to form the foundation of Thailand's foodservice market, offering authentic culinary experiences and maintaining strong connections with local patrons.

Travel-related venues demonstrate remarkable growth potential with an 11.01% CAGR, capitalizing on Thailand's robust tourism recovery that brought 28.1 million international visitors in 2024, with expectations of reaching 35 million visitors by 2025 [3]Tourism Authority of Thailand, “Thailand Tourism Statistics 2024,” TAT News, tatnews.org. Meanwhile, foodservice locations integrated within retail spaces, such as shopping malls and department stores, are undergoing strategic transformations. These establishments are responding to evolving consumer preferences by introducing innovative experiential dining concepts and developing food courts that serve as vibrant social hubs, enhancing the overall shopping and dining experience for customers.

Thailand Foodservice Market: Market Share by Location
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By Service Type: Delivery Accelerates Digital Adoption

Dine-in services dominate the market with a 68.12% share in 2024, demonstrating that consumers continue to value the irreplaceable aspects of restaurant dining. This segment, which includes both casual and fine dining establishments, benefits from customers who seek personal connections, professional service, and carefully curated environments. The combination of culinary expertise, hospitality, and social engagement creates an experience that resonates with diners who appreciate the traditional restaurant atmosphere.

The delivery segment shows robust growth at an 11.02% CAGR, driven by technological advancements in ordering platforms and an expanding network of restaurant partnerships. This growth reflects the permanent shift in consumer behavior that originated during the pandemic. Meanwhile, takeaway services occupy a strategic position between dine-in and delivery options, offering cost-effective convenience without sacrificing personal interaction between restaurants and customers. The restaurant industry's technology integration now enables seamless experiences across all service types, with features such as digital ordering, table booking systems, and interactive menus enhancing the overall dining experience.

Geography Analysis

Thailand's foodservice market reflects a complex tapestry of regional differences, each shaped by its unique mix of tourism, economic growth, and cultural preferences. Bangkok stands at the forefront, commanding the highest market value thanks to its wealthy consumer base and strong international business presence. The capital's sophisticated diners have made it the natural testing ground for new restaurant concepts and international brands looking to establish themselves before expanding nationwide.

Beyond Bangkok, cities like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya have developed their own distinct market characteristics, balancing the needs of both local residents and tourists. Provincial markets are now experiencing their own growth story as economic prosperity spreads beyond urban centers. These areas typically embrace local cuisine and value-focused dining options, though international brands are steadily making inroads as middle-class consumers emerge. The government's Eastern Economic Corridor initiative has opened new opportunities in Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao, where industrial development is creating fresh demand for diverse dining options.

Each region of Thailand maintains its unique culinary identity, from the coffee culture of the north to the seafood-centric south and the distinctive Isaan cuisine of the northeast. The impact of tourism recovery varies significantly across regions - while island destinations see their restaurant revenues surge with returning international visitors, border provinces continue to face headwinds from reduced cross-border activity. Digital food delivery has found its strongest foothold in urban areas, while rural regions still prefer traditional dining and takeaway options. This diverse landscape requires restaurant operators to carefully balance local market needs with operational efficiency, adapting their strategies to suit each region's unique characteristics while maintaining consistent service standards.

Competitive Landscape

Thailand's foodservice market shows moderate concentration, with established local conglomerates competing alongside international brands and digital-native operators. The market's fragmented nature creates opportunities for companies to expand market share through acquisitions, operational improvements, and new format development. Major companies like CP All, Minor International, and Thai Beverage operate across multiple foodservice segments, from convenience store food to premium restaurants, benefiting from economies of scale and integrated operations.

Companies are increasingly developing omnichannel capabilities, with traditional restaurants expanding their delivery infrastructure and digital ordering systems to compete with cloud kitchen operators. Technology implementation has become a key differentiator, as companies adopt AI-based demand forecasting, automated kitchen equipment, and integrated point-of-sale systems to improve operations and customer service. Growth opportunities exist in premium casual dining, healthy fast food, and experiential dining formats that combine food with entertainment or education.

New market entrants include delivery-only brands using data analytics to optimize menus and ghost kitchen operators that can expand successful concepts across markets without traditional restaurant locations. Line Man Wongnai's planned IPO in 2025 and new R&D center in South Korea highlight how Thai companies are investing in technology and international growth to compete with global platforms.

Thailand Foodservice Industry Leaders

  1. Central Plaza Hotel PCL

  2. CP All PCL

  3. Yum! Brands Inc.

  4. Maxim’s Caterers Ltd.

  5. McThai Co. Ltd.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Thailand Foodservice Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • May 2025: Robinhood and foodpanda agreed to a strategic transition in Thailand, with foodpanda ceasing operations and Robinhood absorbing its customer, restaurant, and rider network. The move aims to expand Robinhood’s reach, ensuring continuity and community support, while prioritizing service quality, fairness, and digital innovation for sustained growth.
  • March 2025: McDonald’s announced plans to open 20 new outlets in Thailand in 2025, aiming to strengthen its national footprint, enhance customer convenience, and meet rising demand through expanded coverage in key metropolitan and provincial locations.
  • July 2024: AQUA Corporation has acquired a 204-outlet restaurant network in partnership with Food Factors and PDS Holding, taking a 51% stake. The move diversifies AQUA’s revenue, targets over 1.7 billion baht annual sales, and strengthens its market position for long-term stability and growth in Thailand’s foodservice industry.

Table of Contents for Thailand Foodservice Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 4.1 Number of Outlets
  • 4.2 Average Order Value
  • 4.3 Regulatory Framework

5. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 5.1 Market Overview
  • 5.2 Market Drivers
    • 5.2.1 Surging demand for convenience and ready-to-eat
    • 5.2.2 Expansion of international/QSR and specialty restaurant brands
    • 5.2.3 Emergence of plant-based and flexitarian food trends
    • 5.2.4 Rise of food truck, pop-up, and alternative dining models
    • 5.2.5 Strong café and coffee culture—expanding beyond metropolitan areas
    • 5.2.6 Proliferation of high-quality bakery and dessert brands
  • 5.3 Market Restraints
    • 5.3.1 Rising costs of imported ingredients and packaging materials
    • 5.3.2 Stringent government food safety and labeling regulations
    • 5.3.3 Supply chain vulnerability to climate/weather shocks
    • 5.3.4 Fragmented supplier landscape and distribution inefficiencies
  • 5.4 Regulatory Outlook
  • 5.5 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 5.5.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 5.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 5.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 5.5.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 5.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

6. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 6.1 By Foodservice Type
    • 6.1.1 Café and Bars
    • 6.1.1.1 By Cuisine
    • 6.1.1.1.1 Bars and Pubs
    • 6.1.1.1.2 Café
    • 6.1.1.1.3 Juice/Smoothie/Desserts Bars
    • 6.1.1.1.4 Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
    • 6.1.2 Cloud Kitchen
    • 6.1.3 Full Service Restaurants
    • 6.1.3.1 By Cuisine
    • 6.1.3.1.1 Asian
    • 6.1.3.1.2 European
    • 6.1.3.1.3 Latin American
    • 6.1.3.1.4 Middle Eastern
    • 6.1.3.1.5 North American
    • 6.1.3.1.6 Other FSR Cuisines
    • 6.1.4 Quick Service Restaurants
    • 6.1.4.1 By Cuisine
    • 6.1.4.1.1 Bakeries
    • 6.1.4.1.2 Burger
    • 6.1.4.1.3 Ice Cream
    • 6.1.4.1.4 Meat-based Cuisines
    • 6.1.4.1.5 Pizza
    • 6.1.4.1.6 Other QSR Cuisines
  • 6.2 By Outlet
    • 6.2.1 Chained Outlets
    • 6.2.2 Independent Outlets
  • 6.3 By Locations
    • 6.3.1 Leisure
    • 6.3.2 Lodging
    • 6.3.3 Retail
    • 6.3.4 Sandalone
    • 6.3.5 Travel
  • 6.4 By Service Type
    • 6.4.1 Dine-in
    • 6.4.2 Takeaway
    • 6.4.3 Delivery

7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 7.1 Market Concentration
  • 7.2 Strategic Moves
  • 7.3 Market Ranking Analysis
  • 7.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 7.4.1 Central Plaza Hotel PCL
    • 7.4.2 CP All PCL
    • 7.4.3 Yum! Brands Inc.
    • 7.4.4 Maxim’s Caterers Ltd.
    • 7.4.5 McThai Co. Ltd.
    • 7.4.6 Minor International PCL
    • 7.4.7 MK Restaurant Group PCL
    • 7.4.8 Panthera Group Co. Ltd.
    • 7.4.9 Food Capitals PCL
    • 7.4.10 PTT Oil & Retail Business PCL
    • 7.4.11 Thai Beverage PCL
    • 7.4.12 Global Franchise Architects Co.
    • 7.4.13 Zen Corporation Group PCL
    • 7.4.14 Starbucks Coffee
    • 7.4.15 Black Canyon (Thailand)
    • 7.4.16 S&P Syndicate PCL
    • 7.4.17 Oishi Group PCL
    • 7.4.18 AU Bon Pain (Thailand)
    • 7.4.19 The Pizza Company
    • 7.4.20 After You Dessert Café PCL

8. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Thailand Foodservice Market Report Scope

By Foodservice Type
Café and Bars By Cuisine Bars and Pubs
Café
Juice/Smoothie/Desserts Bars
Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
Cloud Kitchen
Full Service Restaurants By Cuisine Asian
European
Latin American
Middle Eastern
North American
Other FSR Cuisines
Quick Service Restaurants By Cuisine Bakeries
Burger
Ice Cream
Meat-based Cuisines
Pizza
Other QSR Cuisines
By Outlet
Chained Outlets
Independent Outlets
By Locations
Leisure
Lodging
Retail
Sandalone
Travel
By Service Type
Dine-in
Takeaway
Delivery
By Foodservice Type Café and Bars By Cuisine Bars and Pubs
Café
Juice/Smoothie/Desserts Bars
Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
Cloud Kitchen
Full Service Restaurants By Cuisine Asian
European
Latin American
Middle Eastern
North American
Other FSR Cuisines
Quick Service Restaurants By Cuisine Bakeries
Burger
Ice Cream
Meat-based Cuisines
Pizza
Other QSR Cuisines
By Outlet Chained Outlets
Independent Outlets
By Locations Leisure
Lodging
Retail
Sandalone
Travel
By Service Type Dine-in
Takeaway
Delivery
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Market Definition

  • FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS - A foodservice establishment where customers are seated at a table, give their order to a server and are served food at a table.
  • QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS - A foodservice establishment that provides customers convenience, speed, and food offerings at lower prices. Customers usually help themselves and carry their own food to their tables.
  • CAFES & BARS - A type of foodservice business that include bars and pubs that are licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption, cafes that serve refreshments and light food items, as well as specialty tea and coffee shops, dessert bars, smoothie bars, and juice bars.
  • CLOUD KITCHEN - A foodservice business that utilizes a commercial kitchen for the purpose of preparing food for delivery or takeout only, with no dine-in customers.
Keyword Definition
Albacore Tuna It is one of the smallest species of tuna found in the six distinct stocks known globally in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
Angus beef It is beef derived from a specific breed of cattle indigenous to Scotland. It requires certification from the American Angus Association to receive the "Certified Angus Beef" quality mark.
Asian cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Bengali, Southeast Asian, etc.
Average Order Value It is the average value of all orders made by the customers at a foodservice establishment.
Bacon It is salted or smoked meat that comes from the back or sides of a pig.
Bars & Pubs It is a drinking establishment that is licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises.
Black Angus It is beef derived from a black-hided breed of cows that don't have horns.
BRC British Retail Consortium
Burger It is a sandwich consisting of one or more cooked beef patties, placed inside a sliced bread roll or bun roll.
Café It is a foodservice establishment serving various refreshments (mainly coffee) and light meals.
Cafes & Bars It is a type of foodservice business that include bars and pubs that are licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption, cafes that serve refreshments and light food items, as well as specialty tea and coffee shops, dessert bars, smoothie bars, and juice bars.
Cappuccino It is an Italian coffee drink that is traditionally prepared with equal parts double espresso, steamed milk, and steamed milk foam.
CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Chained Outlet It refers to a foodservice establishment that shares brands, operates in several locations, has central management, and standardized business practices.
Chicken Tender It refers to chicken meat prepared from the pectoralis minor muscles of a chicken bird.
Cloud Kitchen It is a foodservice business that utilizes a commercial kitchen for the purpose of preparing food for delivery or takeout only, with no dine-in customers.
Cocktail It is an alcoholic mixed drink made with either a single spirit or a combination of spirits, mixed with other ingredients such as juices, flavored syrups, tonic water, shrubs, and bitters.
Edamame It is a Japanese dish prepared with soybeans (harvested before they ripen or harden) and cooked in its pod.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority
ERS Economic Research Service of the USDA
Espresso It is a concentrated form of coffee, served in shots.
European cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Italian, French, German, English, Dutch, Danish, etc.
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Fillet Mignon It is a cut of meat taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin.
Flank Steak It is a cut of beef steak taken from the flank, which lies forward of the rear quarter of a cow.
Foodservice It refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Franks Also known as frankfurter or Würstchen, it is a type of highly seasoned smoked sausage popular in Austria and Germany.
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Full service restaurant It refers to a foodservice establishment where customers are seated at a table, give their order to a server, and are served food at a table.
Ghost Kitchen It refers to a cloud kitchen.
GLA Gross Leasable Area
Gluten It is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
Grain-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have been fed a diet supplemented with soy and corn and other additives. Grain-fed cows can also be given antibiotics and growth hormones to fatten them up more quickly.
Grass-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have only been fed grass as feed.
Ham It refers to the pork meat taken from the leg of a pig.
HoReCa Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes
Independent Outlet It refers to a foodservice establishment that operates with a single outlet or is structured as a small chain with no more than three locations.
Juice It is a drink made from the extraction or pressing of the natural liquid contained in fruit and vegetables.
Latin American It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Mexican, Brazilian, Argentinian, Colombian, etc.
Latte It is a milk-based coffee that is made up of one or two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of frothed milk.
Leisure It refers to foodservice offered as a part of a recreation business, such as sports arenas, zoos, movie theaters, and museums.
Lodging It refers to foodservice offerings at hotels, motels, guesthouses, holiday homes, etc.
Macchiato It is an espresso coffee drink with a small amount of milk, usually foamed.
Meat-based cuisines This inlcudes food items like fried chicken, steak, ribs, etc. where meat is the primary ingredient for the dish.
Middle Eastern cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Arabic, Lebanese, Iranian, Israeli, etc.
Mocktail It is an non-alcoholic mixed drink.
Mortadella It is a large Italian sausage or luncheon meat made of finely hashed or ground heat-cured pork, which incorporates at least 15% small cubes of pork fat.
North American It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as American, Canadian, Caribbean, etc.
Pastrami It refers to a highly seasoned smoked beef, typically served in thin slices.
PDO Protected Designation of Origin: It is the name of a geographical region or specific area that is recognized by official rules to produce certain foods with special characteristics related to location.
Pepperoni It is an American variety of spicy salami made from cured meat.
Pizza It is a dish made typically of flattened bread dough spread with a savory mixture usually including tomatoes and cheese and often other toppings and baked.
Primal cuts It refers to the major sections of the carcass.
Quick service restaurant It refers to a foodservice establishment that provides customers convenience, speed, and food offerings at lower prices. Customers usually help themselves and carry their own food to their tables.
Retail It refers to a foodservice outlet inside a mall. shopping complex or a commercial real estate building, where there are other businesses operating as well.
Salami It is a cured sausage consisting of fermented and air-dried meat.
Saturated fat It is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
Sausage It is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
Scallop It is an edible shellfish that is a mollusk with a ribbed shell in two parts.
Seitan It is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
Self-service kiosk It refers to a self-order point-of-sale (POS) system through which customers place and pay for their own orders at kiosks, enabling totally contactless and frictionless service.
Smoothie It is a beverage made by placing all the ingredients in a container and processing them together, without removing the pulp.
Specialty coffee & tea shops It refers to a foodservice establishment that serves only various types of tea or coffee.
Standalone It refers to a restaurants that have an independent infrastructure setup and not connected to any other business.
Sushi It is a Japanese dish of prepared vinegared rice, usually with some sugar and salt, accompanied by a variety of ingredients, such as seafood—often raw—and vegetables.
Travel It refers to foodservice offerings such as airplane food, dining on long-distance trains, and foodservice on cruise ships.
Virtual Kitchen It refers to a cloud kitchen.
Wagyu Beef It is beef derived from any of four strains of a breed of black or red Japanese cattle that are valued for their highly marbled meat.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for the market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is considered for average order value, and it is forecasted as per predicted inflation rates in the countries.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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