Our Favorite Thai Restaurants in NYC
Melinda Kauffman / January 20, 2018
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New York City is home to some seriously authentic and delicious Thai restaurants, if you know where to go. Whether you’re craving traditional Pad Thai or Khao Soi Kai, one of our all time favorites, we’re confident that you’ll be pleased with the food at these Thai restaurants:
Pok Pok
Photo: Pok Pok.This no-frills Northern Thai restaurant located on Brooklyn’s waterfront offers some of the best Thai food in New York. Popular dishes here include the crispy wings smothered in fish sauce and the Kaeng Hang Leg-sweet pork belly and shoulder in a flavorful curry sauce. Whatever you decide to order, don’t be afraid to ask your server how to best enjoy your dish. Some are said to be tastier with fork and spoon, while others are more enjoyable with chopsticks or even your hands.
Uncle Boons
Photo: Uncle BoonsLet this funky Thai eatery transport you to the Northern regions of Thailand with its paintings of Thai movie stars and 80’s Thai pop music. Here, you’ll find dishes with an extra kick of spice and flavor like the Hoi Tak green curry snails and the melt-in-your-mouth grilled octopus. We’re also loving their newest outpost, Uncle Boon’s Sister, located just a few blocks away.
Ngam
Photo: NgamNgam is an East Village neighborhood spot by Chef Hong Thaimee who describes her cuisine as “modern Thai comfort food,” incorporating traditional recipes with a contemporary flare. Expect traditional flavors paired with local, farm fresh ingredients.
Ugly Baby
Photo: Ugly BabyThis small Thai eatery boasts “deliciously and dangerously spicy” Northern Thai fare and was recently named one of the best restaurants of 2017. Take a dip in the Khao Soi Nuer, a northern egg noodle curry soup with tender beef shank. The Gai Golae southern style chicken skewers are not to be missed, either.
Somtum Der
Photo: Somtum DerInfluenced by the Thai region of Isan, Somtum Der offers genuine Thai in an approachable setting. Meant to be eaten family-style, there are a variety of tasteful small plates to choose from. The extensive menu provides traditional dishes like Pad Thai, but also offers contemporary plates like Tum Thai Kai Kem, a spicy papaya salad prepared with salted egg.
Kiin Thai
Photo: Kiin Thai“Kiin” in Thai means “eat” and this place definitely knows how to help you fill your tummy! Brought to us by the duo behind Somtum Der, it’s no surprise that this West Village eatery is another one of our favorites. The minimalist, open space offers quick and affordable Thai cuisine with favorites including deep-fried shrimp cakes and Crispy Salmon, which is deep-fried and pulled into small flakes served with a spicy mango salad.
Sripraphai
Photo: SripraphaiSripraphai been serving up authentic Thai for over two decades, with dishes influenced from all over the country and an extensive menu with three locations in the NYC area. Whatever you go with, make sure you have an order of the soft shell crab with coconut rice on your table. Pro Tip: This spot is cash only!
Zaab Elee
Photo: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Serious EatsLong standing east East Village favorite, Zaab Elee, is a reliable spot for great Thai food. Enjoy bold, seasoned food like Thai Fried Rice with tender shrimp or juicy Pork Leg over creamy rice. Our favorite part? The prices here can’t be beat; all menu items are $11 or under.
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