The Best Thai Restaurants to Try in New York City
A guide to fourteen NYC spots delivering the bold, spicy flavor known in Thailand as “zaab.”
Thai cuisine uses several words to describe flavor. aroy means “delicious,” aroy mak means “very delicious,” and the author’s favorite, zaab (also spelled zabb or zab), conveys a bold, often spicy, deliciousness rooted in Thailand’s Isan region.
Why New York’s Thai Scene Is Thriving
The author grew up in a Thai‑restaurant family, traveling from South Florida to New York to sample other Thai spots. Grandfather’s weekly trips to the city for grocery supplies produced detailed restaurant guides that now help the author navigate the city’s expanding Thai offerings. More chefs are showcasing dishes from their hometowns, balancing spice, acid, salt, sweetness and umami while adding personal flair.
Queens’ Little Thai Town – Ayada
Located in Queens, Ayada offers familiar favorites like pad thai and tom yum, but also regional dishes such as the author’s dad’s favorite Yen Ta Fo—a bubble‑gum‑pink soup with soft rice noodles, tomato and bean‑curd sauce.
Williamsburg’s Ugly Baby Returns
After its closure last year, Ugly Baby reopened in Williamsburg earlier this fall. The two‑floor space features eclectic dishware and recipes from multiple Thai provinces, including very hot Southern Thai curries and Isan specialties. The menu is organized from “the laughs” (least spicy) to “the ugly” (most fiery), and staff keep large jugs of water ready for diners.
Upscale Dining at Bangkok Supper Club
Located at 641 Hudson St in the Meatpacking District, Bangkok Supper Club blends an award‑winning cocktail program by Suwincha “Chacha” Singsuwan with a menu from executive chef Max Wittawat. A notable drink is a fish‑sauce cocktail that balances umami depth with sweet floral pear notes. A recommended dish is the pork jowl—deep‑fried pork cheeks served over garlic‑baked rice. Diners can choose a la carte or a $150 tasting menu.
Single‑Dish Specialist – Eim Khao Mun Kai
At this cash‑only shop, the only offering is khao mun gai, the Thai version of Hainanese chicken rice. The $12 set includes halal‑certified steamed chicken thighs and gizzards, ginger‑infused rice cooked with chicken drippings, a bone broth soup, and sides of cilantro, cucumber and fermented bean sauce.
Other Notable Picks
364 Grand Street, Brooklyn (Williamsburg) – Must‑order: any fiery curry from the rotating menu.
Various Elmhurst establishments remain beloved staples while newer venues across the city add excitement.
With fourteen restaurants highlighted, the author argues that New York is in a golden era for Thai food, offering everything from humble single‑dish spots to high‑end tasting experiences.
