New York City offers a wealth of Thai food, but the most compelling dishes deliver a bold, spicy deliciousness known as “zaab.” This regional term, rooted in northeastern Thailand’s Isan region, describes food with a serious heat that balances spice, acid, salt, sweetness, and umami. A growing number of chefs are using this authentic flavor profile, serving regional specialties while adding their own signature flair.
Many of the city’s most beloved Thai restaurants are found in Elmhurst, Queens, but the most exciting bites can be discovered across various parts of the city. A new era of Thai dining is underway, with establishments offering everything from upscale cocktails to hyper-specialized single-dish shops.
Ayada
Ayada in Elmhurst is a cornerstone of the city’s Thai food scene. While it offers familiar favorites like pad thai and tom yum, it truly shines with regional specialties. A must-order is the Yen Ta Fo, a bubblegum-pink soup featuring soft rice noodles in a savory tomato and bean curd sauce.
Ugly Baby
Ugly Baby in Brooklyn made waves when it reopened in Williamsburg after a brief closure. The restaurant is famous for its unapologetically spicy dishes, offering curries from various Thai provinces, including brutally hot options from Southern Thailand and Isan. The menu is sorted from “the laughs” to “the ugly,” with the latter guaranteed to make you feel like you’re breathing fire. Waiters stand ready with large jugs of water to help diners handle the heat.
Bangkok Supper Club
Bangkok Supper Club in the Meatpacking District brings upscale Thai dining to the city. An award-winning cocktail program is as much a draw as the food. The menu features inventive dishes like a savory fish sauce cocktail and deep-fried pork jowl served atop garlic-baked rice. The restaurant makes a strong case for Thai cuisine as a fine dining experience.
For a taste of Thailand’s singular focus, Eim Khao Mun Kai in Elmhurst specializes in one dish: khao mun gai, the Thai version of Hainanese chicken rice. The $12 set meal includes tender steamed chicken, fragrant ginger rice, and a savory broth-based soup. This tight, cash-only spot is a favorite for those seeking an authentic, no-frills meal.
SriPraPhai
SriPraPhai in Woodside offers a sprawling menu that covers fried meats, papaya salads, curries, and noodle dishes. Known for its “old-school auntie energy,” the restaurant features wooden accents and white tablecloths. Its Northern-style curry noodles are a standout dish that exemplifies its broad appeal.
Thai Diner in Nolita is the place to impress with the city’s fun food scene. The must-order dish is the Thai Disco Fries—crinkle-cut fries smothered in a peanutty massaman curry sauce. The tropical dive bar feel, complete with diner favorites reimagined like a Thai tea babka, offers a memorable and delicious experience.
Zaab Zaab
Zaab Zaab has two locations, one in Elmhurst and one in Williamsburg. It specializes in Northeast Isan cuisine. The restaurant’s signature dish is larb ped udon. This dish features ground duck with cilantro and mint. It also includes fried liver and crispy skin. It is served with fresh lettuce, cabbage, extra herbs, and sticky rice. Another recommended dish is pla neung manow. This steamed fish comes with a chili, garlic, and lime sauce. The sauce is so flavorful it can be drunk like soup. Small bowls are provided for this purpose.
Kaew Jao Jorm Thai is a 20-seat restaurant in Williamsburg. It focuses on 19th-century recipes from the royal consort court. The name comes from a favorite flower of King Rama V. The signature appetizer is chor muang dumplings. They have a chicken and peanut filling. The dough is made from delicate butterfly pea flower. The noodle dishes are also highly praised. They are described as slurpable, expertly sauced, and very soft.
LenLen and Soothr
LenLen is a newer spot in the Flatiron neighborhood. It brings a fresh excitement to the midtown Thai food scene. The standout dish is durian crab curry. This curry has an earthy and fruity flavor. Another popular item is wagyu beef boat noodles. They are served in a rich, dark broth reminiscent of Ayutthaya. The restaurant also whispers of a future speakeasy opening downstairs.
Soothr is a Thai noodle shop with two locations. One is in the East Village and another in Long Island City. It specializes in noodles from all across Thailand. The soup noodles are considered the real standout. The Sukhothai-style tom yum noodle soup is a must-order. It has a deeply savory-acidic broth. The broth is topped with bouncy fish cakes, meatballs, and rice noodles. The Long Island City location has a nightlife vibe.