New York City is a global capital of food, and its Thai scene is arguably the best in the nation.
The borough of Queens, particularly the Elmhurst neighborhood, is an epicenter of authentic, regional Thai cooking.
These are not places that tone down the spice or funk; they deliver the real, uncompromising flavors of Thailand.
Here are five Thai restaurants in New York that are a pilgrimage for any food lover.
1. Ayada Thai (Queens)
Ayada is a Michelin-recognized institution in the heart of Elmhurst’s Thai community.
This perpetually busy restaurant serves a massive menu of dishes from across Thailand.
Their raw shrimp salad and Panang curry with crispy duck are legendary.
A meal here is a quintessential New York food experience.
2. Sripraphai (Queens)
Sripraphai is one of the original pioneers that put authentic Thai food on the map in New York.
For decades, it has been the standard-bearer for genuine, fiery Thai cooking.
The sprawling menu and beautiful back garden make it a destination restaurant.
Don’t miss the crispy watercress salad; it’s an iconic dish.
3. Ugly Baby (Brooklyn)
Ugly Baby is for serious spice lovers.
This colorful, quirky Carroll Gardens spot serves unapologetically fiery Southern Thai cuisine.
When they say a dish is spicy, they absolutely mean it.
The “Kua Kling Phat Lung,” a dry-fried pork rib curry, is famously, beautifully hot.
4. Fish Cheeks (Manhattan)
Fish Cheeks brings vibrant, seafood-focused Thai food to a stylish space in NoHo.
The menu is inspired by the coastal and southern regions of Thailand.
Their crab curry and coconut crab soup are showstoppers.
It’s a fun, lively spot that proves Thai food can be both authentic and trendy.
5. Pata Paplean (Queens)
Pata Paplean is a tiny, hidden bar that serves some of the best Thai noodle soups in the city.
It’s known for its boat noodle soup, a rich, complex, and deeply savory dish.
The space is small and has a speakeasy feel, adding to the allure.
It’s an authentic taste of Bangkok’s late-night food culture.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
