The Best Thai Food in NYC: 19 Best Spots in 2024
With a diverse culture and rich food scene, there’s no shortage of some of the best Thai food in NYC. Authentic recipes, sweet and spicy flavors and addictive dishes make up this popular cuisine.
With the variety of restaurants scattered around the city, it can be hard to narrow down where to stop for a delicious Thai dinner. Whether you’re a local on the hunt for the best pad thai or exploring NYC on vacation, there’s no doubt you’re searching for the best food. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best Thai food in NYC to help you score an excellent meal.
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Find the Best Thai Food in NYC
If you’re looking to explore the Big Apple, food tours in NYC are a great way to taste the city like a local. An expert guide will walk you through iconic neighborhoods to discover favorite eateries, historic traditions and the vibrant culture of each neighborhood. Looking for the best Thai food in Midtown NYC? Have a hankering for the best pizza in Manhattan? Whatever you want, wander through local markets and indulge in classic restaurants to experience one of the best things to do in NYC: eat!
The Best Thai Restaurants in NYC
1. Pure Thai Cookhouse
Dig into homemade noodles for stir fries and noodle dishes that will transport you (via your taste buds) across the world. Pure Thai Cookhouse offers some of the best authentic Thai food in NYC from its owner, who was born and raised in Thailand.
The Vibe
This Thai hot spot has a cozy rustic interior with an open kitchen. The restaurant also offers takeout and delivery if the small dining area is too crowded.
What to Order
Regulars highly recommend the pork and dry noodles for some of the best Thai food in NYC. You also can’t go wrong with the silky dumplings and crispy egg rolls.
Pure Thai Cookhouse | 766 Ninth Ave. #2, New York, NY 10019 | $$
2. Ugly Baby
Ugly Baby offers everything but ugly food! With some of the best Thai Food in NYC, this local favorite offers delicious meals and a plethora of rich spices.
The Vibe
Although it may appear to be a hole in the wall, this hot spot serves some of the best authentic Thai food in NYC. With its vibrant walls and furnishings, this restaurant is as sweet as it is spicy!
What to Order
Loyal customers recommend the khoong muk kai kem, a traditional dish featuring squid, shrimp and salted duck egg yolk, but the kang kua supparod (mushroom pineapple curry) is also divine. Make sure to order a beer or glass of wine to cool off the spicy flavor.
Ugly Baby | 407 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 | $$
3. Wayla
Enjoy some of the best Thai food in NYC at Wayla, where beautiful cocktails and stylish bites make a memorable meal for a fun date night in NYC.
The Vibe
If the weather is nice, grab a spot on their luxurious patio. If it’s a cold day, their interior dining room is just as cute for one of the best indoor activities in NYC.
What to Order
Customers recommend the crab fried rice, barbecue ribs and calamari for a delicious meal. You can also eat family style with a large group if you want to try a little bit of everything.
Wayla | 100 Forsyth St., New York, NY 10002 | $$$
4. Ayada Thai
Ayada Thai has been serving the best Thai food in NYC since 2008. With its second location having opened in 2019, even more New Yorkers can now enjoy this family-owned restaurant.
The Vibe
The original Queens location offers plenty of seating and a quaint, lofty vibe. The second location in the Chelsea Market is known for some of the best places to eat in NYC. As one of the most renowned food halls in NYC, there are plenty of exciting shops to explore.
What to Order
Customers love the pad see ew and the drunken noodles at this Michelin-recognized restaurant. If you decide not to order the iconic cocktails, the Thai iced tea is an excellent substitute.
Ayada Thai | Multiple Locations | $$
5. Fish Cheeks
What happens when two chef brothers from Thailand get together in the Big Apple? They invent some of the best Thai food in NYC with their restaurant: Fish Cheeks.
The Vibe
This cozy spot provides plenty of indoor and patio seating for a casual dining experience. With a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, there’s no doubt you’ll love this restaurant as you enjoy some of the best Thai food you’ll ever find in NYC.
What to Order
Crab curry and oysters are some of the most loved dishes on the menu. Make sure to stop in for happy hour to enjoy discounted cocktails.
Fish Cheeks | 55 Bond St., New York, NY 10012 | $$
6. Tong
Well known for bringing some of the best Thai food to NYC, Tong offers delicious tapas and excellent service. This Michelin-star restaurant brings you nothing short of the best.
The Vibe
Enjoy an intimate, warm ambiance inside the dining room, or street-side seating on the patio. Grab a seat at the bar for a delicious cocktail with your meal.
What to Order
Savor the fried chicken or fried tofu for some of the best Thai food in NYC. Pass around each plate to enjoy tapas with friends or indulge in a meal all your own.
Tong | 321 Starr St., Brooklyn, NY 11237 | $$
7. Thai Diner
Thai Diner is another spot serving up some of the best Thai food in NYC. With large portions and plenty of vegetarian options, this hot spot won’t disappoint!
The Vibe
With a classic diner feel, this restaurant also provides cultural influences from Thailand for a warm and inviting atmosphere. Slide into a casual booth or sit on the patio for some of the best Thai food in NYC.
What to Order
Dig into the Thai disco fries for a modern spin on a classic diner favorite, or enjoy the Thai tea French toast for a sweet treat.
Thai Diner | 186 Mott St., New York, NY 10012 | $$
8. Eim Khao Mun Kai
With some of the best Thai food in NYC, Eim Khao Mun Kai offers delicious options for a rainy day or a cozy night in.
The Vibe
While there are a few tables inside, customers love this comfort food as a takeout option. If you grab a table, enjoy the sights and smells from the open kitchen nearby.
What to Order
Regulars recommend ordering a plate of steamed chicken and rice to experience some of the best Thai food in NYC. Their Thai iced tea and Thai green tea also pair perfectly with their delicious meals.
Eim Khao Mun Kai | 8132 Broadway, Queens, NY 11373 | $
9. Khao Nom
Not only does Khao Nom have some of the best Thai food in NYC, but they also have some of the best Thai desserts. Enjoy both sweet and savory NYC foods at this Thai hot spot.
The Vibe
Enjoy intimate seating in a rustic interior or plenty of outdoor seating on their garden patio. Khao Nom is perfect if you’re dropping in for lunch or even afternoon tea and dessert.
What to Order
Save room for dessert at this Thai restaurant. Locals love the khanom Tokyo, an authentic soft pancake roll, as well as the beautifully decorated tapioca droplets in coconut milk.
Khao Nom | 42-06 77th St., Queens, NY 11373 | $$
10. Lan Larb
With multiple locations around the city, Lan Larb is recognized for having some of the best Thai food in NYC. This local favorite draws inspiration from the flavorful street cuisine in Thailand.
The Vibe
Gather your friends to enjoy plenty of seating at the bar, a nearby table or the spacious patio at any of Lan Larb’s locations. With friendly service and a clean atmosphere, you’ll want to cozy in and stay for a while.
What to Order
Customers recommend stopping in to enjoy the lunch specials for some of the best Thai food in NYC. Order the pad thai, red curry and a Thai tea for a well-rounded meal. Grab some of their beautiful appetizers first for an extra-filling meal.
Lan Larb | Multiple Locations | $
11. Soothr
Enjoy a traditional Thai family meal at Soothr. This restaurant offers delicious food and a memorable dining experience for some of the best Thai food in NYC.
The Vibe
From a homey ambiance to the beautifully plated food, every customer is in for a treat at Soothr. Be mindful that the place fills up quickly, so book a reservation while you can!
What to Order
Loyal customers rave about the duck noodles for a savory dish. Grab a classic cocktail to enjoy with some curry and spring rolls as well.
Soothr | 204 E. 13th St., New York, NY 10003 | $$
12. Somtum Der
Dig into some of the most delicious Thai food in New York at Somtum Der. You can enjoy specialties from northeast Thailand for lunch or dinner at this Brooklyn eatery.
The Vibe
With chill vibes, this rustic spot provides a pleasant ambiance to meet with family or friends. Enjoy quaint seating inside, or catch some sun on their peaceful patio.
What to Order
Papaya salad is a specialty at this restaurant for some of the best Thai food in NYC. Grab a delicious cocktail to enjoy with the grilled marinated pork or tom yum soup for a delicious meal.
Somtum Der | 380 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 | $$
13. SriPraPhai
With two locations, SriPraPhai delights even more customers with some of the best Thai food in NYC. With award-winning dishes, everyone is sure to be satisfied.
The Vibe
Enjoy a casual, clean atmosphere for a fun lunch with family or friends. With spacious seating at both locations, you have a selection of a nice dining area or the beautiful garden patio at the Woodside location.
What to Order
The drunken noodles and pineapple fried rice are customer favorites for some of the best Thai food in NYC. If you’re looking for a light dish, try the watercress salad for a refreshing meal.
SriPraPhai | Multiple locations | $$
14. Thai Market
Explore a street-themed setting at Thai Market for a memorable meal. With authentic meals straight from the marketplaces of Thailand, you’re sure to love this Thai food in NYC.
The Vibe
Beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows create a bright, vibrant ambience at this restaurant. Floating red umbrellas decorate the dining room and set the scene for a walk through Thailand’s markets.
What to Order
Regulars recommend the pad see ew and authentic dumplings for a delicious meal. End your experience with the mango sticky rice for some of the best Thai food in NYC.
Thai Market | 960 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10025 | $$
15. Pye Boat Noodle
With authentic cuisine and friendly service, what’s not to love about Pye Boat Noodle? Specializing in noodle soups, this restaurant is a note-worthy spot in Astoria.
The Vibe
Enjoy intimate seating inside or one-of-a-kind seating on the patio. With a beautiful man-made pond and rustic ambiance, Pye Boat Noodle’s patio is perfect for a warm evening.
What to Order
Enjoy marinated pork skewers for a delicious meal. Customers also recommend curry boat noodles or boat noodles with beef for some of the best Thai food in NYC.
Pye Boat Noodle | 35-13 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106 | $$
16. Noods N’ Chill
Sit back, relax and enjoy some of the best Thai food in NYC at Noods N’ Chill. If you’re looking for authentic, spicy Thai food, give this cheekily named hot spot a try.
The Vibe
Customers recommend this as an excellent spot for Thai takeout. With some seating inside, you might be more likely to grab a spot on their covered patio.
What to Order
Regulars emphasize their bold, spicy dishes. Grab the spicy pad Thai or green curry for a delicious meal.
Noods N’ Chill | 170 S. Third St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 | $$
17. Kitchen 79
Discover a hidden gem in the Jackson Heights neighborhood. Bringing some of the best Thai food to NYC, Kitchen 79 is sure to delight.
The Vibe
Enjoy dinner with a sleek, modern ambiance as you indulge in some of the best Thai food in NYC. This spot is perfect for an intimate date night or a fun hangout with friends.
What to Order
With an emphasis on Southern Thai food, locals recommend the authentic crab rangoon with a spicy sauce or savory ramen if you can handle the heat.
Kitchen 79 | 37-70 79th St., Queens, NY 11372 | $$
18. Khao Kang
Khao Kang provides delicious homestyle Thai food for its customers. Customize your experience with build-your-own meals for a memorable time.
The Vibe
Grab a seat inside for a rustic ambiance near the bar. Khao Kang is perfect for a cozy and casual lunch with friends, family or your co-workers.
What to Order
Dig into the garlic pepper pork for a delicious dish. Save room for one of their traditional desserts for a well-rounded meal at one of the best restaurants in NYC for Thai food.
Khao Kang | 76-20 Woodside Ave., Queens, NY 11373 | $
19. Thai Farm Kitchen
Invite your friends to a casual dining experience to enjoy some of the best Thai food in NYC. With high-quality service and meals, Thai Farm Kitchen will provide an incredible experience.
The Vibe
This hot spot is casual and relaxing for a fun meal with your loved ones. Whether you sit inside for their spacious seating, or outside on their cozy patio, you’re in for a good time.
What to Order
Indulge in savory glass noodles with shrimp. You also can’t go wrong with an order of red curry duck to enjoy some of the best Thai food in NYC.
Thai Farm Kitchen | 416 Church Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11218 | $$
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From savory glass noodles to spicy pad thai, there’s no shortage of incredible Thai food in NYC. Whether you’re looking to find your new favorite takeout spot or a special restaurant to hang out with friends, you’re sure to love the meals, culture and ambiance at these noteworthy NYC restaurants.
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