Reigning as the most authentic Thai food in the New York City area is Sripraphai in Woodside, NY. However, many newcomers and old-timers are thriving in NY area as well.
Here is a list of noteworthy AUTHENTIC Thai restaurants in NYC.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 420-7500
Neighborhood: Flatiron
I have always liked food at Rhong Tiam since the first one opened near NYU library. Though my life does not allow me to venture to its several locations in the city before they open this location, food at Rhong Tiam ranks pretty high on my Thai standard. The Thai food there is cooked as a hotel-style in Bangkok as the name suggests the word Rhong Tiam means hotel. There is a certain nostalgia when you mention the word to a Thai person also; it is not just hotel where you go to stay, but it is a place where good food is served after you just come back from a long journey. I can almost picture myself as a well traveled Chinese warrior stopping by for a quick bite.
Though the new menu for this location adds several items that caters to the health-conscious crowd, they still have the Thai popular selections. The Pad Thai was brown and only slightly sweet as it should be. It seems that the place open late so I can’t wait to go back to check it out.
Check out New York Times Review of the restaurant
813 9th Ave
(between 53rd St & 54th St)
New York, NY 10019
(917) 286-1726
First of all, it is difficult to come by any authentic Thai restaurant in Manhattan area. Not that I have anything against Thai/Asian fusion food with a beautiful decor , but hey I am Thai so I search for food that reminds me of the motherland. Wondee Siam II does a wonderful job in satisfying my craving when I am in the city. Ask for the secret Thai menu if you can read Thai and you should find items that are really authentic including some Northern and Northeastern Thai dishes that you don’t normally find in other places. If you feel adventurous, try asking the waitress to spice up your Thai food (the only way it should be eaten). I tried ground chicken stir fry with basil, topped with fried egg (Khao Pad Kra Phao Gai)and my childhood memories came flashing back. I think the majority of food I tried here has been cooked according to Bangkok standard and the service is prompt so I highly recommend this place.
Astoria, NY 11106
Neighborhood: Astoria
(718) 956-7117
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodle) here is beyond my fantasy. First of all, I live in the opposite side of Queens but I am willing to drive half an hour to go pick up the food from here. I normally ask them to cook it really spicy that my predicament will be that the food hurts so good but I cannot stop myself from eating it. The ambiance is serene that I just want to lounge there for hours. If you go during the day, the relaxing ambiance reminds me of being back working on my translating jobs while sipping a cup of coffee in Chiang Mai, Thaiand. The plus size of this restaurant is its generous portion. Of all my time living in the US, this restaurant gives me the most amount of food. It seems that typical Thai restaurants seem to charge you American price while giving you Thai portion. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and check this place out.
Photo Credit: mackarus on Flickr.com
To be continued…
Practical Thai Learning 