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Last year, we and the rest of New York mourned the loss of one of our favorite Thai restaurants, Ugly Baby. While we wish the chef Sirichai Sreparplarn well (and will keep our eyes peeled for his upcoming cookbook), the reaction to the loss speaks to our city’s deep appreciation for the cuisine. Beyond curries and tom yum soups, New York is home to a plethora of Thai restaurants that specialize in regional cuisines, from playful Isan food in the West Village to an Elmhurst restaurant solely dedicated to one of Thailand's famous street dishes: khao mun gai.
So to share our love for the cuisine, we’ve crowned the best Thai restaurant in NYC. And the top honor goes to Kru in Williamsburg. Accumulating numerous accolades in its short, two-year tenure, including a James Beard nomination and recognition in the Michelin Guide, Kru's "spicy, bold [and] innovative flavors" made it a standout, according to our writer Ali Domrongchai.
“Husband-and-wife chefs Ohm Suansilphong and Kiki Supap bring a vibrant revitalization to 100-year-old Thai recipes; unapologetic about spice and flavor,” she says. Citing their sweet and spicy fruit bite known as Ma Hor and their beef tongue Massaman curry as favorites, Domrongchai says this: “Every time I eat at Kru, it makes me feel energized and excited about the future of Thai food.”
Naturally, Queens dominated the category for top Thai cuisine. Out of the five in the borough, four reside in Elmhurst including Zaab Zaab and Pata Cafe for their Isan fare; Ayada for its kang som sour curry from the South; and Eim Khao Mun Khai for its aforementioned dedication to khao mun gai.
In Manhattan, Noho’s Fish Cheeks, Bangkok Supper Club in the West Village and Wayla in LES topped the list. And not to be forgotten, Brooklyn has plenty to offer, namely Kaew Jao Jorm Thai for its focus on 19th-century recipes and Sukh for its khao tom haeng or pork cooked three ways.
Hungry? Check out the full list and find your new favorite Thai spot this year.