NYC is home to many micro-neighborhoods, from Little Tokyo to Little Paris and now, we’re spotlighting an area in Elmhurst, Queens known as Little Thailand.
In 2022, New York passed a bill to officially declare the three block stretch from 76th to 79th streets on Woodside Avenue as “Little Thailand Way.” As of that year, 53% of NYC Thais lived in the borough of Queens. The only other officially recognized Thai neighborhood in the country is Los Angeles’ “Thai Town,”
So where are the best places to dig in while visiting Little Thailand in New York City? Let’s get into it below 👇
1. Zaab Zaab
Located in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, Zaab Zaab combines tradition and innovation to create a unique menu full of flavors you can’t always find at other Thai restaurants around the city. Customers are known to rave about their Nam Khao Tod and Pad Thai. Oh, and did we mention they made The New York Times 100 Best Restaurants in NYC 2024?
📍76-04 Woodside Ave
2. Ayada Thai Queens
Open since 2008, this family-owned Thai spot offers a self described casual yet elegant dining experience to immerse New Yorkers in true home-style Thai cuisine. Not only are they operating in Little Thailand, but they also have an outpost in Chelsea Market that debuted in summer 2019. And don’ forget to end your meal with an order of their Taro Custard!
📍7708 Woodside Ave
3. Saranrom Thai
This small but mighty hole in the wall is serving up some of the most mouthwatering Thai food you can find in NYC. A must order on their menu that tends to be a best seller is their Pad Se Ew. But of course, if you’re having Thai for dinner you can’t skip out on the mango sticky rice to round out your meal.
📍81-10 Broadway, Queens
4. Khao Kang
For a quick bite in Little Thailand, you’ll want to make your way to Khao Kang. What makes this steam-table so fun and different is that they actually don’t have a menu. Instead, Khao Kang offers an assortment of unmarked dishes to choose from. Don’t let that put you off because whatever you end up pointing to, it won’t disappoint.
📍 76-20 Woodside Ave
5. Hug Esan
Support this women-owned restaurant in the heart of Little Thailand that’s sure to impress your tastebuds. From family-style dishes to single orders, Hug Esan is perfect for any size, whether you’re with a big group or dining solo. The restaurant is named after a Northeastern region of Thailand, making the food that comes from the area a bit different to that of central Thailand. From papaya salad to sticky rice, their incredible menu has our mouth watering just thinking about it.
📍77-16 Woodside Ave
6. Pata Paplean
After all of this eating, I think it’s time for a cocktail! Though Pata Paplean has just as good food as the next Thai restaurant on Woodside Ave., their cocktail menu truly stands out in the neighborhood. Our personal favorite drink here is the Mango Sticky Rice cocktail made with coconut rum, mango juice, coconut milk, vanilla syrup, whipped cream and sesame seeds.
📍76-21 Woodside Ave