257666 Wed May 21 12:41:59 -0700 2003 52 21 The Best 0 1363991 Where is THE BEST - 4 Star - Thai Restaurant in NYC? Price does not matter. I want to experience the ultimate in Thai cuisine. Can anyone help me?????? Wed May 21 12:41:59 -0700 2003 0 Dian Rosi 1 1364006 Im not very fond of the thai restuarants in the city but I belive that the best thai restuarant I've eaten out of brooklyn queens and manhattan is Joya in Brooklyn on Court st. and Warren st. the food is the best in town. Sat May 24 15:51:07 -0700 2003 1363991 0 Damian 1 1364024 it's not fancy, but the best IMO is Wondee Siam on 9th ave between 53rd and 54th street. Thu May 29 10:11:21 -0700 2003 1363991 0 del 1 1923864 This was my same question. My husband and I loved Tuk Tuk on Smith Street, and were dismayed to see it closed down. We have tried other local cobble hill/carroll gardens thai spots, lemongrass, joya, and a couple of others. but none were as good--in our estimation, it goes without saying. any others people love? Thu Oct 05 01:59:49 -0700 2006 1363991 45012 JaneLouise 2 2069578 Tuk Tuk is still turning out yummy food in LIC - take 7 to Vernon/Jackson Mon Dec 04 21:47:57 -0800 2006 1923864 50004 jthefoodie 1 1924756 It's Sripraphai in Woodside. Do a search on chowhound and google. Most discussed Restaurant in Queens. Thu Oct 05 14:51:56 -0700 2006 1363991 16392 Mike V 2 4944146 This is definitely the best. I first found it through Chowhound back when Jim Leff was running the site (about 10 years ago, I think). Thu Aug 13 13:13:49 -0700 2009 1924756 1097952 Carniv0re 1 1926853 in manhattan, Holy Basil pops up quite a lot. Delicately balanced flavors, nice place to bring a date or go with a bunch of friends. I'm hooked on their Duck spring rolls. Yum! Great wine list too, might I add. Fri Oct 06 05:11:53 -0700 2006 1363991 40371 franprix 1 2057196 sripaphai for sure! Thu Nov 30 01:43:43 -0800 2006 1363991 40207 frankbooth 1 2061994 A hidden gem (that's not talked about enough) is this little little place called Amarin Cafe in on Manhattan Ave. (btn Nassau/Driggs) in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Reliable, fresh, super-delicious Thai food in a very welcoming, no-frills environment. And sooo consistent! They have the best pad thai I've ever ever eaten, and believe me, I am a lover of pad thai! And when you ask for spicy, beware! Other satisfying dishes there: - BBQ Chicken - Masaman Curry - Green Curry - Spicy Noodles - Shrimp & Mango Salad - Beef Sate The menu is small, but it's all you ever need. I eat there at least 2xs a week because it's an addiction of sorts. And I know I'm not the only one... My brother went to Sripaphai recently for dinner and said that Amarin comes in a close 2nd. But, since I've never been, Amarin's #1 on my list! Fri Dec 01 17:46:02 -0800 2006 1363991 56011 skeetereats 2 2062107 Sripaphai is better and has a much bigger menu- including many fish, squid and other seafood dishes. You simply can't be in the top of any Thai place list without an extensive, fresh seafood menu. Besides, Amarin's specials lean toward the western palate with salmon, mashed potatos, asparagus, etc. Amarin is good on a neighborhood level. Sri is a city-wide gem. Fri Dec 01 18:13:26 -0800 2006 2061994 10903 Silverjay 3 3835538 Ive also head Sripraphai is supposed to be the best, but they are closed on wendesdays, whats that about? Personally I did not like amarin at all. I prefer Sea over Planet Thai anyday, its not the best thai obviously but its super cheap, so you can try many things, and it has a large menu with decent varity, nice atmosphere Thu Jul 03 04:47:50 -0700 2008 2062107 177720 Asumnuthin 1 2089926 I tell you who shoud be be at the bottom of the list Planet Thai on North 7 st. Mon Dec 11 20:32:29 -0800 2006 1363991 11512 FAL 1 2117273 Tuk Tuk in Cobble Hill was replaced by Ghang. Ate there Friday night and found it enjoyable. I don't quite understand the hype of Joya. It's cheap and decent, but loud, and the wait staff is pushy (high table turnover allows the cheap prices). Wed Dec 20 20:22:28 -0800 2006 1363991 35216 gaiadi 1 3834067 Lemon grass grill on 7ave in Brooklyn Love the Basil Chicken and the fried rice Wed Jul 02 14:13:16 -0700 2008 1363991 205259 BrooklynKing 1 3846068 I would have to say Spice or Sea ( in Williamsburg-they have multiple locations) has some of the best thai food I have ever had and its cheap eats (for the city that is) Mon Jul 07 13:46:20 -0700 2008 1363991 203860 aimee5 1 3868357 I'll vote for cafe tasia Mon Jul 14 15:25:23 -0700 2008 1363991 131480 cbs2528 1 3869101 Sripraphai-- i'm all for healthy debate and differing opinions, but in this case it's moot. Best by far. Zabb in the east village will do in a pinch, as will Rhong in the village, but they're still miles away from Sripraphai. Mon Jul 14 20:40:11 -0700 2008 1363991 78691 davidm1108 1 3875682 Not even a question. Sripraphai! One taste of the Crispy Watercress Salad with Seafood- is worth the trip! www.thefoodbully.blogspot.com Wed Jul 16 19:10:00 -0700 2008 1363991 207234 thefoodbully 2 4849790 No doubt. Sri is king. Sat Jul 11 16:35:01 -0700 2009 3875682 94651 NYJewboy 1 3882868 Sripraphai in Woodside. So, so, so good. Salads are a highlight, fish dishes are excellent. Sat Jul 19 05:54:18 -0700 2008 1363991 211183 agentj9 1 3882901 i ate last night at Rhong Tiem, and it was SO good - some of the best thai food i've had anywhere - including thailand Sat Jul 19 06:16:52 -0700 2008 1363991 135229 thew 2 3969186 Rhong is the best I've had in Manhattan so far, but watch out for those lightly-cooked Thai eggplants--serious stomachache if you're not used to them (even though they taste amazing) Tue Aug 19 10:11:41 -0700 2008 3882901 42116 CobblerNYC 1 3902959 anyone eaten at dee thai? I read a review of their pork leg dish; sounds amazing! Fri Jul 25 23:31:28 -0700 2008 1363991 12656 bigjeff 1 3903444 Are you looking for something with ambiance? The best place - Sripraphai - has none, but the food is outstanding. It's also very cheap, so you'll only impress someone who loves authentic holes-in-the-wall (personally, that would be my kind of evening), but it's a fun adventure and the food is truly unparalleled. If you want fancy Thai, you can go to Spice Market, though they're more Pan-Asian, I think, and honestly the food isn't as good. If price really doesn't matter and you've got some time on your hands, get on a plane to Bangkok, then transfer to a plane to Phuket, and go to Patong Seafood. They'll let you pick out your own squid and crabs and cook them in the most flavorful curry you've ever imagined. Sat Jul 26 09:16:09 -0700 2008 1363991 162256 Travels4Food 2 3903553 sri has worked pretty hard the past few years to up their ambience quotient but I only wish for the bad old days. Sat Jul 26 10:08:34 -0700 2008 3903444 12656 bigjeff 2 3905141 I finally got to Sri last week and as the majority say the food was outstanding. I am looking forward to mounting a trip back with the Never Miss a Meal Club. Sun Jul 27 06:52:26 -0700 2008 3903444 19545 chefstu 3 3905608 never ben to sri, but as i said am in love w/ rhong tiam - how would you say sri is better? (and please do not use the word "authentic" in your answer) Sun Jul 27 11:04:15 -0700 2008 3905141 135229 thew 1 3906163 Sri without a doubt. Though if you were looking in manhattan, i'd recommend the holy basil. Sun Jul 27 16:04:52 -0700 2008 1363991 213669 silencespeak 1 3907698 Sripraphai beats joya and song in brooklyn by far. For the breadth of the menu and quality... It's great. Well-worth the trip and universally loved as evident by the numerous mentions on the boards. Mon Jul 28 08:35:24 -0700 2008 1363991 194698 brooklyn76 2 3907844 but what does sri do that rhong tiam does not? how much better is it, and what makes it better....? Mon Jul 28 09:12:42 -0700 2008 3907698 135229 thew 1 3908975 I'm on the Sripaphai bandwagon too, although I like Nusara a lot too. The one problem with Nusara is for whatever reason, their noodle dishes aren't great. Mon Jul 28 13:51:14 -0700 2008 1363991 155328 Taylor.Watson 1 3923765 Sripraphai wins for me, with Chao Thai at a close second. Fri Aug 01 22:27:11 -0700 2008 1363991 141228 fiammetta 1 3990368 The best Thai food I've found is PAM's REAL THAI FOOD on 49th and 9th. (Not to be confused with Pam's Encore a few blocks away.) Just this side of a "hole in the wall," it is my first choice among the veritable parade of Thai restaurants on 9th Ave. (Second choice would be WONDEE SIAM II up a few blocks.) Wed Aug 27 05:13:32 -0700 2008 1363991 221921 BTaylor 1 4254613 How could no one mention Pam Real Thai in the upper 40s off of 9th Ave. in Manhattan? All of the food is spectacular, spicy, comes quickly, and is affordable to boot. I'm never disappointed when I go. And despite the fact that it's a small NYC chain, I agree that Lemongrass Grill (the original location on 7th Ave. in Brooklyn) is terrific, cozy, and tremendously fast with their service. Wed Dec 17 13:34:33 -0800 2008 1363991 239220 nyfrizzyhair 1 4254854 besides my rhong tiam recommendation, i've been grooving on land northeast thai lately Wed Dec 17 15:09:22 -0800 2008 1363991 135229 thew 1 4262427 Zabb City, on E13 St in the East Village. I do wish they could get some of the overflow from the Saam Bar on the corner. Sat Dec 20 14:25:42 -0800 2008 1363991 85343 hs70 1 4266626 How could it not be Sri? Mon Dec 22 12:29:47 -0800 2008 1363991 94651 NYJewboy 2 4270615 It is. I think Pam Real Thai may be best in Manhattan, though I haven't tried Rhong Tiam. thew, I hope you've visited Sripraphai by now and can tell US how it compares with Rhong Tiam (which is where exactly?). Tue Dec 23 23:51:07 -0800 2008 4266626 17058 Pan 3 4270794 i haven't - it's hard to get me off the small island off the coast of america i inhabit. rhnag tiam in on laguardia between bleeker and 3rd (i think) 2 -3 blocks south of washington Sq park Wed Dec 24 05:22:33 -0800 2008 4270615 135229 thew 4 4272033 That's easy walking distance for me. So next question: What do you particularly recommend at Rhong Tiam? Wed Dec 24 16:15:02 -0800 2008 4270794 17058 Pan 5 4272067 a few things that stood out: Crispy Catfish With Green Mango Salad: grated fried catfish with spicy green mango lime sauce the tom yum was not like any i've had anyplace else - perhaps not "authentic" but delicious trumps authentic for me every time - and who knows maybe it is a lesser known variant B.B.Q. Chicken: marinate lemongrass chicken bbq grilled to perfection served with "jeaw" and sweet plum sauce Pork On Fire Moo -na - Rok: another impossible to get dish from the northern part of thailand, pork tips wok sauteed with fine chop lemongrass, fresh garlic and bird eyes chili, crispy kaffir lime leaves, and basil i've had other great stuff there too, but i'm kinda sick and don't feel like cutting and pasting off the menu anymore - but those all stood out, and i was happy with everything else i've had there as well Wed Dec 24 17:00:55 -0800 2008 4272033 135229 thew 6 4272323 Much appreciated. Sorry you're sick; get well soon! That catfish sounds lovely! Wed Dec 24 20:11:58 -0800 2008 4272067 17058 Pan 7 4272558 the catfish is delicious- but notice the word "grated" - it is like tiny crumbled fish croutons - Thu Dec 25 05:26:16 -0800 2008 4272323 135229 thew 1 4701780 Rhong Tiam is definitely good if you stay in Manhattan, but if you venture out to Queens, try Ayada Thai in Elmhurst/Jackson Heights. It's fairly new (opened in the fall) and is run by a woman who has had a Thai grocery store down the block for years. She was a restaurant owner back in Thailand and insists on using absolutely no cans in her kitchen, so that everything is made fresh on premises. She also keeps things interesting, adding unusual ingredients to standard dishes. In addition, she and the other waitstaff are extremely friendly and helpful with their recommendations. Sripraphai is definitely good, but it's not quite as good as it used to be when they first opened, while Ayada's owners still have that excitement that a restauranteur needs to keep things interesting. Highly recommended. Wed May 20 15:24:26 -0700 2009 1363991 25178 Traditional Tradesman 2 4701949 What's the address or cross-streets, and what dishes do you particularly like at Ayada? Wed May 20 16:22:22 -0700 2009 4701780 17058 Pan 3 4702083 ayada is great, they have a very nice som tam with raw marinated crab, their sour curry is very good, had a couple of other meals there and can't remember what we had but it was delicious. oh they have a great beef tendon stewed soup with dark soup (blood) that is excellent too; strong pungent flavors. apparently their lunch specials are good; there is a plate with 3 kinds of pork on it that I've yet to try. after eating at chao thai a lot (and I like that), I've shifted my allegiances to ayada. more in this thread here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/580023 Wed May 20 17:19:06 -0700 2009 4701949 12656 bigjeff 3 4702087 basically you can walk there from either the Roosevelt Avenue EFRVG stop or from the Elmhurst Ave local stop; not too bad, right near the split between broadway and woodside avenue, about a block from elmhurst hospital. Wed May 20 17:20:25 -0700 2009 4701949 12656 bigjeff 1 4825801 There seems to be a general consensus that Sripraphai is the best Thai in NYC. I used to live in the neighborhood and I can confirm that it's one of the very best restaurants I've ever been to. But there is a downside, which is that eating really good Thai spoiled me for bad Thai. I can still eat mediocre Indian food even though I've had the best Jackson Heights has to offer, but there's something about good Thai that makes it hard to tolerate mediocre. One of the basic palates at Sripraphai is an intensely piquant sauce made up (I think) of lime juice, red pepper, sugar, fish sauce, peanuts, raw papaya and red onions (you'll find it in the beef salad, whole fried fish, several other places). Once I realized what that was supposed to taste like I found it hard to eat careless versions at inferior restaurants. Fair warning. Thu Jul 02 17:01:13 -0700 2009 1363991 1090464 cenparis98 1 4929958 " AYADA " Elmhurst 77-08 Woodside Ave New York, NY 11373 (718) 424-0844 Sat Aug 08 22:31:48 -0700 2009 1363991 1100250 nicky911 1 4943533 some new finds from Sietsema: http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-08-11/restaurants/a-new-crop-of-thais-pops-up-in-woodside-and-astoria/ all sound purty intriguing and a change of pace. Thu Aug 13 10:28:24 -0700 2009 1363991 12656 bigjeff 2 4944675 Thai Center Point has been dogging me for a while now. There just aren't enough meals in a day! I really have a hard time picking just one. I lean towards Ayada though because I've never been disappointed with the food - most of the time blown away, they are friendly, close to me, and the decor is a favorite. last time i went either i was hungover or the lights were too bright. there are lots of top-tier thai in woodside/elmhurst/astoria. im hungry. Thu Aug 13 15:52:07 -0700 2009 4943533 168211 Jeffsayyes 2 4979171 probably checking our Rumphool tonight, for a change of pace. anyone have thoughts? comparisons? recs? Wed Aug 26 08:37:45 -0700 2009 4943533 12656 bigjeff