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Best Thai Food in New York City

February 12 2024

The city that never sleeps is a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines, with over 800 different languages thought to be spoken throughout NYC. If you love food, New York is home to some of the most authentic cultural foods outside their country of origin.

Whether you’re looking for Mexican food, Indian street eats, or even delights from as far afield as Mongolia - you can find it all in NYC. If you’re into good food, and you love Thai cuisine, here are the best places to find Thai Food in the city.

Cheap Eats: SriPraPhai Thai Restaurant

If you’re in the city and on a budget, there are plenty of places to pick up cheap but delicious Thai food. Located in the heart of Queens, SriPraPhai has been in operation since the 1990s and now has two locations in the city. 

The restaurant started as a takeout-only establishment, providing food primarily for the Thai community; however, it quickly grew to cater to people from all over the city. SriPraPhai has been voted number one for Thai food in New York City on multiple occasions and offers over 120 authentic Thai dishes at a very affordable price. 

Thai food being cooked in a Wok

Upscale Dining: Wayla 

Wayla Thai restaurant is relatively new on the Thai scene in the city - but it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular restaurants. Wayla offers an extensive menu and is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. 

Whether you’re looking for a classic like Thai green curry, or want to try a modern take on an authentic dish, Wayla is the place to try it. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion with the Bangkok-born chef nailing every single plate that leaves the kitchen. 

Authentic Flavors: Land Thai Kitchen

Located just a ten-minute walk from the Beacon Hotel, the Land Thai Kitchen offers some of the most authentic Thai food in the city (trust us, we go there a lot!). They are open on weekends for lunch and every evening for dinner, with both takeout and eat-in options available. 

Land Thai Kitchen can get busy quickly, so it’s best to make a reservation. The restaurant caters to meat eaters, fish lovers, vegans, and vegetarians, offering a diverse menu with something for everyone to enjoy. 

Green curry with other Thai ingredients on a wooden table

Hidden Gem: Thai Diner 

Uncle Boons used to be one of the best Thai places to eat in New York City - however, they, unfortunately, had to close during the pandemic and weren’t able to reopen. What many people don’t know is that they did reopen, just under a different name. 

Now located at Thai Diner on Mott Street, you can find many of the original dishes found on Uncle Boons menu. Head down to Thai Diner for some of the most unforgettable Thai food in New York. 

Local: Sala Thai

Located on the Upper West Side, just a quick walk from the Hotel Beacon (and a favorite with us staff!), Sala Thai has a diverse menu offering all your favorite Thai classics, like Pad Thai and Green Curry. The restaurant is perfect for both a quick bite or a leisurely meal and is a go-to-spot for an affordable and authentic Thai experience in the heart of the Upper West Side. 

Are you coming to New York in 2024? The Beacon Hotel is located in the heart of the city and provides both rooms and apartment-style suites. Learn more about our hotel here.