I recently visited Chai Thai Kitchen on 8th Avenue, and overall, the food was really good! Every dish we tried was flavorful and well-prepared, making it a great spot if you're craving authentic Thai food. The ambiance was nice, and the service was decent too—until the end of the meal. As we were leaving and I’d already paid my bill plus the tip, I was confronted and asked by a staff member to tip more than I already had given, which felt a bit uncomfortable especially it being a small table of 2 people. The request was made right in front of my significant other, and when I declined, the lady accepting the payment gave me a rude stare. It kind of soured the experience for me because I felt like the interaction should’ve been more professional on their end because I was not hesitant in increasing the tip, it’s just the principle of assuming a bigger tip than you deserve‼️

A hidden gem!

Decided stop by for a solo dinner and this place did not disappoint. The flavors of everything were delightful and the drinks were a nice balance of strong but flavorful. Once you get inside, the ambiance is beautiful. The customer service was great and they checked on me throughout my meal, but also gave me space to enjoy my meal

Chai Thai Kitchen offers an authentic Thai dining experience with a variety of flavorful dishes, though not everything was to my liking. The restaurant itself is quite small, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Despite the limited space, the employees were incredibly helpful and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

I ordered the Tom Yum Goong, a classic Thai hot and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chili. It was amazing bursting with bold flavors and a perfect balance of tanginess and spice. The broth was aromatic and comforting, though with a bit more seasoning, it could have been even better. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The papaya salad, known as Som Tum, was fresh and vibrant, featuring shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a tangy lime dressing. While the crunch and freshness were spot-on, I felt it could have used a bit more seasoning to fully bring out the bold, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that make this dish so popular.

The pork belly appetizer was a standout dish. The pork belly was tender and juicy, with a crispy exterior that gave way to a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It was rich and flavorful, offering a satisfying contrast of textures that made it a perfect starter.

For the main course, I had the green curry with chicken, which unfortunately didn’t quite meet my expectations. Traditionally made with green curry paste, coconut milk, Thai basil, and vegetables, I found this version to be too sweet and lacking the deep, aromatic flavors that I love in a good green curry. My friend, on the other hand, ordered the red curry, which, while also on the sweeter side, had a more robust and well-rounded flavor compared to mine, with a better balance of spice and coconut richness.

The Tom Yum noodle soup was a bit different from what I expected. While it had the familiar flavors of the Tom Yum Goong, the addition of noodles slightly altered the overall taste, making it a little less intense. It was still enjoyable but didn’t quite capture the punch of the traditional soup.

On a brighter note, the Thai fried rice was absolutely amazing. Cooked to perfection with fragrant jasmine rice, egg, vegetables, and a hint of fish sauce, it had a wonderful balance of savory, umami-rich flavors that made it one of the highlights of the meal.

One of the biggest highlights was the Blue Thai Mojito, a refreshing cocktail that perfectly complemented the meal. It had the right blend of sweetness, lime, and mint with a beautiful blue hue, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Overall, Chai Thai Kitchen delivers authentic Thai flavors with warm hospitality in a small, cozy setting. While some dishes stood out more than others, it’s a great spot for those looking to explore Thai cuisine, keeping in mind that some dishes may lean towards a sweeter profile.

If you’re looking for a quaint little place with the most amazing food in the city, THIS. IS. IT. Every time my husband and I are in NYC, it’s a must to stop here!! The staff is always friendly and welcoming, the dining room is cozy, and the food is incredible!!

We had a spontaneous visit to this restaurant.
We were very positively surprised,
even though we were no longer able to take advantage of the lunch special menu because offer shortly before 4 p.m.
The food was very tasty and sufficient. We had the crispy duck with a delicious clear soup.
For groups of 5 people or more, a tip of 20% is mandatory. But considering the total amount, the price is still fair.
We had $25/person.
Service was also very accommodating.
A recommendation from us.

So happy I found this place again! I visited here pre-COVID and couldn’t remember the name of where it was.
This is the best no frills high quality Thai food in the city. It’s a whole in the wall in terms of size but that’s the beauty of this place. A perfect date night spot as well!

Chai Thai Kitchen is a gem! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, especially the Tom Yum Goong, which was perfectly balanced and flavorful. The Green Papaya Salad, Sweet Corn and Shrimp Salad, and Spicy Grilled Beef Salad were fresh, vibrant, and delicious. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with authentic Thai flavors.

I went here for lunch - a little after 12pm. The restaurant is small, around 30 seats max. It looks like they might have an upstairs seating area, but it's not super clear. The service was quick and friendly, and the food was delicious! Their Thai iced tea is also great. Highly recommended.

Amazing Thai food, truly a little hidden gem. Staff is very friendly, the take out is also really good. Can never go wrong here! Pad Sea Ew and Khi Mao are absolutely delicious. Sometimes the spring rolls are a little soft and too chewy, but still recommend. Pineapple fried rice was a bit dry, but I might have had a slow delivery. I need to try everything on the menu!

I went here for lunch - a little after 12pm. The restaurant is small, around 30 seats max. It looks like they might have an upstairs seating area, but it's not super clear. The service was quick and friendly, and the food was delicious! Their Thai iced tea is also great. Highly recommended.

I recently visited Chai Thai Kitchen on 8th Avenue, and overall, the food was really good! Every dish we tried was flavorful and well-prepared, making it a great spot if you're craving authentic Thai food. The ambiance was nice, and the service was decent too—until the end of the meal. As we were leaving and I’d already paid my bill plus the tip, I was confronted and asked by a staff member to tip more than I already had given, which felt a bit uncomfortable especially it being a small table of 2 people. The request was made right in front of my significant other, and when I declined, the lady accepting the payment gave me a rude stare. It kind of soured the experience for me because I felt like the interaction should’ve been more professional on their end because I was not hesitant in increasing the tip, it’s just the principle of assuming a bigger tip than you deserve‼️

Excelente opción calidad precio. La comida era deliciosa y el precio económico teniendo en cuenta que estás en Manhattan. Precios parecidos a un tailandés en España. El servicio no muy amable. Estábamos esperando a una pareja de amigos a que llegase y no nos dejaron esperar dentro, teníamos que estar todos para que nos diesen la mesa y estábamos a -10º, pero les dio igual.

Chai Thai Kitchen offers an authentic Thai dining experience with a variety of flavorful dishes, though not everything was to my liking. The restaurant itself is quite small, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Despite the limited space, the employees were incredibly helpful and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

I ordered the Tom Yum Goong, a classic Thai hot and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chili. It was amazing bursting with bold flavors and a perfect balance of tanginess and spice. The broth was aromatic and comforting, though with a bit more seasoning, it could have been even better. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The papaya salad, known as Som Tum, was fresh and vibrant, featuring shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a tangy lime dressing. While the crunch and freshness were spot-on, I felt it could have used a bit more seasoning to fully bring out the bold, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that make this dish so popular.

The pork belly appetizer was a standout dish. The pork belly was tender and juicy, with a crispy exterior that gave way to a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It was rich and flavorful, offering a satisfying contrast of textures that made it a perfect starter.

For the main course, I had the green curry with chicken, which unfortunately didn’t quite meet my expectations. Traditionally made with green curry paste, coconut milk, Thai basil, and vegetables, I found this version to be too sweet and lacking the deep, aromatic flavors that I love in a good green curry. My friend, on the other hand, ordered the red curry, which, while also on the sweeter side, had a more robust and well-rounded flavor compared to mine, with a better balance of spice and coconut richness.

The Tom Yum noodle soup was a bit different from what I expected. While it had the familiar flavors of the Tom Yum Goong, the addition of noodles slightly altered the overall taste, making it a little less intense. It was still enjoyable but didn’t quite capture the punch of the traditional soup.

On a brighter note, the Thai fried rice was absolutely amazing. Cooked to perfection with fragrant jasmine rice, egg, vegetables, and a hint of fish sauce, it had a wonderful balance of savory, umami-rich flavors that made it one of the highlights of the meal.

One of the biggest highlights was the Blue Thai Mojito, a refreshing cocktail that perfectly complemented the meal. It had the right blend of sweetness, lime, and mint with a beautiful blue hue, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Overall, Chai Thai Kitchen delivers authentic Thai flavors with warm hospitality in a small, cozy setting. While some dishes stood out more than others, it’s a great spot for those looking to explore Thai cuisine, keeping in mind that some dishes may lean towards a sweeter profile.

Très bon restaurant thaïlandais, les serveurs étaient gentils et nous avons très bien mangé. Je recommande!

We came in to try a dish a friend recommended. They said there was a minimum and we need to order more. Them they didn't have the dish. Super rude blaming the owner for the crazy rules.

Super endroit trouvé au hasard les prix sont raisonnables pour New York les serveuses adorables avec de bon conseil
Service rapide l’endroit est très jolie
Allez-y les yeux fermés
En revanche penser à réserver ou à venir un peu plus tôt l’endroit est petit mais ça fait son charme

Great food, quick service, and I LOVED how nice and quiet it was. I was unreasonably charmed to sit next to the lotus pond. This place is underrated.

First time here. Was attending event at Carnegie Hall and this was a few blocks away. Food tastes authentic, I eat Thai often, see my other reviews. I had the Khi Mao at Medium Spice and it was good. The Crispy Pork was also excellent, got a taste of that. Only thing was it was soooo hot inside. Not sure why the heat is turned up so high, my ears were red and hot even before I ate. If I were in the area I’d come back to try other dishes but get seated downstairs, might be cooler there.

Panang Curry
- tasty curry
- mild spice
- tender string beans
- chicken is a little dry
- not enough rice

If you’re looking for a quaint little place with the most amazing food in the city, THIS. IS. IT. Every time my husband and I are in NYC, it’s a must to stop here!! The staff is always friendly and welcoming, the dining room is cozy, and the food is incredible!!

Tiny cozy place, beautiful atmosphere, and love the little pond at the front. Food was delicious, very reasonable prices (especially for the city) and our server was fantastic- very observant and helpful.
We had the papaya salad- delicious- and I had the green curry - very flavorful, spicy but not to the point where you lost taste - and my sister got the pho - super delicious. Lots of vegetarian options.

Take a dinner here was a great experience for my wife and I, definitely we will come back in a next trip to NY

Having quick lunch at small but friendly Chai Thai restaurant in Midtown, I have ordered Tom Yum Bean Thread Noodles Soup with shrimps which is marvelous for this season. The soup was great with combination of little bit of everything, spicy, sour and slightly sweet from the broth. Shrimp dumplings were great with proportionate size and balanced dipping sauce. The price for lunch specials was too good to be true in considering for the location. The ambience was cozy and composed with friendly service from staffs. Thank you for your hospitality and highly recommended.

Las alitas al estilo tailandés muy ricas ! Lo único que no me gustó que nos pusieron la cuenta sin pedirla. Pero por lo demás todo muy bueno y el sitio agradable !

The food is good but they always make mistakes with takeout. Once they forgot to put the spring roll. The other time they forgot to make it spicy per instructions (Bill said spicy but food was not!). And the 3rd time the portion itself was half of what I normally get! It just kills the mood. Whoever is preparing/checking takeouts should be fired.

So happy I found this place again! I visited here pre-COVID and couldn’t remember the name of where it was.
This is the best no frills high quality Thai food in the city. It’s a whole in the wall in terms of size but that’s the beauty of this place. A perfect date night spot as well!

Sherry, the bartender, was really friendly and helpful. She suggested the Pom Pom Margarita to me. It was my first time here. The food was fine.

Tried Massaman, Summer Rolls and Pad Thai.. all of them are delicious, flavors are delightful.👌🏼

I’m loving Thai cuisine even more.

The atmosphere and service are good too.

Was there 2 times. Very unfriendly staff. Not even grateful for their tips. No smile, no communication, no thank you and no welcome... Food taste was ok.

Staff was rude and asking for tip for single person since gratitude was not included and I was not able to tip because of their rudeness but forced me to tip

One of the most delicious Thai food I have ever eaten, great service, beautiful atmosphere. Highly recommend.

A hidden gem!

Decided stop by for a solo dinner and this place did not disappoint. The flavors of everything were delightful and the drinks were a nice balance of strong but flavorful. Once you get inside, the ambiance is beautiful. The customer service was great and they checked on me throughout my meal, but also gave me space to enjoy my meal

My friend and I ordered takeout and they wouldn't allow us to sit down while we wait for our food. I found that to be very rude and won't be returning.

When they brought the check the tip (they had decided for us) was already included. When we asked about it, they claimed it was a New York State policy, and they say it is their request when they serve 5 people (which is strange), but we were 3 people (a couple and a 7 year old kid). They also state minimum 15 $ ammount per client. They were rushed, trying to remove all the dishes several times while we were not done yet

La comida está rica. El servicio te presiona para que termines pronto y así dejar la mesa libre, por lo que comida no es relajada, tratan de retirar continuamente los platos a pesar de ser obvio que no has terminado, con el plato lleno. Además, intentan engañar con la propina, nos quisieron obligar a pagar un 20% en una mesa de 3 comensales, diciendo “que es obligatorio por el New York State”, incluyéndolo en la cuenta sin nuestro permiso y sin siquiera consultarlo

We came in and got seated right away! The service was excellent, and our waitress was super friendly. She made some great recommendations, and everything we tried was delicious. Would definitely come back :)

Came as a party of 4 and was seated pretty quickly for a Friday night. The food here is decent for the price. Ambience was nice and the service provided was excellent.

Nice little place. Their lunch special is on point. Good service and friendly staff.

Why the curry tastes like straight up sugar…and they wanted 20% tip..what is wrong with you? Instead of expecting customers to pay TIPPP , you can pay your own servers. Lady also chased me out for the tip…if the food and service is horrible , ill tip 10%. If your servers want money then find a better job..DONT COME HERE!!! TIP CULTURE HAVE LOST ITS MIND.

Amazing

Super trouvaille! Nous avons pris le pad thai ainsi que le pad sea eiw avec les summer rolls en entrée. Tout était merveilleux! Petit restaurant très cosy! Je recommande fortement!

This food never disappoints! I had the Chiangmai and it was sooooo good!
My family owns the Indian restaurant next door (mughlai) so I eat here often and love it everytime

Toevallig terecht gekomen.
We waren met een groep van 8 en werden zeer vriendelijk onthaald.
We werden gevraagd even te wachten zodat ze onze tafel konden klaarmaken.
Zeer lekker eten en zeer goede service!!

Amazing

The best pad thai i’ve ever taste. Other menu like the fried chicken is amazing. Both dishes are perfect combo made in heaven

I ordered the pad thai and it was very disappointing. Shrimp was overcooked and way too much peanut sauce. I had to ask them to bring more noodles to stir in and it was still so salty and saucy. First and last time for me.

Great place, great food, after 5 min of ordering, our food arrived at the table

When I lived in the hotel in the neighboring building, I regularly visited this establishment. The restaurant is always full. The food is the most delicious in Manhattan, always large portions. I tried, perhaps, all the dishes in this restaurant. I highly recommend it.

Quick and easy, food is ok

Genuinely one of the best Thai food places I’ve had in the city. It’s a cute cozy spot near Central Park and has great service!

Everything, from food to the presentation of the food and the restaurant, fivr stars!! This meal is the *Chiang Mai Noodle

We had a spontaneous visit to this restaurant.
We were very positively surprised,
even though we were no longer able to take advantage of the lunch special menu because offer shortly before 4 p.m.
The food was very tasty and sufficient. We had the crispy duck with a delicious clear soup.
For groups of 5 people or more, a tip of 20% is mandatory. But considering the total amount, the price is still fair.
We had $25/person.
Service was also very accommodating.
A recommendation from us.

nice thai spot

Nice little place with great Thai food at a good price!

Very small restaurant outstanding food, fairly prices, staff excellent. Great value and delicious food

I had food poisoning after the visit, suspecting the pad thai was not fresh. When I called to speak to the manager, the lady I spoke to was rude and aggressive and claimed she did not know if the manager was available. I found the experience terrible and will address it to better businesses bureau.

Had the lunch special and a chicken clear soup. It was delicious! I'll definitely be back to try out the rest of the menu.

Nothing much to say about the place, everything was "Just Ok". We went there 'cause we were hungry and it was the nearest restaurant nearby. We were unnecessarily made to wait though there was lot of space on 2nd floor. They took their sweet time to switch on AC cool, though they never switched on all the lights even after we were seated. All light were on only after two other tables were full, real stingy attitude for a restaurant, I guess.

Food was just ok, everything very watery, staff also a bit impolite. Looks like they never cared about their guests... I am not going there again anyway. You can see in the pictures how all dishes look same, trust me they taste also same😄

One our local go to Thai spots. The BBQ beef is a personal favorite and not something I have found elsewhere. The service is always attentive and food always comes out quick and fresh. Other favorite dishes include the chicken or beef pad Thai, the peanut chicken dumplings, the spring rolls and the massaman curry.

Nice, small place. Tried mostly only soups, all of them where amazing and spicy, make sure that you read menu and choose how spicy your food will be.

Food and drinks are good. Decor is interesting BUT
Tips is automatically included 20%

One of the best Thai food places I've had in a long time! And the prices are really good. If you visit NY make sure you stop at this place at least once during your stay.

Chai Thai Kitchen is a gem! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, especially the Tom Yum Goong, which was perfectly balanced and flavorful. The Green Papaya Salad, Sweet Corn and Shrimp Salad, and Spicy Grilled Beef Salad were fresh, vibrant, and delicious. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with authentic Thai flavors.

Chai Thai Restaurant is a gem in the heart of New York City. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions.

Delicious and flavorful traditional Thai dishes.

Excellent for a quick sit down lunch. Order comes out piping hot in minutes. Food is great and service splendid.

A pretty good Thai restaurant in midtown. Won't change your life but reliable

We really enjoyed the food here! The vegetarian duck, yellow curry, and Thai fried rice were really delicious. Would absolutely come here again.

Great food. We had thr vegetarian duck with Basil sauce... so flavorful and unique! The Thai fried rice was also legit!

Food is below average.

Best meal of this trip. The Thai Peanut dumplings were amazing. Must get. Everything was delicious.

Food was really good and was at a great price!

My favorite food, my favorite restaurant!

Most of the food was delicious - skip the corn fritters, they’re pretty bland, but highly recommend the grilled pork shoulder. Staff was clearly overwhelmed, seemed to be one person running front of house and waiting tables

Amazing! Authentic, delicious food with top notch service and drinks to die for! I reccomend getting the vodka cucumber drink, but substitute the vodka for tequila- perfect!

Food is trash , no flavor whatsoever . second time coming here not realizing I been here before , save your money !!!!!

After giving an 18% tip, the waiter came back with the bill asking for a higher tip in the range of 20-25%, saying that it was the recommended tip in New York. The food was so so, the experience was awful. Upon reading a lot of reviews from people who had the exact experience, I won't be dining here again.

Mega nett und lecker, sehr preiswert und wasser ist gratis. empfehlenswert

Gute und würzige asiatische Küche. Schnelle Zubereitung. Freundlicher zurückhaltender Service. Gratis Wasser.

The food was so good! We came right before seeing a show and then went back right after the show to pick up food to bring home for our daughter.

The vegetable spring rolls, lbi mao and yellow curry with chicken were amazing!

The staff was very friendly and quick when we told them we were short on time because we were seeing a show. Will definitely be going back!

We were very disappointed from the food.. we came because of the good reviews but probably it’s fake.. the dishes were tasteless .. not fresh heated food the worst Thai restaurant ever.. it’s a tourist trap.. never again..and much too much expensive..

This restaurant is close to where we stay so we gave it a try. The papaya salad was the best one among other food we ordered. Pad thai has no flavor as same as pineapple fried rice. The service was alright.

Title: Mixed Experience at Chai Thai NYC: Good Food, Poor Service

Chai Thai NYC offers a mixed bag of experiences, blending delectable cuisine with subpar service. Nestled in the heart of the city, this tiny restaurant promises an authentic Thai dining adventure but falls short in hospitality.

Let's start with the positive—the food. Chai Thai delivers on its culinary promise with a menu boasting an array of traditional Thai dishes bursting with flavor and authenticity. From aromatic curries to zesty stir-fries, each dish is crafted with care and precision, showcasing the rich tapestry of Thai cuisine. The flavors dance on your palate, transporting you to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Highlights include the fragrant Tom Yum soup, the creamy Panang curry, and the mouthwatering Pad Thai, each dish a testament to the chef's skill and dedication.

However, the dining experience is marred by the lackluster service and questionable billing practices. The staff at Chai Thai, regrettably, leave much to be desired. From the moment you step foot into the cramped establishment, it becomes apparent that customer service is not their top priority. The waitstaff's demeanor borders on indifference, with little to no effort made to welcome or assist patrons. Despite the restaurant's diminutive size, getting the attention of a server can feel like an uphill battle. Requests for additional condiments or drink refills are met with sighs and eye rolls, leaving diners feeling like an inconvenience rather than valued guests.

Adding insult to injury, Chai Thai has a knack for nickel-and-diming its customers. Extra charges seem to crop up at every turn, turning what should be an enjoyable dining experience into a financial headache. Whether it's a nominal fee for substituting one ingredient for another or an unexpected surcharge for basic condiments, the restaurant's pricing structure feels exploitative and deceptive. Diners should beware of these hidden costs, which can quickly inflate the final bill without warning.

Moreover, the restaurant's reluctance to provide attentive service extends to the dining experience itself. Despite the cramped quarters, the staff appears content to remain behind the counter, rarely venturing out to check on patrons or ensure their satisfaction. This lack of engagement fosters an atmosphere of neglect, leaving diners feeling abandoned and overlooked.

In conclusion, Chai Thai NYC offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Thai cuisine, with dishes that delight the taste buds and transport diners to distant shores. However, the restaurant's charm is overshadowed by its glaring shortcomings in customer service and transparency. While the food may be worth the visit, be prepared to endure rude staff, unexpected charges, and a dining experience that falls short of expectations. For those seeking an authentic taste of Thailand without the hassle, Chai Thai NYC may leave them craving more than just good food.

Was bullied into a 20% tip for a mediocre service…

นี่คืออาหารไทยที่ถูกต้อง 👍🏼

This is authentic Thai food. If you visit New York City and want to taste genuine Thai flavors, you should come here !!

I've tried other restaurants before but this one is the real deal.

Service and food excellent!

Server was the only one serving 2nd floor, resulting in orders being taken 20 mins after apps were brought out. Food was cold when it did come out. Had to alert server 2 times we were ready to order, to only be told ill be right with you but still had to wait. Oh and one of the reasons I chose this restaurant was the fresh spring rolls, which they didn't have. Get the poor girl some help.

Bad customer service. Very cheap. They charge for hot sauce??? What kind of place does that. Skip it.

Wanted to go here because of good reviews but totally disappointed. Went in for lunch, when called to check for availability the staff was very rude. Walked in there were tables available, for Saturday afternoon there was no rush. Upstairs was closed off and downstairs the sitting was very compact. The server didn't come to the table unless we called out. Coming to food it was just looking nice but taste wise just average. Ordered shrimp dumplings, chicken satay which was way too soft and chewy. Penang curry was good but drunken noodles were overcooked and had gone soggy by the time we could finish our portion. Thai iced tea was the only highlight of the lunch to be honest. Won't be coming back.

Great food and location. Friendly and attentive staff. Would recommend the coconut soup and lunch special.

Food was ok to good. Service was fine, New York style, atmosphere? Well the tiny place was packed with two-top tables so close you could almost taste next door's food

This is a gem of a little place. Tight squeeze but warm and cozy. And hopping! 4 stars on food though because the chicken in my curry was overcooked. The cuury and vegetables were cooked just right and so good. My husband loved his duck.

Found this place by accident- The chicken peanut dumplings are to die for!
All the food is absolutely delicious- we came with our 9 year old twins and they treated us like family. Perfect experience.

We were very satisfied. Unfortunately, my curry was way too spicy for me, which I didn't expect. Only afterwards did I read on the menu that you could choose the spiciness level. It would be better to ask customers during the order how spicy they would like it. I couldn't finish it and subsequently had stomachaches. Everything tasted good to my partner. The service was friendly

My peers and I were at the Midtown Dream Hotel in NYC and wanted something to eat before indulging in alcohol. We decided to try Chai Chai Kitchen, but I wasn't a fan—the food didn't meet my expectations, and it took us 15 minutes to be seated.

The shrimp dumplings are delicious! The space is a little tight and dark but the food is quite good. Not the best pad Thai I've had but the appetizers are delicious.

Bardzo smaczne jedzenie, przyjazna obsluga, a ceny są korzystne

Took my parents here for a pre-concert dinner and my mom told me this taste exactly like the delicious pho she had in Vietnam. Very authentic pho. Definitely recommend!

Upon entry, the host directed us to a table, but then promptly asked us to move to a corner one. The server inquired if we were vegan, and upon learning we were vegetarian, mentioned something about a 'happy sauce' or possibly oyster sauce. We were confused and sought clarification about the sauce, but the server vaguely indicated that it was in all dishes except two, pointing them out in the menu without further explanation, and then left.

We requested room temperature water, which the server initially brought but then took away and didn't return for another 5-10 minutes. When it came to ordering, we weren't very hungry and chose one appetizer and one main course. However, we were informed of a $15 minimum spend per person, compelling us to order another appetizer.

The Veg Dumplings were delicious, served without any sauce. The Veg Spring Rolls were tasty but too oily, accompanied by a sauce. The Veg Fried Rice, however, was bland, tasting of raw vegetables without any seasoning. We ended up using the sauce from the spring rolls to add some flavor to it.

The service felt rushed. As soon as we finished with a dish, the server immediately cleared the plates. This haste was also evident when my wife finished her meal; the server quickly removed her plate, giving the impression that they wanted us to leave promptly.

Regarding the bill, we paid the amount and included a tip, despite our dissatisfaction with the service and the minimum spend requirement. The server then returned to inquire about gratuity based on the suggested amount on the invoice. After we confirmed our tip, she followed us out of the restaurant, asking if there was something wrong with the service. It was uncomfortable and awkward, particularly when she insisted we write on the invoice that the service was satisfactory.

Overall, our visit to Chai Thai Kitchen was disappointing. While some dishes were enjoyable, the service and the overall experience were not up to par. I am unlikely to return or recommend this place to others.

The food and service was the best ever! I will be back.

Skønt thai mad 🙏🏻

Staff was kind, got my party a table without much issue. Never had Thai food in my life, and let me say: After having this, the bar is set pretty high. The Iced Tea and Chicken Pad Thai set me straight. Value is great, and the environment is super cozy as well. 10/10 would definitely go again!

This is my go to every time I find myself in the area.

I would give ZERO start if there is such in Google Maps.
- TERRIBLE service. The first host only asked us one question and then left without saying anything and just leaving us there with a big confusion. Then there came the second host asked in a rude manner to everyone waiting at the entrance “who’s the first” and just pointed us to the seat without even looking at us.
The table next to us didn’t tip and the waitress thought I was the one sitting there and tried to question me. Honestly, you guys should already know the reason why people don’t tip you.
- TASTELESS food. Big disappointment to the food. DO NOT order the Satay chicken, it doesn’t have any flavor but only will you taste the burnt.
- CROWDED space. Yes we are in New York but that doesn’t mean the customer should cuddle with a stranger.

Avoid this restaurant at all cost, food is bad, even undercooked, the chicken is raw, no taste at all, and the waitress is rude

Summer rolls were on point with 2 sauces. Ask for the house special...soo good!....make sure you speak up on the heat you want. It can burn so good...lol...

Had pad thai, thai wings, bbq beef, crispy pork and soya noodles with beef.

Everything good, hot and fast.

옴마야~ 워싱턴에서 버스타고 7시간 가까이 걸려 뉴욕 숙소 도착! 숙소 바로 옆 식당이라 아무 생각없이 그냥 들아와 똠양쿵국수 시켰는데 한 스푼 먹고 눈이 번쩍 뜨인다! 버스여행에 지친 몸을 일으켜세우는 맛!! 진짜 맛있다!!! 최고!!!!!

두 번째 방문! 뉴욕에 3박4일을 있었는데 저녁식사 두 번을 이곳에서 먹었다. 두 번째 메뉴는 쏨땀! (파파야 샐러드) 역시나 피시소스향 가득한 매운맛 샐러드, 넘나 맛있다!!!

overall a good take out experience however the curry is lacking sustenance ...like there is very little food and a lot of liquid in the bowl ...otherwise foodd was good

This is an easy choice whenever I am in Columbus Circle. I am almost always seated immediately and the food is delicious. Service is great and the food comes out piping hot pretty quickly. This is one of my favorite Thai restaurants.

Food soo good and it hits the spot. No time to take photo. It disappeared within 2 minutes

Great prices in the midst of Manhattan. Delicious variety. We especially enjoyed the really fresh spring rolls. Looking forward to trying other dishes.

Food was good and everything but then as we were paying, we noticed there was a literal mouse on the second floor.

Since it locates near our Hotel we would like to give a try since the dishes on the menu are promising. Didn’t disappoint. Nice service, the atmosphere is good and the food tastes great.
Could be better if more spicy. The spicy level is not as high as we expected.
For 2 ppl we ordered 4 dishes.
Minzed chicken salad, sizzling pork shoulder I chilli and Basil sauce, sizzling seafood in brown spicy sauce and Cripsy duck.
My favorite is sizzling seafood coz the sauce is on point and the least favorite is sizzling pork shoulder. The taste is so bland and a bit sour.
Overall It was a satisfying dinner experience.

Nice atmosphere. Very good food and service.

Went on an off night for a quick bite. I only got 1 dish, and I think it is an okay spot. My food came out quick and the price is decent considering the location. I will revisit and try the other dishes the next time I'm in the area.

We ordered spicy basil fried rice, pad Thai, and bbq with a Pom Pom margarita and everything was amazing! The service was excellent!

Delicioso todo lo que pedimos y el precio excelente !

The location is great but that’s about all they have going for them.
The staff are cheats, they will try and push items on you and discourage you from ordering lunch. They kept trying to take our plates away, even though we were still working on it.
They are very rude, took forever to get one drink, and it was watered down and filled with ice, and when we pointed it out, they took it back and got it after 20 mins with lots of sugar syrup!

They also cater only to tourists, so have put a $15 min per person as a dine in rule, which is just rubbish and I think illegal.
Our waitress was clueless, or pretended to be, anytime we asked for anything. They tried to rush us out in 30 mins despite the fact that there were three empty tables around us.
Typical tourist spot, running cause they use every trick in the book to fleece people, you’ll never see locals go in there, and I wouldn’t go back either. There are so many thai places around this area, much better food and authentic as well.

Gutes thailändisches Essen.
Mittagstisch gut und günstig

Great Pad Thai

Small and cozy. Flexible menu options for vegetarian and carnivores.

We went there for a lunch , the food was great and delicious but the staff experience was quite bad. No salt or pepper on the table and when I asked for it the answer was no ?!

Souper en famille excellent

Very small space. If you do not like rubbing elbows with strangers, beware.

Food is way above average. Crispy duck and crispy pork are our favorites. Highly recommend.

Good food

Very welcoming. Food and service were excellent!! The atmosphere was warm and cozy. Would highly recommend it!!

Pessima comida, atendimento rude e ambiente fedorento!! Pessima experiencia!! Passe longe desse lugar!!!

Good food, but the service is horrible. For many times we have to ask for water and to be served and the waiter, without paying attention, asked us to wait. When paying the bill we were asked what reason for not paying the full tip suggestion, I reinforced that the service was terrible, and the charge was embarrassing as well as unreasonable.

Yeah the place it’s pretty, the service is kind of bad, and also i think the higine is bad, the food give me food pisoning, lmfao i been on the bathroom for 2 h

Very good food! Great pad Thai ! They were very busy and also had a ton of carryout orders when we arrived. Once the wait for a seat was done the food came out very fast! The decor is fun and warm and a great cozy casual spot for a date dinner out.

Ground Chicken kha pow, sizzling grilled pork shoulder, yellow curry with beef, and spicy basil fried rice. All were exceptionally yummy!

Avoid this restaurant pls, the service is awful.

1. forced us to tell them the tipping % when they took your card, when I asked “can we write that when signing?”, they said no. When we got the paper and card back, they asked for another round of tip on top of the tipped payment total. Shameless, really

2. made you wait despite plentiful empty tables

3. wanted to take away my food several times before I finished (you could see plenty food left in the plate but they wanted to kick you out)

Would never come back again

It was a cute little spot for really authentic food! We got green curry (chicken) the Thai basil fried rice and I got the chiang mai noodles with chicken. We all shared the two orders of wings and spring rolls. I had a lovely lavender gin cocktail.

My husband really enjoyed his duck.
My "mild" curry was very spicy but delicious.
Tiny but nicely decorated space.

Romantic ambience, the lighting was on point. Food is delicious and the drinks are well made. :)

Floating pool by the window, dark intimate dining space upstairs. Summer roll cool refreshing and with good sauce. Calamari sliced too thin and fried. Not sure why ordered pho, a bit small portion, thin slice of meat and ok stock. The other dishes came out fast and hot.

The food was great! An amazing balance of flavors and textures! I had soup and th Pad Kha Pow with beef. Perfect level of spicy and yummy! The service was great as well- fast and efficient! I would return if I lived in NYC.

Landed up for dinner here and the food was not disappointing. The cocktails were okay. We got our own space as they had a seating area above.

Pretty interior, delicious food, cold and brusque service with some penny pinching.

Great place and plenty of good food options. For appetizers got the spring roll, which was amazing, one of the best so far. Also got fried chicken wings, they were a bit chewy but nice. For the mains got Thai fried rice with chicken, very subtle and nice taste. Prices are reasonable as per the area, a great stop overall

got the pineapple fried rice with mock duck, the fried rice itself was only okay but wow the mock duck was some of the best I've had, super crispy outside with juicy interior, really enjoyable. would come back to try it in a hopefully better dish.

WOW!!! Pad thaï incroyable. Belle découverte dans Times Square.

An absolute must eat! They have delicious drinks, appetizers, and entrees! We thoroughly enjoyed our entire meal and the server.

The food was sooo good! We got it really fast and the service was super nice too!

Whether you are a large group or just a single person or two, you will find traditional Asian food here as a fractional of the cost of another restaurant. They offer beers and some wine and sodas they serve a cucumber starter dish, which is just exquisite. In my opinion order one dish between two people, because the servings are large. Loads of people came for take aways. It’s always a good sign when other Asian people frequent the same restaurant where you go to eat. Inside this restaurant is an Asian shop with various authentic Asian foodstuff. Book in advance as the inside seating is quite limited. Don’t go here if you expect a superb interior decorated restaurant. Go here for great food.

Decent food but really terrible customer service the time I was there. No smiles and no cutlery - remember to remind them to pack cutlery!

Food is good but not consistent. I will continue to get take out because it is convenient and I like Thai food but the beef in their Pad see ew tastes par boiled sometimes.

Great lunch for a reasonable price!

1st timer visiting for a 1 day trip. Walked by, Pics look good but food was alright? Their best was the Chiangmai Mai noodles but was more of a curry flat noodle and the pork shoulder was more of a tomato based sauce

Comida excelente a atendente era otima mas era sozinha para muitas mesas. Musica alta e animada.

At the corner of 8th & 55th lays a small piece of heaven.
Absolutely amazing Thai spot. I love me some good Thai food and this one blew me away. The menu is quite large and has plenty of options. Please check my photos for what I had (crispy pork and crispy pork and fried rice. I actually plan to come back next week—literally that good.
Smaller issues: the restaurant is very cozy but a little tight, there are about 7-8 tables and wait can be a little longer. Hope they do reservations soon, because it’s that good.

Great lunch specials and huge portions. Food was delicious. Only complaint was it was a bit warm in here in the hot summer, would be nice if there was more AC.

Food is excellent! Highly recommend!

I have been in New York as a tourist for the past week and i have not felt like i ate enough or ate really good food in a really long time but this restaurant really changed that. Please try the fried rice with thai green curry with salmon.

Food was delicious. Service was very attentive and drinks were good too.

Absolutely amazing. I stopped for a quick bite here, and it turned out to be one of the best food experiences of my entire life. Everything is absolutely amazing, especially the food. Overall 11/10. Would come back here.

Na een lange dag Central Park te doorkruisen hadden we nog zin in een klein hapje als avondeten. Super lekkere springrolls met heerlijke pindasaus en hoisin. De curry was lekker van smaak maar de scampi’s waren een beetje te gaar en wat taai.
Het eten was super snel klaar en de bediening vriendelijk.

Good food. Cold service from waitstaff. Idky

Quiet. Quant good lunch menues take out is quick sometimes chicken overcooked, so make sure to bring this to attention, reasonable prices
No dilvery, have to pick up my