Giving this restaurant a 5 star review would be an insult to the restaurant! They deserve 10 stars! Everything was outstanding, from the decor, the customer service, the attentiveness, the attention to details, the presentation, the accommodations that they were willing to make, and cleanliness. Our server was very professional and polite and knowledgeable. All of the food was freshly made, and more importantly it was hot. The food was not only delicious and very flavorful, but it was seasoned just right. The portions were also satisfactory. This was not a typical Thai restaurant. This restaurant is more authentic Thai cuisine. There were many options on the menu. Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed their meals. I highly recommend dining here and will definitely be returning.

If you're in Philadelphia and craving Thai food, this restaurant is a must-visit! Truly one of its kind, it offers an extraordinary dining experience that will leave you coming back for more. The vegetarian options are absolutely divine—thoughtfully crafted, bursting with flavor, and presented beautifully. Every bite showcases the perfect balance of authentic Thai spices and fresh ingredients. Whether you're a fan of classics or more adventurous dishes, you won't be disappointed. Exceptional service and a warm ambiance only add to the charm. Don’t miss this gem in Philly!

Family of four for a special occasion meal. Service was brilliant from start to finish. Food was lovely, complex, thoughtful, spicy without being cruel. Highlights for me were the chicken curry and pineapple strawberry shaved ice, but all of the entrees were excellent. Beautiful, open, modern space with great lighting and vibe. Thoughtful cocktail menu. Thank you.

Photos in order: all three dumplings on menu, family style food, chicken curry, spicy goat curry, lamb massamun curry, pineapple strawberry shaved ice. Not photographed: pork chop, which was divine.

Finally I was able to try this place for dinner and it was great! Our server was very friendly and took the time to answer any questions and offer suggestions. The dumplings were almost too pretty to eat. The duck salad was not what I expected, but delicious with fresh herbs mixed in the ground duck. The lamb and goat curry had some nice heat and awesome flavors. And the lamb shank was heavenly tender and so savory. Loved it.

I think obsessed is an understatement to describe how I feel about Kalaya. I had never dined here before they moved to the Fishtown location and then afterwards I was reluctant to try it out as others had reported the food was overpriced. When I finally gave Kalaya a try, I was mad at myself for not doing it sooner! We opted for the tasting menu — the wide array of dishes and flavors were bold and in your face, while the cocktails were inventive and satisfying. I did not find the food to be overly spicy, though I can see why those with a lower spice tolerance may feel that way. I loved every bit of our dining experience at Kalaya and will be recommending it to everyone I know!

Had a wonderful birthday celebration dinner here! Everything from the food, staff and atmosphere was top notch.

We did have to wait 25 minutes after our reservation to be seated, but they gave us complimentary tequila shots (which were delicious) to make up for it. We appreciated that.

We started with the chicken dumplings, definitely my favorite bite of the night. They were phenomenal. The duck salad was good, I was afraid it would be overly spicy but they’ve toned down the spice level in their dishes due to feedback.

For entrees, we got the massaman curry and it was so flavorful. The lamb was falling apart from how perfectly cooked it was. The branzino came on this metal boat contraption, next level presentation! It was some of the best fish I’ve had.

This lived up to the hype it gets. It’s a great place for a celebration as it is on the pricey side, but you can expect amazing quality food/drinks and service to match.

From the elegant decor to the exceptional service and attention to detail, everything was outstanding. Our server was professional and knowledgeable, and the food was fresh, hot, and packed with authentic flavor. Generous portions and a diverse menu made for a fantastic dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be back!

First time having Thai food and won’t be my last. Wasn’t sure what to have so our server suggested the Taste of Thang which is a variety of apps , entrees, sides and choice of dessert for $75 per person. It was well worth it. The variety of taste and spiciness was incredible. My favorite was the spicy lamb. For a drink I started with a beer slushy which I’ve never heard of before. Thought I’d give it a shot. It was OK. My second drink was a Thai lager. For dessert we shared between the four of us, the strawberry shaved ice. Which by the way was incredible and does not taste like shaved ice. Of course it’s cold but does not taste like shaved ice was excellent. Picture of dessert below.

Beer slushy
-don’t let the straw fall in, you’ll never get it out. Refreshing and unique.

Flower dumplings
-hesitant at first, not a big fan of cucumber. It was great. Flavors hit you in line one after another and the cucumber cools the chili perfectly.

Rice cakes
Not at all what I was expecting. Crunchy outside with a creamy gooey inside. The sauce is perfect for it and brings out the flavors well with its sweetness and spice.

Cabbage side
Sweet and Smokey. Great side to help soothe your pallet from the other spices dishes.

Chicken curry
Fantastic. Best curry I’ve had. Lite and flavorful without overtaking the turmeric rice.

Tom yum kalaya
It’s a whole thing. It’s big, red, and a hot mess. Ask for an additional napkin to assist in breaking up the prawn legs or you’ll destroy your hands with their spikes. The meat is supple and not as fishy as I was expecting. Could have used a bit more shrimp flavor, but that’s probably because we are thousands of miles from their natural habitat.

Over all an amazing meal and each dish worked super well together. Would definitely come back!

The pescatarian tasting menu was fantastic. Don’t miss out on the shaved ice dessert.

When balanced flavors and texture are matched by exquisite preparation and great service it is special.

This was quite possibly the best dining experience I’ve ever had. Not only was the food amazing, the entire staff from the front end to the wait staff to the sommeliers made us feel so so welcome. I came for my husband’s birthday and they treated us with such — dare I say— love and care. Each person who walked by checked our waters, escorted me to the bathroom when I didn’t know where it was, kept saying happy birthday to my love and were all generally lovely. You could tell they genuinely liked having us dine with them. It made all the difference.

As for the food: AMAZING. We did the tasting menu and this is small plates/sharing done right. The Thai cuisine was just so good. The dumpling was the perfect starter and set the bar so high. Everything after that was just even better. Not a single miss.

As for the atmosphere: I loved it. I visit NY a lot and I was expecting a cramped but luxury spot. I was wrong and I loved it. Spaced out seating but the skylight and the live trees made it feel homey as well.

Affordability: Super affordable. For all that food, I was expecting to spend way more money. But it was $75 a person for their tasting menu. And we had leftovers. I could not be happier.

We meant to take more photos but we locked in so hard we only got one. Sign on a good meal!!

Will absolutely be going back.

I think obsessed is an understatement to describe how I feel about Kalaya. I had never dined here before they moved to the Fishtown location and then afterwards I was reluctant to try it out as others had reported the food was overpriced. When I finally gave Kalaya a try, I was mad at myself for not doing it sooner! We opted for the tasting menu — the wide array of dishes and flavors were bold and in your face, while the cocktails were inventive and satisfying. I did not find the food to be overly spicy, though I can see why those with a lower spice tolerance may feel that way. I loved every bit of our dining experience at Kalaya and will be recommending it to everyone I know!

It's so hard to rate food nowadays esp here in Philly where we have an abundance of culinary riches. Loved the unique flavors our entrees (dry red curry tofu and shrimp woosen), but the drinks and appetizers were just ok imo.

First time having Thai food and won’t be my last. Wasn’t sure what to have so our server suggested the Taste of Thang which is a variety of apps , entrees, sides and choice of dessert for $75 per person. It was well worth it. The variety of taste and spiciness was incredible. My favorite was the spicy lamb. For a drink I started with a beer slushy which I’ve never heard of before. Thought I’d give it a shot. It was OK. My second drink was a Thai lager. For dessert we shared between the four of us, the strawberry shaved ice. Which by the way was incredible and does not taste like shaved ice. Of course it’s cold but does not taste like shaved ice was excellent. Picture of dessert below.

This place is amazing. We had basically the entire menu. All the dumplings, coconut rice, lamb curry, the prawns, the shots, the rice cakes…. The tiramisu, the tai-ish coffee…. Everything. It all slaps.

Such a great date with 그프! 🌹💚

literally can’t get over how good this was. We got the tasting menu and my brain can’t comprehend how good everything was. Who knew cabbage could taste that good! The chicken, OMG??? the duck salad was sooo spicy and yummy, I was sweating in all the best ways! And the tiramisu was the best dessert I’ve ever had! Also, the service was probably the best I’ve had at a restaurant in a long time. Shout out to our server Taylor who was so friendly and helpful and awesome, it’s like they were an A.I. robot who was programmed to be a perfect server! 13.5 out of 10 stars, can’t wait to come back 🫡

Another typical trendy, hipster “fusion” spot in the city. The apps were tiny, entrees very very salty. Desert was okay (shaved ice) This place did not come close to fulfilling the hype behind it. Parking was next to impossible. Their “shared lot” (3 blocks away)was nothing more than a muddy plot open to everyone.

Super expensive for Thai food. Asian food cannot be fine dining. Crab dish for $40 hardly had any crab, $90 soup - it’s not wild caught seafood and the owner says she pout lot of seafood in there. I cannot justify price vs food for this restaurant.

When we sat down, we were presented with both the optional tasting menu ($75/pp) and the a la carte menu. Chose the tasting menu, which was a great way to try several (8) things, although bc of the spice, I could not eat everything.

I would definitely recommend the zero-proof colada, which was creamy and refreshing; the pretty little chicken dumplings, which were packed with flavor in their dense filling; the gui chai rice cakes, which were intensely crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside (I've never had rice cakes before and could eat those all day); and the talay pad kai kem, which was seafood swimming in a delicious, almost sweet sauce. The kalum tod nam pla cabbage was the perfect complement to the other dishes--I ate them together for a little soft crisp.

Some dishes, like the duck salad, are intensely spicy; a few are no spice. Your waiter will help guide you, but note that there are no personalizations. Dropping a star bc the spice was a major challenge for me, even though the food was really good and well done.

I appreciated that our small water glasses were kept full to help with the spice. The staff was attentive, and the atmosphere beautiful and classy.

Note that Kalaya and neighboring, sister restaurant Suraya no longer have the parking lot listed on their website, so it is just street parking.

I don’t get it… I do not get the hype at its best it’s the quality of a good take out spot. The atmosphere and service are great but the prices are ridiculous for what’s being served

We started off with two appetizers, the kanom jeeb nok (cutest bird shaped dumplings) and the gui chai. Both were amazing, they let you order an even number ala cart if you don't want just 3x. Then for mains we ordered the kiaw waan kalaya (green curry) and the moo paloh. And for dessert we got one of their Ice balls! All of this came out to around $150 with tip. The service was amazing, atmosphere was super cozy, and they didn't rush you at all. You get unlimited white rice (great if your meal is spicy) as well. The ice ball was the perfect way to finish a meal with some heat, delicious! Definitely made for a minimum of 4x people but for $15 it doesn't hurt to tackle it with two. My favorite was the Kanom jeeb nok, the flavor was unlike anything I've tried and so cute to top it off. Amazing amazing experience here. All of the food we tried is pictured below!

Incredible food, service, drinks! Love coming back here every time! Highly recommend Kalaya!

None of the vegetarian items were out of ordinary which we expected from the place.. I should say not even basic but no bad experiences here

Really good food, service, and ambiance. The rice cakes were amazing! They don't have a lot of vegetarian options, but what they have is very tasty.

Undisclosed services fees that aren't listed on the website. It seriously cheapens the experience. I take that fee right off the tip.

Food was fine. Beautifully presented, but in terms of flavor it's just 'pretty good.'

I don't understand how this is the darling of the Philadelphia food scene. It's beyond over hyped.

From the elegant decor to the exceptional service and attention to detail, everything was outstanding. Our server was professional and knowledgeable, and the food was fresh, hot, and packed with authentic flavor. Generous portions and a diverse menu made for a fantastic dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be back!

Had a special experience here. Wonderful service, generous portions, best Thai food in the U.S. ever. Period. Nothing even compares.

This is a one of a kind if you don't go here you miss something big the best Thai Style dining with a great twist this place is outrageous if you have the opportunity to meet Nok you'll understand

Finally I was able to try this place for dinner and it was great! Our server was very friendly and took the time to answer any questions and offer suggestions. The dumplings were almost too pretty to eat. The duck salad was not what I expected, but delicious with fresh herbs mixed in the ground duck. The lamb and goat curry had some nice heat and awesome flavors. And the lamb shank was heavenly tender and so savory. Loved it.

Incredible!! We did the tasting menu, and it was SO GOOD! I am a wimp for heat and spice, but I didn’t care and couldn’t stop stuffing my face because the flavors were so worth it. PSA: not all of the dishes were spicy, only two that we tried. We couldn’t get enough of the turmeric rice. Yum!! The food was so beautifully presented, felt so lovingly prepared and thought through. The restaurant is full of vibrancy, energy and countless gorgeous tropical plants. It’s an oasis that transports you to another world. Can’t wait to go back!

The hype is real! Our server was knowledgeable and helpful and our meal was fantastic. The lamb shank curry was a fave. I’d like to put their almond curry in a jar and take it home. The shaved ice was so good — I highly recommend ordering that even if you’re mostly full after dinner.

Giving this restaurant a 5 star review would be an insult to the restaurant! They deserve 10 stars! Everything was outstanding, from the decor, the customer service, the attentiveness, the attention to details, the presentation, the accommodations that they were willing to make, and cleanliness. Our server was very professional and polite and knowledgeable. All of the food was freshly made, and more importantly it was hot. The food was not only delicious and very flavorful, but it was seasoned just right. The portions were also satisfactory. This was not a typical Thai restaurant. This restaurant is more authentic Thai cuisine. There were many options on the menu. Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed their meals. I highly recommend dining here and will definitely be returning.

Move aside, Pad Thai, because Kalaya serves bold and bright flavors with an exciting journey for your taste buds.

In a chic, green space with ambient lighting, the servers greet you immediately upon entry. The first thing you'll notice is that most of your Thai classics are missing from the menu. The good news is that many of the flavors and textures you've come to love while dining at your standard American-Thai venues are also available. Even better, the food is delightful - which brings me to the highlights of the night:

To start off, the Lum Young - a refreshing gin beverage with a tropical rainbow of flavors of coconut, lemongrass, galangal (cousin to ginger), lime, and turmeric. (4/5)

Shaw Muang - delicate flower shaped dumplings with ground chicken, cucumber, and Thai chili. These tiny dumplings were both beautiful and juicy - a delightful start to the meal. (4.5/5).

Gui Chai - crispy chewy chive rice cakes with sweet and spicy sauces. The texture made this so fun to eat! (4/5)

Sides - Pickled Mustard Greens & Cabbage - the cabbage with fish sauce has an addictive quality to it. Delicious! (5/5). The pickled Mustard Greens were also a well-pickled, flavorful side (5/5).

Pu Pad Pong Karee - A small pot of chunks of crab meat, eggs, celery, crab roe, and a side of rice. The crab meat and eggs were sweet, delicate, and bursting with salty, spiced goodness. (4/5)

Pla Nung Manao - a whole branizno server beautifully on a high-tiered, dish shaped platter. This dish is out-of-control delicious. The combination of heavy-handed lime and fish sauce, herbs, and chili were addictive, and this was easily the dish of the night. (5/5)

For dessert, both the Nam Kaeng Sai (Thai Shaved Ice - Coconut flavored) (5/5) and Sweet Black Sticky Rice with Longan Fruit (4.5/5) were so satisfying and really blew us away. The shaved ice was light as snow with beautiful drizzles of mango and passion fruit with a creamy chocolate panna cotta waiting in the center. And the sweet black sticky rice was warm, gooey sitting in a rich coconut cream.

Kalaya is not just your average trendy restaurant. With an experience carefully crafted for those that love and appreciate Thai flavors, you will be taken on a fun, delicious adventure.

We had a 10:00 PM reservation but weren’t seated until almost 10:40 PM due to a staff error. Although we were offered a complimentary appetizer and a round of drinks, both were included on the bill, and we had to request their removal. Upon reviewing the receipt later, we noticed we were still charged for the drinks. The food was decent, but the overall experience didn’t justify the price.

Khao soi nua was fantastic!

As soon as we walked into Kalaya, the rich, tantalizing aroma from the kitchen enveloped us, filling the air with anticipation. We had been eagerly looking forward to this evening, as my boyfriend had thoughtfully made a reservation months ago for my birthday celebration. I had fallen in love with Chef Nok’s story after watching her on Chef’s Table and had hoped to experience her culinary artistry firsthand. Kalaya did not disappoint—it exceeded every expectation.

From the first bite, it was clear that each dish was crafted with precision and passion. The layers of flavors were nothing short of exquisite, with every bite bursting with complex, mouthwatering perfection. The open kitchen and spacious dining area, adorned with towering palm trees, added to the warm, laid-back atmosphere. It was the perfect setting to savor the blissful flavors we were experiencing.

We started with cocktails and the popular kanom jeeb nok—three beautiful, bird-shaped dumplings filled with caramelized cod. They were both visually stunning and delicious, combining sweet and savory flavors. Next, we moved on to the gui chai, crispy garlic chive rice cakes with a spicy sweet soy sauce. It's super delicious and easily my favorite starter. My boyfriend ordered the goong thod kluaewok, gigantic river prawns in brown butter—holy smokes, and they were killer good. For my entrée, I had the moo yaang prik, a perfectly grilled mangalitsa pork chop bursting with flavor.

We topped the meal with Thai shaved ice, served with strawberry compote and pineapple. It was the ideal, refreshing finish to a truly incredible meal.

Kalaya isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The staff are on point, making sure to wish me a happy birthday. Our server, Michael E. was very helpful in answering all our questions and making honest recommendations, which I appreciate. Between the vibrant dishes, the inviting ambiance, and the thoughtful service made my birthday celebration unforgettable. If you haven’t been, it’s well worth the wait. Chef Nok’s culinary journey comes to life in every bite, and it’s nothing short of magical—a fitting way to pay tribute to her Mom.

Completely blown away

Our bartender/server was amazing, she helped us through the menu as I am such a baby when it comes to spice but we were able to pick things that weren't too spicy (beef tenderloin, it was amazing) my boy friend got the spiciest curry they had, and boy was it spicy, but he loved the flavor. Will definitely be going back!

Amazing food with a unique menu, beautiful dining space, outstanding staff and a robust cocktail menu. Couldn't have chosen a better restaurant to celebrate my husband and I's anniversary. Anna was our server and she was an absolute joy, she and the rest of the restaurant staff made it a very special night.

Highlights from the menu: moo yaang prik (glazed pork chop), kiaw waan kalaya (green curry), gui chai (garlic chive rice cakes), shaw muang dumplings, kalum tod nam pla (cabbage side).

We had lunch today for our anniversary; service was absolutely perfect. The team worked seamlessly together, they were genuinely kind, knowledgable, and considerate. The food and atmosphere were wonderful, but what males this place stellar are the staff!

Service was unorganized and food came too fast. Very busy chaotic atmosphere. We had to do price fixed menu because we had 7 people in our party and servers did not seem to know how to do that process. Food was good but is expensive. Maybe better with smaller party.

Overall I had a great meal and time at Kalaya. The food was excellent and our server Chase was charismatic and kind. He did a great job explaining specific details about each item while helping guide us to dishes we would enjoy. Though this was a great night, the perfection was ruined when a woman from the restaurant staff whom we had not yet interacted with rudely and abruptly TOLD our party to get up and move to the lobby area. While I understand they likely needed the table for another party, there would have been a million better ways to go about it politely than the rude and snarly remarks which were made towards my party. Honestly disappointing is not enough to explain how I felt. Our party was celebrating a birthday and spent over $700, of course this woman from the staff only did this after the check was signed. Let alone the other staff members were yet to clear the dishes from the table. All in all while the food is good, and the servers are kind, the upper management clearly does not care about the customer beyond receipt of the check. It is very sad because it takes away from the great work of all of these other employees. Unlikely to return somewhere so expensive to be abruptly forced out.

Food wise:
I recommend the yellow curry, tenderloin, pork chop, and the fish dish. ALL FANTASTIC! Definitely try one of the shave ice's for dessert, unlike anything you have ever had and very tasty while being surprisingly light.

Very, very good!!!

My husband and I recently visited Philly for the first time. Prior to the visit, we'd seen an episode of the Netflix show the Chef's Table featuring Kalaya and it's amazing owner. We couldn't wait for our trip so we could experience this place. And man was it worth it!!! The food is EXCELLENT. We went for lunch so the menu is limited compared to dinner (next time we're definitely going for dinner instead) but there were still plenty of delicious offerings. Like others have said, when they say spicy they mean it! The staff was very knowledgeable and service was fast. Definitely have the Gui Chai chive cakes appetizer. And try the nam prik almond (pictured)! For dessert, the Thai tea tiramisu was superb! Also, most everything is gluten free😊

Had an excellent dinner at Kalaya. I ordered the pork chop, which was perfectly cooked, and my wife had the river prawn dish—both were outstanding. We also shared a few appetizers and a curry, and every dish delivered bold, well-balanced flavors. The atmosphere was comfortable, and the service was professional and attentive. Overall, one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. Highly recommend and will definitely be back.

Family of four for a special occasion meal. Service was brilliant from start to finish. Food was lovely, complex, thoughtful, spicy without being cruel. Highlights for me were the chicken curry and pineapple strawberry shaved ice, but all of the entrees were excellent. Beautiful, open, modern space with great lighting and vibe. Thoughtful cocktail menu. Thank you.

Photos in order: all three dumplings on menu, family style food, chicken curry, spicy goat curry, lamb massamun curry, pineapple strawberry shaved ice. Not photographed: pork chop, which was divine.

This was an incredible dining experience!!!! The service was incredible, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was so chic. We shared ~6 plates (a mix of starters and mains) and it was perfect. The cocktails were so good!! Would highly recommend.

If you're in Philadelphia and craving Thai food, this restaurant is a must-visit! Truly one of its kind, it offers an extraordinary dining experience that will leave you coming back for more. The vegetarian options are absolutely divine—thoughtfully crafted, bursting with flavor, and presented beautifully. Every bite showcases the perfect balance of authentic Thai spices and fresh ingredients. Whether you're a fan of classics or more adventurous dishes, you won't be disappointed. Exceptional service and a warm ambiance only add to the charm. Don’t miss this gem in Philly!

If you want to be taken for a ride, they’ll take ya there. They do some good dishes and sell ya on some drinks. And boys make the drinks good. But they get ya with the run around, and drop the bill. A beautiful influencer trap. Gorgeous in the summer for sure. Good for all them, but no thanks no more for now.

This place is legit. Drive from NYC to check it out and it was worth it. Fantastic flavors in a gorgeous environment with super helpful staff. Some of the best Thai we've had outside of Thailand

Everything was perfect and delicious. One of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had.

The owners goal was to bring us tastes of her homeland of southern Thailand . I found all the dishes lovely. We ordered coconut rice, chicken dumplings, yellow curry, red curry, crab rice. Highly recommend the red curry if you like spicy. Lots of folks in the restaurant were eating massive river prawns and I had some fomo. Would also definitely recommend the shaved ice dessert.

Absolute trash. What kind of place doesn’t have space for somebody to walk in and have dinner? Everything’s reservation only. Pathetic.

Philly's best restaurant, hands down! Having been a frequent diner since its first location on 9th Street, I am so happy for this restaurant's success. Every dish I've had here amazes. Personal favorites include the gui chai (rice cakes), lohn pu (crab curry), pla nung manao (branzino), and pad pak kad dong (mustard greens). Cocktails are also fantastic. You must eat here!!

From growing up in Thailand, having tasted a bunch of Thai restaurants in the US. I can say that this has hit it home for me. The food tasted amazing, like real Thai authentic food. My favorite was the river prawns and the dumplings. My bf also happened to spill some food on himself and the service was amazing. 3 people from the service team were really helpful and responded quickly. The experience was amazing and I can’t wait to go back to try some more. Thank you Kalaya team!!

Congratulations Mam! Watching Your Episode On Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Thank You So Much For Sharing With Us Your Amazing Life Story! Writing To You From Toronto. God Bless! Adam

yeses: chicken dumplings. Cocktails. Rice cake appetizers. Shaved ice.
nos: goat lamb curry
They barely give any rice with the entrees. I felt like some things were amazing. Some things were skimped. The chef came and told us not to look at the photos of the food online when we were trying to order. I didn’t find what we were doing to be offensive? Left with a weird feeling.

After reading these reviews , with bad service and over priced food , i would never eat here . What restaurant , especially Thai, charges these prices ?? Totally ridiculous. Seems like snobby city slickers go to this place to be seen and nothing else . The owners probably think they are better than anyone else. I’ve seen this before , Philly Magazine, newspaper articles and Netflix comes in to give them big heads . Pretty soon it will just be a victim and close down . Dumb

I may be the odd one, but this place was not for me. Food was pretty good although very spicy. Service was a bit slow considering the line at the door

I watched the incredible story of this restaurant on Netflix, and it deeply moved me. The owner’s journey—her struggles as a child, her resilience, and the unwavering support of her mother—was nothing short of inspiring. Their story left such an impact on me that I decided to travel all the way from Kentucky to Philadelphia just to experience their award-winning cuisine.

I booked a table for two days in a row, and every dish I tried was beyond extraordinary—bursting with flavor and exceeding all my expectations. I was hoping to meet the remarkable owner behind it all, but sadly, I wasn’t lucky enough.

This restaurant is truly something special, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you get the chance, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

I overall had a good time at Kalaya but had a few qualms...

Top highlights include: the salted fermented cod dumplings, the rice cakes the side of cabbage, and the massaman lamb shank curry. These were all so good and inventive. The cabbage I could eat every day. The lamb shank was so delicious, fall off the bone, and I could slurp that curry. The rice cakes had excellent texture with the chewiness on the inside and crunchy exterior. The cod dumplings at first seemed so small, I was bummed. But when you bite them and taste the array of flavors, you realize that one dumpling is perfect. I got the coconut lemongrass cocktail and it was so good. I could slurp it so many of them down, they were dangerous!

I could do without the shrimp, scallop and squid stir fry. The sauce wasn't very flavorful. The duck laab was also just OK, I thought there'd be more of a zingy dressing served with it. It was a bit dry.

Overall I want to go back and am happy there is a Thai restaurant that serves more than just the classics found at a typical Thai restaurant.

We have been here multiple times and the food is always great. Giving it one star because of a recent experience. We had joined the rewards program back in 2023 when the reward program was $20 off for every 100 points. My account had 600ish points to apply to dinner which were from Nov 2023. I had emails and credit card statements with the reward balance as well as the reward program details from 2023. The staff could not find my card in the rewards program (which makes no sense since I have redeemed rewards there before). It took them 40 minutes to figure it out…sorta. They said that they have changed their reward program to $10 off for every 100 points so instead of getting $120+ removed from our bill, as we should have, they only removed $60. Since the point and rewards were from 2023 I strongly believe they should have applied $20 off for every 100 points since that is what it was at the time. I know it’s only an additional $60 but it’s the principle. They should have honored the correct reward program but chose not to unfortunately. Kinda put a sour taste in my mouth.

The food and staff is amazing

Impressed by the service. I didn’t like some of my dishes and they refunded it right away. The other dishes are good. Service is stellar.

Excellent yellow chicken curry and rice cake appetizer. Perfect portions.

Kalaya was OK. I'm a huge fan of Thai food, so we were very excited to visit, but there were several things which meant we probably won't go back.

First, we were going to go with friends but ended up with the kid and despite asking for child-friendly recommendations, everything was too spicy for him to eat, and actually spicier than either of us liked as well. For the first time ever, we had to take our kid out to dinner somewhere else after.

Second, the dishes were OK. The crispy rice wasn't very crispy. The whole branzino had been deboned but whoever did it made a mess and left it full of small shards of bone that we had to pick out our mouths at the table. The crab curry was much too sweet for our taste.

Drinks, atmosphere and service were good, typical for Fishtown. But I can't see us going back. We left a lot of food, and it wasn't cheap.

YUMM! and no watering down the spice and heat for wimps. Suuuuper impressed by the flavors and spice of this place!

The rice cake is too salty, the soup for $98 is way too sour, the Lamb is way too spicy. Non of the food we liked. Ans all overpriced.

Loved this dining experience! The service was top notch. Our waiter was so helpful and we didn’t ever feel rushed. I ordered two cocktails (the achara and the mayree) and they were both delicious and smooth. We did the tasting menu which was great because everything sounded good and we wouldn’t have known what to pick otherwise! Everything was delicious and it was a ton of food for the price. It’s one of those places where you really feel cared for. I really appreciate the small things like having my water glass constantly topped off (I drink a lot of water and drink even more when food is spicy). I also think it’s so fun that the chef comes around to say hi to everyone. We will return.

Our waitress did a great job explaining the menu, and helping to guide us in picking options that were not too spicy as I have a low tolerance. Every dish, even the spicy ones were so amazing that I got over it quickly. If you are fearful of spice, order the crab curry, the skirt steak, the river prawn and the squid! The dumplings definitely have a kick, but the flavors were incredibly balanced and sweet!

[Update: December 2024]
Dear Chef Nok,
You are such an inspiration to me, through food and the path you forged and fought for throughout your life. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and adept intuition for flavor and technique. Your food makes me miss my late parents while simultaneously smiling and wishing all of my other loved ones can share a meal at Kalaya with me. Thank you!

My friend and I shared the Taste of Nakohn Si Thammarat tasting menu, available for parties of 2-3 and fabulous.

[September 2024] The Taste of Trang tasting menu (available for larger parties of 4-5+) for our party of 8 is now one of the top dining experiences I have in my life! The staff are exceptional, making us feel welcomed, thoroughly explaining the menu without interfering with personal convs, and checking on us to ensure everything was perfect.

The dining room was packed and lively without being too noisy. Even at our large table we had an easy time speaking to each other and plenty of space. There were groups of all sizes and even a few solo diners enjoying meals all around. People dressed up and also in nice but casual fits!

Each course of the menu was so wonderfully thought out. It truly took us through a journey of flavors and combinations. Everyone in our party loved a different portion the most. For me, the balance of spice, sweet, and sour were the most fun! My friends loved the branzino, the tofu, mushrooms, the beautiful dumplings BLEW OUR MINDS with how unexpected their flavor and richness were! In this city, you can find many different and good dumplings, but none are like the ones at Kalaya. Even the pickled mushrooms were amazing!

I could write a whole news article with how much I loved this experience. You gotta try it! And if you go... can I come with? I can't wait until my friends and I all get together again to try the other dishes!

Amazing food and awesome atmosphere. I can see why they won a James Beard award.

With a hands-on, knowledgeable staff that drive the car for you, and a wild menu with a variety of incredible flavors and spices, Kalaya provided our party of 4 with a truly amazing experience.

Kalaya is a high-end gem for Thai cuisine. We had the goat and lamb curry, served with eggs, cucumber, and rice. Though the portion seemed small at first, it was perfect for two, and the flavor was unmatched—easily the best spicy thai curry I’ve ever had.

The whole branzino came in a cute fish-shaped dish with a lemony hot broth, kept warm by a candle underneath. Every bite was unforgettable.

While lunch in the summer was a bit intense last time we were there, a December dinner was pure perfection.

Yes, it’s pricey, but the food and experience are worth every penny, also our server was the best!! Highly recommend!

Amazing!

Was here are week ago with the family. On the expensive side, and portions are small. Worth it if you are looking for.a flavor profile that is so much more layered and complex than the vast majority of good Thai places. Highly recommend, but also be warned that this is not about value.

After seeing the restaurant Kalaya on Netflix: Chef Table, I had to check this out!

The staff and bartenders are all super friendly. The atmosphere and ambience has a chill vibe for sure. Not pretentious, just chill.

The drinks could’ve been drinks poured at a craft drink bar they were so good. Reading the drink menu was frustrating only in that I’ve rarely wanted every single thing on the list but they were such creatively crafted cocktails.

… and the food. The goat and lamb dish was to die for. It was flavorful and spicy the day spicy should be done. There is a slow burn that builds up but never gets too high or overwhelming. The entire time you can very much taste the savory flavors and the heat adds to the flavor sensation! This is how it should be done! The branzino might be some of the best I’ve had. Love the way they serve it. And those little bird dumplings made famous on Netflix did not disappoint. I will say that I’m here to post about these amazing drinks and this Ambrosia level food but one of my favorite parts of my experience was the level of customer service. The bar tender was super nice, engaging, efficient with drink making, and did that thing where she balanced engaging us with leaving us alone super well. There was intentionality but more importantly she was a professional doing the damn thing. This was consistent across Kalaya so shout out to the staff because this does enhance the experience and I appreciate it. In short, get your butt to Kalaya and you will not be disappointed!!

Great ambience and service. The food is certainly spicy and has great depth of flavor. The Thai shaved ice is a must try!

I have had two visits a year apart. The food is excellent. Each dish is unique. The presentation is thoughtful. The wait staff is helpful and the drinks are great. The last time we were there they misplaced our food that we’d planned on taking home. They were very apologetic. A person I presumed to be the manager, took a generous amount off of our bill and offered to gift us a dish that we were specifically looking forward to. I would highly recommend this place. Be sure to make a reservation. A restaurant this nice is very busy.

This restaurant made a fantastic first impression. The service was attentive, the presentation thoughtful, and the food was flavorful and balanced. My first visit set a high bar—every dish was beautifully prepared, and the flavors were bold and memorable.

The shaw muang dumplings stood out as the perfect bite, with a touch of heat softened by a crisp chunk of cucumber. The gui chai (crispy rice cakes) were sizable, chewy on the inside, and packed with chives, paired with a soy-based dipping sauce that hit all the right notes of spicy, salty, and sweet. The lohn pu (crab roe curry) was fiery, creamy, and packed with complex flavors that had me sweating in the best way. And the sua rong hai, a dish reminiscent of crying tiger, was a star. The steak was tender and flavorful, and the dipping sauce perfectly balanced sour, sweet, and savory.

Unfortunately, the quality and flavors haven’t been consistent since. On my last two visits, dishes I had loved felt lackluster. The dumplings, once balanced and vibrant, were served with thin, unevenly cut cucumbers, and the filling lacked flavor. The lohn pu, which had once been fiery and complex, was disappointingly one-note, leaning overwhelmingly sweet without the spice or depth I had enjoyed before.

We also tried some new dishes, like the gai golae (BBQ chicken), which tasted like a standard American BBQ dish, and the moo yaang prik, which had a similar sweet-savory flavor profile but didn’t stand out.

I’m torn because my first experience was exceptional, but after the last two visits, I’m questioning whether it’s worth the cost. When they’re on point, the food can be incredible, but the inconsistency has made me hesitant to recommend it without reservations.

Fantastic! Love the fish and all other dishes

Came here for lunch. It was so delicious and the wait staff was very attentive. Flavors were authentic Thai.

Hands down one of the best, if not thee best, dining experiences in Philly! We had the most helpful server, delicious drinks, perfectly balanced dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Went here for a birthday dinner and cannot wait to return!

Had a wonderful birthday celebration dinner here! Everything from the food, staff and atmosphere was top notch.

We did have to wait 25 minutes after our reservation to be seated, but they gave us complimentary tequila shots (which were delicious) to make up for it. We appreciated that.

We started with the chicken dumplings, definitely my favorite bite of the night. They were phenomenal. The duck salad was good, I was afraid it would be overly spicy but they’ve toned down the spice level in their dishes due to feedback.

For entrees, we got the massaman curry and it was so flavorful. The lamb was falling apart from how perfectly cooked it was. The branzino came on this metal boat contraption, next level presentation! It was some of the best fish I’ve had.

This lived up to the hype it gets. It’s a great place for a celebration as it is on the pricey side, but you can expect amazing quality food/drinks and service to match.

I definitely recommend coming to Kalaya for a nice dinner. The food and service were amazing. It was so hard to pick things from the menu, so I will definitely be back.

For drinks we started with a Song shot, which had such a ripe and juicy pineapple slice with it, and went down so smoothly. We also ordered an espresso martini and a Slushy beer, which were both really good.

We started with the Shaw muang dumplings, kanom jeeb nok dumplings, and fried squid. If you have to choose between the 2 aesthetic dumplings, definitely go with Shaw muang. I know the little birds are cuter but the flavors of the Shaw muang steals the show, probably our favorite dish of the entire night.

For the main, we ordered the beef tenderloins stir fry, which was so tender and flavorful. It was off the menu for sometime and is back, so I definitely recommend getting this. We also ordered the Lohn pu, which had a very distinct fish flavor that neither of us were big fans of. It still looked amazing and for seafood fans would still be a good choice. The server was nice enough to take it off our tab since we didn’t like it, which was really nice.

Lastly, the service was amazing. Our server, Michael, was very attentive without being disruptive and everyone who brought out our food was well-versed in explaining the dishes.

Overrated. Service excellent. Vibes immaculate. But the food?? Got a crab dish and their “award winning” curry.. didn’t even overeat, but felt mad sick the whole rest of the night. Way too heavy. The amount of butter was disgusting. Not how Thai should be, not how any food should be, really. Won’t be coming back. You might as well go to JJ Thai on chestnut

The food — especially the shaved ice dessert — is outta this world. But the service is annoying! They assume you’ve never been there before and condescend to you about everything (how to order, how to eat). Makes me reluctant to return!

I spent my birthday here with 7 of my loves being offered the set menu. Hands down one of the most loving food experiences I’ve had in my life. I feel disappointed that when the owner greeted our table not only didn’t I know her name but that I wasn’t aware of the experience I was about to have. The food was like a family that was nothing alike but seamlessly flowed together to awaken every tastebud. The food told a story of passion, love and strength; one I’ll never forget.

EXCELLENT. JUST GO!

An incredible dining experience all the way around; no wonder it’s people’s favorite restaurant in Philly.

From the service, to the atmosphere, to the food. It was all amazing. We shared a bunch of appetizers and entrees; everything was cooked perfectly with the right amount of balance in each dish with the khao kad pu being our favorite.

A must visit for any foodie.

Came here with my boyfriend for my birthday dinner and had such a wonderful time. Our server did a great job explaining the menu to us and walking us through the process of ordering to have a true and enjoyable family-style thai dinner. Can’t say enough amazing things about the food we ordered, I can only imagine the rest of the menu is just as delicious. The atmosphere is beautiful and perfect for couples as well as bigger groups. Would love to come back next time we’re in Philly!

Kalaya has become our favorite restaurant in the city! We love the atmosphere here. The service is always incredible, and the food is outstanding. Phoebe, the GM here is lovely. You can tell she genuinely cares about the service provided! Highly recommend coming to Kalaya!

If you can, you should come. It's amazing in every aspect.

Fresh, tasty and authentic Thai cuisine.
Beautiful decor and open/bright dinning room. AMAZING service!!
The only downside is a bit pricy.

The whole experience was great! From drinks, to the food, to the service everything was amazing. I have been wanting to come here for awhile and they lived up to every expectation!

This is my favorite Thai place I’ve ever been to! It is so fresh, super flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every time I’m in Philly, I plan to go here.

First time here for an anniversary dinner. Reservations required. We were seated within 5 minutes of arrival. I really enjoyed sharing the unique Thai dishes that are unlike other Thai restaurants. Enjoyed several curries, dumplings and the shaved ice dessert.

Kalaya promised a night of unforgettable flavors and aesthetics, with an ambiance and service that initially set the stage for a memorable meal. The cocktails, in particular, were a strong start, showcasing the restaurant's knack for mixology; the Lum Yong was refreshing and unique, and the reposado shots were a nice addition to the experience. Our waitress was the embodiment of hospitality—attentive without being intrusive, and kind-hearted in every interaction. Service moved at a perfect pace throughout the evening. The setting itself was captivating, with an atmosphere that immediately immerses you in a sense of vibrancy and warmth.

But the magic, unfortunately, ended with the drinks and service. Where Kalaya truly missed the mark was in the food—an area that should be the core of any dining experience.

The first course, Shaw Muang dumplings, held promise with their pleasant kick of spice. However, a dipping sauce would have tied the flavors together into a harmonious bite. The second course, the Laab Hed salad, was a highlight, delivering a well-balanced and thoughtful arrangement of flavors that stood out from the rest of the meal. It was the one dish that felt fully realized.

From there, the meal became a study in lost potential. The Gai Golae chicken was well-cooked, but tasted like an overly dressed barbecue chicken—good, but not remarkable. Its messy nature required a hands-on approach, which would have been fine if wet wipes had been provided. Thankfully, our waitress graciously brought warm linens upon request.

Then came the Nua Tod & Som Tom ribeye. Although the meat itself was skillfully prepared, the broth it was served in fell flat, lacking depth and leaving the dish somewhat lifeless. By the time the Pu Pad Pong Karee arrived, expectations were low but the visual presentation still managed to excite. Unfortunately, one bite was all it took to reveal a deep mismatch between the stunning appearance and the disappointing taste.

Dessert, a Thai Tea Tiramisu, closed out the night. It was a decent but uninspired ending that merely confirmed what had already become evident: Kalaya's strength lies in style and presentation, but somewhere along the way, they lost sight of substance.

The biggest disappointment was the illusion that each dish could offer something extraordinary—only for the flavors to fall dramatically short. It’s a place with charm, outstanding cocktails, and lovely service, but in the end, Kalaya’s beautiful plates remain just that—beautiful, but lacking the soul of an unforgettable meal.

Excellent atmosphere, drinks, service, and food. The tasting menu over delivered. It’s A LOT of food…I repeat, A LOT of food. They also allow change outs for allergies or dietary restrictions which is nice. Caveat is that the whole table needs to do that change out.
The shaved ice is one of the best I’ve ever had. And I also love that the food is actually spicy and not tailored too much for the American palate.

Food was delicious but quite pricey. Service was good as well. We were able to get a table for two just walking in right when they opened for dinner.

Kalaya is undeniably a stylish venue, radiating vibrant energy with a lively atmosphere and attentive service. The menu, rich with the intriguing flavors of Thai cuisine, offers an exciting array of options that promise an immersive culinary journey. Yet, for me, the spice level was a formidable barrier; even the milder dishes carried an intensity that quickly overwhelmed my palate. My experience came to an abrupt halt after an encounter with a hidden chili, which curtailed my meal prematurely. Unlike the food menu, the cocktail offerings felt somewhat narrow, favoring rich, coconut-forward options that felt more suited to dessert than to an aperitif. On a personal note, while I appreciate the ambiance and service, I would hesitate to return, as the heat level proved to be too much for my taste.

Strange dishes lacked balance and consistent execution. Over seasoned. Inauthentic and expensive

One of the worst experiences I’ve ever had in Philadelphia. The service was awful and the drinks were putrid. They legitimately lied to use about the wait. They said it would be ten minutes but we waited over an hour. Do not eat at this restaurant.

Told us 10-15 minutes. We didn’t get offered seating and were there for over an hour. No service. Rude hostess.

The lamb and goat curry portion was too small. It was equivalent to a condiment size or a cup of tea. I expected much more for $35. It was good but because of portion sizes I would not recommend.

Kalaya went from neighborhood feeling to almost chain like investment banking environment. Dishes are flavorful and spice levels always what you desire from Thai cuisine.
It seems the investors are pushing for ROI. Servings are now cutting margins while prices are extravagant. Service is efficient and quick which may trigger diner mentality for some.
Thai people may seek elsewhere. If you’re into Disneyworld thai restaurants - this may be the place for you.

I do a lot of damage at Thai places, and this is one of the best! Not only was the staff wonderful and accommodating. Maybe some people showed up late to a reservation and didn’t deserve the mercy I received!!

Separate from that wonderful vibe, excellent food and cocktails! Plus the tasting menu is at least 3 times the amount of food I can eat, so going to have wonderful midnight snacks!!

3% nonsense fee added to the bill.

Delicious. Stumbled upon it. Fantastic service and great food. Very busy but I was able to get a seat at the bar. Try lots of things because they are all good. Larger portions so best to share. Get dessert.

Chicken curry was legitimately one of the best dishes I’ve ever had. Tasting menu was a great deal! You’ll leave unbelievably full. 10/10 would recommend.

Vibe is a little posh for my tastes but service was great and the food was tasty for the most part (didn't love the charcoal grilled chicken...had more of a rotisserie chicken vibe to me).

Biggest bummer was them leaving out the leftover crab curry ($42) from my takeout which I was really looking forward to eating!

Snagged two seats at the bar right at the open of dinner and it was the best choice I’ve made in months. It’s a stunning restaurant and the food is world class. The Thai tea cocktail set a high tone. Started with the most gorgeous blue flower dumplings. Fried squid is honestly the best I’ve ever had—crispy, not at all rubbery, and the fried peppers + dipping sauce take it to 11. Crab curry has a very enjoyable heat and flavor, and it came with an unreal stuffed banana pepper and a boiled egg/fish sauce I’ll never forget. Thai tea tiramisu was a perfect finish. Riley and Alessandra at the bar took amazing care with us and deserve a raise. This spot is truly special. Trust.

It’s finally happened - our beloved Kalaya has become a sell out. After having been fortunate enough to eat at their south Philly location twice, we were excited to dine at their new location. The restaurant is massive and inviting but as usual too loud. But we were here for the food and my god was I disappointed. Whereas before it was vibrant and spicy, this time it was actually bland. And I don’t mean less spiced, I mean bland. We got a beautiful crab dish that looked amazing but was actually lacking any type of flavor, let alone salted well. The ‘curry’ we got was in the tiniest bowl I’ve ever seen and again lacking flavor. Our crispy ribeye was over fried and oily. The only good things were the cod dumplings and the shaved ice dessert. But for such tiny portions and significantly hiked up prices, I have to say this is not worth it. I do miss what the old Kalaya stood for and had to offer.

This was one of the most special and unique dining experiences! The food and drinks were phenomenal and the staff was knowledgeable and kind. I don’t like a lot of spice and I was pleased with how many things on the menu are not actually that spicy. We did not feel rushed at all over the course of our meal which was an added bonus to the whole experience.

Food was delicious, service was consistent and efficient. Highly recommend the cod dumplings, and the goat and lamb curry. Also, a great environment with beautiful decor in a large open space.

First time here and for my boyfriend’s birthday. Tasting menu was absolutely delicious, and our waitress gave amazing recommendations. Highly recommend coming here for nice occasion.

First time here with friends, and everything was great. The food, service, and decor. Appetizers, dinner, dessert, and drinks! Can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

The food here was delicious, particularly the lamb massaman curry. The birds were also adorable. I also don't usually love cocktails, but I really enjoyed the three that our table ordered. Definitely pricey but worth it for a special occasion place!

Do not go here if you can’t handle spicy food, I suffered immensely but it was worth it. Restaurant is gorgeous inside, we only got bar seating but it was warm and inviting. Drinks were excellent and get the coconut rice for sure

Finally, after multiple visits to Philadelphia and missing Kalaya, I was able to make it.

Overall, I'd give it about a 3.5-4. There were highlights, and there were average dishes: not everything landed. They were not even offering the infamous pork chop, which was utterly disappointing. I may need to revisit just for that. Here's how it went:

The hits: The rice cakes, the pork tenderloin and the shaved ice (strawberry compote option). Both the rice cakes and pork were popping with flavor and unique dishes. The shaved ice stole the show - for the first time, a talkative bunch of colleagues were silenced!

The misses: duck salad (texture and flavors were off); the mushroom steamed rice cups (absolutely forgettable) and ribeye dish (meat was way overcooked and the som tum was disgusting (not even close to the flavor of traditional papaya salad).

The in-betweens: the chicken dumplings (very uniquely presented and probably more beautiful than they were tasty); lamb massaman curry (a huge lamb shank with not much meat and difficult to share for a family style menu...but decent flavor), the whole chicken (good flavor yet not memorable), and the tiramisu (disappointing but decent enough).

All in all, I have to say: I was disappointed on balance by a meal that I anticipated for years. I have had much better-prepared Thai cuisine, and too many dishes failed to deliver up to my expectations. The service was impeccable the entire night. The drinks were good, and the ambiance solid. But there is nothing aside from the missed pork chop experience that would get me back.

I eat a lot of Thai food, and this was easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had overall. Everything, from appetizers to desert, was incredible. Plating was phenomenal- everything was as delicious as it was beautiful. Every member of the staff was extremely attentive, knowledgeable, and helpful, and seemed to genuinely care about providing the best experience possible. Our server Michael knocked it out of the park, and we will definitely be returning the next time we find ourselves in town.

This is a really nice Thai restaurant. They dont mess around on the spice level, but assuming you're spice tolerant, there's a great selection of vegan and vegetarian options, served family/sharing style. Great cocktails too. Good service and nice atmosphere, but definitely loud due to the very open layout

The most salted, unpleasant, super expensive, horrible taste food I have ever had. This was the first time we had to send back half of the dishes we ordered, because were inedible... oh and about the service; we called the waitress once and noticed and she rolled up her eyes, awkward!

It was quite cramped but the foot was exquisite. I can’t gush enough about the pork belly. I crave the coconut rice regularly.

Walking through the doors at Kalaya is an experience in itself. The food is incredible and service is unmatched. One of those restaurants you're always looking forward to going back to. 10/10

Best food I’ve had in Philly

There is a reason this is such a sought after reservation. It’s insanely good. The flavors were so intense, spicy and mouth watering. It had me going back for more and more. The wait staff was on pointe and the Chef was so sweet to visit our table and couple times to say hello and recommend some items. We finished with the shaved ice which was the perfect closing act! It is a MUST go.

This place is awesome. The service is outstanding..The food is outrageously fresh and delicious. Our server ( don't remember but is originally from Cali ) was a delight.The owner came over and spoke. No wonder she won a Beard Award. Love love love it!!! Can't wait until the next time

Incredible dining experience. Strongly recommend.

Kalaya has the kind of food that sits just right in your soul. You can pull the memory of it up easily. It’s clearly made with love and feels like home. From the moment we sat down, to the time we left, our party felt very comfortable and satisfied.
Kalaya was a bright spot for me, during the pandemic, when they ran a whole operation to feed restaurant folks “staff meal”. I took advantage a few times and it was support like this that really made an impact, for a lot of us, during a pretty scary time. Can’t be grateful enough and love being in a position where I can support this special gem of a place by eating there now!

Really great food & cool ambiance

Excellent tasting menu

First of all, I am Thai and grew up in the Southern Part of Thailand like the food of the restaurant suppose to be. I think it's pretty interesting menus they choose to present. Just a bit more quantity of food would be nicer 😀

I've been to Kalaya Philly two times in the past three months and I can't get enough! ❤️

They aren't missing a beat at what's now becoming one of the GOATs of Philly restaurants. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kalaya was a great experience with friends. We selected the tasting menu and it ended up being a great choice. Plenty of food in both quantity and variety and everything was top quality. The dessert was exceptional. We will absolutely be back.

Excellent food, original, spicy. We got the menu which was great. Very noisy

Everything was great on our visit to Kalaya. The wait staff was very informative and helpful in navigating the menu. The food came quick, and it was all excellent. The food is a bit on the adventurous side, so be ready to try new and unique offerings. We will be sure to stop back in our next trip to Philly.

We had an overall great experience with the chef menu. It's a ton of food , but the variety was awesome.

Probably the least acceptable level of service for a restaurant that is supposedly lauded for its food. They have a policy that groups larger than 5 have to order from a limited prix fixe $75 per person menu. Their excuse is that it's a better experience for the customer because they ensure they blend the level of spiciness of the dishes. Somehow your utility increases when your options are limited according tot their thinking. Economists behold! In reality, the policy is meant to make it easier for their staff and kitchen to get orders out. Since none of the items appealed to our group of 8, we were forced to split our birthday dinner into two smaller groups to be able to order from the normal menu, because management was totally inflexible. The food was good, but did not warrant the snotty service. The food came out in no particular order, just as the kitchen prepared it. In the end they actually gave us just one bill for the two groups and even added a 3% surcharge for the kitchen staff. Pathetic. They ruined my birthday dinner. Will never be visiting again.

Good Thai food. Don’t expect regular dishes like pad thai, pad see ew here though.
You will find many non-mainstream dishes here.
Parking is $10 but if you’re lucky you may find free street parking.

Great food, great atmosphere, great service. I especially loved the pu pad pong karee and the shaw muang. Can’t wait to be back.

Great place, amazing vibe and above all, excellent food. I particularly recommend the branzino; the lemon stock was superb. But the chicken dumplings and the crab meat were above average. Will return the next time I visit Philly

Delightful elevated Thai food. Beautiful interior design. Hadn’t visited the area in a while, was surprised how spruced up it looked. Felt safe. The server recommended 2 people order 2 apps and 2 or 3 curries, but it was waaay too much food! And we’re big eaters. 2 apps, 1 curry would have been plenty. Specialty cocktail too sweet, they have a really nice Torrontes though.

Just go!!! I drove past this place countless times and did not blink. Friend said lets go just searching for a local lunch spot. This is unlike any Thai food spot I have visited. I got a crispy skin Barrumundi fish dish and my friend got the crab fried rice I tried both. It is a family style serving type of restaurant. They complimented well flavor wise. I will definitely return.

An amazing meal, probably a top 10 meal for a foodie like me. We got the tasting menu (supposedly ideal for a group of 4), and it was all very good. The only comment would be to let them know how much spice you can tolerate. Some in our group found some items, like the fish on the spicy side. Highly recommended despite the $$$ price.

Best food I've had in a long time!!!

Extremely overpriced for what it is. Quality is good no doubt. But portions are small and there’s is superior Thai food for cheaper near by. Would recommend skipping this if you’re in the area.

Amazing food. Outstanding service and great vibe. Don’t miss the tasting menu experience.

Someone give this place a michelin star

Stunning! Love the atmosphere, the friendliness of the owner, and the food is out of this world. Go as soon as you can get a reservation.

Incredible experience! The food is delicious with the amazing depth of flavor you expect from Thai cuisine and fun contrasts of sweet, spicy, acidic, and more. They have a modern take on classic Thai dishes in a well crafted menu with staff who are warm, friendly, and knowledgeable of the dishes. The restaurant is bright and casual beautifully providing a comfortable environment for dinner.

Best thai I've ever had in the US

It's pricey. And portions small.
The appetizers were more amouse bouche size and portion
5 miniscule "dumpling" for 18$
The food was good but heavy on oil, esp lamb curry.
It was an experience, yes but won't return again
3 people without alcohol - 275$!!

Had a really wonderful dinner here! The food was super delicious, and different from what you usually find. No pad Thai or drunken noodles here! Really special dishes. The fried calamari and green curry were particularly fantastic. We also got the rice cakes, chicken dumplings, cabbage, and rib eye.

It was definitely spicy - every dish had some sort of spice to it, so be aware before you go. But if you can generally tolerate spicy food, you’ll be fine. The staff was very helpful about guiding us to order things that were appropriately spicy for our tolerance.

I highly recommend sitting at the bar - the bartenders were incredibly friendly, attentive and helpful! Everyone was constantly checking on us, making sure we had water and weren’t struggling with the spice :) the bartender kindly offered us Thai ice tea which was very delicious and helped tame the heat.

Definitely recommend stopping in for a special occasion!