The green curry pad Thai initially had me scratching my head - it feels sacrilegious to recommend pad Thai with zucchini in it. That said, the noodles have chew and get seared with wok hei; the permeating green curry flavor feels abundant and herbaceous thanks to fistfuls of fresh Thai basil.
Ready in just over 30 minutes, these meatballs are easily assembled by hand using a combination of aromatic ingredients such as turmeric, coconut, ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro. The inclusion of fresh bread, egg, and shredded coconut ensures that the ground chicken stays wonderfully succulent as the meatballs are broiled to perfection, offering a little smokiness and char action. The chicken meatballs are served alongside a quick-to-assemble peanut dipping sauce, adding a rich, creamy counter that perfectly complements the other flavors in the dish.
This winter, things are about to get hot in Williamsburg. The team behind the beloved and famously spicy Ugly Baby has signed a lease at 364 Grand Street, as initially reported by the Instagram account Yes Williamsburg, before chef Sirichai Sreparplarn's business partner, Som Kharazmi, confirmed the news to Grub Street. The Ugly Baby team will move into the former Emmy Squared space between Havemeyer Street and Marcy Avenue, with Kharazmi saying that while there is no official opening date set, "February seems likely."
Pa Ord established herself in Thai Town in the 1990s with her famed boat noodles, but the legendary restaurateur proves she isn't a one trick pony with the addition of Roasted Duck by Pa Ord, a strip mall spot opened in 2024 in the location of her original Pa Ord restaurant that centers around roasted duck. Each duck takes hours to prep from massaging in the honey marinade, to drying out the duck skin overnight, to roasting.
From coq au vin to penne alla vodka, there are all kinds of dishes that get their names from the inclusion of alcohol. So if you don't want to have alcohol for any reason, it's fairly clear what to stay clear of. If you're browsing a menu of the best Thai dishes, you might think this is the case with drunken noodles. But despite the name, this dish doesn't contain any alcohol at all.
It comes with the option of rice or jade noodles (try to get both if you can), as well as a sweet soy sauce and an umami and slightly fruity duck sauce. The steamed Chinese broccoli that accompanies the dish lightens the whole thing, but the star is truly the duck, which arrives glistening with fat. The skin is my favorite part - it tastes luxurious - but the meat is also rich and partners well with plain steamed white rice.
Heng Heng Chicken Rice, located on a busy strip of Hollywood Boulevard in Thai Town, is known for its titular Thai-style poached chicken and rice paired with a zippy garlic sauce. The setting is unfussy and diner-like with specials taped to the walls and mismatched chairs scattered throughout. Although the menu is simple - variations of chicken, pork, and fish with rice or noodles and a selection of appetizers - the food at Heng Heng packs an amazing depth of flavor.
An excellent spot for unusual Thai sharing plates on Bellenden Road. The duck-leg curry is topped with watermelon radish and pickled kohlrabi and a whole squid comes with a sour chilli sauce. The dining room has a modern feel, with painted reclaimed wood and a greenhouse courtyard which is particularly nice on a summer's evening. The restaurant doesn't take reservations for groups less than six, so if it's just a couple of you put your name down
In order to preserve something, you have to change it. On June 30, Justin Pichetrungsi posted news on his restaurant's Instagram account that drew thousands of responses in shock, dismay and support: He would be closing his generational family business, Anajak Thai Cuisine, for nearly two months.
