Discovering New Thai Flavors in West Village, NYC

Discovering New Thai Flavors in West Village, NYC

Strolling through downtown and ending up in West Village can lead to delightful surprises. One such surprise is a recently opened Thai restaurant I stumbled upon. The cozy window-side seating caught my eye instantly, and I couldn’t resist stepping inside. The ambiance was warm, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal during this lovely season! 🥳

A Journey Through the Menu

🐙 Calamari Salted Yolk

The fried calamari was perfectly golden and crispy, radiating an incredible aroma. The salted egg yolk didn’t overpower the dish but rather complemented it. Eating it alone might be a bit salty, so pairing it with a refreshing drink is a must!

🥗 Papaya Salad with Crab

For just an extra $2, this dish was a revelation! The fresh crab, mixed with fish sauce, garlic, and chili, created a balanced mix of sour, salty, and sweet flavors. The crunchy green papaya made this salad a refreshing appetizer.

🦞 Kang Kua Lobster Tail

Finding fresh lobster in a Thai restaurant is rare, and this dish did not disappoint. The meat was firm and devoid of any oceanic smell. While the ginger-heavy curry received mixed reviews, the size of the lobster tail was indeed impressive!

🍛 Short Rib Panang Curry

This dish surprised me even more than the lobster! The tender beef short rib soaked up the rich and aromatic curry, making each bite delectable. The often slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts was elevated, making them enjoyable to even the pickiest eaters.

🍤 Wonton Tom Yum

This was, without a doubt, the most distinct Tom Yum soup I’ve had in New York! The coconut milk flavor took precedence over the spiciness, creating a rich and creamy texture. The shrimp dumplings were plump and bursting with flavor, outshining many tea restaurant versions. Plus, the addition of thick coconut meat was fantastic!

🐖 Crispy Pork

This dish comes recommended by the staff and features a Salt and Pepper variety that tastes remarkably similar to the popular crispy snacks from Guizhou. Who can resist crispy pork belly? Perfect for satisfying any appetite!

🍚 Crab Fried Rice

This dish was light yet fulfilling, with each grain of rice distinct and not oily. A perfect complement to the diverse flavors of the meal.

🥥 Refreshing Drinks

If you’re not in the mood for overly sweet Thai milk tea, try the Coco Thai Iced Tea. It’s a delightful mix of Thai milk and coconut water topped with coconut meat, refreshing your palate after savory dishes.

🥭 Mango Sticky Rice

The dessert was a crowd-pleaser, featuring fresh chunks of mango atop icy glass jelly, finished with brown sugar and Oreo crumbs for added excitement.

Final Thoughts

While some appetizers lean towards the salty side and the curry may not suit every palate, the overall experience was delightful. The enthusiasm of the staff, combined with quality dishes, makes this new eatery a promising addition to the NYC food scene.

This spot gives my beloved Cha Long a run for its money and may very well land in your top three Thai restaurants. So grab your friends and dive into these flavors! 🍽️

Location

📍 CHADA NYC

#NewYorkTravel #NYCExploration #NYCFoodie #ThaiCuisine #NewNYCRestaurants #SohoEats #EarthVillageFoodCritics #AmericanFoodieAdventure