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Chai Thai Kitchen Info
Amenities
From the business
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Identifies as women-owned
Service options
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No-contact delivery
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Delivery
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Takeout
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Dine-in
Highlights
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Fast service
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Great tea selection
Popular for
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
Accessibility
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Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Happy hour drinks
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Hard liquor
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Healthy options
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Late-night food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Vegetarian options
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Wine
Dining options
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Counter service
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Dessert
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Seating
Amenities
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Bar onsite
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Gender-neutral restroom
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Restroom
Atmosphere
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Casual
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Cozy
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Trendy
Crowd
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Family-friendly
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Tourists
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Transgender safespace
Planning
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Accepts reservations
Payments
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
Children
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Good for kids
Other
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Identifies as women-owned
Best WLM Reviews
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Great food and location. Friendly and attentive staff. Would recommend the coconut soup and lunch special.
Quick Facts About Chai Thai Kitchen
Today
Opening Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
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| Tuesday | 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
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