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Enjoy Yaowarat
Yaowarat, located in New York City, is a hidden gem for authentic Thai cuisine that masterfully balances rich flavors and generous portions at accessible prices. Known for its standout dishes like boat noodles with tender beef, crispy roasted curry duck, and fiery Pad Khee Mao, the menu offers both classic and Northern Thai specialties, including regional gems like Gaeng Hung Lay and Kanom Jean Nham Ngiaw. The cozy, warmly lit space, attentive service, and thoughtfully crafted spice levels create an inviting atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners or casual dining. Yaowarat delivers an immersive taste of Thailand’s diverse culinary heritage that leaves you both satisfied and eager to return.
Inspired Moments
Enjoy a mix of flavors and experiences
Larb Ped
$28.00Basil Sauce (V)(GF)
Pad See Ew
Pad Thai (GF)
Eggplant Basil
Cashew Nut Sauce
Garlic Sauce
$0Ginger Sauce
$0Jungle Curry (V)(GF)
$0 About the Place
Yaowarat
Yaowarat stands out as a beloved hidden gem in the heart of New York City’s vibrant culinary scene. Nestled at 637 2nd Ave, this Thai restaurant proudly delivers authentic flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown. From the moment you step inside, the cozy ambiance, dim lighting, and attentive service create an inviting atmosphere perfect for both intimate dinners and casual outings.
The menu at Yaowarat strikes a remarkable balance between traditional Thai classics and more regional specialties, especially Northern and Issan dishes that are rare to find elsewhere in NYC. Highlights include the rich, tender cuts of beef in their boat noodles, which blend deep, savory broth with perfectly cooked noodles. The roasted curry duck impresses with its crisp skin and juicy interior, delivering layers of flavor that linger delightfully. Another must-try is the grilled beef paired with green chili dip—a fiery, addictive combination that speaks to the bold essence of Thai street food.
What truly distinguishes Yaowarat is its ability to offer generous portions without compromising quality or affordability. Dishes like Gaeng Hang Lay, a sumptuous Northern Thai pork belly curry, showcase a legacy recipe passed down through generations, revealing complexity in every bite. Freshness and zest shine in the Yum Woonsen glass noodle salad loaded with seafood, creating a vibrant contrast that refreshes the palate.
At Yaowarat, spice levels are thoughtfully calibrated and clearly indicated on the menu, allowing diners to customize their experience. This attention to detail, paired with smooth background music, ensures a relaxed pace where you never feel rushed—a rarity in a busy city. The inviting space combined with expertly prepared food creates a gratifying sensory journey.
For those craving authentic, flavorful Thai cuisine with genuine warmth and value, Yaowarat is a destination not to be missed. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience that leaves you full, satisfied, and eager to return.
Voices & Impressions
Guestbook
“ Hidden gem for authentic Thai food in NYC! The portions are huge, flavors rich, and prices super reasonable. The boat noodles were packed with thick, tender cuts of beef, the roasted curry duck was crispy outside and juicy inside, and the grilled beef with green chili dip was addictive. Friendly service, cozy vibe, and you’ll definitely leave full and happy. Highly recommend for anyone craving hearty, no-frills Thai! ”
“ First time here and definitely not my last! Got the lunch special of Pad Khee Mao with Chicken and it was absolutely worth it. Spicy, noddles very good and chicken well seasoned. Love that they have other locations and can’t wait to go again! ”
“ I always come here for special occasions with my partner, we both love thai food. Their menu has all the regular items and special items, pictures and spice levels included. Very cozy environment, dim lighting, smooth music that's not too loud. Usually not crowded so it's great for date nights or just eating out without feeling rushed. Been coming here for years, used to be called lan larb, hope they get great business so we can continue coming here. Thank you for your great services all these years and many more to come. ”
“ Nothing beats Issan style Thai food. This place is fantastic, not only is all the food flavorful and Rich with authenticity it's definitely the better restaurant on the Block as far as Thai food is concerned. Recommend eating here at the generic place next door. Everything we had was dripping with flavor. We have three apps and I entrees 4 drinks and it came out to $100 with tip the prices are very very reasonable 10/10. Would highly recommend coming here ”
“ This is such a cozy, hidden gem. The space is cute, the service was amazing, and the food was incredible. We ordered: Gaeng Hung Lay – Chef Kenny’s grandma’s recipe! Tender pork belly stewed in a rich, aromatic curry and pair with sticky rice. This is a must order! Yum Woonsen – Glass noodle salad with seafood, it so fresh, zesty, and one of my faves. Kanom Jean Nham Ngiaw – Fermented rice noodles in an herby pork broth. Comforting, flavorful, and a favorite! Khao Kriab Pak Mor – Sweet savory tapioca wraps, a fun and unique Thai street snack. Som Tum – Classic green papaya salad with a perfect chili-lime kick. Ka Na Moo Grob – Chinese broccoli with crispy pork belly Cocktails: Lin-Ping and Ka-Sa-Long - both were light and refreshing! And we ended with Mango sticky rice as our dessert. ”