Little Thailand in NYC is the Real Deal

You already know I love discovering hidden gems, and Little Thailand in New York City is exactly that. Tucked right in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, Little Thailand Way is a stretch of authentic Thai restaurants, dessert spots, and cultural flavor that will have you doing a double take. I made it my business to get there recently and I am so glad I did because what I experienced left a serious impression.

This is not a watered down version of Thai food. This is the real thing. And the moment you step into this neighborhood you feel it.

BTW, here is some of the gear I am currently using to capture my content.

• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for smooth, dynamic shots

• DJI Osmo 360 for immersive perspectives

• DJI Mic 2 for crisp, clear audio

• iPhone 17 Pro Max for quick, handheld shots

• DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal for stable walking sequences

And for deets on my outfits and other faves, you can check always check out my LTK and Amazon stores.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you.***

Hug Esan: Where Isaan Cuisine Does Not Play

My first stop was Hug Esan, a Northeast Thai restaurant serving Isaan cuisine — the bold, herbaceous, unapologetic food of Thailand's northeastern region. I had heard good things and I went in with high expectations. Those expectations were met and then some.

I ordered the mok nor mai. This is shredded bamboo shoots mixed with herbs, yanang leaf extract, and pork belly, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. It arrives with sticky rice and I want to be very clear about something — you eat this with your hands. No fork needed. And honestly that is part of the experience. There is something about eating this way that makes the food taste even better.

We also got the mushroom larb — a savory, tangy, spicy salad made with finely chopped browned mushrooms, lime juice, chili, toasted rice powder, fresh mint, cilantro, and shallots. It is bright and bold and layered in a way that keeps pulling you back in. Isaan food does not whisper and Hug Esan is the proof.

I sat there genuinely in disbelief at how good everything was. The depth of flavor, the technique, the tradition — all of it intact right here in New York City. If you have never had Isaan cuisine before, Hug Esan is your introduction and it is a good one.

Khao Nom: Thai Desserts That Hit Different

After Hug Esan I needed something sweet and I walked over to Khao Nom, a spot that's known for its traditional Thai desserts. I ordered the coconut pancakes and the coconut ice cream and they were both great.

The coconut pancakes came out warm and light — not overly sweet, with real coconut flavor running all the way through. The kind of thing you eat slowly because you are genuinely not ready for it to be over. And the coconut ice cream had a toasted nutty finish that paired so perfectly with the warmth of the pancakes. Creamy and nutty, warm and cold. That contrast is Thai dessert culture in a single sitting and Khao Nom nails it.

Why Little Thailand Needs to Be on Your List

Whether you are a Thai food lover, a curious foodie, or someone who has been dreaming about experiencing Thailand without yet making the trip, Little Thailand in New York City is a destination worth going out of your way. The restaurants here are not doing a version of Thai food. They are doing Thai food — with the ingredients, the techniques, and the heart that make it what it is.

Go hungry. Go curious. And go ready to eat with your hands.

And if experiencing Thai food and culture in real life has been on your mind, you should definitely join my group trip to Bangkok and Phuket! There are still a few spots left. Grab yours here!