Amster Thai NYC: Authentic Thai Dining on Amsterdam Avenue

Amster Thai Introduce

For New Yorkers seeking a true taste of Southeast Asia right in the Upper West Side, Amster Thai on Amsterdam Avenue is a local destination worth exploring. This Thai restaurant delivers a focused yet extensive menu of classic and regional dishes, making it a reliable spot for your next Pad Thai craving or for an adventurous dive into authentic Thai flavors. Located in a vibrant neighborhood, Amster Thai provides a welcoming, casual, and cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a busy day in the city.

The restaurant is highly popular for both Lunch and Dinner, offering not just a satisfying meal but a convenient culinary experience for busy urban lifestyles, including those dining Solo. The menu showcases the culinary depth of Thai cuisine, ranging from well-known staples like the Pad Thai Noodle and a variety of flavorful curries to unique 'Thai Specials' that often capture the authentic, street-food-inspired essence of the country. With options clearly marked for their spiciness and a willingness to accommodate special requests—such as making spicy dishes mild—Amster Thai ensures a personalized dining experience for every palate.

While the service and consistency, especially regarding late-night delivery orders, have seen mixed reviews, the quality of the core offerings like the appetizers and unique specials (such as the Spare Ribs, praised as "the best ribs I have ever tasted") continues to draw a dedicated local following. The restaurant commits to using quality ingredients and providing a comfortable, friendly environment, as noted by customers who appreciate the super nice owner and the inviting decor featuring plants and flowers.

Location and Accessibility in NYC

Amster Thai is centrally located in a bustling part of the Upper West Side, providing easy access for residents and workers across Manhattan. The precise address is:

Address: 844 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

Being situated on Amsterdam Avenue places it near key transit hubs and residential areas, making it a highly convenient spot for neighborhood diners. For those driving into the area, it is important to note that the parking situation reflects typical New York City conditions:

Parking is available primarily via Paid street parking, which is common throughout Manhattan. Customers should plan accordingly for parking meters and local regulations.
In terms of physical access, the restaurant features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, demonstrating a consideration for guests with mobility needs.
Its location is ideal for quick stops for Takeout or for receiving Delivery directly to a New York City apartment or office.

The atmosphere inside is described as Casual and Cozy, providing a relaxed dining escape from the fast-paced energy of New York streets.

Services Offered

Amster Thai provides versatile service options designed to fit the diverse needs of its New York City clientele, from a quick solo meal to a planned evening out:

Full Dining Options: The restaurant offers Dine-in service for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert in its casual and cozy setting, making it suitable for both quick bites and more leisurely meals.
Off-Premise Convenience: For busy New Yorkers, seamless Delivery and Takeout options are provided, ensuring the food can be enjoyed at home or on the go.
Accommodating the Busy Schedule: The restaurant Accepts reservations, which is a valuable feature for planning dinner, especially during peak hours in the Upper West Side.
Dedicated Lunch Special: A significant offering is the value-driven Lunch Special, available from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This includes a choice of Appetizer with an Entrée for a fixed price (e.g., Pad Thai, various Curries, or Stir-Fry Entrées for $11.50), catering perfectly to the workday crowd.
Dietary Flexibility: The menu features a strong commitment to various dietary preferences, including Comfort food, Healthy options, Quick bite items, Small plates, and readily available Vegetarian options.
Spiciness Control: All Spicy Dishes can be made mild upon request, allowing customers to fully enjoy the flavor profile without excessive heat.
Payment Methods: Transactions are made convenient with the acceptance of Credit cards and Debit cards.

Features / Highlights of the Menu

The menu at Amster Thai is rich with flavor and variety, featuring dishes that have become local favorites:

Noodle & Rice Staples: The classic Thai noodles are a major draw, with Pad Thai Noodle, Pad See Ew Noodle, and Drunken Noodle all listed at the same base price of $13.00, making them an excellent choice for any noodle enthusiast. The Fried Rice selection is equally diverse, featuring Pineapple Fried Rice and the unique Thai Sausage Fried Rice.
Premium Specials: The 'Thai Specials' section features standout, authentic dishes, including the highly popular Crispy Pork Gra Prow (pork belly in basil sauce) and the acclaimed Thai Pork Chop, which is grilled and served with sticky rice. Duck preparations, such as Duck Tamarind, Duck Gra Prow, and Duck Curry, provide excellent options for poultry connoisseurs.
Exceptional Appetizers: Customers frequently praise the starters, with the Spare Ribs mentioned as being "the best ribs I have ever tasted." Other popular choices include Thai-Style Chicken Wings, Chicken Curry Puffs, and the unique Panko Fried Avocado.
Flavorful Curries: All four main curries—Red Curry, Green Curry, Panang Curry, and Massaman Curry—are available, served with Jasmine Rice (with a $1.00 extra option for Brown Rice) and available at a competitive price of $13.00.
Fresh and Healthy Options: For those seeking lighter fare, the menu includes Healthy options like the Som Tum Papaya Salad, Larb Gai Salad, and the vegetarian-friendly Tom Kha Soup. Entrees like Rama, which features steamed broccoli topped with peanut sauce, are also available.
Unique Dessert Variety: Beyond the traditional Mango Sticky Rice and Coconut Fried Ice Cream, Amster Thai offers fun, American-inspired fried desserts like Deep Fried Oreos and Deep Fried Twinkies, providing a playful twist to the end of the meal.

Contact Information

For New York City residents looking to place a reservation, order a meal, or inquire about the menu, here is the essential contact information for Amster Thai:

Phone: (646) 998-5414

Address: 844 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

What is Worth Choosing: Authentic Depth and UWS Convenience

Amster Thai is an excellent choice for New Yorkers because it successfully balances the demand for authentic Thai flavors with the convenience of a dedicated neighborhood eatery. What sets it apart is the depth of its menu, offering much more than just the usual staples. The 'Thai Specials,' such as the Crispy Pork Gra Prow and the celebrated Thai Pork Chop, provide compelling reasons for repeat visits and culinary exploration beyond the Pad Thai and standard curries.

Furthermore, the establishment offers exceptional value, particularly with its well-priced Lunch Special, which is a major benefit for the busy Upper West Side community. The commitment to a Cozy, Casual atmosphere makes it a great spot to dine alone or with company, and the explicit care for dietary needs, including Vegetarian options and the ability to adjust spice levels, ensures a satisfying experience for nearly everyone. While the restaurant may face typical NYC service challenges, the core food quality, the welcoming demeanor of the owner, and the standout dishes like the Spare Ribs make Amster Thai a truly valuable and flavorful fixture in the New York City dining scene.

Amster Thai Vibe

Appetizers
Spring Rolls $6.00
Served Crispy. Glass noodles , assorted vegetable with a side of sweet yellow chili sauce.
Fried Tofu $6.00
Served with sweet chili sauce sprinkled w. ground peanuts
Thai-Style Chicken Wings $8.50
Served with sweet chili sauce.
Chicken Curry Puffs $7.50
Served with cucumber sauce.
Tofu-Vegetable Curry Puffs $7.50
Served with cucumber sauce.
Chicken Meatballs $7.00
Served with BBQ sauce, pineapples, onions, and bell peppers
Gyoza $7.00
With a Choice of Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, or Vegetable. Served with sweet chili-garlic soy sauce.
Steamed Chicken Dumplings $7.00
Served With sweet chili-garlic sauce.
Crab Rangoon $8.00
Crabmeat and cream cheese wrapped in crispy wonton skin. Served with sweet chili sauce.
Chicken Satay $8.00
Served with peanut sauce and cucumber sauce.
Fried Calamari $8.50
Served with lemongrass, ginger-mayo sauce.
Crabmeat And Shrimp Rolls $8.50
Served with sweet chili sauce.
Panko Fried Shrimp $8.50
Served with spicy mayo sauce.
Spicy Fish Cake $7.00
Served w. cucumber-sweet chili sauce sprinkled w. ground peanuts
Grilled Pork $8.00
Marinated with garlic. Served with scallion chili-lime sauce. Can be made without chili upon request
Spare Ribs $8.00
Served with spicy tamarind sauce
Thai Scotch Egg $7.50
Boiled egg wrapped in sausage. Served w. spicy mayo sauce
Panko Fried Avocado $8.00
Served with spicy mayo sauce.
Thai Lemon Chicken $9.00
Fried chicken tenders served with lime mayo sauce
Duck Roll $9.00
A wrapped tortilla containing roasted duck, scallions, cucumber, hoisin-Sriracha sauce

Salad
Spicy Dishes may be made mild upon request
Thai Salad $6.50
Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, bean sprouts, fried tofu. Served with a choice peanut or sesame dressing
Avocado Salad $8.50
Mixed greens with avocado, tomatoes and cucumbers. Served with sesame dressing.
Som Tum Papaya Salad $8.50
String beans, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, peanuts, and chili-lime juice.
Larb Gai Salad $10.00
Minced chicken with red onions, scallion, mint, roasted rice powder, dried chili, and lime juice
Beef Salad $12.00
Grilled sliced beef, cucumber, red onions, mint, tomatoes, sweet and chili-lime juice
Grilled Shrimp Salad $12.00
Avocado, mango, lettuce, cashew nuts, red onions, garlic and chili-lime juice
Soft Shell Crab Salad $13.00
Soft shell crab with mango, avocado, red onion, and cashew nuts with chili-lime juice
Duck Salad $14.00
Roasted duck with cashew nuts, mango, green apple, mint, tomatoes, sweet chili-lime juice

Soup
Wonton Soup
Clear broth, Thai wonton consisting of ground pork and shrimp, whith bok choy and shiitake mushrooms
Tom Yum Soup
Lemongrass, mushrooms, onions, kaffir lime leaves, chili and lime juice. Served with a choice of shrimp, chicken or vegetables.
Tom Kha Soup
Coconut milk, lemongrass, mushrooms, galanga, and lime juice. Served with a choice of shrimp, chicken or vegetables. Recommended for Vegetarians
Tom Jerd
Steamed tofu, vegetables, noodles, and mushrooms in clear broth. Recommended for Vegetarians

Noodles
Spicy Dishes may be made mild upon request
Pad Thai Noodle $13.00
Sauteed fried rice noodle with egg, bean sprouts, bean sprout, scallion and peanuts. Can be made without fish sauce upon request
Pad See Ew Noodle $13.00
Sauteed flat rice noodle, egg, Chinese broccoli and sweet dark soy sauce.
Drunken Noodle $13.00
Choice of Udon or Flat Noodles with tomatoes, onions, chili and basil
Tom Yum Noodle Soup $14.00
Rice Noodles, ground pork balls in clear broth, peanuts and a boiled egg
Duck Noodle Soup $16.00
Rice noodles with braised duck, Chinese broccoli, bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro and garlic in smooth broth

Fried Rice
Fried Rice $13.00
Egg, tomatoes, scallion, onion and Chinese broccoli.
Pineapple Fried Rice $13.00
Pineapple, egg, tomatoes, scallion, onion, and cashew nuts.
Thai Sausage Fried Rice $13.00
Egg, red onion, scallion, ginger
Spicy Fried Rice $13.00
Chili, onions, string beans and basil
Crab Fried Rice $16.00
Lumpcrab, egg, scallion, garlic and onion.

Entrée
Served with Jasmine Rice , Substitution for Brown Rice , $1 Extra.Spicy Dishes may be made mild upon request
Ginger (Pad Khing) $13.00
with ginger, mushrooms, onion and scallions
Curry (Pad Prik Khing) $13.00
Curry paste with string beans, bell peppers, and long hot chili
Basil (Pad Gra Prow) $13.00
Bamboo shoots, onion, long hot chili in Thai basil-chili sauce
Cashew (Pad Medmamuang) $13.00
Cashew nuts, assorted vegetables, and onions in Thai cashew sauce
Garlic $13.00
with mixed vegetables in garlic sauce
Eggplant Basil $13.00
Eggplant, onions, long hot chili in Thai basil-chili sauce.
Rama $13.00
Steamed broccoli with peanut sauce, topped with ground peanuts

Curries
Served with Jasmine Rice , Substitution for Brown Rice , $1 Extra.Spicy Dishes may be made mild upon request
Red Curry $13.00
Coconut milk, bamboo shoot, eggplants, bell pepper and basil.
Green Curry $13.00
Coconut milk, pineapple, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and basil
Panang Curry $13.00
Coconut milk, string bean, bell peppers, and long hot chili
Massaman Curry $13.00
Coconut milk , potatoes, carrot and onion

Thai Specials
Served with Jasmine Rice (Except for Gai Yang & Thai Pork Chop), Substitution for Brown Rice , $1 Extra.Spicy Dishes may be made mild upon request
Gai Yang $17.00
Roasted half BBQ chicken, marinated in Thai herbs. Served with sticky rice, papaya salad, and sweet chili sauce
Thai Basil Minced Chicken Or Pork
with a choice of chicken or pork in Thai chili basil sauce with a fried egg on top
Crispy Pork Gra Prow $14.95
Pork belly in basil sauce and bird's eye chili
Crispy Pork With Chinese Broccoli $14.95
Pork belly and Chinese broccoli in garlic sauce
Thai Pork Chop $15.95
Grilled marinated tender pork chop served with sticky rice and scallion chili-lime sauce
Duck Tamarind $16.95
Roasted duck served on top of stir-fried mixed vegetables and tamarind sauce
Duck Gra Prow $16.95
Roasted duck with onions, carrots, string beans and bird's eye chili in Thai basil sauce
Duck Curry $16.95
Roasted duck with tomatoes, pineapple, bell peppers and basil in Red curry
Pla Rad Prik With Crispy St. Peter Fish $17.00
Tilapia served with sauteed vegetables and our 3 flavored sauce
Tilapia Pad Ped $16.00
Fried fillet tilapia with Thai eggplant, string beans, baby corn and bell peppers in a Thai spicy curry sauce
Karee Shrimp $17.00
Sauteed Jumbo shrimp with Chinese celery, onions and egg in yellow curry
Basil Soft Shell Crab $19.00
Crispy soft shell crab with Thai basil sauce, served with sauteed vegetables

Chef's Specials
Broiled Lemon Sole $18.00
Served with roasted red potatoes, shiitake mushroom, sauteed vegetables and ginger soy sauce
Grilled Herb Salmon $18.00
Served with roasted red potatoes and mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic Butter Soft Shell Crab $18.00
Pan-seared soft shell crab served with mixed vegetables and roasted red potatoes
Seared Cashew Nut Lemon Sole $18.00
Sauteed asparagus and ginger brown rice, served with Avocado cashew sauce
Balsamic Cognac W. Scallops And Jumbo Shrimp $19.00
Served with Mixed vegetables and Jasmine rice
Lemongrass Scallops & Jumbo Shrimp $19.00
Seared scallops and jumbo shrimp covered in our lemongrass sauce. Served with spicy mango-asparagus salad and chili-lime vinaigrette

Side Orders
Jasmine Rice $2.00
Brown Rice $3.00
Sticky Rice $3.00
Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice $3.50
Steamed Noodle
Edamame $6.00
Sprinkled with sea salt
Peanut Sauce 2 Oz $2.50
2 Oz Additional Sauce $1.00
French Fries $6.00
Chinese Broccoli
Bok Choy
American Broccoli
Mixed Vegetables

Beverages
Soda $2.00
Spring Water $2.00
Sparkling Water $3.50
Pellegrino
Thai Iced Tea $3.50
Thai Iced Coffee $3.50
Iced Green Tea $3.50
Chrysanthemum Iced Tea $3.50
Bubble Milk Tea $4.00

Desserts
Coconut Fried Ice Cream $7.00
Served with raspberry sauce
Mango Sticky Rice $7.50
Sweet mango served w. sticky rice, layered w. coconut cream and sesame seeds
Banana Leaf Sticky Rice $7.00
Dried black beans in coconut sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf
Fried Banana $7.00
Served with honey
Deep Fried Oreos $6.00
Deep Fried Twinkies $6.00
Pumpkin Custard $7.00
Served on top of sweet coconut sticky rice
Taro Custard $7.00
Served on top of sweet coconut sticky rice

Lunch Special
11:00 am - 4:00 pm; Choose an Appetizer with An Entrée
Pad Thai Lunch $11.50
Sauteed fried rice noodle with egg, bean sprouts, bean sprout, scallion and peanuts. Can be made without fish sauce upon request
Pad See Ew Lunch $11.50
Sauteed flat rice noodle, egg, Chinese broccoli and sweet dark soy sauce.
Drunken Noodle Lunch
Choice of Udon or Flat Noodles with tomatoes, onions, chili and basil
Fried Rice $11.50
Egg, tomatoes, scallion, onion and Chinese broccoli.
Pineapple Fried Rice $11.50
Pineapple, egg, tomatoes, scallion, onion, and cashew nuts.
Thai Sausage Fried Rice $11.50
Egg, red onion, scallion, ginger
Spicy Fried Rice $11.50
Chili, onions, string beans and basil
Red Curry $11.50
Coconut milk, bamboo shoot, eggplants, bell pepper and basil.
Green Curry $11.50
Coconut milk, pineapple, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and basil
Panang Curry $11.50
Coconut milk, string bean, bell peppers, and long hot chili
Massaman Curry $11.50
Coconut milk , potatoes, carrot and onion
Ginger (Pad Khing) $11.50
with ginger, mushrooms, onion and scallions
Curry (Pad Prik Khing) $11.50
Curry paste with string beans, bell peppers, and long hot chili
Basil (Pad Gra Prow) $11.50
Bamboo shoots, onion, long hot chili in Thai basil-chili sauce
Cashew (Pad Medmamuang) $11.50
Cashew nuts, assorted vegetables, and onions in Thai cashew sauce

Amster Thai Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

Amster Thai Photos

Amster Thai Location

Amster Thai

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

844 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

Amster Thai Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 67 user reviews.

pad thaideliveredpricedrunken noodlesgreen curryto gotom yumquantityfish

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I changed my original 5 star to a well deserved 1 for this business.Became a fan originally, so that means I became a repeat customer and would have continued-UNTILI placed an order for myself round their closing time.Patrick who has been nicely took my order, but when the food arrived it was nothing like what I ordered the for I actual first original order.Beef was not tender and the flavor was very strange this time.I know for sure there's was something wrong or it was a different dish with different seasoning.It was past 10PM. I had no dinner because after two bites I placed it in the frigldge as is.I ate the wings which were good, but definitely store bought wings to fry as I've bought similar before.Since it was so late, I called the next day to talk to Patrick who was usually their on the days I call for me and my son.He was out, I explained the situation and asked for either a refund on the main dish alone or for them to send another dish I've either ordered before or a new one of the same, made the way I first ordered it.They took my information, called Patrick who was off, spoke to the manager or owner but didn't call me back at all.I called again the following day so I gave them another day to make it right for me, the customer - one who supports their business and originally sent other friends and family there to try.They said I had to "take the dish back there" back there so they could check it for a refundI explained I was not "delivering " a meal that there was a problem for their end, especially after tipping their delivery guy $5 for the delivery.I suggested they, at least replace the order and when the delivery person arrives I can hand them back the completely full container back so since he has to return back to the restaurant regardless.They told me no. I said this is the way you lose business quick as well as either word of mouth recommendation.I asked to speak to the owner/manager but they said she was out Friday, Saturday and Sunday but they spoke to her.I asked if she can call me then.They said no.I refuse to throw way my hard earned money on such a restaurant that I know now displays no sound judgement, has a owner who is a seemingly unavailable to speak to a customer who originally left a 5 start review and sent a food amount of new customers their way.That's all done.This was a tasteless (no pun intended) situation that could have been avoided, maintain a slowly but surely loyal customer as well as other who I've already shared the experience and they too value a business that will stand by their customers and make things right if needed.This restaurant did not and had multiple chances the past days.I explained this one plus other customers I sent will no longer be customers, period and keep our business with Thai Market and others that care enough about their customers.I took this picture of the Sunday.I ordered it Friday at around 930-10.As you can see, it's still completely full.Meaning I didn't have dinner that night, just the wings app.Shame.
April 14 · Craig
This is my first time to write a review. The owner is super nice! I really like the plants and flowers there. The spare rib…is the best ribs I have ever tasted!
January 05 · Zerui Li
The spot is super small, but what I tried, I really liked. I've only been able to go once, but I'll definitely be back to try other dishes. To play it safe, I tried the Pad Thai, and it was absolutely delicious!
May 21 · Federico Cancho
Ordered for pick up and waited 20 minutes. The rice was flavorless the chicken looks so pale and not delicious. My drunken noodles were tasty but most of the dish consisted of vegetables and only a couple of noodles. Definitely not worth $37, save yourself the visit.
August 23 · Jayla A
It was a cold rainy night so they were getting pounded by delivery requests which made the service kinda slow, they did apologize for it. Tilapia was really tasty and had plenty of both fish and veggies. Crispy pork belly was tasty too, fatty, but so is all pork belly. Samosas were quality, but I've had better. Special dishes were mostly $12.50 and traditional Thai dishes were around $10, so really great prices. Overall, I'd recommend Amster Thai.
January 23 · Daniel Rosenhaus