Ayada Thai: Authentic Flavors and Cozy Dining in Elmhurst, Queens

Ayada Introduce

For New Yorkers who appreciate the genuine, complex, and sometimes fiery flavors of authentic Siamese cooking, Ayada Thai in Elmhurst, Queens, stands as an essential culinary destination. This highly-regarded Thai restaurant is a beacon in the borough's renowned 'Little Thailand' corridor, celebrated for delivering a vast, encyclopedic menu that spans regional specialties, ensuring a dish for every palate—from classic favorites to hard-to-find delicacies.

Since opening its doors in 2008, Ayada Thai has built a reputation for its meticulous preparation, beautiful presentation, and a dedication to authentic taste that rivals any Thai eatery in the metropolitan area. The restaurant is proudly identified as a women-owned business, contributing to the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Queens community. It offers a culinary experience that is consistently praised by local patrons and major publications alike, making the trek to Elmhurst well worth it for anyone craving real-deal Thai food with flavor profiles that are anything but "watered down." The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, providing an inviting space perfect for a variety of diners, from students and families to groups and tourists.

Location and Accessibility

Ayada Thai is strategically located at the heart of the Thai food epicenter in Queens, making it a convenient stop for a high-quality meal.

The exact location is: 77-08 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA. This address situates the restaurant directly on Woodside Avenue, a major artery that runs through Elmhurst and the surrounding areas. Queens is famously easy to navigate via public transit, and this location benefits from being close to major subway and bus lines, facilitating travel from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or other parts of Queens. For drivers, the restaurant notes the availability of both Free street parking and Paid street parking, though be aware that finding a spot in this busy neighborhood can occasionally be a challenge—a small price to pay for such incredible food.

Furthermore, Ayada Thai is committed to accommodating all guests, featuring excellent accessibility options:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

This inclusive approach ensures that the exceptional dining experience is available to everyone in the New York community.

Services Offered

Ayada Thai offers comprehensive services designed to fit the dynamic lifestyle of New York residents, providing options for every preference and occasion.

Dine-in: Enjoy a full, sit-down meal with table service in the casual, cozy, and trendy dining area. Reservations are accepted, which can be particularly useful during peak Lunch and Dinner hours.
Delivery: For those who prefer the comfort of home, reliable delivery service is available, ensuring your food arrives hot, fresh, and properly packaged.
Takeout: A quick and efficient option for picking up your order to enjoy elsewhere.
Full Beverage Service: The restaurant offers a Bar onsite with a wide array of drink options, including Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Hard liquor, and specialty Cocktails.
Dining Options: The full range of service includes Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, making it a spot for any time of day.
Happy Hour: Happy hour drinks are offered, making it a great destination for after-work gatherings or early evening socializing.
Catering to Diverse Needs: The menu explicitly features both Vegan options and Vegetarian options, in addition to Healthy options, ensuring that all dietary preferences are catered to without compromising on flavor.
Family and Group Friendly: The restaurant is Good for kids and provides High chairs, welcoming Family-friendly crowds and large Groups, along with being LGBTQ+ friendly.

Features / Highlights

Ayada Thai is lauded for a variety of features that elevate it above the typical Thai restaurant experience in New York City.

Authentic and Extensive Menu: The menu is renowned for its depth, offering not only beloved classics like Pad Thai, but also regional specialties and complex dishes such as Duck Panang Curry, various Som Tum (Papaya Salad) options (including Som Tum Pu Pla-Ra), and specialized rice dishes like Pork Leg Over Rice and Shrimp Paste Fried Rice.
Exceptional Speed and Service: Noted for Fast service, the staff is known to be attentive and friendly, with customers often mentioning proactive service, such as water refills.
Award-Winning Flavor Profile: The restaurant is famous for its powerful and authentic spice levels. Customers can request "Thai Spicy" to experience an intense heat level, and reviews frequently highlight the rich, delicious flavors and the ability to adjust the heat to preference.
Signature Dishes: Must-try items frequently praised in reviews and media include the Chive Dumpling appetizer, the perfectly cooked Pad See Ew noodles, the Crispy Watercress Salad, and the Duck Panang Curry. Seafood options, such as the various whole Fried Fish preparations, are also highly recommended.
Superb Beverage Program: Ayada features a full bar and an excellent selection, including a noted Great tea selection and a menu of uniquely crafted Cocktails with creative names like 'Summer Time' and 'Lady Marmalade.'
Diverse Offerings: The menu is characterized by Comfort food, Quick bite, and Small plates, catering to both quick meals and indulgent dining.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The setting is Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, creating an enjoyable environment that appeals to a wide variety of New York demographics, including College students and Tourists.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout, or general inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 77-08 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

Phone: (718) 424-0844

The Queens location is a testament to the fact that some of the city's most authentic and exciting culinary experiences are found outside of Manhattan.

What is Worth Choosing Ayada Thai?

Choosing Ayada Thai means opting for an authentic, high-quality Thai dining experience that is both accessible and exciting for the New York user. This is a restaurant that doesn't simply cater to Americanized tastes; it offers a depth of menu—with Southern, Central, and Isan specialties—that allows patrons to truly explore the culinary landscape of Thailand. The sheer variety, from the dozens of salads and noodle dishes to the full range of curries, ensures that repeat visits are a must to even scratch the surface.

It is worth choosing for the guaranteed consistency in flavor and quality, a point frequently highlighted by long-time customers who call it their "fave Thai restaurant." Standout dishes like the rich curries and the famously delicious noodles like Pad See Ew are prepared with a precision that elevates them far beyond ordinary takeout fare. The exceptional customer service, characterized by its "Fast service" and "friendly" staff, contributes significantly to the overall positive experience, making dining here feel genuinely welcoming and efficient—a prized quality in NYC.

Finally, the restaurant's commitment to being a full-service, inclusive establishment—offering full bar options, excellent cocktails, great accessibility, and diverse menu choices (vegan, vegetarian, healthy)—makes it a complete package. Ayada Thai is not just a meal; it’s a vibrant, authentic cultural and culinary cornerstone in Elmhurst that delivers on its promise of delicious, high-quality Thai food every time, solidifying its status as one of the best Thai restaurants in all of New York City.

Ayada Menu

Appetizers
A1. BBQ Pork Tenders $20.00
Grilled marinated pork served with spicy ‘jaew’ sauce.
A2. BBQ Beef Tenders $22.00
A3. Satay Chicken $14.00
Grilled chicken skewers served with peanut sauce and cucumber relish.
A4. Steamed Dumpling $13.00
Steamed chicken mixed with shrimp dumpling, served with house soy dipping sauce.
A7. Fried Tofu $11.00
With sweet chili sauce and crushed peanut.
A5. Spring Roll (5 Rolls) $11.00
Deep fried vegetable rolls served with sweet chili sauce.
A6. Crab Roll (4 Pieces) $17.00
Deep fried crab meat, ground pork, sesame oil, wrapped with tofu skin. Served with sweet & tangy plum dipping sauce.
A8. Shrimp In The Blanket $15.00
Deep fried whole shrimp and ground chicken rolls, and served with sweet & tangy plum dipping sauce.
A9. Chive Dumpling $13.00
Deep fried chive (gluten free) cakes served with house soy dipping sauce.
A10. Steamed Mussel $18.00
New Zealand mussels, garlic, onion, basil, served with Ayada’s signature spicy seafood sauce.
A11. E-Sarn Sausage $17.00
North-Eastern Thai fermented pork sausage with sides of red onion, chili, fresh ginger, and peanut.
A12. Northern Thai Sausage $15.00
Northern Thai style pork sausage, seasoned with fresh herbs. With sides of red onion, chili, fresh ginger, and peanut.
A13. Fish Cake $16.00
Curried fish cake served with cucumber and peanut relish.
A14. Fried Calamari $16.00
Battered fried calamari served with sweet chili dipping sauce.
A15. Fried Chicken Wings $16.00
Fried Chicken wings served with sweet chili dipping sauce.

Soup
S1. Tom Yum Shrimp Soup
With mushroom in hot and sour soup. Spicy.
S2. Bean Curd Soup
With ground pork or chicken.
S3. Tom Kha Chicken Soup
Chicken coconut milk soup with mushroom, red onion and galangal. Spicy.
S4. Kang Liang Soup $18.00
With shrimp pepper, zucchini and dry shrimp. Spicy.
S5. Bean Thread Soup $18.00
With ground chicken.
S7. Tom Zap Chicken $19.00
Chicken with mushroom, red onion in hot and sour soup. Spicy.

Salad
Y1. Thai Green Salad $14.00
With green leaf lettuce, onion, carrot, tomato, cucumber, fried tofu and peanut dressing.
Y2. Som Tum Thai $17.00
Shredded green papaya, long beans, tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp powder, seasoned with Thai chili, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
Y3. Som Tum Talay $24.00
Shredded green papaya, shrimp, squid, mussels, long beans, tomatoes, dried shrimp powder, seasoned with Thai chili, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
Y4. Som Tum Pu Ma $20.00
hredded green papaya, dried shrimp powder, long bean, tomatoes. and salted RAW crabs.
Y4. Papaya Salad W/ Salted Egg $19.00
Shredded green papaya, salted egg, long beans, tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp powder, seasoned with Thai chili, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
Y4. Som Tum Pu Pla-Ra $21.00
Shredded green papaya, long beans, tomatoes, dried shrimp powder, salted RAW Blue crab, and pickled fish.
Y5. Bean Thread Salad $21.00
Bean thread salad with ground chicken, shrimp, and squid, season with fresh chili, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Y6. Yum Moo Yor $20.00
Pork sausage salad with onion, scallion, cilantro, seasoned with fresh chili, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Y7. BBQ Pork Tender Salad $20.00
Grilled pork, seasoned with lime juice, dried chili, toasted rice powder, red onion, scallion, cilantro, and mint.
Y7. BBQ Beef Tender Salad $23.00
Grilled beef, seasoned with lime juice, dried chili, toasted rice powder, red onion, scallion, cilantro, and mint.
Y8. Larb Salad $17.00
Ground chicken or pork, seasoned with lime juice, dried chili, toasted rice powder, red onion, scallion, cilantro, and mint.
Y9. Raw Shrimp Salad $19.00
Raw shrimp served with bitter melon, fresh garlic, and topped with Ayada’s signature spicy seafood sauce. New York Timeout- The 100 Tastes You've to Try.
Y10. Moo Ma Nao $20.00
BBQ pork topped with spicy garlic, chili, and lime juice sauce.
Y12. Crispy Duck Salad $31.00
Fried crispy duck with mango, pineapple, cashew nuts, red onion, scallion, cilantro, sesoned with chili paste, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
Y13. Sour Sausage Salad $19.00
Sour pork sausage, peanut, fresh ginger, onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, and lime juice.
Y14. Seafood Mango Salad $23.00
A green mango salad with shrimp, squid, mussels, cashew nuts, scallion, red onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, lime juice, and fish sauce.
Y15. Crispy Watercress Salad | ยำผักบุ้งกรอบ $23.00
Battered-fry watercress, tossed with shrimp, squid, ground chicken, cashew nuts, scallion, red onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
Y16. Crispy Salmon Salad $23.00
Deep-fried fluffy salmon with shredded green mango, cashew nuts, seasoned with chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Recommended by New York Times.
Y17. Thai Sausage Salad $21.00
Sweet Thai sausage salad with cucumber, cilantro, red onion, scallion, seasoned with chili, and lime juice.
Y11. Mango Salad W/ Salted Crab $23.00
A green mango salad with salted RAW crab, scallion, red onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
Mango Salad (NO SEAFOOD) $20.00
A green mango salad with cashew nuts, scallion, red onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, lime juice, and fish sauce.

Fish
F1. Fish W/ Sweet Chili **Market Price** $42.00
Fried whole or filleted red snapper topped with sweet and tangy chili sauce
F2. Fried Fish W/ Basil Sauce **Market Price** $42.00
Fried whole or filleted red snapper topped with basil sauce, long hot chili, and mushroom.
F3. Fish W/ Mango Salad **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper topped with green mango salad, cashew nuts, green onion, scallion, and cilantro. ABC News recommended. Served with jasmine rice.
F4. Fried Fish W/ Garlic & Pepper Sauce **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper topped with savory garlic and pepper sauce.
F5. Steamed Fish W/ Seafood Sauce **Market Price** $42.00
Steamed whole red snapper topped with spicy seafood sauce.
F6. Fish W/ Sour Curry **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper in a mixed vegetable sour curry
F7. Fish W/ Papaya Salad **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper topped with green papaya salad, dried shrimp powder, peanuts, long beans, and tomotoes.
F8. Fish Pad Cha **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper topped garlic, finger root, chili, basil leaves, and Long hot pepper.

Fried Rice
F1. Thai Fried Rice $19.00
Choice of Protein, egg, onion, carrot, and tomatoes.
F2. Basil Fried Rice $19.00
Choice of Protein, Thai basil, long hot chili, and egg.
F3. Pineapple Fried Rice $18.00
Choice of protein, pineapple chunk, onion, egg, and cashew nut.
F4. Thai Sausage Fried Rice $19.00
Chinese broccoli, egg, sweet pork sausage.
F5. Sour Sausage Fried Rice $19.00
Sour pork sausage, Chinese broccoli, egg.
F6. Crab Meat Fried Rice $23.00
Crab meat, scallion, and egg.

Rice Dishes
O1. Pork Leg Over Rice $20.00
With mustard green, boiled egg and Chinese broccoli over rice.
O1. Pork Leg Entree $24.00
With mustard green, boiled egg and Chinese broccoli over rice.
O2. Hainanese Chicken $19.00
Steamed chicken served with chicken stocked rice and spicy ginger sauce, served with clear soup.
O3. Shrimp Paste Fried Rice $21.00
With sweet pork, red onion, egg, chili and mango. Spicy.

A La Carte
C1. Koong Ob Woon Sen $22.00
Steamed bean thread with shrimp and pork.
C2. Saute Chinese Watercress $21.00
Sautéed Chinese watercress with oyster sauce and garlic.
C3. Sauteed Chinese Broccoli $19.00
FYI: please add your choice of protien chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, crispy pork or seafood
C5. Sauteed Chinese Eggplant
With eggplant , garlic, chili, basil leaves.
Pad Woon Sen $21.00
Sautéed bean thread with shrimp, chicken, vegetable, and egg.
C7. Prik King $19.00
Sautéed string beans with choice of protein* and prik khing curry paste
C8. Pad Spicy Catfish $23.00
Sautéed sliced catfish, eggplant, fingerroot, and long hot chili, in a spicy curry sauce.
C9. Pad Ped Moo $19.00
Sautéed pork with curry paste, fresh herbs, and lime leaves.
C10. Pad Sa-Tor $23.00
Sautéed sa-tor, bitter beans, with ground chicken and shrimp.
C11. Pad Khee Mao $19.00
Sautéed mixed vegetable and choice of protein* with spicy chili sauce.
C12. Pad Ka Prow $19.00
Sautéed choice of protein with spicy Thai basil sauce and long hot chili.
C14. Pad Khing $19.00
Sautéed choice of protein* with fresh ginger, mushroom, long hot chili, onion, and scallion.
C15. Black Egg Basil $22.00
Sautéed black egg, ground pork, basil sauce, and long hot chili.
C16. Cashew Nut $19.00
Choice of meat with cashew nut, chili paste, onion, long hot pepper and carrot.
C17. Garlic And Pepper $19.00
Choice of meat Seasoned with pepper and garlic.

Curry
C1. Duck Panang Curry $31.00
Duck in coconut milk based Thai Panang curry. **NY Times Recommended**
C1. Panang Curry With Choice Of Meat $19.00
Choice of meat in coconut milk. Spicy.
C2. Massaman Curry $19.00
Choice of meat with onion, potatoes and peanut in coconut milk. Spicy.
C3. Jungle Curry $19.00
Choice of meat with mixed vegetables. Spicy.
C4. Green Curry $19.00
Choice of meat with bamboo shoot, Thai eggplant in coconut milk. Spicy.
C5. Red Curry $19.00
Choice of meat with bamboo shoot in coconut milk. Spicy.
C6. Kang Som ‘Sour’ Curry $21.00
Non-coconut milk based curry with shrimp and mixed vegetable, seasoned with tangy tamarind paste.

Noodles
N1. Pad Thai $19.00
Sautéed thin rice noodles with choice of protein*, bean sprout, egg, scallion, and crushed peanuts.
N2. Rad Nah $19.00
Broad noodles with choice of protein*, Chinese broccoli in gravy sauce.
N3. Pad See Ew $19.00
Sautéed broad noodles with choice of protein*, Chinese broccoli, egg, and black soy sauce.
N4. Pad Kua Gai $21.00
Sautéed broad noodles with chicken, squid, and egg, served with Sriracha sauce
N5. Drunken Noodle $19.00
Sautéed broad noodles with choice of protein*, spicy basil sauce, mixed vegetable, and egg.
N6. Shabu Shabu $20.00
Bean thread noodle soup with choice of protein, vegetables, egg, and spicy fermented bean curd sauce.
N7. Nam Tok Noodle Soup $20.00
Noodle soup with choice of PORK of BEEF and meatballs, Chinese broccoli, and bean sprout.
N8. Tom Yum Noodle Soup $20.00
Clear tom yum noodle soup with ground pork, fishballs, and peanuts
N9. Yen Ta Fo $20.00
Broad noodle soup with squid, shrimp, fish ball, and fermented bean curd & tomamto sauce

Special
Soft Shell Crab (Special) $38.00
Battered fried soft-shell crab served with your choice of a pairing dish:
Rib Eye Steak (Special) 12oz $39.00
Grilled ribeye steak cooked to your preference, paired with your choice of a pairing dish

Side Order
SO1. Jasmine Rice $4.00
SO2. Sticky Rice $4.00
SO3. Chicken Stock Rice $4.00
SO4. Omelette $9.00
SO5. Fried Egg $3.00
SO6. Steamed Mixed Vegetables $8.00
SO7. Steamed Broccoli $9.00
SO9. Peanut Sauce $2.00
Brown Rice $3.00
brown rice

Dessert
D1. Taro Custard $10.00
D2. Coconut Pudding $10.00
Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice With Custard $10.00
Sweet coconut sticky rice with taro custard on top
Pumpkin Custard $10.00

Beverages
Juice $7.00
Thai Iced Tea With Milk $7.00
Lychee Or Lemon- Thai Iced Tea $7.00
Palm Juice $7.00
Fresh Lychee Lemonade $7.00
Black Thai Iced Tea $7.00
Black Thai Iced Coffee $7.00
Thai Iced Coffee With Milk $7.00
Soda $4.00
Coconut Juice $8.00

Craft Cocktails (Must Be 21 to Purchase)
Summer Time $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Chrysanthemum infused artisanal vodka, jasmine syrup, mint and ginger beer.
Sunset Boulevard $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Pandan infused mekhong Thai rum, lime juice, pineapple and cranberry juice.
Falling Slowly $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Mezcal, orange, grand manier, passionfruit, Thai chili and bitters.
Winter Melody $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Pandan infused Thai rum, pineapple, lime juice, and sparkling wine.
Spring Awakening $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Gin, Lavendar, blackberry liqueur, lime juice, soda and sparkling wing.
Kiss From A Rose $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Artisan vodka, hibiscus, elder flower, lime juice, and egg white.
Conga $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Spicy tequila, triple sec, passionfruit, and lime juice.
All I Care About $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Bourbon, nepata amaro, ginger, cinnamon syrup, and bitters.
Lady Marmalade $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Bourbon, sweet vermouth, hibiscus, absinthe, and buriesque bitters.

Ayada Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Ayada Photos

Ayada Location

Ayada

New York Queens County Elmhurst Woodside Avenue

77-08 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

Ayada Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 1619 user reviews.

drunken noodlesmango saladsoft shell crabred snapperribeyetipshrimp saladduck currywatercress saladcatfish salad

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The food is consistently delicious, with the Pad See Ew with Chicken being a standout – the noodles were perfectly soft. While the ribeye was tasty, it felt a bit pricey. Don't miss the chive dumplings – an excellent appetizer! Service was attentive; our waitress proactively refilled our water.
May 31 · A Wong
The food was incredible. Everything we had was 10/10. Three of us split three entrees, an app and two desserts and we ate it all! It was delicious.We enjoyed the spice level, and the flavors were so rich and delicious. I tried one of their cocktails, which were also excellent. Everyone was so friendly.
June 18 · Jay Yoder
Stopped here before our flight. Service and staff were really friendly and attentive. The food was fresh and delicious and really reasonably priced for its quality. Would size down with spice levels even with a medium tolerance.
May 17 · Dan Sagawaga
Great food and great service. I came here on a Wednesday evening and was seated promptly. Service was excellent and the food was delicious! I really enjoyed my cocktail, the shrimp dumplings appetizer with a yummy dipping sauce, and the pad see ew with chicken. Highly recommend!
June 20 · Kianna Davis
Rating: 7.5/10Date Last Visited: 8/30/2025We ordered the Satay Chicken ($12), Drunken Noodles with Chicken ($17), Massaman Curry with Chicken ($17), and Lychee Thai Iced Tea ($6). The drunken noodles were great: the noodles were chewy, flavorful, and toppings added even more. The massaman curry was good too. The satay chicken was so juicy that it had me questioning if it was undercooked (it was not). The food was very solid, similar to other good Thai places, except nothing set this place apart from other solid Thai restaurants in the area. Overall, I would recommend this place for someone who’s looking for good Thai food in the area.
September 01 · Andy Liu