Betong - Khao Man Gai

- 261 Canal St, New York, NY 10013

For New Yorkers craving authentic Thai street food that centers around one of Southeast Asia's most beloved comfort dishes, **Betong - Khao Man Gai** presents a must-visit destination in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Located within the vibrant atmosphere of the Canal Street Market, this eatery specializes in the dish that shares its name: **Khao Man Gai**, which translates literally to "chicken fat rice," known more broadly as Thai Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Betong distinguishes itself not only by focusing on this Thai-style chicken and rice but also by being a certified **Halal restaurant**, offering a valuable and sought-after option for the Muslim community and others who prefer Halal-certified cuisine in Downtown NYC. Furthermore, the business proudly identifies as both **Asian-owned** and **LGBTQ+ owned**, and is led by **women-owned** management, contributing to the diverse and inclusive tapestry of the city's culinary landscape.

The experience here is all about straightforward, delicious, and hearty Thai comfort food, designed for quick, satisfying meals. The menu is a curated selection built around the star ingredient—chicken—prepared with traditional Thai techniques. Patrons have the choice of the classic, tender **Steamed Chicken Over Rice** or the flavorful, smoky **Grilled Chicken Over Rice**, with the option to combine both in the popular **Combo Chicken Rice** set. Beyond the signature dish, the menu extends to other Thai street food favorites like curries, noodles, and the essential **Papaya Salad**.

While some reviews mention a desire for a stronger, more distinct Thai flavor in certain items and note the portions relative to the price point, the concept remains a popular one, often praised for its dedicated service, convenience, and unique Halal offering.

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Betong - Khao Man Gai is situated at **261 Canal St, New York, NY 10013, USA**. This prime location places it within the dynamic **Canal Street Market**, which serves as an intersection point for Chinatown, SoHo, and TriBeCa. Its location inside the market provides a bustling, communal atmosphere, perfect for a quick stop during a busy day of navigating Downtown Manhattan.

As part of a modern market facility, the restaurant is designed to be accessible to all members of the New York community and its visitors:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance** ensures easy access into the market space.
• **Wheelchair accessible restroom** is available within the market amenities.
• **Wheelchair accessible seating** options are available in the communal dining area.

The shared seating area of the market provides a casual environment with various amenities, including **Restroom** facilities and **Wi-Fi**. The surrounding area, a hub for subway lines and street activity, makes it extremely accessible via public transportation, which is often the preferred method for getting around this dense part of Manhattan.

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Operating from a stall within a food hall context, Betong focuses on efficient and flexible service to match the fast-paced nature of Canal Street:

• **Dine-in / Seating:** Customers can enjoy their meal on-site in the communal seating area of the Canal Street Market, which offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The dining is structured around **Counter service** with ample **Seating** available for **Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch** hours.
• **Takeout and Delivery:** Catering to the demands of the city, both **Takeout** and **Delivery** options are available, offering a convenient way to enjoy the Halal Thai comfort food at home or work.
• **Catering:** The restaurant offers **Catering** services, making its specialty chicken and rice a great option for large office lunches, community events, or group gatherings in the area.
• **Amenities & Atmosphere:** The market location provides amenities like a shared **Bar onsite** (though Betong itself is non-alcoholic given its Halal status), **Restroom** access, and **Wi-Fi**. The atmosphere is **Family-friendly**, **LGBTQ+ friendly**, and recognized as a **Transgender safespace**, welcoming a diverse **Crowd** of patrons.
• **Child-Friendly Options:** The venue is noted as **Good for kids** and features a designated **Kids' menu**, ensuring that the whole family can find a satisfying meal.
• **Payment Options:** For streamlined transactions, the business accepts **Debit cards** and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Pet Policy:** The establishment’s policy of **Dogs allowed** likely refers to the communal areas of the Canal Street Market, allowing service animals and well-behaved pets in accordance with market rules.

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The appeal of Betong - Khao Man Gai lies in its dedication to a focused, high-quality Thai niche and its commitment to specific community offerings:

• **Signature Khao Man Gai:** The core offering is the traditional Thai Hainanese Chicken Rice, available in two excellent forms: the tender, moist **Steamed Chicken Over Rice** ($12.95) and the aromatic **Grilled Chicken Over Rice** ($12.95). The **Combo Chicken Rice (Steamed + Grilled)** ($14.95) is a highly recommended choice for sampling both.
• **Certified Halal Cuisine:** A major feature is that the restaurant is a **Halal restaurant**, specializing in **Halal food**, which is a significant factor for many New Yorkers seeking this certification for their meals.
• **Thai Street Food Variety:** Beyond the chicken and rice, the menu includes other sought-after Thai street food items, such as the flavorful **Somtum + Gai Yang** (Papaya Salad and Grilled Chicken, $16.95), the comforting **Khao Soi (Chicken)** ($16.95), and various curries like **Curry Chicken + Roti** ($11.95).
• **Exceptional Value Sets:** The Value Sets offer an economical way to enjoy a full meal, such as the **No.2 Chicken Rice + Appetizer + Drink** ($18.95) or the budget-friendly **No.9 Light Meal** ($9.95), making it a competitive option for **Lunch** in the Chinatown/SoHo area.
• **Unique Offerings:** The drink menu features specialty Thai beverages like **Thai Iced Tea with milk** ($5.50) and **Thai Lemon Iced Tea** ($5.50), which are perfect accompaniments to the savory chicken and rice.
• **Community Ownership:** Its distinction as an **Asian-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and women-owned** business adds a layer of community support and identity for many local patrons.
• **Entertainment:** The inclusion of **Live music** is a unique highlight for a food stall setting, contributing to an energetic and engaging dining ambiance within the market.

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To experience Betong - Khao Man Gai or inquire about their offerings, please use the following information:

• **Address:** 261 Canal St, New York, NY 10013, USA
• **Type:** Thai restaurant, Halal restaurant

Note: As a vendor inside Canal Street Market, the primary methods of contact for orders and inquiries are typically via the market's general information or the restaurant’s online ordering/social media channels, consistent with modern food hall operations. The address above directs you to the central location.

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Betong - Khao Man Gai is especially worth choosing for New Yorkers who prioritize a specific, comforting, and culturally important Thai dish, all while seeking the assurance of a **Halal food** certification. For patrons whose lunch or dinner plans revolve around the delicious simplicity of chicken and rice, this spot is an expert purveyor. The restaurant provides an authentic and focused culinary experience that is an excellent alternative to the often vast and sometimes overwhelming menus of traditional full-service Thai restaurants.

Its location inside the Canal Street Market is a double benefit: it allows for convenient, fast dining typical of **Counter service** and provides a lively backdrop with **Live music** and a communal dining space. This makes it a great choice for a quick **Lunch** break or a casual, flavorful **Dinner** with friends or **Family-friendly** groups, especially those who appreciate the business's identity as a **women-owned** and **LGBTQ+ friendly** establishment.

While some customer feedback suggests the overall flavor profile can occasionally be subtle and notes on oiliness or sweetness in certain items (like the **Thai Iced Tea**) are present, the fact remains that Betong delivers a highly-focused, specialty menu. The value sets, in particular, offer an affordable, complete meal option in a high-rent district of Manhattan. For anyone near Chinatown or SoHo looking for a reliable, flavorful, and Halal-certified version of the Thai national comfort food, Betong - Khao Man Gai is a unique and compelling choice.

Betong - Khao Man Gai

261 Canal St, New York, NY 10013, USA