Chalong Southern Thai

- 749 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

New York City's culinary landscape is famously diverse, but for those seeking an authentic and vibrant taste of Thailand, especially the distinct flavors of its southern region, the search often leads to the bustling streets of Hell's Kitchen. Nestled on Ninth Avenue, **Chalong Southern Thai** is a standout dining destination that has quickly earned a reputation for serving some of the best and most meticulously crafted Thai food in Manhattan. Drawing its name from a well-known district in Phuket, this establishment aims to transport diners from the concrete jungle to the sun-drenched shores of Southern Thailand through its food, atmosphere, and hospitality.

More than just another Thai restaurant, Chalong Southern Thai focuses on the rich, complex, and often seafood-centric traditions of the South. This regional specialization sets it apart from the more common Central Thai menus found throughout the city. The driving force behind the phenomenal cuisine is Chef Nate Limwong, a Surrathani native who channels her deep heritage and extensive culinary experience into every plate. Customers frequently praise her commitment to authenticity, noting that the restaurant's flavors are even better than some they've experienced in Thailand, a powerful testament to the quality and passion poured into the food. The meticulous preparation, including making all curry pastes from scratch and using only fresh ingredients, is the secret to the truly outstanding and authentic results. This dedication to craft is a core part of what makes dining here a special and highly recommended experience for any New Yorker or visitor.

A lively and welcoming atmosphere complements the exceptional food. The decor blends modern aesthetics with authentic touches, featuring dark wood, rattan light fixtures, and a striking blue bar, creating an island-inspired, cozy, and trendy vibe. This setting makes it ideal for various occasions, from a casual lunch to a romantic dinner date or a fun group outing. The restaurant is particularly popular with the pre-theater crowd, given its prime location near Broadway.

Chalong Southern Thai is conveniently situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan's vibrant **Hell's Kitchen** neighborhood, a renowned hub for diverse and exciting dining, nightlife, and culture. The specific address is:

749 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

This location on Ninth Avenue places it right in the thick of Hell's Kitchen's main commercial strip, celebrated for its rows of multi-ethnic eateries. Its proximity to Times Square, the Theater District, and major transit hubs like Port Authority makes it easily accessible for anyone coming from other parts of Manhattan or the surrounding boroughs. Hell's Kitchen is a highly walkable neighborhood, making it a great destination for a pre- or post-meal stroll. While the neighborhood is central and well-served by transit, paid street parking is available for those who choose to drive. Furthermore, the restaurant has taken steps to ensure it is inclusive and welcoming to all guests, offering a **wheelchair accessible entrance** and a **wheelchair accessible restroom**. The atmosphere is also notably **LGBTQ+ friendly** and considered a **Transgender safespace**, reflecting the welcoming and diverse spirit of Hell's Kitchen itself.

Chalong Southern Thai provides a full range of service options to accommodate the dynamic New York lifestyle, ensuring you can enjoy their exceptional cuisine whether you are dining in or taking out.

• **Dine-in:** Enjoy the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with full table service. Dinner reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity, and they readily accept reservations.
• **Outdoor seating:** A popular option to enjoy your meal while taking in the lively Hell's Kitchen streetscape.
• **Takeout and Curbside Pickup:** Perfect for residents or workers in the area looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy authentic Southern Thai food at home or the office.
• **Delivery:** Convenient delivery service ensures you can enjoy their specialties without leaving your apartment.
• **Catering:** Available for events, allowing you to bring the celebrated flavors of Chalong Southern Thai to your next gathering.
• **Dining Options:** Available for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, with dedicated time slots, making it ideal for a midday break or an evening meal. Dessert is also served to complete your culinary journey.
• **Payments:** The restaurant accepts major forms of payment, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments** for convenience.

The experience at Chalong Southern Thai goes beyond the main dishes, offering several distinguishing features that enhance the visit for locals and visitors alike.

• **Fast Service:** Despite its immense popularity, the restaurant is highlighted for its **Fast service**, making it an excellent choice for a quick but high-quality meal, especially before a Broadway show.
• **Great Cocktails & Happy Hour:** They boast **Great cocktails**, expertly crafted to complement the bold Thai flavors. Their beverage program includes **Happy hour drinks**, **Beer**, **Wine**, and **Hard liquor**, all available from the **Bar onsite**.
• **Serves Local Specialty:** The menu focuses on **Southern Thai** cuisine, a regional specialty not commonly found in the city, offering a unique and authentic culinary perspective.
• **Diverse Offerings:** The menu is rich with options including **Alcohol**, **Comfort food**, **Healthy options**, and **Organic dishes**. They also feature **Halal food** options and **Small plates** perfect for sharing.
• **Welcoming Crowd:** The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including **Family-friendly** diners, **Groups**, **Locals**, and **Tourists**. It is noted as being **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**. High chairs are available for families, making it **Good for kids**.
• **Pet-Friendly Outdoor Dining:** Uniquely for a Manhattan eatery, they are listed as **Dogs allowed** in their outdoor seating area, providing a rare and welcome option for dog owners. In some cases, dogs have been allowed inside by staff discretion, showing a flexible approach to service.

For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact Chalong Southern Thai using the following information:

**Address:** 749 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

**Phone:** (212) 466-6456

**Mobile Phone:** +1 212-466-6456

It is advisable to call ahead for dinner reservations, as the establishment is often very busy due to its acclaimed status.

Chalong Southern Thai is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary journey. What makes it truly worth choosing is the unparalleled dedication to **authentic Southern Thai flavors** that are hard to replicate outside of the region. Customer testimonials repeatedly highlight the standout dishes, confirming the exceptional quality. The **Crab Curry** is a consistently praised, phenomenal dish, often described as incredibly flavorful with generous amounts of jumbo lump crab meat and even a crispy soft-shell crab, all enveloped in a rich coconut curry. Other must-try items include the beef fried rice (**Khao Pad Mun Neur**) and the **Baerng Golae** (grilled shrimp tossed in coconut curry).

The reason for the exceptional flavor is deeply rooted in the kitchen's practice of making all its curry pastes **from scratch** using incredibly fresh ingredients, elevating the cuisine beyond standard New York Thai fare. This commitment to quality and the mastery of Chef Nate Limwong have led customers to suggest the food is truly outstanding—some even going so far as to say she deserves a Michelin star.

Beyond the food, the experience is enhanced by the **polite and friendly staff** who maintain an energetic and upbeat atmosphere. Whether you are a local seeking a new favorite haunt or a tourist looking for a truly authentic New York dining experience near Times Square and the Theater District, Chalong Southern Thai offers a uniquely flavorful and memorable escape. If you are looking for authentic, unapologetically flavorful, and expertly prepared Southern Thai seafood and curries in a trendy Hell's Kitchen setting, this restaurant is a top-tier choice and a true gem on Ninth Avenue.

Chalong Southern Thai

749 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA