Gai Chicken & Rice

- 158 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017

For New Yorkers seeking a taste of authentic Thai street food, specifically the beloved dish known as Khao Man Gai, **Gai Chicken & Rice** in Midtown East is a must-try destination. This fast-casual Thai eatery has built a strong reputation by specializing in this comforting and flavorful dish—a simple yet profound combination of succulent chicken and fragrant ginger rice. The restaurant focuses on delivering quality, delicious, and quick meals, making it a perfect spot for the busy Manhattan professional or resident.

Gai Chicken & Rice offers a concentrated menu that highlights different preparations of chicken and rice, ensuring every dish is perfected. Diners have the choice between four main chicken bowl styles: the traditional **STEAMED DARK MEAT BOWL** (the classic Khao Man Gai), the leaner **STEAMED WHITE MEAT BOWL**, the flavorful **ROASTED CHICKEN BOWL**, and the satisfyingly crunchy **CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN BOWL**. Each is served over their signature **GINGER RICE**, which is cooked with chicken broth and ginger to achieve a deep, aromatic flavor that truly elevates the meal. Customers often praise the authenticity of the food, noting that it brings back memories of the perfect khao man gai found in Thailand.

While chicken rice is the star, the menu expands to include other favorites like marinated **CHILI LIME WINGS** and **STICKY WINGS**, as well as various chicken and fries combos and platters. The simplicity and quality of the offerings, coupled with efficient service, make Gai Chicken & Rice an essential spot for anyone craving authentic Thai comfort food in the city.

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Gai Chicken & Rice is strategically located in the busy Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, making it exceptionally convenient for the thousands of people working or residing in the area. The restaurant’s address is:

158 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

This central location, nestled between Third and Lexington Avenues, is easily accessible via the extensive New York City subway system and is a short walk from Grand Central Terminal. For drivers, **Paid street parking** is generally available, though New Yorkers know to factor in time and patience for finding a spot in this bustling part of the city. Given its positioning, it’s a highly convenient choice for a **lunch** break or a quick meal before heading home.

It is important for local users to note the restaurant’s physical setup. Based on customer feedback, Gai Chicken & Rice primarily functions as a **takeout** and **delivery** establishment. While it is categorized for 'Dine-in,' seating is noted to be extremely limited or non-existent, with orders often placed via in-store tablets. This design ensures extremely fast service, which is a major benefit for time-constrained New Yorkers, allowing customers to be "in and out within 10 minutes" even during a busy lunchtime rush.

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Gai Chicken & Rice has streamlined its operations to focus on speed and convenience, perfectly suiting the fast-paced life of its Midtown clientele. The primary services revolve around getting their fresh, delicious food into the hands of customers as efficiently as possible.

• **Takeout:** The core service model, featuring quick ordering via in-store tablets for fast pickup.
• **Delivery:** The restaurant offers comprehensive **Delivery** options through various platforms, allowing you to enjoy their specialized dishes at your office or home.
• **No-Contact Delivery:** For safety and preference, this option is explicitly provided for delivery orders.
• **Online / Mobile Ordering:** Given the high volume and speed of service, using online or mobile platforms for ordering ahead is highly recommended for maximizing convenience.
• **Payments:** Accepts a range of modern payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Dining Options:** Available for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, fitting perfectly into the workday and evening schedule.

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The unique features and specialized menu items are what make Gai Chicken & Rice a standout in a city with countless Thai options. The restaurant has clearly defined its niche and excels within it.

• **Specialty Focus (Khao Man Gai):** The primary highlight is the dedication to Thai-style chicken and rice, the iconic **Khao Man Gai**. They offer multiple variations—Steamed Dark Meat (traditional), Steamed White Meat, Roasted, and Crispy Fried—to cater to every preference.
• **Signature Ginger Rice:** The foundation of the bowls is the aromatic **GINGER RICE**, cooked to perfection and heavily praised for its fragrant, satisfying flavor.
• **Authentic Beverages:** The **THAI ICED TEA** is consistently highlighted in customer reviews, often described as "just as good as in Thailand," providing the perfect authentic accompaniment to the meal. They also offer **HIBISCUS ICED TEA**.
• **Variety in Chicken Preparations:** Beyond the traditional steamed chicken, the menu provides excellent **Chicken wings restaurant** style options like **CHILI LIME WINGS** (Zaab) and **STICKY WINGS** (Thai BBQ sauce), catering to those who prefer crispy chicken.
• **Value and Affordability:** The restaurant is known for its **great price** and **good value for money**, which is a significant factor for any Midtown establishment.
• **Atmosphere:** The vibe is strictly **Casual**, focused on the high-quality food and quick transaction rather than lengthy sit-down dining.
• **Offerings:** The menu is categorized as authentic **Comfort food** and a **Quick bite**, ideal for busy schedules or a craving for something simple and deeply satisfying.

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For your next takeout order, delivery request, or general inquiry, please use the following contact details for Gai Chicken & Rice:

Address: 158 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

Phone: (917) 675-6642

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Choosing Gai Chicken & Rice is an excellent decision for several reasons, particularly if you are a fan of authentic, focused Thai cuisine. This is a place that reminds Thai natives of "the perfect khao man gai back home," which is high praise for a New York City establishment.

The restaurant’s specialization is its greatest strength. By concentrating on chicken and rice—the ultimate Thai **comfort food**—they ensure consistent quality and flavor. The **steamed dark meat bowl** is a classic choice, featuring moist, tender chicken, while the **spicy fried chicken bowl** with its chili dusting provides a delicious crunch and heat for those who want a kick. Furthermore, the dedication to using flavorful, high-quality **ginger rice** and authentic sauces is what sets their bowls apart from general chicken and rice concepts.

For the busy Midtown professional, the value proposition is unbeatable: fast service, great prices, and a delicious, satisfying meal that is well-suited for a **solo dining** experience or a quick group takeout. The authentic **Thai Iced Tea** alone is reason enough for a visit, but the overall package of quality, speed, and taste solidifies Gai Chicken & Rice as a must-try Thai spot in New York.

Gai Chicken & Rice

158 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA