Hug Esan

- 77-16 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373

Hug Esan is a highly distinctive and highly praised Thai restaurant nestled on Woodside Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens, serving the New York area with an authentic culinary focus rarely found outside of Thailand. This eatery specializes in local specialty dishes, specifically the vibrant and bold flavors of Northern and Northeastern Thai (Esan) cuisine, which is celebrated for its spicy, herbal, and highly differentiated profiles. Patrons consistently rate the food as "expertly prepared and all delicious," confirming its status as a must-visit destination for true Thai food connoisseurs in the city.

The atmosphere at Hug Esan is deliberately **Casual** and **Cozy**, creating a comfortable, **Quiet** space for patrons to savor the intense and authentic flavors. While it is noted as a "small place," the service is described as "informative, efficient and pleasant," ensuring a high-quality experience even when the dining room is busy. This combination of culinary specialization and warm hospitality makes Hug Esan a unique gem in the already rich Elmhurst dining scene, appealing to those seeking **Comfort food** that is also authentically complex.

The extensive menu highlights the bold use of herbs and spices characteristic of Esan food, particularly evident in the remarkable selection of Papaya Salads and various Larb dishes. Hug Esan is popular for all major mealtimes, drawing a loyal crowd for Lunch, Dinner, and those dining alone (**Solo dining**), with ample options available for **Vegetarian options** and those seeking **Healthy options** or a **Quick bite**. The restaurant’s commitment to authentic Esan flavors truly sets it apart from typical NYC Thai offerings.

Hug Esan is ideally situated in a prime area of Elmhurst, Queens, at 77-16 Woodside Ave, NY 11373, USA. This busy Queens neighborhood is a central hub for authentic Asian cuisine, making the restaurant a highly accessible choice for New Yorkers across the boroughs. Woodside Avenue is a well-known artery that is easy to reach by local transit.

The restaurant provides a focused and welcoming physical environment:

• Atmosphere: The dining space is intentionally **Casual** and **Cozy**, offering a **Quiet** escape ideal for conversations and focused enjoyment of the food. Customers note that it is a "small place," which contributes to its intimate feel.
• Accessibility: The restaurant ensures comfort for many guests by providing **Wheelchair accessible seating**.
• Parking: Consistent with its bustling Queens location, parking is available via **Paid street parking** in the surrounding area.
• Crowd: The setting is particularly suitable for **Groups** and is designated as **Good for kids**, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.

The location and atmosphere make Hug Esan a perfect spot for local New Yorkers seeking a dedicated, quiet, and authentic dining experience right in the heart of Queens.

Hug Esan provides comprehensive services tailored to the needs of the New York community, though it operates under distinct policies that patrons should be aware of, offering flexibility and convenience.

• Dine-in Experience: Guests are welcomed to enjoy the cozy atmosphere with dedicated Seating and Table service. The small size makes reservations advisable, as the restaurant **Accepts reservations**. Service is noted as "informative, efficient and pleasant."
• Off-Premise Dining: For convenience, the restaurant offers **Takeout**, **Delivery**, and **No-contact delivery** options, ensuring that the unique flavors of Esan cuisine can be enjoyed at home anywhere in the Elmhurst area.
• Full Dining Times and Catering: Services cover **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and **Dessert**. They also offer **Catering** for larger events or gatherings, bringing their specialized cuisine to local New York events.
• Payment Policy (Crucial): Patrons must note that Hug Esan is strictly **Cash-only** for payments, which is a key operating policy. However, to enhance convenience, they also prominently **accept Venmo**, providing a modern, popular alternative to physical cash.
• Beverage Policy (Crucial): The restaurant **doesn't serve alcohol** but operates a friendly **BYOB** policy where customers "can bring it in and pay a small corkage fee," allowing guests to pair their favorite drinks with the intense Esan flavors.

Hug Esan distinguishes itself with several unique highlights rooted in its culinary specialization and service philosophy, making it a truly differentiated spot for New York diners.

• Serves Local Specialty (Esan Cuisine): This is the defining feature. The restaurant focuses on the "truly differentiated northern Thai cuisine" of the Esan region, known for its emphasis on potent spice, fermented ingredients, grilled meats, and herbaceous salads.
• Exceptional Hospitality: Despite its small size and specialty focus, the service is praised as "informative, efficient and pleasant," providing a high level of customer care that ensures a positive experience.
• BYOB Flexibility: The inability to serve alcohol is offset by the highly convenient **BYOB** option. Diners can bring their own preferred **Beer** or **Wine** and pay a small corkage fee, enhancing the personal touch of the meal.
• Financial Flexibility: While strictly **Cash-only** for formal transactions, the acceptance of **Venmo** offers a convenient, popular digital alternative, easing the payment process for local New Yorkers.
• Atmosphere: The ambiance is **Casual**, **Cozy**, and **Quiet**, offering a comfortable setting for focused dining. It is also highlighted for **Fast service**, ensuring efficiency, particularly for **Lunch** and **Quick bite** patrons.
• Inclusive Offerings: The menu skillfully balances classic **Comfort food** with lighter, **Healthy options**. Dedicated **Vegetarian options** are available, and the availability of **Small plates** is ideal for tasting multiple Esan specialties.

To place an order, inquire about catering, or make a reservation at this specialized Elmhurst Esan Thai eatery, please use the following contact details:

Address: 77-16 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

Phone: (929) 328-0392

Mobile Phone: +1 929-328-0392

Choosing Hug Esan is highly worthwhile for New York diners seeking to explore the depth and authenticity of regional Thai cuisine beyond the typical Pad Thai and Green Curry. The restaurant’s specialty in Esan food, its highly praised signature dishes, and its unique salad selection are the compelling reasons to visit this Elmhurst establishment.

Specialty Papaya Salads (Tum): The most outstanding feature is the unparalleled variety of Papaya Salads, showcasing the Esan focus. The menu features a remarkable ten different types, from the classic **Tum Thai** ($17.95) to the unique and authentic **Tum Poo Plara** ($18.95), **Tum Sua** ($18.95), and the generously portioned **Hug Esan Papaya Salad** ($30.95). These salads are the heart of Esan cuisine and should not be missed.

Unique Signature Dishes: The **Signature** section offers dishes rarely found elsewhere in NYC. Highly recommended are the **Larb Pedd** ($29.95), a flavorful minced duck salad praised by customers for its "fragrant herbs," and the incredible **PLA PAO** ($38.95), which refers to salt-crusted grilled fish. Customers specifically recommend the fish, noting it is "moist and has been cured well," served with two distinct sauces. Another must-try is the **Nam Khao Tod** ($21.95), a crispy rice salad.

Appetizers and Crispy Proteins: The appetizer selection is full of unique, flavorful options perfect for starting the meal. Consider the unique **Soft Shell Crabs** ($16.95), the crispy **Moo Dad Diew** ($13.95) (sun-dried pork), or the **Crispy Pork Belly** ($15.95). For mains, the **Basil Crispy Pork** ($24.95) and **Crispy Duck Basil Sauce** ($29.95) combine familiar flavors with highly-textured crispy proteins.

With the convenience of accepting Venmo, the allowance for BYOB with a corkage fee, and highly "informative" staff, Hug Esan provides not just a meal, but a specialized culinary journey. It’s a definite keeper for any New Yorker who wants to explore the truly differentiated and delicious flavors of authentic Northern and Northeastern Thai cuisine.

Hug Esan

77-16 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA