Little Basil Thai: Authentic Thai Cuisine in Murray Hill, NYC

Little Basil Thai Introduce

Located in the bustling heart of Manhattan's Murray Hill/Kips Bay neighborhood, Little Basil Thai is a long-standing culinary favorite that offers New Yorkers a consistent and authentic taste of Thailand. Though it maintains a simple, no-frills presence on a side street at 153 E 26th St, this Thai restaurant is celebrated by its loyal customer base, some of whom have been dining here for over a decade. The eatery has successfully established itself as a reliable source of flavorful, well-prepared Thai classics, balancing tradition with the demands of the fast-paced city life.

Little Basil is particularly popular for its fast service and the quality of its core menu items, often being cited as a “go-to local Thai place” for both quick lunches and satisfying dinners. The atmosphere inside is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. The business proudly identifies as Asian-owned, further cementing its commitment to providing genuine cuisine and a memorable dining experience. Whether you are a college student, a local resident, or just passing through, Little Basil promises a flavorful detour to Southeast Asia.

Location and Accessibility

Little Basil Thai is situated at 153 E 26th St, New York, NY 10010, USA, placing it strategically between 3rd and Lexington Avenues in the Murray Hill area. This central Manhattan location makes it highly convenient for professionals, students, and residents of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Accessibility is a key feature of the restaurant, as it offers a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that the delicious cuisine is available to all members of the community. For those traveling to the area, nearby street parking is an option, though, as with all of Manhattan, it may require some searching. The proximity to major subway lines and bus routes (6, R, W) further enhances its accessibility. While the physical space is often described as cozy and sometimes crowded during peak hours, its location offers a quiet, unassuming escape from the main avenues, contributing to its "hidden gem" status. The restaurant’s hours are generally consistent, opening daily at 11:30 AM and serving until 10:00 PM, providing flexibility for lunch and dinner plans.

Services Offered

Little Basil Thai provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the varied needs of a busy New York clientele, focusing on speed, convenience, and a pleasant in-house experience.

Dine-in Service: Features a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere with table service. The venue is suitable for solo dining, couples, families, and groups.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is advisable for dining during peak lunch or dinner hours due to the intimate space.
Delivery and Takeout: Highly popular for quick and easy meal solutions, including standard delivery and convenient takeout options.
No-Contact Delivery: A dedicated option for customers prioritizing safety and minimal interaction.
Lunch and Dinner Service: Offers full service for both key meal periods, with a popular Lunch Special featuring an entrée and two sides (such as soup or appetizer).
Catering: Comprehensive catering services are available, with options for appetizers, salads, fried rice, noodles, and curries in tray sizes suitable for large groups and events.
Beverages: A selection of Beer and Wine is available, alongside a great tea selection, including the highly popular Thai Iced Tea and Milk Green Tea.
Amenities: Includes a clean restroom for customer convenience, enhancing the dining-in experience.
Inclusivity: The atmosphere is welcoming to all, noted as Family-friendly, and suitable for College students, Groups, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Features / Highlights

The menu at Little Basil Thai is extensive and balanced, featuring all the American Thai restaurant classics while also offering specialized regional dishes and excellent options for various dietary preferences.

Signature Noodle Dishes: The Pad See-Ew is a local legend, frequently called the "best Pad See Ew of any Thai restaurant in NYC" by reviewers, noted for its perfect combination of sweet, roasted, and pickled flavors. Other popular stir-fried options include the classic Pad Thai and the flavorful Drunken Noodle.
Chef's Specials: These elevated dishes offer unique Thai culinary experiences, such as Duck Pineapple Curry, Salmon Green Curry, and the regional specialties Mhor Din and E-Saan Combo. The Green Curry Roti and Salted Egg Shrimp and Squid are also featured, providing adventurous options.
Comprehensive Vegan Menu: A strong highlight for Manhattan’s health-conscious and plant-based diners. Dedicated vegan dishes include Siamese Tofu, Eggplant Basil (Vegan), Prik Khing Mock Duck (Vegan), and a Vegetable Combo (Vegan), alongside a Vegan Massaman Curry. Many classic appetizers like Veggie Rolls and Fried Tofu are also popular vegetarian choices.
Appetizer Favorites: The menu features a robust list of starters, including the highly recommended Moo Yang (Chef's special Thai BBQ pork tender) and the crispy, flavorful Little Basil Wings. The homemade Curry Puff and the universally loved Veggies Rolls are also consistently praised.
Noodle and Curry Soups: Offers authentic, comforting bowls like Beef Noodle Soup, Duck Noodle Soup, and the Northern Thai favorite Kao Soy Noodle, providing a diverse range of regional Thai tastes.
Dessert Innovations: Beyond the seasonal Mango Sticky Rice, the dessert menu features unique pairings, such as Chocolate Mousse Cake with Thai iced tea Ice Cream and Chocolate Lava Cake with Green Tea Ice Cream.

Contact Information

Little Basil Thai maintains a consistent presence in the neighborhood, ensuring you can reach them easily for orders, reservations, or inquiries.

Address: 153 E 26th St, New York, NY 10010, USA

Phone: (212) 689-1444

Mobile Phone: +1 212-689-1444

What is Worth Choosing

Little Basil Thai is worth choosing as your primary Thai destination in Midtown South for its exceptional Consistency and Comfort, its celebrated Signature Dishes, and its strong focus on Dietary Variety.

For over a decade, Little Basil has been the epitome of a reliable New York City eatery. Customers frequently note the consistency of the food quality and the friendliness of the super-efficient staff. This is the place people "pick up takeout any time I'm in the neighborhood, it's that good," even after moving to different boroughs. The service is quick and attentive, ideal for a casual and fast meal, whether you are dining alone or with a group.

The legendary Pad See-Ew alone warrants a visit. It represents the height of the restaurant's ability to perfectly execute Thai classics. Coupled with other popular choices like the rich Massaman Curry or the specialty Crab Meat Fried Rice, Little Basil offers both familiar comfort and culinary distinction. Moreover, the extensive, clearly labeled Vegan Menu, which goes beyond simple tofu substitutions to offer complex dishes like Prik Khing Mock Duck, makes this one of the most accommodating Thai spots for vegetarians and vegans in the area. This commitment to both high quality and broad accessibility ensures that Little Basil Thai remains a cherished and essential part of the New York City dining landscape.

Little Basil Thai Menu

Appetizers
Veggie Rolls $11.00
Crispy mixed vegetables and mushroom spring rolls with plum sauce. Vegetarian.
Fried Tofu $11.00
Crispy tofu with sweet chili sauce and crushed peanut. Vegetarian.
Edamame $11.00
Healthy soy bean. Vegetarian.
Fried Chive Pancakes $12.00
Crispy chive pancakes with house soy sauce. Vegetarian.
Fried Little Basil's Pork Bun $12.00
Crispy pork bun with house soy sauce. Vegetarian.
Steamed Dumplings $12.00
Mixed shrimp, chicken, water chestnut and shiitake mushroom with house soy sauce.
Fried Dumpling $12.00
Mixed shrimp, chicken, water chestnut and shiitake mushroom with sweet chili sauce.
Little Basil Wings $12.00
Crispy chicken wings tossed with spicy Thai herbs.
Curry Puff $12.00
Home made puff pastry mixed chicken, onion, potato and curry powder with cucumber relish.
Satay $13.00
Grilled marinated chicken skewers with house peanut sauce and cucumber relish. Gluten free.
Calamari $13.00
Crispy calamari with herbs with sweet chili sauce.
Pork Spare Ribs $13.00
Sauteed marinated pork spare ribs with garlic and ground black pepper.
Moo Yang (Recommend) $13.00
Chef's special Thai BBQ pork tender served with spicy lime dressing.
Coconut Shrimp $13.00
Fried shrimp battered with shredded coconut.
Gai Yang $13.00
Homemade grilled BBQ chicken served with chili lime sauce

Noodle Soup
Beef Noodle Soup $20.00
Rice noodle in beef broth with beef, beef balls, bok choy, bean sprout and basil leaves.
Chicken Tom Yum Noodle Soup $20.00
Rice noodle in Tom Yum broth with minced chicken, fish balls, bok choy, bean sprout and crushed peanut. Spicy.
Duck Noodle Soup $25.00
Sliced duck with rice noodle, bok choy, bean sprout, celery, cilantro, scallion, and fried garlic.
Yentafo Noodle Soup $23.00
Minced chicken, squid, shrimp, coconut shrimp, and fried tofu with broad rice noodles, bean sprout, snow fungus and bok choy topped with fried wonton.

Soup
Tom Yum Soup (Cup) $9.00
Traditionally Thai style soup with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, mushroom and tomato. Spicy.
Tom Yum Soup (Bowl) $16.00
Traditionally Thai style soup with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, mushroom and tomato. Spicy.
Tom Khaa Soup (Cup) $9.00
Coconut milk based soup with galangal, kaffir lime leaves, mushroom and tomato.
Tom Khaa Soup (Bowl) $16.00
Coconut milk based soup with galangal, kaffir lime leaves, mushroom and tomato.
Vegan Soup (Cup) $9.00
Clear vegan broth with Napa, celery and wood ear mushroom.
Vegan Soup (Bowl) $16.00
Clear vegan broth with Napa, celery and wood ear mushroom.

Salad
Thai Salad $11.00
Mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, carrot and fried tofu with peanut dressing.
Avocado Salad $14.00
Mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, carrot, red onion and fresh avocado with ginger dressing.
Papaya Salad $13.00
Green papaya, long bean, cherry tomato and roasted peanut with chili lime dressing. Gluten free. Spicy.
Mango Avo Salad $14.00
Mango, avocado, red onion, cherry tomato, scallion, cilantro and cashew nut with chili lime dressing. Spicy.
Moo Yang Salad $15.00
Chef's special Thai BBQ pork tender, mints, red onion, scallion, cucumber and cherry tomato with chili lime dressing.
Yum Woon Senn $16.00
Glass noodles, minced chicken, shrimp, squid, red onion, scallion, cherry tomato, celery, culantro, cilantro, fried garlic with chili lime dressing.

Fried Rice
Thai Fried Rice $17.00
Thai style fried rice with egg, Chinese broccoli, carrot, onion, scallion and cherry tomato.
Pineapple Fried Rice $17.00
Thai style fried rice with egg, pineapple, cashew nut, onion, scallion and cherry tomato.
Little Basil Fried Rice $17.00
Spicy fried rice with egg, basil leaves, carrot, bell pepper, onion and scallion. Spicy.
Chicken Ka Praw Over Rice $18.00
Minced chicken with spicy basil sauce topped with fried egg. Spicy.
Crab Meat Fried Rice $25.00
Fried rice with crab jumbo lump, egg, scallion and onion.

Stir Fried Noogles
Pad Thai $17.00
Rice noodle with egg, red onion, dried turnip, bean sprout, scallion, paprika and crushed peanut. Gluten free.
Pad Thai Woon Senn $17.00
Glass noodle with egg, red onion, dried turnip, bean sprout, scallion and crushed peanut. Gluten free.
Pad Se-Ew $17.00
Broad rice noodle with egg and Chinese broccoli with sweet soy sauce topped with black pepper and jalapeno.
Singapore Noodles $17.00
Angel hair noodle with egg, Napa cabbage, onion, scallion, celery, cherry tomato, bean sprout and wood ear mushroom with curry powder.
Drunken Noodle $17.00
Thin rice noodle with egg, garlic, chili, onion, cherry tomato, carrot, bell pepper and basil leaves with spicy basil sauce. Spicy.
Pad Woon Senn $17.00
Glass noodle with egg, bamboo shoot, napa cabbage, onion, scallion, celery and wood ear mushroom.
Kua Gai Noodles $21.00
Broad rice noodle, chicken, squid, egg, dried turnip, scallion and bean sprout served with sriracha sauce on the side.

Sauteed
Spicy Basil $18.00
Garlic, chili, basil leaves, onion, bell pepper, broccoli and carrot. Served with jasmine white rice.
Ginger $18.00
Ginger, garlic, onion, scallion, bell pepper, napa and wood ear mushroom. Served with jasmine white rice.
Garlic (served with battered meat) $18.00
Garlic, onion, scallion with steamed broccoli. Served with jasmine white rice and deep fried meat.
Pra-Rahm (served with battered meat) $18.00
Peanut sauce with steamed mixed vegetables. Served with jasmine white rice and deep fried meat.
Cashew Nut $18.00
Cashew nut, bamboo shoot, onion, scallion, bell pepper and mushroom. Served with jasmine white rice.
Spicy Bamboo $18.00
Garlic, chili, bamboo shoot, carrot, basil leaves, onion, bell pepper and spicy chili paste. Served with jasmine white rice.
Sweet Chili (served with battered meat) $18.00
Spicy sweet and sour sauce with steamed mixed vegetables. Served with jasmine white rice and deep fried meat. Spicy.
Prik Khing $18.00
Sauteed curry paste with string bean, bell pepper and kaffir lime leaves. Served with jasmine white rice.

Curry
Red Curry $18.00
Bell pepper, bamboo shoot, string bean, eggplant and basil leaves. Served with jasmine white rice. Gluten free. Spicy.
Green Curry $18.00
Bell pepper, bamboo shoot, string bean, eggplant and basil leaves. Served with jasmine white rice. Gluten free. Spicy.
Panang Curry $18.00
Bell pepper, string bean and basil leaves. Served with jasmine white rice. Gluten free. Spicy.
Massaman Curry $18.00
Potato, onion, peanut, avocado and fried shallot. Served with jasmine white rice. Gluten free. Vegetarian.

Curry Noodle
Kao Soy Noodle $19.00
Egg noodle in Northern style curry topped with cilantro and red onion.

Chef's Specials
Mhor Din $24.00
Clay pot fried rice with scallop, shrimp, chicken, Chinese sausage, onion, scallion and shiitake mushroom. Served with jasmine white rice.
E-Saan Combo $24.00
Home made BBQ chicken with papaya salad, sticky rice and chili lime sauce. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Green Curry Roti $23.00
Chicken, artichoke in green curry with roti bread, rice and cucumber relish. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Duck Pineapple Curry $29.00
Marinated crispy duck in spicy basil sauce with bell pepper, onion and basil leaves. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Duck Spicy Basil $29.00
Marinated crispy duck in spicy basil sauce with bell pepper, onion and basil leaves. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Duck Tamarind $29.00
Marinated crispy duck with tamarind sauce. Served with jasmine white rice.
Salmon Green Curry $29.00
Bell Pepper, bamboo shoot, string bean, eggplant and basil leaves.
Salmon Spicy Basil $29.00
Sauteed salmon chunk in spicy basil sauce with bell pepper, onion and basil leaves. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Salmon Mango $29.00
Grilled salmon steak with mango, red onion, cherry tomato, scallion, cashew nut and cilantro with spicy lime dressing. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Salted Egg Shrimp and Squid $24.00
Salted egg, shrimp, squid with onion scallion and long hot pepper.

Vegan Menu
Siamese Tofu (Vegan) $19.00
Soft tofu topped with garlic, onion, scallion, mushroom, shittake mushroom, broccoli and carrot with gravy soy sauce. Served with jasmine white rice.
Massaman Curry (Vegan) $18.00
Mixed vegetables, fried tofu, avocado, potato, onion, peanut and fried shallot.
Eggplant Basil (Vegan) $19.00
Sauteed mock duck with eggplant, garlic, chili, basil leaves, onion and bell pepper in spicy basil sauce. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Prik Khing Mock Duck (Vegan) $22.00
Sauteed curry paste with mock duck, string bean, bell pepper and kaffir lime leaves. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Vegetable Combo (Vegan) $19.00
Sauteed mixed vegetable and fried tofu with ginger sauce. Served with jasmine white rice.

Side Orders
Jasmine White Rice $3.00
Brown Rice $3.50
Sticky Rice $3.50
Peanut Sauce $3.50
Steamed Mixed Vegetable $6.50
Fried Egg $3.50

Desserts
Chocolate Mousse Cake with Thai iced tea Ice Cream $11.00
Served with Thai iced tea ice cream.
Chocolate Lava Cake with Green Tea Ice Cream $11.00
Served with green tea ice cream.
Fried Banana with Coconut Ice Cream $11.00
Served with coconut ice cream.
Trio Ice Cream $11.00
Green Tea Ice Cream $9.00
Coconut Ice Cream $9.00
Mango Sticky Rice (Summer Season Only) $14.00

Drinks
Can of Soda (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger , Seltzer) $3.50
Lemon Iced Tea $3.75
Thai Iced Tea $4.75
Thai Iced Coffee $4.75
Unsweetened Iced Tea $4.75
Milk Green Tea $5.75
Lychee Iced Tea $5.75
Spring Water (250ml) $3.75
Pellegrino (500ml) $5.75

Little Basil Thai Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Parking

Little Basil Thai Photos

Little Basil Thai Location

Little Basil Thai

New York New York County New York East 26th Street

153 E 26th St, New York, NY 10010, USA

Little Basil Thai Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 535 user reviews.

drunken noodlesBYOBdinnerdeliverydumplingspad see ewappetizerbottleareasteamed

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Lovely eatery serving authentic, tasty Thai food in a simple, no-frills space. I stumbled into Little Basil with a friend for a quick, casual Friday dinner after getting off my train from DC. It seemed quite unassuming from the outside, tucked into a little side street with minimal signage and a pretty limited flow of people (seems like most of their business comes from pick-up and delivery vs. folks dining in), but it was phenomenal. The service was super efficient and friendly, and we were in and out of Little Basil within about an hour and a half, largely extended just because my friend and I enjoyed yapping away.The menu included most of the American Thai restaurant classics, and everything was prepared remarkably well. I had their pad see ew with tofu, which was fantastic; the noodles had a slight chew and really soaked up the sauce, and the tofu was quite flavorful. The tofu did seem a bit cold compared to the rest of the dish and the sauce was a little sweeter than I was accustomed to, but it was still a very tasty start to my NYC trip.
April 03 · Sonya Hu
My favorite Thai restaurant in NYC. I have been eating here for 13 years and so happy they're still at it. I've since moved to Brooklyn but pick up takeout any time I'm in the neighborhood, it's that good.Seriously, the best pad see ew of any Thai restaurant in NYC, and I've tried many - perfect combination of flavors - sweet, roasted and pickled peppers. I'm in love.Amazing crispy spring rolls. Their veggie curry with avocado is delicious, but really, so is everything I've tried here.
July 31 · Jen F
Wonderful little Thai food restaurant with a fantastic lunch special in the heart of Manhattan. Enjoyed the vegetable spring rolls and Thai salad appetizers - great portion sizes! For the main course, I ordered their chicken pad see-ew. It was flavorful; however, the Chinese broccoli with soy sauce had a tangy taste that didn't compliment the pad see-ew. Overall, recommended.
June 19 · M E
My wife and I ate here on a Tuesday night. She got the drunken noodles, which was excellent, and I got the pineapple fried rice, which was also excellent. The people working there were so nice and friendly, it added to our already wonderful experience. I would recommend this place to friends and family.
May 26 · E Lee
I love the food but today was disappointing!!! I ordered takeout and my containers were a little over half full. It was sad because I spent over 100 bucks and I don't feel like I got my moneys worth at all.
March 06 · Kal Clarke