Little Thai Kitchen: Authentic Thai Food in Midtown East, NYC – Lunch Specials, Cocktails, and Delivery

Little Thai Kitchen Introduce

For discerning New Yorkers seeking a consistently delicious and authentic Thai experience in **Midtown East**, **Little Thai Kitchen** is an absolute must-visit. Situated conveniently on East 53rd Street, this restaurant has established itself as a local favorite, celebrated for its vibrant flavors, generous portions, and exceptional service. Described as both **casual and cozy**, it offers a welcoming escape from the fast pace of the city, making it an ideal spot for everything from a quick, satisfying **lunch** to a relaxed, flavor-packed **dinner**.

Little Thai Kitchen takes pride in delivering traditional authentic Thai food, utilizing only the best herbs and spices to ensure every dish bursts with genuine aroma and taste. The restaurant is popular among **locals** and is frequently noted for its efficiency, featuring **fast service** that is particularly valuable for the Midtown crowd. Patrons consistently praise the attentive staff and the care that goes into the cuisine, often calling it an "underrated" gem that compares with the "absolute best of the best" Thai dining in Manhattan.

The culinary philosophy here is simple: craft with care. The menu offers an extensive array of options, including classic noodles and curries, alongside unique regional specialties and an impressive selection of appetizers and handcrafted beverages, including specialty cocktails.

Location and Accessibility

Little Thai Kitchen boasts a prime location in **Midtown East**, making it easily reachable for anyone working in or visiting the area. Its address is:

243 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Situated between Second and Third Avenues, the restaurant is conveniently located near major transit routes. For those driving, finding street parking can sometimes be challenging, typical of this dense Manhattan neighborhood. The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, ensuring it is welcoming to all patrons. Furthermore, for those looking to plan a special meal or guarantee a table, the establishment happily **accepts reservations**.

The atmosphere is enhanced by a pleasant dining setup that includes **seating** for dine-in guests, creating a nice place to relax and enjoy a meal. The property even accommodates pets, welcoming **dogs allowed** and offering **dogs allowed outside** seating, making it a great option for New Yorkers out with their furry companions.

Services Offered

Little Thai Kitchen provides a comprehensive range of service options designed for both convenience and a full dining experience:

Dine-in: Enjoy a comfortable meal with dedicated **Table service** in their cozy, multi-level atmosphere, featuring a **Bar onsite**.
Takeout & Delivery: Offering the full menu for pick-up or delivery, including options for **Curbside pickup** and **No-contact delivery**.
Dining Hours: Available for **Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert**. Note the dedicated **Set Lunch** time from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
Catering: Available for events, allowing guests to bring the authentic flavors of Little Thai Kitchen to any gathering.
Reservations: Guests can **accept reservations** to secure their table, a handy feature in a busy area like Midtown East.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is considered **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs**.
Payment Options: Accept modern payment methods, including **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.

Features / Highlights

Little Thai Kitchen distinguishes itself in the New York dining scene with several highly praised attributes:

Exceptional Beverage Program: They offer a full bar, including **Alcohol, Beer, Wine, and Cocktails**, with specialty drinks like the "red spells drink" (Rose and Lemon) and a well-balanced Blue Hawaiian, highly recommended by patrons.
Great Set Lunch Deal: From Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, customers can choose one starter and one entrée (like Red Curry or Pad Thai Noodle) for a fantastic value price, ideal for a Midtown lunch break.
Unique Appetizers: The appetizer menu is extensive and features standout items like the acclaimed **purple dumplings** (Chor Maung), **Roti Canai** (crispy bread with coconut chicken curry), and **Fancy Creamy Crab**.
Diverse and Authentic Menu: The selection goes beyond the expected with **Thai Big Bowl Noodle Soup** options (e.g., **Thai Boat Beef Noodle Soup**, **LAKSA Shrimp Noodle Soup**), unique **LTK Specials** like **SPICY VOLCANO NOODLE** and **CRAB MEAT CURRY**, and various **Curry Fried Rice** types.
Focus on Freshness and Flavor: Customers consistently praise the **flavorful curry**, the "perfect" preparation of dishes like the **Crispy Pork**, and the overall "fresh" quality of the food.
Tea Selection: The restaurant is highlighted for its **Great tea selection**, complementing its beverage offerings.
Dietary Options: The menu is accommodating, offering **Vegetarian options**, **Healthy options**, and items that can be customized to suit different needs.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, place an order, or learn more about the menu, here is the necessary contact information:

Address: 243 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Phone: (212) 644-5353

Mobile Phone: +1 212-644-5353

What is Worth Choosing

Little Thai Kitchen is worth choosing because it provides an elevated, yet accessible, authentic Thai dining experience right in the center of Manhattan. It successfully balances a cozy neighborhood feel with a sophisticated menu and excellent bar service, a combination not always easy to find in Midtown East. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in the positive reviews that highlight the perfect execution of complex dishes.

When dining at Little Thai Kitchen, make sure to consider these patron favorites and signature dishes:

Appetizers: The **Dumplings** (especially the unique purple ones often referred to as a "show stopper"), **Roti Canai**, and **CHICKEN SATAY** are highly recommended starts to any meal.
Noodles and Rice: Classic choices like the **PAD THAI** and **PAD SEE-EW** are popular, but consider diving into the more adventurous **DRUNKEN NOODLE** or one of the unique fried rice options like **PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE** or **NASI GORENG FRIED RICE**.
LTK Specials: For a truly memorable meal, try the highly-acclaimed **SPICY VOLCANO NOODLE** with braised beef, the indulgent **CRAB MEAT FRIED RICE**, or the flavorful **PANANG CURRY SHORT RIB**.
Unique Proteins: The duck and fish selections are standout, with **DUCK GA PROW** and **PINEAPPLE DUCK CURRY** being excellent choices, or the delightful **GINGER STEAMED FISH**.
Lunch Value: Don't overlook the incredible value of the **Set Lunch**, a perfect way to sample their quality dishes during the workweek.

With quick service, an inviting atmosphere, and a dedication to crafting authentic Thai flavors, Little Thai Kitchen provides an essential culinary stop for anyone in the New York City area.

Little Thai Kitchen Food & drink

APPETIZERS
SPRING ROLLS (6 PCS.) $7.50
Fried vegetable spring rolls with sweet plum sauce
DUMPLINGS ( 6 PCS) (STEAMED OR FRIED) $10.00
Choices of pork, vegetables or basil chicken
CHICKEN SATAY (4 PCS.) $14.00
Grilled chicken tenders with a side of peanut sauce and cucumber sauce
ROTI CANAI $13.50
Crispy Bread with a side of coconut chicken curry. Spicy
SUMMER SHRIMP ROLL $10.00
Shrimp, vegetables and basil wrapped in rice paper. Gluten Free
CRISPY SHRIMP CAKE (3 PCS) $11.00
Thai style shrimp fritter served with sweet chili sauce
CHIVE PANCAKE $10.00
Fried chive pancake served with sweet soy sauce. Vegan
CORN FRITTERS $10.00
Crunchy fresh corn fritters, with sweet creamy chili sauce. Vegan
FRIED SHRIMP ROLL $12.00
Fried marinated shrimp wrapped served with sweet chili sauce
TOFU TORD $7.00
Crispy tofu with sweet plum sauce and peanuts. Vegan
CHICKEN CURRY PUFF $10.00
Pastry puff stuffed with minced chicken, potatoes and curry powder
CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAP $12.50
Minced chicken with cashew nuts, carrots, celery, lettuce and curry powder
FRIED CALAMARI $13.00
Battered fried calamari with sweet creamy chili sauce
THAI MEAT BALLS $9.50
Thai beef balls with sweet chili sauce
THAI CHICKEN WINGS $13.00
Crispy marinated chicken served with spicy jaew sauce. Gluten Free
TARO FRITTERS $10.00
Crunchy taro fritters, with sweet sauce with crunch peanut. Vegan
LEMONGRASS SHRIMP $12.00
Wok tossed shrimp with lemongrass, lettuce, dry chilies, and tamarind sauce. Gluten Free
FANCY CREAMY CRAB $16.00
Fried crab meat filled with cream cheese, carrots, scallions in wonton wrapper served with sweet chili sauce
EDAMAME $7.00
Steamed soy bean. Gluten Free, Vegan

SALADS
PAPAYA SALAD (SOM TUM) $13.00
Green papaya, tomato, peanuts, carrots, string beans and chilies in Thai style lime dressing. Spicy, Gluten Free
LTK SALAD $13.00
Tofu, lettuce, tomato, bean sprouts, cucumber, shallot and boiled eggs with side of peanut dressing. Gluten Free
NAM TOK SALAD (BEEF OR PORK)
Lettuce, shallot, scallions, red chilies and roasted rice powder in Thai spicy dressing. Spicy, Gluten Free
CRISPY CALAMARI SALAD $15.00
Lettuce tomato cucumber carrots shallot, fried calamari with sesame dressing
CHICKEN LARB SALAD $11.00
Spiced minced chicken, roasted rice powder, shallot, lettuce, scallions and red chilies in Thai spicy dressing. Spicy, Gluten Free
DUCK SALAD $16.00
Crispy duck, lettuce, tomato, scallions, pineapple, cashew nuts and shallot in Thai style dressing. Gluten Free

SOUPS
WOON SEN $7.00
Clear glass noodle soup, tofu and vegetables. Gluten Free
TOM YUM (CHICKEN, SHRIMP, VEGETABLES OR TOFU) $7.50
Savory sour soup with onions, mushrooms and tomato. Spicy, Gluten Free
TOM KAR (CHICKEN, SHRIMP, VEGETABLES OR TOFU) $7.50
Coconut milk soup, onions, mushrooms and tomato. Gluten Free

HOUSE ENTREES
Served with Jasmine rice
BASIL EGGPLANT $16.00
Sauteed eggplant, basil, carrots, onions, string beans and bell peppers in chili basil sauce. Spicy
GARLIC EGGPLANT $16.00
Sautéed eggplant, napa, broccoli and carrots in garlic sauce
VOLCANO CHICKEN $17.00
Crispy chicken with sweet chili sauce and lettuce
BASIL TOFU & MUSHROOMS $16.00
Sauteed tofu, mushrooms, basil, carrots, onions, string beans and bell peppers in chili basil sauce. Spicy
LU ROU FAN, TAIWANESE PORK RICE BOWL $23.00
A Taiwanese comfort food classic of braised pork belly over rice and boiled egg with pickled cabbage, steam Chinese broccoli

CLASSIC ENTREES
Served with Jasmine rice.
GARLIC
Sauteed garlic, napa, broccoli and carrots in garlic sauce
GINGER
Sauteed ginger, carrots, onions, celery, baby corn, mushrooms, bell peppers and bean paste in brown sauce
CASHEW NUT
Sauteed cashew nuts, carrots, onions, bell peppers and baby corn in cashew nut sauce
PRA RAAM
Sauteed peanut sauce with steamed broccoli
BASIL
Sauteed basil, carrots, onions, string beans and bell peppers in chili basil sauce. Spicy
SWEET AND SOUR
Sauteed pineapple, tomato, cucumber, onions, bell peppers and scallions in sweet and sour sauce

THAI BIG BOWL NOODLE SOUP
TOM YUM NOODLE SOUP
Sour soup with mushrooms, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli and chilies with rice noodles. Spicy, Gluten Free
CHIANG MAI NOODLE SOUP
Coconut red curry paste soup, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli with egg noodles. Spicy
TOM KAR NOODLE SOUP
Coconut milk soup with mushrooms, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli with rice noodles. Gluten Free
CLEAR BROTH NOODLE SOUP
Clear broth soup, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli with rice noodles. Gluten Free
YELLOW CURRY NOODLE SOUP
Coconut yellow curry powder soup, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli with egg noodles. Spicy
THAI BOAT BEEF NOODLE SOUP $18.00
Sliced beef, beef balls, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli in a beef broth with rice noodles. Gluten Free
MEE DUCK NOODLE SOUP $18.00
Duck, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli in a broth with rice noodles. Gluten Free
LAKSA SHRIMP NOODLE SOUP $18.00
Shrimp, coconut curry in a laksa paste broth, Chinese broccoli, bean sprouts with rice noodles. Spicy, Gluten Free

NOODLES
PAD THAI
Rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, egg and peanuts. Gluten Free
PAD SEE-EW
Flat rice noodles, sweet soy sauce, Chinese & American broccoli and egg
LARD NAH
Flat rice noodles in gravy soup with, Chinese broccoli, baby corn and mushrooms
DRUNKEN NOODLE
Flat rice noodles, broccoli, carrots, onions, basil, bell peppers, baby corn, egg and chilies. Spicy
PAD THAI TOM YUM
Rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, egg and peanuts with tom yum paste
SRIRACHA NOODLE
Flat rice noodle in sesame oil, bean sprouts, scallions, eggs with siracha sauce. Spicy

RICE
THAI FRIED RICE
Fried rice with egg, carrots, scallions, onions and tomato
TOM YUM FRIED RICE
Fried rice with egg, carrots, onions, bell peppers with spicy tom yum paste. Spicy
PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE
Fried rice with egg, carrots, onions, tomato, pineapple and cashew nuts
GREEN CURRY FRIED RICE
Fried rice with spicy green curry, egg, onions, carrots, scallions, fried garlic. Spicy
KEE MAO FRIED RICE
Fried rice with egg, carrots, onions, bell peppers, broccoli, baby corn, basil and chilies. Spicy
NASI GORENG FRIED RICE
Indonesian fried rice with egg, carrots, onions, bell peppers and red chili paste. Spicy

DUCK
Served with Jasmine rice
DUCK CHOO CHEE $27.00
Duck in Choo Chee coconut curry sauce and steamed broccoli
DUCK GA PROW $27.00
Duck with Thai chilies, string beans, bell peppers, onions, carrots and basil
PINEAPPLE DUCK CURRY $27.00
Duck with coconut red curry, pineapple, tomato, cashew nuts, bell peppers, string beans and basil

FISH
Served with Jasmine rice
SALMON GREEN CURRY $24.00
Salmon with coconut milk, bamboo shoot, eggplant, bell peppers and basil
FISH CHOO CHEE $24.00
Fish fillet with Choo Chee coconut curry sauce with steamed broccoli and bell peppers
TAMARIND FISH $23.00
Fish fillet with tamarind chili sauce, lettuce and steamed broccoli
MANGO FISH Curry $24.00
Fish fillet with coconut red curry, mango, string beans, carrots, bell peppers, basil and onions
BASIL FISH $23.00
Fish fillet with Thai chilies, string beans, onions, carrots and basil

CLASSIC CURRY
Served with Jasmine rice
THAI RED CURRY
Coconut milk, bamboo shoot, string beans, bell peppers and basil
THAI GREEN CURRY
Coconut milk, bamboo shoot, eggplant, bell peppers and basil
THAI MASSAMAN CURRY
Coconut milk, onions, potatoes, carrots and peanuts
YELLOW CURRY
Coconut milk, potatoes, string beans, carrots, onions and curry powder
PANANG CURRY
Coconut milk, string beans, carrots, bell peppers and lime leaves
THAI MANGO CURRY
Coconut red curry, diced mango, string beans, bell peppers, basil, carrots and onions

SIDE ORDER
JASMINE RICE $2.75
BROWN RICE $4.00
STICKY RICE $4.50
SWEET COCONUT STICKY RICE $4.00
MIX STEAM MIX VEGETABLE $7.00
FRIED EGG $4.50
SWEET CHILI SAUCE $2.00
SRIRACHA SAUCE $2.00
PEANUT SAUCE $2.00
SWEET PLUM SAUCE $2.00
ROTI BREAD (1 PCS) $2.50

EXTRAS
(ADD ON ALL ENTREES ONLY)
VEGETABLE OR TOFU $5.00
EGG $3.00
CHICKEN OR PORK $6.00
BEEF $7.00
SHRIMP OR SQUID $7.00

BEVERAGES
Hot Water $2.00
Hot Tea (Dine In Only) $4.00
Saratoga Spring Water $4.00
San Pellegrino $4.00
Canned Soda $3.00
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Seltzer
Shirley Temple $5.00
Thai Ice Tea / Thai Ice Coffee $5.00
Ice Tea $6.00
Lychee, Orange, or Lemon
Juice $6.00
Orange, Pineapple, Cranberry, Grapefruit
Fresh Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, or Blue Lemonade $6.00

SET LUNCH STARTERS
11.30 AM - 4.00 PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY. Served With Jasmine Rice, Brown Rice Extra 4.00. PICK ONE CHOICE OF STARTERS AND ONE ENTREE
Spring Roll
Steamed Vegetable Dumpling
Woonsen Soup
Papaya Salad

SET LUNCH ENTREE
Choice Of 1 Protein With 1 Entree. Chicken • Pork • Vegetable • Tofu - 15.00. Beef • Shrimp • Squid - 17.00
Cashew Sauce
Ginger Sauce
Garlic Sauce
Basil Sauce
Red Curry
Green Curry
Thai Fried Rice
Pineapple Fried Rice
Kee Mao Fried Rice
Pad Thai Noodle
Pad See-Ew Noodle
Drunken Noodle

LTK SPECIALS
SPICY VOLCANO NOODLE $32.00
Spicy noodle with braised beef rib with secret sauce, onion, bell pepper, dry chilli, pepper corn, basil leaves
CRAB MEAT CURRY $26.00
Lump crabmeat, curry paste, coconut milk, betal leaves, served with jasmin rice
PLA RAD PRINK $33.00
Fried whole Branzino fish - fillet with sweet Chille Garlic Sauce
PLA TOD YUM MAMUANG $33.00
Fried whole Branzino fish - fillet with mango salad, cashew nut, red onion
NEUR YANG (GRILLED MARINATED BEEF) $25.00
Grilled marinated beef with spicy jeaw sauce, served with sticky rice
PANANG CURRY SHORT RIB $30.00
Bone in short rib in panang curry sauce, bell pepper, carrot, string bean, served with jasmin rice
RIVER PRAWN PADTHAI $28.00
Egg wrap padthai noodle with grill river prawn, peanuts, bean sprout scllion
CRAB MEAT FRIED RICE $26.00
Crab meat, rice, egg, scallions, onion, served with spicy seafood sauce
STIR FRIED SEAFOOD CURRY $33.00
Shrimp, squid, crabmeat, onion, celery, egg, curry powder, scallions
TAMARIND SHRIMP $27.00
Shrimp with hot and zesty tamarind chili sauce

Little Thai Kitchen Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
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 parking lot

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

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Locals

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside

Little Thai Kitchen Photos

Little Thai Kitchen Location

Little Thai Kitchen

New York New York County New York East 53rd Street

243 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Little Thai Kitchen Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 421 user reviews.

takeoutdrunken noodlesshrimpdeliveryspring rollscurry puffquantityappetizerdumplingsthe menu

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This restaurant is beautiful and delicious. Underrated. The red spells drink yummy. Rose and lemon. The blue Hawaiian was good because it wadnt too sweet and had a good amount of liquor. The. Crispy pork was perfect. Exactly as it looked. The show stopper was the purple dumplingsSweet, salty peanuts and savory. The grilled branding was fun to eat and excellent. Nice char with fresh raw veggies and pork skin. Definitely paired nice together. The ginger steamed fish was sweet and sour and perfect.
May 25 · Anna H
Delicious Thai food!! Flavorful curry but mango a little too ripe and not enough pieces, and not enough meat. I wish I could’ve had more of that delicious pork. The Pad Se Ew tasty and great portions of mock duck. First time eating at their new location. Very nice new restaurant, and service always on point. Wish I could give it 5 stars but the current can definitely be better :)
May 14 · David Cabanzo
Such a great atmosphere of a restaurant and place to have large dinners since there is two floors. I would've rated 4 stars because I had their lunch specials which was amazing with the salad, but the veggie dumplings were not my favorite and the pork was not too crunchy. The jasmine rice though went great, meal was enjoyable especially their branzino and short rib curry specials. I wanted the rib to really fall off the bone, it was okay but the curry really sold me. Filled with flavor. Branzino was definitely favorite item and their guava margarita made less sweet and their sake is really delicious. Service was nice too so, I give it 5🔥 Check out our amazing video on and follow Instagram @jadaexploresall!
July 23 · Jada Knight
Very cute spot for a date night with delicious dishes to match. Super authentic Thai menu, the dishes feel home made. The Spicy volcano noodles with braised beef is unbelievable and a must try dish
April 22 · Adam Giladi
The summer roll was very good. However, I’m unsure if the decorative leaves are being reused across dishes, which is a bit concerning. The soup wasn’t spicy at all to me, and the quality of the vegetables could be improved — it was mostly stems and quite tough. I wish there were more fresh and tender vegetables included.On a positive note, the service was excellent, and the outdoor space is great — a very nice atmosphere to enjoy a meal.
June 27 · WoA WoA