Little Thailand, Queens, NY

- 77-2-77-16, Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373

Welcome to Hug Esan Thai Restaurant, a genuine culinary gem nestled in the heart of what has been officially designated as “Little Thailand Way” on Woodside Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens. This establishment is not just another Thai restaurant; it is a dedicated purveyor of authentic Esan cuisine, a distinct and flavorful style of cooking from the Northeastern region of Thailand. Esan, Thailand’s largest region, shares strong culinary ties with neighboring Laos, resulting in a unique food profile known for its bold spices, reliance on fresh, lean ingredients, and the consumption of sticky rice as a staple, contrasting with the long-grain rice common in Central Thailand.

Since opening its doors in 2017, Hug Esan has been committed to serving the New York City community with a true taste of this regional specialty. The restaurant is deeply rooted in the local community, identifying as a proud family-owned and women-owned business, and actively supporting the Asian and LGBTQ community. This welcoming and inclusive ethos is reflected in the dining experience they provide.

The menu at Hug Esan is a celebration of the Esan region, inviting diners to "Experience Real Esan Cuisine." It features dishes that are inherently health-friendly, utilizing fresh mixed vegetables, lean meats, and natural, potent spices such as chili peppers, dill, and basil leaves. Key specialties that customers love include authentic Papaya Salad (with the option to add Plara—fermented fish sauce—for a truly traditional taste), succulent Grilled Chicken with Sticky Rice, and various savory Lettuce Wraps served with special house sauces. The food is designed to be enjoyed either as a single, flavorful dish or served family-style, encouraging sharing among friends and family—a nod to the communal spirit of the region it represents.

For any New Yorker who has only experienced the standard Central Thai dishes, a visit to Hug Esan offers a compelling and educational leap into the diverse world of Thai gastronomy. It’s a place where tradition meets community, all served up with warm hospitality and an undeniable passion for authentic Esan flavors. The restaurant's presence on Woodside Avenue reinforces the area's reputation as the epicenter of Thai culture in the Northeast United States.

Hug Esan is located in the vibrant Elmhurst section of Queens, on the celebrated Woodside Avenue stretch now officially co-named "Little Thailand Way." This location is central to the Thai community and easily accessible for diners traveling from across the New York region.

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

The surrounding neighborhood is transit-rich, providing convenient access via public transportation. While specific accessibility details such as wheelchair ramps are not provided, its location on a popular, commercially developed avenue suggests ease of approach. As Woodside Avenue has been subject to recent redesign proposals to improve pedestrian and outdoor dining space, the experience of visiting this cultural enclave continues to improve for all patrons.

Hug Esan provides comprehensive services designed to accommodate various dining preferences and events, ensuring their authentic cuisine is available whenever and wherever you need it.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a meal in the restaurant with comfortable seating and attentive service.
• Takeout & Online Ordering: Customers can easily place orders online for convenient pickup.
• Delivery: Offering delivery to surrounding areas, bringing the authentic taste of Esan to your home or office.
• Catering Services: Available to cater office parties, at-home celebrations, and various events, allowing guests to enjoy traditional Thai Esan cuisine at any gathering.
• Family-Style & Single Dishes: The menu is flexible, allowing for individual orders or shared, family-style feasting.

The restaurant’s defining features center on its commitment to cultural authenticity, community identity, and the distinctive quality of its regional food offerings.

• Specialization in Esan Cuisine: A unique focus on the food of Northeastern Thailand, which features sticky rice and bold flavors distinct from the more common Central Thai dishes.
• Community Roots: Proudly identified as a Family-Owned and Women-Owned business, contributing to the diversity and strength of the local Queens community.
• Authentic & Health-Friendly: Dishes are crafted with fresh vegetables, lean meats, and natural spices, embodying the traditional, health-conscious nature of Esan food.
• Little Thailand Way Location: Situated on the officially designated cultural corridor of Woodside Avenue, placing it at the heart of the Thai cultural hub in NYC.
• Signature Dishes: Highly recommended specialties include the authentic Papaya Salad (Som Tum) and Grilled Chicken with Sticky Rice, which are staples of the Esan region.
• Operational Consistency: Serving the NYC area since 2017, demonstrating a commitment to consistent quality and service over several years.
• Flexible Dining: The cuisine is well-suited for both individual dining and large groups utilizing the family-style sharing option.

For reservations, online orders, or inquiries regarding catering services, please use the following contact information:

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

Phone: (929) 328-0392

Choosing Hug Esan is choosing an immersive and authentic regional Thai experience that is exceptionally difficult to find outside of Thailand itself. For New Yorkers eager to move beyond the familiar tastes of Pad Thai and Green Curry, this restaurant offers an exciting and flavorful education in Isaan cuisine. The emphasis on sticky rice, powerful herbal flavors, and dishes that reflect the robust, agricultural background of Northeastern Thailand provides a genuinely compelling reason to visit.

What truly sets Hug Esan apart is its genuine community identity. As a long-standing, women-owned, family-run establishment located in a historically and culturally important area like Little Thailand Way, supporting them means supporting the preservation and celebration of Thai culture in New York City. The restaurant’s dedication to making their cuisine “health-friendly” also makes it an excellent choice for those seeking delicious, fresh, and lean meal options.

Whether you are an adventurous food lover ready to try a properly spicy Papaya Salad with fermented fish sauce (Plara), or you simply want a comforting, expertly-prepared meal like Grilled Chicken with Sticky Rice, Hug Esan consistently delivers high-quality, authentic flavors. The availability of catering also makes it the perfect option for bringing an exciting, unique cultural flavor to your next party or event. For an authentic taste of Esan served with warm, family-style hospitality in the heart of Queens, Hug Esan is definitively worth choosing.

Little Thailand, Queens, NY

77-2-77-16, Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA