LumLum

- 404 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019

Welcome to LumLum, a celebrated Thai restaurant nestled in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, a neighborhood renowned for its exceptional culinary diversity in New York City. LumLum is more than just a place to eat; it's a dedicated venture into authentic, traditional Thai flavors, distinctively focusing on recipes passed down through generations. The name "LumLum" itself is derived from Northern Thai slang meaning "delicious," a promise the restaurant strives to deliver with every dish. Co-owned by sisters Sommy and Mo Hensawang, whose family history includes running a beloved seafood restaurant in Thailand, LumLum brings a unique regional perspective to the NYC dining scene. This establishment stands out by offering Thai specialties, particularly fresh seafood and flavorful regional curries, often difficult to find elsewhere in the United States.

The atmosphere at LumLum perfectly complements its food. Stepping inside, New Yorkers are transported to a lively, beach-inspired setting. The decor features elements like bamboo-clad walls and woven straw lighting fixtures, evoking a relaxed, slightly trendy, yet very cozy "Phuket meets Waikiki" vibe. This comfortable, casual ambiance makes it a popular spot for both local residents and tourists, providing a festive setting ideal for groups, couples, or solo diners. While the lively atmosphere means tables can be close and the noise level moderate, many find this energy part of the quintessential Hell's Kitchen experience, especially before or after a Broadway show. LumLum takes pride in its commitment to providing an unapologetically Thai culinary experience, utilizing fresh, bold spices and traditional techniques, like using Thai green pepper and lemongrass instead of common substitutions in dishes like Pad Ki Mao (Drunken Noodles).

For those living and working in or visiting the New York City metro area, LumLum is conveniently located in the lively Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.

Location and Accessibility

The restaurant's physical address is 404 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019, USA. This prime location is situated near the bustling theater district and other Hell's Kitchen hotspots, making it highly accessible for pre-theater dining or a weekend meal. For those using NYC's extensive public transit, the restaurant is near major subway lines, including a short walk from the C and E trains at 50th Street. While the neighborhood setting is quintessential New York, which means street parking can be a challenge, paid street parking is available nearby. LumLum offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, providing a great option for pet owners enjoying a walk in the city. Reservations, especially for dinner, are recommended, as the popularity of the authentic cuisine often results in a wait, though walk-ins are also accepted daily.

Services Offered

LumLum provides a variety of service options to cater to the busy lifestyle of New Yorkers and visitors alike:

• Dine-in: Full table service is available in their casual and cozy dining room, which also features a bar onsite.
• Delivery and Takeout: Convenient options are offered for enjoying their authentic Thai cuisine at home or on the go, including no-contact delivery.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations, particularly recommended for popular dining times like lunch and dinner.
• Dining Hours: Open for lunch, dinner, and dessert. They are also known for being open late, sometimes offering late-night delights.
• Payments: Accepts major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for easy transactions.

Features / Highlights

The unique elements that set LumLum apart in the competitive NYC dining landscape include:

• Authentic Regional Thai Cuisine: Specialties are inspired by the owners' family recipes from Central Thailand, offering authentic tastes often hard to find, such as their unique whole fish preparations and regional noodle dishes.
• Signature Dishes: Must-try items include the Crying Tiger (Thai-style grilled ribeye steak served over garlic rice with a marinated raw egg yolk), Khao Soi Gai (Northern Thai coconut curry with chicken and egg noodles), and their specialized Crab Fried Rice.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: Highlighted for having "Great cocktails," along with a full bar serving a selection of Beer, Wine, Hard Liquor, and non-alcoholic "Zero Proof" options like the Thai Iced Tea with Milk and Virgin Lychee Mojito.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Caters to various preferences with Comfort food, Quick bites, Small plates, Healthy options, and Vegetarian options.
• Atmosphere: A casual, cozy, and trendy ambiance with beach-themed decor, making it a vibrant place to gather.
• Fast Service: Consistently praised for their efficient and quick service, even during busy periods.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about the menu, or place an order, local users can reach out using the following details:

Address: 404 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Phone: (646) 684-4618

What is Worth Choosing

LumLum is an excellent choice for New Yorkers seeking a genuinely authentic and vibrant Thai dining experience that moves beyond the typical American-Thai menu. The restaurant's dedication to family recipes and regional authenticity ensures a depth of flavor that is truly memorable. While classics like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew are available, the true highlights lie in exploring their signature and special dishes. For a rich, comforting experience, the Khao Soi Gai is a crowd favorite, offering a taste of Northern Thailand. Seafood lovers should consider the Steamed Fish with Lime and Herbs, often a whole Branzino, praised for its fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced lime-cilantro broth. The CRISPY CRAB OMELETTE and CRAB FRIED RICE are perfect examples of their fresh, high-quality seafood offerings.

Diners who enjoy bold, rich flavors should explore the specials like NAM YA POO (Southern Turmeric Coconut Crab Curry Noodle) and the stir-fried duck special, PED PAD PRIK. Appetizers like the crispy Fried Pork Belly (Moo Grob) and the savory Gui Chai Tod (Fried Chive Dumplings) are excellent ways to start the meal. The bar’s focus on great cocktails provides the perfect pairing to the spicy and complex flavors of the food. Despite the fast-paced, lively, and sometimes tightly-seated nature of the Hell's Kitchen location, which is typical for NYC, the overwhelming consensus is that the high quality and authentic taste of the food make LumLum a standout, worthwhile destination for any New Yorker craving real Thai flavor.

Finally, don't miss the dessert menu. The classic Mango Sticky Rice and the intriguing I-TIM Bua Loy (Thai taro mochi balls with coconut ice cream) offer a sweet, authentic finish to a wonderfully flavorful meal, providing a complete journey through Thai culinary tradition right here in Manhattan.

LumLum

404 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019, USA