MaliNee Thai Introduce
Nestled on 2nd Ave, MaliNee Thai is a true neighborhood find in New York, offering a slice of authentic and deeply flavorful Thai cuisine to the local community. It is celebrated by regulars as a 'little gem'—a cozy, welcoming spot that pairs genuine Thai hospitality with an extensive and creative menu. Unlike larger, more commercial establishments, MaliNee Thai prides itself on maintaining a homely and intimate atmosphere, which allows the quality of its cooking and the warmth of its service to shine through.
The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity is immediately evident in its diverse offerings, moving beyond the usual staples to include unique and popular Thai street food inspired dishes. Customers consistently praise the food for being delicious, super flavorful, and served in generous portions. This dedication to providing excellent quality food every time is the key to its success, ensuring patrons, from solo diners to families, keep coming back for more. Whether you are looking for a quick and satisfying lunch or a comfortable place for dinner, MaliNee Thai offers a consistently positive and delicious experience.
The menu is a journey through the best of Thai culinary traditions, emphasizing fresh ingredients and balanced spice. The 'Must Try' section is a clear highlight, featuring specialty items that showcase the chef's expertise. These include various preparations of Crispy Pork Belly—such as Prik Khing, Basil, and Larb—along with other notable selections like Tamarind Duck and different preparations of Fried Fish. This commitment to traditional yet distinct dishes ensures a rich dining experience that appeals to both adventurous palates and those seeking classic comfort food.
MaliNee Thai understands the New York diner, providing quick, attentive service without sacrificing the quality of the meal. The atmosphere is casual, making it an excellent choice for any occasion, from a spontaneous dinner to a planned gathering. Reviewers frequently highlight the attentiveness of the servers and the friendly demeanor of the staff, which significantly contributes to the pleasant and cozy vibe of the restaurant. It is a place where you are treated not just as a customer, but as a welcomed guest.
MaliNee Thai is conveniently located at 2028 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA. Situated in a residential and accessible area of Manhattan, it serves as a crucial local dining destination. Its location on 2nd Avenue provides straightforward access for foot traffic and local residents looking for high-quality Thai food nearby.
For accessibility, the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it welcoming for all patrons. In terms of parking, like much of New York City, guests will need to rely on paid street parking. The proximity to various public transport options also ensures that those commuting from different boroughs can easily reach this cozy dining spot. The neighborhood setting contributes to the 'local gem' status, offering a familiar and comforting option away from the heavy tourist areas. The restaurant also accepts reservations, which is advisable given its 'homely and cozy' setting that suggests limited seating capacity.
MaliNee Thai provides a comprehensive range of services designed to accommodate the varied needs of New Yorkers, ensuring flexibility for every mealtime preference.
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full, cozy, and authentic dining experience with seating available inside the restaurant.
- Outdoor Seating: Offers the option to enjoy your meal al fresco, weather permitting.
- Takeout: Conveniently pick up your order to enjoy authentic Thai flavors at home or on the go.
- Delivery: Full delivery service is available, bringing hot and fresh meals directly to your Manhattan location.
- No-Contact Delivery: Provides a safe and convenient option for delivery orders.
- Catering: Offers catering options, making it simple to bring a selection of delicious Thai dishes to your next event or gathering.
- Reservations Accepted: Guests can call ahead to secure a table, highly recommended especially during peak dining hours.
MaliNee Thai distinguishes itself with several key features that enhance the dining experience and appeal to a broad New York audience.
- Culinary Specialization: Known for their outstanding 'Must Try' dishes, including various Crispy Pork Belly options (Prik Khing, Basil, Larb), Tamarind Duck, and different whole Fried Fish preparations, showcasing authentic, complex Thai cooking.
- Extensive Beverage Program: Features a full bar on site, offering Alcohol, Beer, Wine, and Cocktails, along with non-alcoholic favorites like Thai Iced Tea and Lychee Lemonade.
- All-Day Menu Variety: The menu covers classic Thai offerings, including six popular noodle dishes (e.g., Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Udon Kee Mow), five types of flavorful fried rice, and six different curries (including Pumpkin Curry and Pineapple Curry).
- Dietary Accommodation: Offers numerous Healthy Options, Small Plates, and Vegetarian Options (including a Vegan Puff and Tofu Soup), demonstrating a commitment to diverse dietary needs.
- Welcoming Atmosphere and Fast Service: Described as Homely and Cozy with Fast Service, making it ideal for Lunch, Dinner, and especially popular for Solo Dining. It is noted as Family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender safespace.
- Full Dining Options: Provides high chairs for children and is well-suited for kids, with dining options spanning Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, and Catering.
- Happy Hour Specials: Offers both Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food, providing great value for after-work or early evening socializing.
For reservations, takeout, or delivery, please use the following contact details:
Address: 2028 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
Phone: (212) 289-2729
MaliNee Thai is worth choosing for any New Yorker who values authenticity, a welcoming environment, and a menu that goes above and beyond the standard Thai fare. What truly sets this restaurant apart is the genuine, warm hospitality—described by customers as being served by a 'lovely Thai chef' and an 'equally lovely Thai lady'—which creates a deeply personal and enjoyable dining experience. It is a genuine local gem that makes you feel at home in the city.
The food quality is exceptionally high, with signature dishes like the Prik Khing Crispy Pork Belly offering a texture and flavor explosion not easily found elsewhere in the city. Even the classic dishes, such as the Tom Yum Goong and Papaya Salad, are praised as being 'one of the best in town,' a testament to the kitchen's mastery of essential Thai flavors. The generous portion sizes provide great value, often leading to a satisfied fullness that guarantees leftovers for the next day.
For the New York local, MaliNee Thai is a reliable source for high-quality, authentic Thai comfort food, complemented by the convenience of multiple service options—from relaxing outdoor seating to quick no-contact delivery. The fact that it is a dedicated, single-location Thai restaurant, focused on consistent quality and a friendly atmosphere, makes it a superior choice over larger chain operations. It’s the perfect place to explore the depths of Thai cuisine in a setting that feels both special and comfortably familiar.
MaliNee Thai Food & drink
All Day Menu - Appetizers
- Shrimp Wonton $10.99
Marinated shrimp stuffed with wonton skin.
- Coconut Shrimp $11.99
Crispy coconut shrimp.
- Shrimp Roll $10.99
Marinated shrimp and spring roll warped.
- Crispy Chicken Bun $9.99
Fried chicken, lettuce, creamy lime sauce.
- Steamed Beef Bun $9.99
Hot. Beef massaman curry, cucumber salad.
- Tom Yum Wings $11.99
Hot. Deep-fried breaded chicken wing coated with sweet and spicy tom yum flavored sauce served with lime.
- Steamed Duck Bun $9.99
Hot. Roasted duck, cucumber, scallion with spicy holsin sauce.
- Chicken & Shrimp Dumpling $10.99
Chicken and shrimp stuffed with wonton skin.
- Chive Rice Cake $9.99
Pan-fried chive rice cake served with sweet soy sauce.
- Curry Puff $11.99
Curry flavored chicken. potato, and onion in crispy puff pastry served with cucumber relish.
- Vegan Puff $11.99
Root vegetable, onion and curry powder.
- Roti Massamun $10.99
Slow cooked beef massamun curry served with toasted fiat bread.
- Pumpkin Fries $9.99
Lightly battered pumpkin fries served with sweet chili sauce and ground peanut.
- Thai Chicken Wing $10.99
Deep-fried Thai-style marinated chicken wings served with sweet chili sauce.
- Crab Rangoon $9.99
Must try. Fried wonton stuffed with crab stick and cream cheese.
- Chicken Satay $11.99
Gilled chicken skewers served with peanut sauce and cucumber salad and toast.
- Crispy Lime Chicken $12.99
Crispy fried chicken served with creamy lime sauce.
- Shrimp Triangle $12.99
Crispy shrimp triangles made of marinated ground shrimp and spring roll skin served with sweet plum sauce.
- Spring Roll $9.99
Mixed vegetables spring rolls served with sweet chill sauce.
- Veggie Dumpling $10.99
Pea, carrot, spinach , broccoli and sweet corn.
- Crispy Calamari $12.99
Crispy Calamari served with sweet chill sauce, spicy mayo, lime.
- Scallion Pancake $10.99
Fried scallion pancake.
- Summer Roll $11.99
Shrimp, rice noodle, lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and basil in soft rice paper wrap served with spicy Hoisin sauce and peanut.
All Day Menu - Soup
- Tom Yum $8.99
Hot. Mushroom and cilantro in spicy lime lemongrass broth.
- Tofu Soup $8.99
Mixed vegetables and tofu in chicken broth.
- Wonton Soup $8.99
Wonton and mixed vegetables in chicken broth.
- Tom Kha $8.99
Mushroom, galangal, and cilantro in creamy coconut broth.
- Creamy Tom Yum $20.99
Hot. Mixed seafood. mushroom, fresh chili, and cilantro in creamy lemongrass broth.
All Day Menu - Dessert
- Fried Banana With Ice Cream $8.99
- Mango With Sticky Rice $9.99
- Mango Mousse Cake $6.99
- Fried Ice Cream $9.99
Vanilla flavor.
- Chocolate Lava With Vanilla Ice Cream $9.99
All Day Menu - Beverage
- Thai Tea $4.99
- Thai Iced Tea $4.99
- Sparkling Water $4.99
- Lychee Lemonade $5.99
- Black Iced Tea $4.99
Unsweetened.
- Thai Iced Coffee $4.99
- Soda $2.99
- Spring Water $2.99
All Day Menu - The Must Try
- Fried Fish Thai Herb $21.99
Hot. Lemongrass, red onion, lime leaf, cashew nut. ginger, tossed in sweet chili lime sauce.
- Tamarind Duck $29.99
Half crispy roasted duck topped with tamarind sauce served with steamed vegetables.
- Stewed Beef Over Rice $19.99
Thai-style stewed beef with five spice and Thai herbs served over rice with half boiled egg.
- Prik Khing Crispy Pork Belly $19.99
Hot. String bean, carrot, bell pepper, lime leaf in spicy curry paste.
- Fried Fish 3 Flavor $21.99
Hot. Garlic tamarind chili sauce served with steamed mixed vegetables.
- Basil Crispy Pork Belly $19.99
Hot. Sautéed with bell pepper and string bean in spicy basil sauce.
- Fried Fish Mango Salad $21.99
Hot. Mango, red onion, mint, cashew nut, in chili lime dressing.
- Stewed Beef Basil $20.99
Hot. Tender and flavorful stewed beef sautéed with bell pepper and string bean in spicy basil sauce.
- Seafood Pad Cha $21.99
Hot. Mixed seafood sautéed with bell pepper, pepper corn, finger root, Thai eggplant, in spicy basil sauce.
- Clay Pot Rice $19.99
Hot. Rice cooked in sweet soy sauce with egg, sweet sausage, pork, shrimp, ginger, mushroom, scallion, cilantro.
- Larb Crispy Pork Belly $19.99
Hot. Scallion, red onion. mint, ground toasted rice in spicy lime dressing.
- Kana Moo Grob | Crispy Pork Belly $19.99
Sautéed with Chinese broccoli in garlic brown sauce.
- Fried Fish Ginger $20.99
Ginger, onion, scallion, celery, and mushroom in light brown sauce.
All Day Menu - Noodles
- Pad Woon Sen $16.99
Glass noodles, egg. scallion, onion, tomato and Napa cabbage in light brown sauce.
- Pad Thai $16.99
Thin rice noodles, egg, scallion, tofu, bean sprout, and peanut in sweet tamarind sauce.
- Pad Mee Tom Yum $16.99
Tom yum flavor with angel hair noodle with egg , bell pepper and basil.
- Udon Kee Mow $16.99
Udon noodles ,egg, onion, bell pepper, carrot, tomato, string bean and spicy chili sauce.
- Pad See Ew $16.99
Flat rice noodles, egg, and Chinese broccoli in sweet soy sauce.
- Pad Kee Mao $16.99
Hot. Flat rice noodles, egg, onion, bell pepper, carrot, tomato, and string bean in spicy basil sauce.
All Day Menu - Noodles Soup
- Curry Noodle $18.99
Hot. Thin rice noodles with stewed beef. bean sprout, tofu. peanut. turnip, cilantro, and half boiled egg in spicy curry sauce.
- Beef Noodle Soup $20.99
Hot. Choice of noodles* with stewed beef. beef. beef balls, Chinese broccoli bean sprout, cilantro and scallion in dark broth.
- Creamy Tom Yum Noodle $20.99
Hot. Choice of noodles* with ground pork, fish balls, shrimp, bean sprout, scallion, and half boiled egg in creamy lemongrass broth.
All Day Menu - Salad
- Shrimp Mango Salad $17.99
Hot. Mango, shrimp, red onion, mint, cashew nut, in fresh chili lime dressing.
- Sausage Cucumber Salad $14.99
Sweet sausage, cucumber, red onion, in spicy lime dressing.
- Duck Salad $20.99
Crispy roasted duck. pineapple, tomato, cashew nut. red onion, and scallion, in sweet and spicy lime dressing.
- Larb Salad $13.99
Choice of minced chicken, or minced pork tossed in spicy lime dressing with scallion, red onion. Mint, and toasted rice powder.
- Papaya Salad $8.99
Hot. Green papaya, tomato, peanut. fresh chili and garlic in sweet lime dressing.
- Grilled Salmon Salad $19.99
Grilled salmon, gilled pineapple, tomato, mixed greens, served with sesame dressing.
All Day Menu - Sautéed
- Garlic Sautéed $16.99
Sautéed in garlic and pepper sauce served with steamed carrot and broccoli.
- Basil Sautéed $16.99
Bell pepper and string bean in spicy basil sauce (made traditional style - cooked with ground meat).
- Prik Khing Sautéed $16.99
Hot. String bean, carrot, bell pepper, and lime leaf in spicy curry paste sauce.
- Ginger Sautéed $16.99
Fresh ginger, carrot, onion, scallion, celery, and mushroom in light brown sauce.
- Cashew Nut Sautéed $16.99
Hot. Onion, scallion, carrot bell pepper, and cashew nut in sweet chili paste sauce.
All Day Menu - Fried Rice
- Green Curry Fried Rice $16.99
Hot. Egg. bamboo shoot, bell pepper, basil, and green curry paste.
- Thai Fried Rice $16.99
Egg. tomato, Chinese broccoli, scallion, and onion.
- Tom Yum Fried Rice $16.99
Hot. Egg. mushroom, bell pepper, onion, lemongrass, sweet chili paste, and lime juice.
- Basil Fried Rice $16.99
Hot. Egg, onion, bell pepper, carrot, string bean, chili, and basil.
- Pineapple Fried Rice $16.99
Egg, pineapple, cashew nut, tomato, onion, and scallion.
All Day Menu - Side Order
- Brown Rice $3.99
- Steamed Noodles $5.99
- Fried Eggs $3.99
- Roti $4.99
- Peanut Sauce
- White Rice $2.99
- Steamed Vegetables $5.99
- Coconut Sticky Rice $4.99
All Day Menu - Curry
- Panang Curry $16.99
Hot. String bean, carrot, and, bell pepper in panang curry sauce.
- Red Curry $16.99
Hot. Bamboo shoot, eggplant, bell pepper, and basil in coconut red curry sauce.
- Pineapple Curry $16.99
Hot. Pineapple, potato, onion, and carrot in yellow curry sauce.
- Green Curry $16.99
Hot. Bamboo shoot, eggplant, bell pepper, and basil in coconut green curry sauce.
- Massamun Curry Chicken Or Beef $19.99
Hot. Made traditional-style - slow cooked chicken thigh or beef with potato, onion, and peanut.
- Pumpkin Curry $16.99
Hot. Pumpkin, string bean, bell pepper, and basil in red curry sauce.
MaliNee Thai Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
MaliNee Thai Photos










MaliNee Thai Location
MaliNee Thai Reviews
appetizerspineapplehappy hourcakesduck bunstaroroticoursefillingpad kee mao
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My sister and I visited this restaurant and we loved it!! Not only was this place small about 8 tables or so but it was homely and cozy. The server was very attentive at all times and food was delicious 😋
July 25 · Pauline IVJust discovered this little gem—not too far from me—and totally loved it! Unfortunately, there aren’t many Thai restaurants in my part of town, so this was a real treat.Owned by a lovely Thai chef and served by another equally lovely Thai lady, the hospitality here was as warm as the flavors. I enjoyed a fantastic Tom Yum Goong and a super flavorful Papaya Salad—one of the best in town!I was tempted to get my favorite, Green Curry, but the generous portions left me too full. Just means I have the perfect excuse to come back!Definitely a local gem. 🌟🌟🌟
March 23 · Ted Weitz MDMali Nee Thai in East Harlem is an absolute gem! From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality. Mata, the owner and our waitress, served us with her whole heart—her kindness and passion for her restaurant truly shine through. Every dish was phenomenal, bursting with authentic Thai flavors and prepared with such care. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a quality meal and great company. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for delicious Thai food with a personal touch!
February 27 · Benjamin HelwaCame here for restaurant week and it was amazing! For $39 you get a four course meal plus a glass of wine or beer! Not to mention that the courses are full size, I could barely make it to dessert! Everything was delicious and flavorful and the service was great. Will definitely be back, possibly this week :)
July 25 · Gaby RenfroeMy go-to Thai spot in the city for years. I love that it’s right around the block. Reliable, fast, delicious. Best pineapple curry I’ve ever had! Wishing you many years of successful business in the neighborhood.
June 14 · Brooke Battista
More Thai Food Near Me
Bangklyn East Harlem4.0 (276 reviews)2051 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
Plue4.0 (1353 reviews)1575 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
Chu Ros Thai NYC4.0 (861 reviews)Chu Ros Thai Restaurant, 1590 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
MRS. AN Thai4.0 (337 reviews)173 E 99th St, New York, NY 10029, USA
Thai Peppercorn4.0 (221 reviews)1406 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
Bangrak - Thai Cuisine4.0 (148 reviews)1750 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Koo Thai4.0 (347 reviews)1758 1st Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Thai Super4.0 (121 reviews)166 E 118th St, New York, NY 10035, USA
Thai Hot Box4.0 (374 reviews)1598 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Thai BKK4.0 (237 reviews)2021 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10035, USA
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill4.0 (9031 reviews)1611 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Thai At Lex4.0 (642 reviews)1244 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Pad Thai Kitchen4.0 (185 reviews)
Tam Sang Thai Kitchen4.0 (206 reviews)
Thai Chili Food Truck4.0 (25 reviews)
Thai Tonight4.0 (18 reviews)
Bangkok Spice4.0 (332 reviews)
Green Basil Thai Kitchen4.0 (92 reviews)Trending Thai Food Blogs Posts
How to Make Thai Food Work for a Tight Weeknight Schedule
The Classic Thai Dish You’ve Probably Never Heard Of (But Should)
Best Thai Meat Recipes for Meat Lovers Seeking Something New
How to Make Thai Food That’s Great for Meal Prepping
Thai Food Ingredient Spotlight: Kaffir Lime Leaves & Their Unique Aroma
Thai Food for the Fall Season: Warm Curries & Comfort Dishes
