Mr. Khao Man Gai

- 26-32 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101

For New Yorkers craving a taste of authentic Thai street food, specifically the comforting and deceptively simple dish of Khao Man Gai (Thai Chicken Rice), there's a highly-regarded spot in Long Island City, Queens: Mr. Khao Man Gai. While the New York food scene is rich with Thai restaurants, finding one that focuses and truly excels at this specific, beloved national dish can be a game-changer for enthusiasts. Mr. Khao Man Gai has earned a reputation for mastering this classic, bringing the genuine flavors of Thailand's favorite chicken and rice to the local community, which makes it a standout choice for residents and visitors alike looking for a hearty, high-quality meal.

The core concept of Khao Man Gai is an adapted version of Hainanese chicken rice, refined and made distinctly Thai. It involves tender, often poached chicken served over rice cooked in chicken broth and fat, accompanied by a rich, flavorful dipping sauce and a light, comforting soup. Mr. Khao Man Gai’s commitment to this specialty shines through in their preparation, offering several delicious variations to cater to every preference.

Customer feedback consistently highlights the generous serving sizes, the exceptional quality of the food, and the reasonable cost—a rare and welcome trifecta in the competitive New York City dining landscape. Even when the establishment is busy during peak hours—a testament to its popularity—patrons agree the combination of quantity and quality makes it well worth the visit. Reviewers often praise the "best chicken rice," noting the comforting quality of the meal and the unique, flavorful homemade soup, which some liken to a satisfying Korean radish soup, distinguishing it from other chicken rice spots.

Beyond the signature dish, the dedication of the team—reportedly led by Bancha Supanya and Sasikan Kaewnongdang, a boyfriend and girlfriend team originally from Thailand—is what truly defines the experience. They identified a gap for this particular street food in the American market and have successfully filled it, moving from a popular food truck operation to a physical location, further solidifying their place as a premier destination for this specific, authentic Thai delicacy. Their passion for sharing the culinary heritage of Thailand with New York City’s diverse population is evident in every well-prepared plate.

Their menu extends beyond the classic poached version to include options like Thai fried chicken, grilled chicken, and even fried pork belly, ensuring variety while maintaining their focus on the "rice with meat" concept. This curated menu allows them to perfect their core offerings, ensuring a consistently high-quality experience for all diners. The selection of authentic Thai teas and other beverages complements the rich and savory food perfectly, providing a refreshing balance.

In a city where authentic regional cuisine is highly prized, Mr. Khao Man Gai serves as a perfect example of a local business specializing in and excelling at a single, beloved international comfort food, making it an essential stop for Thai food lovers in the Long Island City area and beyond.

Mr. Khao Man Gai is conveniently located in the vibrant and rapidly developing neighborhood of Long Island City (LIC), Queens, a destination increasingly known for its diverse culinary offerings and easy access to Manhattan. The specific address is 26-32 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA. This prime location places it near major transit hubs, making it highly accessible for New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs. The area of Jackson Avenue itself is dynamic, surrounded by residential buildings, creative businesses, and other popular establishments.

Accessibility via public transportation is excellent. Patrons can easily reach the restaurant by taking the 7, E, F, G, M, N, or R subway lines, all of which have stops within a short walking distance in the Court Square area. This makes it an ideal spot for a post-work dinner for Manhattan commuters or a weekend meal for Queens residents. While parking in LIC can sometimes be a challenge, the restaurant's proximity to major subway lines encourages easy foot traffic and makes a car unnecessary for most local users.

The restaurant provides services designed to cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City residents, ensuring customers can enjoy their meals conveniently and comfortably.

• Delivery: Available for those days when you prefer to enjoy authentic Thai comfort food from the convenience of your own home or office.
• Dining Options: The establishment primarily offers dinner service, making it a perfect spot to wind down and enjoy a satisfying meal after a long day.
• Alcohol Service: Beer and other alcoholic beverages are offered, providing a selection of pairings to complement the savory, spiced flavors of the Thai cuisine.
• Takeout/Pickup: Customers can place orders for quick pickup, ideal for busy professionals or those on the go.

Mr. Khao Man Gai stands out in the NYC dining scene due to its sharp focus and authentic preparation of its namesake dish, alongside other unique offerings.

• Authentic Specialization: The restaurant focuses on Khao Man Gai, offering it in various traditional and inspired styles (Poached, Fried, Grilled), signifying a dedication to authenticity and mastery of this specific Thai street food.
• Signature Sides and Soups: Meals are famously served with a flavorful ginger rice, fresh cucumber, and a complimentary homemade soup—notably described by customers as comforting and having a distinct, satisfying flavor, reminding some of Korean radish soup.
• Menu Staples: Beyond the main chicken and rice dishes, other popular items include:
  • Peek Gai Tod (Fried Chicken Wings)
  • Kuaytiaw Tom Yum Haeng (Dry Tom Yum Noodles)
  • Various authentic Thai Teas, such as Cha manao (Lime Tea) and Cha dum yen (Black Iced Tea).
• Exceptional Value: Patrons consistently praise the generous, filling portion sizes combined with reasonable pricing for the quality and location, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on flavor or authenticity.
• Commitment to Quality: The food is known for its high quality and use of fresh, flavorful ingredients, evident in the taste of the aromatic ginger rice and the tender chicken.

To plan your visit or place an order, please use the following details:

Address: 26-32 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA

Phone: The provided information did not include a public phone number. It is recommended to check popular online listing sites or the restaurant's own social media channels or website for the most current contact details or to place a delivery/takeout order through a third-party application.

Mr. Khao Man Gai is worth choosing for New Yorkers who are seeking a focused, authentic, and highly satisfying Thai dining experience that moves beyond the typical Pad Thai or green curry. If you are a fan of comfort food done right, or simply curious about one of Thailand's most beloved street meals, this is the place to visit. The restaurant’s specialty in chicken rice—whether you opt for the classic poached version or the crispy fried iteration—guarantees a deep-dive into genuine Thai flavors. The strong reputation for generous, high-quality meals at an accessible price point cements its status as a must-try local LIC gem. Its location, easily reached by multiple subway lines, means a delicious, comforting Thai meal is never far away for anyone in the NYC metro area. Choose Mr. Khao Man Gai for an authentic taste of Bangkok street food, delivered with quality and heart right here in Queens.

Mr. Khao Man Gai

26-32 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA