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May Kaidee

215 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Thai, Vegan, Vegetarian

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

May Kaidee 8.4
Lower East Side
An all‑vegan Thai restaurant offering plant‑based renditions of classic dishes like curries and stir‑fried noodles — flavorful, fresh and often gluten‑free. Its cozy, inviting atmosphere and friendly service make it a go‑to for those craving Thai comfort food minus the meat.
Must-Try Dishes: Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), Panang curry with brown rice, Tom Yum soup
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Authentic Thai vegan dishes inspired by the owner’s Bangkok street‑cart roots.
Who should go: Fans of Thai food seeking plant‑based options
When to visit: Dinner hours (5–11pm) for full menu and relaxed vibe
What to order: Pad Kee Mao, Panang curry, Tom Yum soup
Insider tip: Portions are shareable — go with friends to try more dishes without overpaying
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; best to use nearby garages (approx. $15–$20) or public transit. No valet available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — comfortable attire is fine, but nothing too sloppy.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations recommended for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; 5–10 minutes at most.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based, so fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — all dishes are vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Many options are gluten-free; ask staff for specifics to avoid soy sauce-based dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — cozy, low-key ambiance with flavorful food makes for an intimate, relaxed experience without the pressure of fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekday lunch or early dinner, but weekends are busy — booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for parties of 3 or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — small children are welcome, but the menu skews adult-flavored and the space is compact, so older kids may enjoy it more.
Best For
Better for: May Kaidee excels in authentic vegan Thai cuisine with fresh ingredients and creative plant-based renditions, setting it apart from standard Thai restaurants or generic vegan spots.
Skip if: If you’re seeking traditional non-vegan Thai dishes, a larger space, or a fast casual experience, you might prefer other nearby Thai restaurants.
May Kaidee 8.1
Lower East Side
A fully vegan Thai spot serving classic dishes like curries, spring rolls and Thai iced tea — locals come for its flavorful plant‑based comfort and flexible dietary options. Offers a cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibes, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Great if you want satisfying Thai food without any animal products.
Must-Try Dishes: Massaman Curry, Fresh Spring Rolls (Poh Pia Sod), Black Sticky Rice with Mango
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Fully vegan Thai menu with dishes adapted sensitively for dietary restrictions.
Who should go: Vegans or vegetarians craving Thai comfort food.
When to visit: Evenings, 5–8 PM on weekdays for easiest seating.
What to order: Massaman Curry, Fresh Spring Rolls, Black Sticky Rice with Mango.
Insider tip: Ask for extra protein in curries — they let you customize dishes flexibly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but limited; metered spots fill up quickly after 6 PM. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans, comfortable shoes, and casual tops are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are easy, though it can get lively during weekend dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without a reservation; shorter if you go early around 5 PM.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; midweek lunch is quiet and relaxed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully vegan menu, so all dishes are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — entire menu is vegan, including desserts and drinks.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide you to safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy, welcoming atmosphere and flavorful dishes make it a relaxed, intimate setting for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekday evenings or early dinners, but weekend nights often require a reservation to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — kids who enjoy mild flavors will be fine, but there are no special play areas. Best for older children or teens.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based Thai comfort food with flexible customization, especially for vegans and vegetarians looking for authentic flavors without compromise.
Skip if: If you want traditional Thai dishes with meat, seafood, or a bustling, high-energy dining experience, other local Thai spots may suit you better.