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Charoen Krung Thai
Master Critic Review
Charoen Krung Thai
8.5
This bi-level Thai restaurant leans into bold, Bangkok-style flavors, and its rich Hung-Lay ribs eat like a curry and BBQ hybrid: fall-apart pork coated in fragrant, slightly sweet spice. Locals come for khao soi and other northern-leaning dishes, making it a sleeper pick for seriously flavorful ribs in Midtown East.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hung-Lay Ribs, Khao Soi Curry Noodles, Crispy Corn Fritters
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Northern-leaning Thai cooking where Hung-Lay ribs turn slow-braised pork into a spice-heavy, saucy centerpiece.
Who should go: Rib lovers open to Thai flavors and moderate heat
When to visit: Prime weeknight dinners when the kitchen hits full rhythm
What to order: Hung-Lay ribs, khao soi, crispy corn fritters
Insider tip: Pair the ribs with sticky rice and one brighter salad so you can drag each bite through sauce without the meal feeling heavy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 53rd–55th Streets usually have availability.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most diners lean slightly polished, especially during dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable curries, stir-fries, and appetizers can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes are naturally vegan; a few others can be adjusted by removing fish sauce and egg.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—curries and some noodle dishes can be made gluten-free, but sauces may contain soy or seasoning blends, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm lighting, bi-level layout, and spice-driven northern Thai dishes create a cozy, slightly adventurous atmosphere that works well for a relaxed but memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for early evenings or weekday meals. For peak dinner windows, walk-ins are seated but may wait 20–40 minutes depending on flow.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally suitable for older kids who can handle moderate spice and stronger flavors. No dedicated kids’ menu, but milder curries and fried rice options work for flexible eaters.
Best For
Better for: Bold northern Thai flavors with ribs that eat more like a curry than a smokehouse plate—ideal for diners seeking something richer and more aromatic than traditional American BBQ.
Skip if: You want dry-rubbed or smoke-forward ribs, extremely mild flavors, or a purely casual setting with wide kid-focused options.