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792 9th Ave - Hell's Kitchen, New York

 212-459-9057

There are so many Thai restaurants in the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen that you could be forgiven for wondering if this is known as little Thailand. But it’s really just that everyone loves Thai food! So for our latest date night out, I chose my favorite among all the options - The tiny (yet very popular), zero-ambience Wondee Siam. 

There are two Wondee Siams within a block of each other. The original (and best among locals) is very small and seats about 12 people. It has a very modest interior. That is ok because the focal point here is the food. I don’t need colorful decorations or a giant fish tank to enjoy authentic Thai food, and that’s what you get. Here you don’t have to worry that your waiter will assume you want a milder form of Thai. If there is a little red asterisk next to your item, you can be sure it is pretty spicy. 

The soups are delicious, especially the sinus-clearing tom yum, which was perfect for a cold winter night. Definitely a highlight of the meal

This is a BYOB spot and you’ll want to do so to complement the spicy food. Conveniently there is a friendly (and reasonably priced) wine and liquor store directly across the street! Great way to keep your bill down while still enjoying numerous drinks.

As for the main courses, there isn’t one that I haven't enjoyed yet. From the just-right sweetness of the sweet and sour shrimp to the tender curry chicken, It's always amazing and memorable.

Wondee Siam is one of those nondescript Asian restaurants NYC is full of. If it were not for the crowds outside, it might be one you could walk past a thousand times and never notice, one you could walk past a thousand times and never enter. 

Or, it’s one of those places you do eventually stop in to check out. And if that’s the case, you’re rewarded with – in my opinion- the best Thai food in the borough at great prices.