Ayada Thai

Many Thai restaurants in New York tame the flavors of their dishes, particularly on the spiciness front, to comply with the Western palate. Refreshingly, this Elmhurst establishment refuses to do so. At Ayada Thai, chef and owner Duangjai Thammasat has curated a menu that doesn't hold your hand when it comes to spice and flavor. The food here spans across the country — from Southern Thai curries to Bangkok-style dishes.

Few Thai restaurants in New York serve sator beans, which have a bitter taste that seems to travel across one's palate after biting into them. They're mixed with spicy chilies and shrimp and are worth a try just for the novelty. The kang som sour curry is another dish that is rarely seen outside of Thailand. Squares of omelet, infused with the herb cha-om, bob in a pucker-inducing sour coconut curry.

For those who don’t want to stray from the usual canon of Thai delights, Ayada also does pad thai and drunken noodles very well. Sweep away the spiciness with a fried banana and ice cream, or just order another glass of sangria.

• What to order: Tom Yum ($8 - $15), Tom Kha Soup ($8 - $14) or Spring Rolls ( $10).
• Price Range: $2 to $50
• Tripadvisor rating: 4.0/5.0
• Timings: Mon to Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  
• Website: https://www.ayadanyc.com/
• Phone: +1 212-645-9445
  
• Location: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011