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Am-Thai Chili Basil
Category: Restaurants Thai Thai [Edit]
359 McDonald Ave(between Caton Ave & Albemarle Rd)
Brooklyn, NY 11218
Neighborhood: Kensington
(718) 871-9115
- Nearest Transit:
-
Church Av (F, G)
Fort Hamilton Pkwy (F, G)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 11:30 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
68 reviews for Am-Thai Chili Basil
Review Highlights
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"We had Curry puff for appetizer and that was off the chain." In 3 reviews -
"but i think it's the best thai food ive had." In 5 reviews -
"Drunken noodles with beef was amazing." In 9 reviews
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68 reviews in English
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Review from Riona Faith O.
Brooklyn, NY
1/28/2012
This place is a total hole-in-the-wall, strictly takeout/delivery. When you walk in, you're basically standing in the middle of the kitchen, and have to make your way past employees prepping food for deliveries just to get to the register and place your order. There's a single table, but it's usually occupied by the family's kids doing homework, eating their own dinner, or once, taking a nap; other times it's used for more food storage, so don't count on eating there. The door is being held together by duct tape and hope, and it's impossible to close. I have no idea how they pass Health Inspection. However, the food is really good.
I think their appetizers are the best. The Duck Rock and Roll is amazing - crispy duck, lettuce, cucumber, and scallions, wrapped in a roti and served with plum sauce for $5. So good! Their entrees are a bit weaker - the Pad See Ew, my usual Thai dish, is a bit meh here. I prefer it from To B Thai or Thai Tony's. But sometimes I'm just craving that Duck Rock & Roll, despite the stupid name. -
Review from Adam P.
Brooklyn, NY
1/21/2012
Get the Drunken man noodles!
We'll start there. haha. I live 2 blocks from Thai Tony's, and it has a zippier name....but Am-Thai Chili Basil is better! I haven't sampled the entire menu, but highlights for me are the curries, and pad thai, and of course the drunken man noodles! Beware about asking for them hot though...because they will be HOT LIKE FIYAH! Also dont be alarmed by the fact that the place is essentially just a storefront kitchen. Ive never eaten a bad meal there. Plus, once i got off the train and was starving, they were about to close but still made me food! Its the little things like that keep me coming back to a place. -
Review from Heather G.
Brooklyn, NY
Tiny little place with cheap, amazing food. The employees were friendly and let the three of us sit right inside to eat. Pretty fast once you get ordered.
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Review from Melis E.
Brooklyn, NY
5/11/2012
Am-Thai started out in Kensington as a nice and clean neighborhood restaurant. However over time, it started to go down hill. We noticed the change couple of months ago. It started out with small things: tom yum soup's shrimp was not fresh any more. Over time, Am Thai increased its prices and reduced the quality of the food. Recently I had the worse ever take out meal from Am-Thai. It was a fried fish with mango that the server claimed to be very "popular". It was an absolute disaster. Deep fried to the bone, it almost did not have any meat and tasted like sand paper. We also ordered crab cakes, which were like small pieces of rubber (also deep fried). Now I cannot recommend Am-Thai even as a neighborhood restaurant. They use cheap and bad quality ingredients and insult customers with high prices (we paid $35 for an absolutely horrendous meal).
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Review from Molly Z.
Brooklyn, NY
9/9/2011
I usually order over the phone for delivery--but every once in awhile i stop in to grab a thai iced tea.
Great food, great staff and quick delivery.
this is my go-to delivery place hands down. -
Review from cath s.
New York, NY
1/17/2012
So so disappointed in AM Thai. Yes, as someone noted, at some point last year the prices went up 50 cents but now that seems to be a dollar. For a little whole in the wall, not eat-in place in Kensington Brooklyn to charge the same price a Thai restaurant in a swankier part of Brooklyn or Manhattan would is just wrong. On top of that, the food isn't really that good. I ordered red vegetable curry recently and it was just such a disappointment and why was it $9? I still can't figure that out and felt so ripped off. Other things I've tried over the years have been 'meh' also. I like To Be Thai much better nearby on Beverly Road. I have two issues with AM Thai - prices at $2 or $3 over what each dish should cost and not that good either. I want to support them but taking advantage of people this way makes me sort of mad.
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Review from Kiki R.
7/16/2011
Am-Thai knows how to do Thai right. This place serves authentic Thai food at its finest.
I used to order take-out but they always seem to snafu my order. So, now I just go to pick it up instead to avoid the headache.
I love the noodles..pad thai, pad see ew, drunken noodles. The spicy basil fried rice is also awesome. My bf thought it was too spicy, but he said the chicken was so flavorful and melts in your mouth. I concur. They have a good lunch special menu on the weekdays with a banana spring roll. It is sweet, crunchy and glazed with honey and sesame seeds.
I did not like the face that I found little bits of egg shells in my noodle dish and it left a bad taste in my mouth. They have one table for dining, but my advice would be to order take out. The kitchen is way too small.
The prices have gone up by 50 cents as mentioned on the menu, but Am-Thai is still the best in the neighborhood and the others just don't compare. -
Review from b c.
Brooklyn, NY
1/8/2012
Here's one seek out, one not be missed for Thai in nyc. This is the standard by which I now measure all other Thai, anywhere. Every plate may not always be "right on", there may be some inconsistency from dish to dish from day to day, but for always the right idea, always the right spice, you'll never be disappointed with these well-experienced flavor technicians. As never is a mighty long time, 5-stars by me.
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Review from Alla C.
Brooklyn, NY
3/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Probably the best and close to- the most authentic Thai food you'll ever have in Brooklyn. It's a really small place, with room for maximum ONE group (no more than 3 or 4 people) seating. In other words, take out or order. However, the curries are absolutely perfect. Thai Wonton Soup is unexpected and delicious. Any specialties are worth trying, and Vegetarian options (Mock Duck, especially) is almost better than the real thing! Also, if they haven't run out, try the Mango or Honeydew Tapioca drinks, they're a lovely addition to your meal. Also highly recommended: Spicy Lychee Curry and Asian Pumpkin Curry.
No credit cards accepted, but it's definitely worth the walk to a nearby ATM. -
Review from Rachel G.
Brooklyn, NY
5/18/2011
I like it HOT!
two words if you agree with me...drunken noodles! They are delicious. If you prefer something mild pick anything because you can't go wrong!
Took 1 star off because they messed up my delivery and I had to wait another 30 min for them to come back. -
Review from Nina S.
Brooklyn, NY
10/18/2011
Hands down awesome on taste, convenience and price. The only thing that makes me uneasy is that I have a sneaking suspicion that the food is old. There are tons of things on the menu and when walking into the outpost, you almost always catch them prepping things in bulk and storing them away. Although my Pra Gra Prow is delicious, I'm wondering "just how old is this fish?" Obviously, due to its size, I don't expect Am-Thai to serve things fresh but I can't help but say...the food is yummy but eat at your own risk.
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Review from Curtis C.
San Mateo, CA
10/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was going to give this a 4.5 star but after the satisfying meal, im going to be generous. The Thai ice tea was spot on. We had Curry puff for appetizer and that was off the chain. It was flaky yet filling. The drunken noodles were one of the best ive had. Perfect consistancy and lots of flavor. The fried banana dessert was to die for. NOTE: DO NOT MISTAKEN THEM FOR CRAPPY CHINESE EGG ROLLS! We almost did not eat them due to that.
Service was quick BUT it is a tiny joint, aka hole in the wall.
The only negative was the Massaman Curry. The potatoes were undercooked and the beef tasted like they came from a leather store.
Definitly will come here again next time im traversing through Brooklyn. -
Review from Michelle S.
Brooklyn, NY
2/26/2011
Since I moved from an area in Brooklyn that had so many restaurants to Kensington it was a huge change for me. There are not many places to eat around here but I did find AM-Thai Chili Basil with the help from Yelp. My boyfriend and I walked over and the people there were SUPER friendly.
We both had the pad see ew and curry puffs... MMMmmm... I love me some Thai food and they were on point. The noodles were so delicious and the curry puffs were AWESOME!! I suggest that going there and ordering is better than ordering on the phone. I say that only because when I did order delivery it was a mess... I didn't get everything I ordered and I also found egg shells in my pad see ew... BUT I think that was just a bad day because it never happened before that. And trust me I have ordered a lot from here so its ok if it only happens once in a blue moon.
I love this place and its the best you're going to get in this hood. -
Review from Jonathan E.
Brooklyn, NY
9/20/2010
As mentioned it's pretty much a takeout place and charming in it's sparse simplicity and smiling staff (gotta love Thais). I once spent a month touring the country and this was spot on in flavors. That said, I'm somewhat new to greater NY/BK and thought the portion size was a tad small for a Thai/Asian place, hoping for leftovers. But maybe I'm just used to west coast places that load up on volume... or greedy!
And while my dish was labeled "hot," there wasn't much heat. However that's a somewhat common prob with ethnic places where their homeland street food is often much hotter. You need to discuss and request ahead of time "authentic heat" or they defer to "gringo" heat by default. Likewise, in many Thai eateries you get the condiment tray allowing you to adjust the flavorings/heat. I think there were some items available but they didn't put them in my "to go" bag... again, the lesson here was to simply ask.
But I can't really complain - getting some good grub for $6 or $7 in NY is a deal. If I lived nearby I'd be tempted to stop in a few times a week. As such, while it's not on my normal F/G stop, there are some cool ethnic markets nearby and I'll be back to explore the nabe some more, and eat here again. If you live near a know the area - pop me a note. -
Review from Stacy T.
Elmhurst, NY
1/18/2010
Straight to the food, then to the "decor," then to the deals.
Veggie Chive - 2 chewy and doughy buns wrapping spinach and scallions. I liked it, but I saw them microwave it before pan-searing the suckers.
Dumplings in Peanut Sauce - tasted artificial, this one you can pass on.
Tom Gha Kai - very flavorful broth. The chicken was not dry! The peppers were fresh and the shrooms were huge! This is an appetizer/side dish, unlike the hearty behemoth served at Chao Thai in Elmhurst, Queens.
Drunken Man Noodles - delectable. A spicy explosion of flavors in perfect harmony. Not enough noodles and slightly too many onions for me. The beef was good quality, not like most Chinese fast food places.
Pad Thai with Chicken - perfectly done. Soft noodles coupled with bean sprouts and a side of crushed peanuts.
Duck Thai Herbal - spicy and different, however, very oily. The duck was fried but saturated with herbs and different flavors. Yummy! Not for those who are watching their diet, health or heart.
Mango Sticky Rice - I liked having this as a dessert. The mango was fresh and the sweet sticky rice complemented the spicy lunch.
Damage with two iced teas and a free app - $42.50 + tax & tip for 4 people.
Decor: Okay, so the truth is, this is not a restaurant. It is a take-out place with a table. How I know this:
1. The restrooms are for "Employees Only."
2. My friend's dad said we don't have to tip because it is not a real restaurant.
3. Their appetizer plates were styrofoam.
4. The Thai Iced Tea came in solo cups.
5. Every time the door opened, it did not shut and gusts of wind attacked us. My friend's mom had to get up every time to close the door.
6. The window behind me was labeled the "Take-Out" window.
7. My dad's friend had to sit on an UPSIDE DOWN PAIL. Yes - an UPSIDE DOWN PAIL.
8. The waitress/take-out person laughed when she offered the UPSIDE DOWN PAIL as a seat, acknowledging the ridiculousness of the situation.
9. The dining table doubled as the coat hanger for the staff.
10. Anyways, they were still really nice and I loved their food, all is forgiven.
Deals!
On their menu, mention the following BEFORE or immediately after you order.
1. Free Thai Iced Tea with a $25 purchase
2. Free Entree ($4) with a $35 purchase
3. Free Fried Rice (Chicken or Veggie) with $60 or more.
I will be back, but probably for take-out or in the summer, depending on if they are using that take-out window.
Happy Eating!Listed in: Thai Me Up
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Review from John Q.
Brooklyn, NY
12/2/2009
My previous home was Jackson Heights in Queens, the epicenter of great Thai food in NYC, with some excellent Thai right in the 'hood and more in adjacent Woodside and Elmhurst. I'd never had any Thai food that impressed me outside of that area.
As a matter of fact, some years ago while I was still living in Manhattan, I was about to give up on Thai food entirely until I first ate at Sripraphai. Thai in Manhattan always ranged from decidely unremarkable to downright awful, as in stir fries a suburban Chinese take-out would be embarrassed to serve.
I was hesitant to bother trying Thai food in Brooklyn, figuring most places would typically resemble the lower end of the scale in Manhattan. Then I read about Am-Thai Chili Basil here and for the first time, I owe a restaurant discovery all to Yelp! After a first visit to Am-Thai, it appears to be in the league of the Queens greats, not that there aren't a few quirks.
I ordered the drunken noodles with vegetables and the panang-avocado duck, which the waitress recommended over the duck in red pumpkin curry.
First I was presented with a complementary bowl of some special pork soup. I couldn't tell you what the soup was seasoned with though it wouldn't appear to have been lemongrass nor much cilantro, two items I don't enjoy. And I don't want to know what part of the pig was used. But it sure was tasty. The initally subtle flavors seemed to develop into much bolder ones after the soup had sit for a while (I left the second half for after I finished the rest of my meal).
The drunken noodles looked similar to the typical version I'm accustomed to, but the texture of the noodles was quite different, a bit chewy and in a good way. There was a wide variety and ample amount of vegetables, mushrooms, etc, although they didn't soak in the essence of the sauce and spices the way the noodles did to perfection. Apparently the other items were added at high heat near the end of the dish's preparation.
The panang curry was not only complex, but delicious. I would definitely order this curry again, though there were problems with this dish. For one, the ("bed" of) avocado was a day or two short of what I'd consider ripe. The kitchen must have been aware of the state of the avocado so I figured that was how it was meant to be served. I don't think I'll order anything with avocado again here.
Also, I was only given a plastic fork and spoon, which made the crispy duck a battle. I didn't think a knife, if available, would serve any purpose other than to shatter plastic shards into my dinner. I'm sure I appeared a neanderthal with a huge chunk of duck meat dangling from a plastic fork, chomping away, but since I was dining alone I didn't care. That was some good eating.
Every bite of not only duck, but jasmine rice I coated with an ample amount of the curry. While I was engrossed with savoring my feast, the chatter in the background switched from Thai to English. I remained oblivious to the fact that the owner of the restaurant was now addressing me.
Then suddenly, no longer incognizant, I listened as I was informed which woman in the kitchen had prepared my meal and was happy to have cooked for me. I can only hope whatever insufficient nod and mumbled thank you I offered displayed my true appreciation, but I felt somewhat self-conscious in the belief that I must have been sporting a curry mustache and up to my elbows in panang gravy. Not to mention the now half-eaten chunk of duck that would have still been attached to my fork.
I could only wonder where the discussion turned after it reverted back to Thai. Were they deriding the farang's slovenly table manners? Perplexed once again how Americans always drown their rice in sauce? Suprised the chopsticks provided remained untouched when so many American customers feel obligated to use them in any and all Asian restaurants? Questioning whether the bad luck brought on by my eating alone would cause me to be hit by a bus as soon as I walked out the door?
(Or here's a thought. Perhaps their back-and-forth bantering had nothing whatsoever to do with you.)
All kidding aside, really nice and friendly people in here. I suppose you need to be in a two table restaurant with an essentially open kitchen. But all the women working at Am-Thai were most affable. They left me longing to return soon almost as much as the quality food (I've got my priorities straight, eh).
As an added bonus, the extension of the G train to Church Avenue works out perfectly for me because the station is a block away from Am-Thai. It's as if the MTA implemented this route adjustment specifically so I can eat at this restaurant after a long day at work and then have an easy trip home!
Yay for me!
(for deluded me!)Listed in: Central Brooklyn, My Favorite Reviews
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Review from Andy H.
Brooklyn, NY
6/3/2009
Deeeeelicious.
I am still tearing up over the spicy pineapple curry I inhaled a few minutes ago. I do love a spicy bowl of "pineapply" and "coconutty" goodness from time to time. It cost $8.50, and while a tad more expensive than other Thai places I frequent, it was well worth it.
The big chunks of pineapple soak up some of the sauce. So when you bite into one, it is a quick combo of tasty juice followed by a quick kick in the ass of spice.
Mixed into this mess include white rice, carrots, tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, chicken, and coconut.
Have a big glass of water ready.
The locale is nothing special. It is a small dingy looking store that is built for take out orders. It is walking distance from the F train's Church Ave stop. -
Review from d'N'L m.
Brooklyn, NY
11/16/2009 5 photos
A few of us went to dinner here last night. I must say how impressed I was with this tiny little restaurant.. Technically it's a restaurant because it has a two tables but, the place is mostly a take out restaurant.. Opened 8 years ago by a woman that moved from Bangkok.. She moved to Brooklyn about a block away from this restaurant.. Though now, she owns several places around Brooklyn and one in Manhattan, this is the restaurant she works in.. Being that it's a block from her house, she considers this place her home.. Last night she had about 5 family members working in the kitchen..
We started with a few appetizers for the little one.. In addition we ordered ourselves these Curry Pastry.. They were beyond amazing.. Really, the best curry puffs I have had. Not that I have had many, I normally skip over them but, this was just amazing..
These are the first pictures I took.. Papaya salad. Bright, vibrant, and crunchy. It was a typical papaya salad, the ingredients did stand out however.
We had also ordered some lettuce wraps.. Not a lot of spice but, lots of lemmongrass.. I thought it to be good, others loved the dish.. I would opt for trying something else next time. It was missing heat in my opinion.
Drunken noodles with beef was amazing.. I have never had this type of noodle before.. It was a lot less sturdy and gluttonous.. It felt more homemade, more delicate.. The beef was amazing.. I would ask for a little more heat next time but, this might be my favorite version of this dish..
We also ordered pumpkin curry which was FANTASTIC.. Lots of rich cocounut milk, fresh pumpkin.. In fact the register had tons of little pumpkins all around it.. They were using fresh pumpkin in the dish.. Had a wonderful heat, really nice pieces of chicken.. It is the best thai curry I have tasted in recent memory. Just a really stand out beautiful dish.
Finally we ordered the thai basil or thai sceneted duck.. The duck was rubbed with this spice and then cooked in an interesting way.. It almost tasted like it was a little jerky'd up.. Lots of flavors.. Can't really place them. The dish was very succesful and it was really different than any duck preparation I can think of.. A must try for duck fans..
This place is top notch.. The people are so lovely and kind. We talked for a while and discovered that she owns Bodhi in NYC, Em in Brooklyn, a restaurant in Bangkok and I think another place in Brooklyn.
I can not speak for those restaurants but, her local spot, the one she is at everyday, is a really special place.
She recommended we try the lychee curry the next time we eat there. -
Review from Michael F.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 5/30/2010
Still fantastic, but just had to add
Duck Thai Herbal is ridiculously good, and there is generous meat.
The coconut pancake with sprouts and coconut slaw stuff is so crunchy, sweet and satisfying. Past inconsistencies preclude a 5 star but man they are good.Listed in: Local stuff
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/6/2008
The physical location is a hole in the wall, I've only ever ordered take out or delivery, but the… Read more »
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Review from Jared C.
3/2/2009
At last there is edible Thai in Brooklyn. Off the Church Avenue F station rests tiny, modest AM Thai Chili Basil Kitchen, a monument to Bangkok (and some southern) Thai cooking. The menu accordians out from your waste to the floor when opened, and the dishes cover both sides. They run through all the normal favorites, some AM specialties, and many new items I have neither tasted in Thai restaurants here nor in my three months in the country.
With two small tables inside and one diner-style booth outside, this place is mainly delivery and takeout, which is further proved by the line of plastic bags always ready to fly out the door en route to somewhere in the neighborhood. On a night in early summer of 2008, I picked up a couple dishes with a friend to take back to her place. Immediately when we started opening the packaging, the aromas came out unlike the normal overly-sweetened smells of Manhattan and Brooklyn Thai restaurants. It took only a few bites to realize that Brooklyn had its first authentic place to call its own.
Recently I decided to sample a few more items during multiple meals, to enjoy more of what was on offer and prove that its deliciousness was not some fluke. As always, the first test of any Thai is its som tom ($5). This papaya salad was not as firey with its spices as I would have liked, but had all the right combinations of salty, sour, and sweet that it should.
After my initial visit, AM had gotten some good press, including a review in the Voice by our man Sietsema bowing down to the awesome coconut milks in many of the dishes. I wanted to try the tom kha gai ($4) soup that he praised, and was no less than blown away. This dish also had just the right combinations of sour and sweet, and was potently spicy, getting my mouth sufficiently tingling. The plastic spoons on offer were just not large enough to scoop enough of the milky broth, so I started emptying the bowl into my mouth with my hands. I vowed to bring my own large spoon on my next visit.
I had never tried anything like the hot pot dumplings ($4 for 4), but was an immediate fan of the vegetarian appetizer. Filled with sweet radish, but tasting mostly of the ground peanut, this seemed like a creative twist on many other peanut-based sauces, but this time stuffed into a chewy and moist cover.
After lunch, I returned in the evening to verify that the curry was good, and was just as impressed with the Panang curry ($8.50) as I had hoped.
The women working here do everything they can to make you happy. On this visit I sat inside and we chatted quite a bit with both present. The cook kept shouting from behind the shelves, asking us if everything was good or too spicy. With our mouths full, we kept responding that everything was just perfect.
And given the location, it was perfect. I hope this becomes a new trend through the city, tiny almost hawker stall holes in the wall serving honest, authentic Thai. -
Review from clb k.
Brooklyn, NY
6/4/2007
Hands down, this might be the best Thai food I've devoured in my whole existence. Although I haven't been to Thailand, it's one my goals to go soon! This is a super-tiny restaurant where there really isn't dine in unless if you're nice to the owner. They are great and it's a staple in my area! Oh, but wait (sounding like an infomercial), you'll never guess who goes here! Not to name drop or anything, but I will...Jessica Alba. Yes people, there is a picture of the owner and her on the wall.
Things to order here seem to be never ending, but I will highly suggest the following and be prepared to be blown away. I barely rave about New York restaurants, but I do believe this place is neck and neck with River Kwai (which closed down in Chicago)! The shrimp with avocado in panang curry hits the spot and tingles your buds with the perfect spice.
The Thai iced coffee is the best I've had in my life. Tops River Kwai two-fold in this area. I know...I must be fibbing, but I'm not! Their Pad See-ew is off the chain (exceptional for all you non-ebonic speakers)! I promise, you will not be disappointed if you come here. They deliver, but do not have a website setup yet. If you want dine in, they have a location that caters to this in Carroll Gardens.
Oh, if you happen to come here during lunch M-F, they're only 5 bucks! I would love to see this place stick around since it's the only good place in Kensington. It's dive places like this that make me appreciate true cuisine cooking! -
Review from Jon S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/16/2010
Very solid Thai at a one-table establishment on the far side of Greenwood Cemetery.
The khao soi might be the best in New York, a perfect mixture of crunch, sweet and savory.
The restaurant also excels at a number of Malay/Southern Thai dishes, including a mean curry puff and a spicy massaman curry. The staff is super friendly -which is good as there's no where to hide in this tiny place. There are pictures of a good chunk of the menu on a black board above the counter -a nice touch.
The prices aren't rock bottom but they are very fair for the superb food on offer.
One final note: The bathroom may say "employees only," but it's functional and quite clean - they'll let you use it if you ask. -
Review from Kat B.
Brooklyn, NY
10/6/2011
Hit or miss. Some items, like the Samosa Triangles are great - though I've had some burnt ones before. The Pad Thai leaves something to be desired, and the Pad See Ew is hit or miss.
They know instantly when you call what your address is, which is super efficient, and the food is very quick to be delivered. If only it were a bit more tasty... -
Review from Felix E.
Brooklyn, NY
6/1/2011
Best thai in kensington bur they only deliver. Try the coconut pancakes! I love how they answer the phone.
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Review from Sam H.
4/26/2009
This place came highly recommended by my brother who eats there almost every week.
There are only one or two tables inside; so it is tough to call this place a restaurant; more of a kitchen really.
Facilities were clean and you could see the cooking area. Seemed like the entire family of the owner was hanging out on Sunday.
My Drunken Noodle entree was tasty, not enormously large but an ample sized portion.
Slightly on the expensive side for Thai food; but not egregiously so.
Look forward to trying more dishes when I return to NY. -
Review from Mike B.
5/7/2009
Passed by this place every day on my walk to/from the train station, had read the Yelp reviews, and finally decided to take the plunge last week.
The chili-basil fried rice with chicken was really tasty, but the portion left a bit to be desired. Service was speedy.
I will definitely return to see what else is on the menu that's good, and potentially add to my weekend takeout cycle of Mr. Tong, Yummy Taco, and Korner Pizza! -
Review from Mike P.
Brooklyn, NY
4/25/2009
A resounding WTF(reak)!?!? This place is not what everyone says it is. We got food to stay, which is clearly not what this place was designed for. Definitely a to-go joint. Seriously, don't get it to stay.
The Pad Thai was fine. Nothing too fancy or special. This mediocrity continued in the other dishes as well.
Service was friendly... so best of luck. -
Review from Mike D.
Brooklyn, NY
2/25/2010
It took forever for me to realize this place was a thai restaurant, despite the fact that it says Thai Kitchen on the awning and I pass by it almost every morning. Go figure. Anyway finding a place like this tucked inside a residential neighborhood was a little weird at first but my uncanny urge to want to try everything warranted a stop at this fine dining establishment.
Just as Zoe L. mentioned, and to my surprise....this place isnt a restaurant! It's a take out place with a table inside. They really fooled me on that one, but I wasnt planning on eating there anyway so it was okay. So i proceeded to order the pad thai with duck and a thai iced tea. The tea was everything as you would expect from a thai ice tea, sweet with a kick at the end, just the way I like it. However I was a little disappointed with the entree, but I don't really blame the place as much as I blame myself for this one.
I don't think anyone should expect good duck from a take out place that probably doesnt sell a lot duck in the first place. Needless to say the duck was cooked poorly, and had a overtop greasy taste. It wouldn't have been so bad if it wasnt for the hefty 17 dollar price tag for the meal. There is soo much better food out there that I could have spent that money on =/ -
Review from Andrea L.
Brooklyn, NY
12/12/2008
The best thai food I have ever eaten outside of Thailand. OK I have never been to Thailand, but if I had, I think the food would be just as good.
I love their pad thai (it's huge) and they have a great assortment of appetizers, soups, and salads. Definitely try the AM Thai Roti appetizer, it's kickass. The Bangkok Woonsen and the Laarb are my recent favorites. You also can't go wrong with the coffee or tea.
The vegetables are always fresh and everything I get is always yummy and luckily not too oily. I think the fact that they don't offer seating is a plus. It allows them to focus on the cooking, and not deal with waiter/waitress service. It definitely shows in the quality and flavor of the food.
They also have yummy banana desserts. I agree with the other reviewer that all they are missing is the ability to accept CCs! A+ for this place. -
Review from Traci A.
Brooklyn, NY
5/12/2010
This place is delicious! While you can't really sit in the restaurant (unless you were that awkward couple I walked in once), they're super quick if you walk in and they deliver very quickly.
I'll be honest, I'm a picky eater so I can attest to the following being amazing:
Spicy Chili Basil Fried Rice with Chicken
Chicken Pad Thai
Chicken Satay
Veggie Dumplings in Peanut Sauce
I did try to order from Borough Park (right on the outskirts) and despite confirming they'd deliver when I was in the restaurant, they refused to deliver. Now, I live closer and haven't had a problem. Everyone I know in the neighborhood loves this place, too.
Also - no credit cards but they do give you extra soy sauce (in the container) free! -
Review from Jake E.
Brooklyn, NY
3/15/2011
The BEST Thai around. This side of Kensington doesn't really have a lot of standout options for takeout in any category, so I find myself eating from Am-Thai about 3-4 times a month. I can't live without the Drunken Man Noodle w/ chicken. They do tend to be inconsistent (spicy one night, mild the next) but it's always good. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal from here.
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Review from Gena R.
Brooklyn, NY
1/22/2010
I love that this place is right down the block from my apartment. I'd probably eat there more often if my wallet allowed it. I'll be frank and admit that I don't really know the difference between "real" Thai and "Americanized" Thai, and frankly it's that kind of thing that makes sites like Yelp and Menu Pages annoying on occasion. All I know is that it's good food for a reasonable price, cooked and served by friendly people. I love tom gha kai, and theirs is the best I've had so far. Expansive menu with a wide variety of dumplings--the salmon dumplings are good, if you can handle the bright green skin. I've tried to make a habit of ordering at least one new thing every time we get food from there, and I've rarely if ever been disappointed.
I'm trying really hard to make this review witty and incisive, but it's hard to do that when I actually *like* something. Eat at Am-Thai. It's a goodness. -
Review from augin s.
Brooklyn, NY
12/8/2009
pros: They have quick service, portions are a decent size, it's reasonably priced, and the food is good. They don't eff around.
cons: We made the mistake of ordering their cheap lunch special thinking that they would be as good as the regular entrees. We were wrong. Do not make the same mistake we did.
overall: Stick to the popular items and the familiar Thai dishes. They will all be tasty. -
Review from Shai N.
Brooklyn, NY
11/30/2011
very fast delivery ! food ranges from good to excellent - prices are very decent as well so I say go for it !
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Review from lyra k.
Los Angeles, CA
10/17/2008
A life-saver for delivery in this neighborhood. Good pad see-ew, ginger vegetables with shrimp, massaman curry, and my roommate raves about their rice pudding!
Good thai food in the US means not loaded with sugar, and having plenty of strong spices, lime, ginger, etc, and they score well here. Delicious, fast, and cheap. -
Review from Rodel O.
Brooklyn, NY
6/5/2011
I just moved into the neighborhood and was recommended to try this place out. Its around the corner from me, so what the heck, I'll try me some tasty Thai food! I first ordered the drunk man noodles with chicken and have been ordering this stuff since. I'll mix it up and throw down some fake veggie duck every once in a while because that stuff is crack, too. I've also had their special seafood dumpling soup. Mad tasty and the broth was delicious. Overall, I've yet to be disappointed with this place. Yea, its tiny. Yea, it looks like their family is always there hoggin up all the seats. But damn, is their drunk man noodles mad tasty. I guess when I'm tired of drunk man noodles, I'll try something else, but until then, make mine Am-Thai to go please!
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Review from Ab J.
Manhattan, NY
6/2/2011
Take out only. Tasty but greasy
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Review from Bobbi B.
Brooklyn, NY
6/16/2011
Food is decent
have gone in and gotten food and had it delivered
Just called & the guy got in an argument with me insisting I had not ordered from them before!! Guess what.... I definitely wont order again!!
Why couldn't he just say "Ok!" and take my order?!?! -
Review from John A.
Brooklyn, NY
5/4/2011
WARNING!! I saw a rat in the store!! The place looks like a sweat shop. No one uses hair nets and I found hair in my food!! I think there is a cat that lives there where they make the food.
I don't know how this place got any good reviews. I guess people don't know good Thai. If this is the only place that delivers in your area, wait or travel somewhere else.
DO NOT EAT HERE!!! -
Review from Delia L.
Brooklyn, NY
4/15/2011
Would not come again!!
