Khao Sarn Thai Cusine

 

0

7

Christiana K.

New York, NY

Trotting around Williamsburg last week I came across what I thought might have been a restaurant for something else. Couldn't image my shock and excitement when I found out it was actually a Thai food place. Being a Thai food enthusiast, naturally I would step in and try it. AND it was good! Amazing actually, the price was so affordable and I couldn't believe my surprise when the juices on the menu were just as great tasting. I have gone back twice since my visit and this has to be one of the greater Thai food places in NYC

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16

40

Joi B.

Brooklyn, NY

There is no shortage of Thai restaurants in Williamsburg, but I have to say, without hesitation, that Khao Sarn is my favorite.  

No, it doesn't have a waterfall, or a pool flecked with orchids, and it's not in a cavernous loft space either.  It's cozy, unassuming, Asian shabby-chic, if you will.  

The food is divine! And, more importantly, unlike the aforementioned Thai restaurantsthat are dripping with atmosphere, MADE TO ORDER.  As in, yes, you can order a curry without fish sauce because they don't premake all of their stuff.

One of the best spring rolls I've ever had.  When I'm really hungry, I order the spicy green beans and tofu.  SO SO good, but also rather on the heavy side (you will not be able to resist finishing, either!)  And their sticky rice is the best--flavored with coconut milk.  Another favorite dish is the glass noodle stir fried with veggies and tofu.  

The service is always impeccable, as well.  They don't offer a full bar, though, so that is a slight drawback if you're looking for a creative cocktail.

They'd get five stars if ONLY  they'd offer up a vegetarian Thom Ka soup.  Sigh.  Guess I'll have to go to PUKK for that.

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2

9

Karoline K.

New York, NY

Flat out great.... I was debating whether to give it a four or five but when thinking/ looking fo rany kind of fault i honestly couldnt think of one.. maybe the music one of the thai songs got a little irritating.. but besides that its the best in the neighborhood hands down.

I go here for the lunch special $5.95 for soup/salad-- that come with a side mini egg roll and an entree.  Today i ordered the soup and asked for extra spicy and it was amazing and not fatty at all.. as my entree i had the ginger noodle which was a garlicy sweet ginger sauce mixed with vegetables and flat noodles. really delicious..crisp vegetables and a very generous portion.  

The staff is always freindly and refil your water constantly (such a plus in my yelp)

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3

27

alex w.

New York, NY

Not a whole lot to add to the previous reviews -- Khao Sarn serves good, inexpensive Thai food.  My favorite Thai place is still Cha Am in Berkerly, but this place comes close.

A couple of tidbits that might be useful:

*it's cash only
*it's great for groups.  I went with 14 people once (called ahead of course).  We had a great time, and the people who work there couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating.

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14

57

Gina S.

New York, NY

Quite possibly the best Thai food I've had in in New York.  I had the massaman curry (which is my favorite Thai dish) and it was the most flavorful I've had.  

It doesn't look like much from the outside - but its actually really nice in the inside - nice decor and kind of romantic.  But I would go here with friends too.  Waitstaff is very attentive and it wasn't crowded at all while we were there.  The prices are right too - very affordable.

Overall, I highly recommend this place for a date or a group of people four or less.  Then go to a bar in Williamsburg afterwards.

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Elite '08

118

227

Danielle H.

Brooklyn, NY

Once you've traveled and tried the food in a country you are ruined for eating that food in this country.  You will compare that taste, the atmosphere and the cost. But what can you going to do, hop on a plane?

So, I am giving Khao Sarn 4 stars because it is as "authentic" as I think I will find around here.

It's nothing fancy but who needs fancy? The food is good. The wait staff is lovely and were so delighted over my few words I can still remember in Thai they gave me a fist full of Thai candy to take home. Yum!

The prices. Well, they are cheap for Bedford Ave. But boy do I miss the prices in Thailand. Pad Thai for literally pennies from the street vendor. Curries for a couple bucks. But what can you do, hop on a plane? I could use a vacation...hmmmmm....until then I'll just pretend at Khao Sarn.

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1

5

Audrey A.

Brooklyn, NY

This place is great for Thai when I'm not willing to trek to Sripraphai, which is pretty often.  Very solid food, friendly service, and not too pricey.  The Basil Fried Rice is AMAZING, I crave (and eat) it all the time.  Also, the mock duck is always cooked very well, a little crisp at the edges, which makes it even tastier.

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7

10

mina k.

Brooklyn, NY

News Flash: That Thai restaurant your friend says is amazing actually sucks. I've tried a number of Thai restaurants with a foodie friend from Thailand, and by now I have a good idea of "authentic" vs. "might as well be Chinese food."

That being said, Khao Sarn lands as close to the mark as possible in this area when it comes to flavor and authenticity. I will occasionally try new dishes on the menu, but often stick to the beef salad just because I'm so impressed with it. I fucking know beef salad, so don't question my judgment.

Another beautiful thing about Khao Sarn is that if you order something spicier, they don't default to obnoxiously littering the dish with chili flakes (the most heinous example of this lack of abillity to prepare food is Thai Tai). If you don't know what to do with the menu, which is much more diverse than most Thai-American fare, ask for a recommendation and you will not be disappointed. I've discovered some mean desserts that way.

The owner is one of my favorite people in the neighborhood, so personable and proud of his dishes. Make friends with him and he might slip some mint leaves in your beef salad.

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8

42

Claribelle C.

Brooklyn, NY

One early summer evening, I was walking home, slightly hungry and on a whim decided to go inside. I'm not a largely adventurous Thai food orderer, and decided to go with the Coconut Milk Curry dish and a bowl of rice with Thai Iced tea to drink.

I've definitely had my fair share of mediocre to bad Thai food, and wasn't really expecting much, but when they brought the food out, I was pleasantly surprised. The food was just spicy enough, the coconut milk used in the curry had a well balanced and distinct flavor, and the portion was perfect (cleaned plate without feeling overstuffed). The Thai Ice tea in the sticky summer was refreshing.

I've returned several times and have been pleased each time.

Good bang for buck.

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Elite '08

16

111

Nils J.

Brooklyn, NY

I asked them to make my food very, very spicy.  I like things very, very spicy.  When I cook chili, I actually can't figure out how to make things spicy enough for me, even with jalapenos and chipotles and habaneros and thai bird chilis.

These guys actually listened to me.

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Elite '08

41

388

Daryll H.

New York, NY

!!!

I never would've gone in here had I not read other reviews.  This place looks completely ghetto from the outside (and doesn't look too amazing inside either), but it rules.  

I got the chicken cashew nut thing and a thai iced tea.  After eating the entire meal, I don't feel completely horrible and grease-stricken as I usually do at typical thai places.  This food actually seemed vaguely healthy.  Same goes for the thai iced tea - normally they're ultra creamy  and thick, but this was much lighter and went well with the meal.

Wow, unexpectedly great find.  And cheap!

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11

58

Dirty Dingus McGee ..

Brooklyn, NY

i'm annoyed at everyone raving about this place.  it's good...don't get me wrong...but it's not awesome.  they have good lunch specials and the food it pretty yummy but it's your typical semi-americanized thai spot.  try to order something there that would be considered adventurous and you won't get far.

just another example of new york's mediocrity when it comes to thai food.  all you ravers make me sick

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2

7

Kristen S.

Brooklyn, NY

This is the best and most delicious Thai food in New York City. The coconut curries are the real deal and the vegetarian duck is an option for every entree! I always get delivery which is fast and reliable. I love Khao Sarn.

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8

10

Jonah B.

Brooklyn, NY

No fancy waterfalls, no overdressed yuppies and no attitude, just awesome thai food at totally reasonable prices.

I recommend the drunken noodle with vegetarian duck, but the currys are also really flavorful. Seriously, I just ate there a few hours ago and thinking about it is making me hungry again. During the week the place is pretty much deserted, but it seems like they have a pretty steady take-out crowd that makes up for it.

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12

34

Susie W.

Manchester, NH

Dudes, for serious, this is important!

I ate here a couple nights ago and the prices were the lowest I've seen on a menu in a g e s. I was pretty stoked. The food was super good and if you  order the pad se lew (ugh...spelling?!) they'll make it for you.

The server was gentle. I don't have another word for it-he was just super sweet and all the staff were attentive and appreciative. We went on Sunday night, it wasn't busy; it was just right.

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15

18

daniel f.

Brooklyn, NY

these guys have a few decent dishes, and they get bonus points for their amazing delivery speed. i clocked it once at eleven minutes from the time i hung up the phone until i got the knock on the door. insane.

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25

17

Belle N.

Brooklyn, NY

Lived on Bedford Ave. and like many artists/freelancers/professionals, I was priced out of the loft where the stars twinkled above me. Why, I remember when I could order a cup of coffee for $1.00. So, I digress. Thai food in Brooklyn near the L train - go here. The decor is relaxed, a little shabby chic, but the food is delicious, delicate, spicy and plentiful. If I lived across the street, I would be a regular or a bar fly, just kidding. Love this place. Love it, love it, love it. Everything is great. I would suggest trying something besides a standby, like chicken curry. Great, artistic, mellow place, far away from the madding ('Billburg) crowd. Friendly staff and service.

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3

14

Alex B.

Brooklyn, NY

Dollar for dollar, this is the best Thai place I've ever been to. The fact that it's on Bedford Ave in Williamsburg makes this fact all the more amazing. Everything I've had was great and only $5-$10. Good vegan options too.

As others have noted - the staff is super nice. We went there for my girlfriend's birthday and they brought her a free dessert without being prompted.

Also - the music is not bad, it's hillariously entertaining.

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1

1

olivier P.

Brooklyn, NY

Very friendly staff. Nice escape from the Bedford crowd. The music is pretty bad but it's worth enduring as the food is really amazing.

***** for Peanut Noodles, awesome fried tofu and mouth-watering vegetarian duck that actually tastes like duck!!!

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