TLDR
Authentic Thai steam-table w/ daily specials. Famous for its intense 'Thai spicy' curries & standout Garlic Black Pepper Pork.
Instagram Posts References
Khao Kang is a highly-rated Thai restaurant in Elmhurst, recognized as No. 20 on the New York Times Top 100. They specialize in dishes served over rice, with options for two or three entrees. The garlic black pepper pork was highlighted as a favorite, praised for its savory, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Details
This Queens-based Thai establishment is celebrated for its authentic, home-style Southern and Central Thai dishes, served in a steam-table format where the chef curates the menu daily [1]. It's frequently lauded for its genuine "Thai spicy" offerings, making it a standout for those seeking intense flavors [2]. The Garlic Black Pepper Pork is a particularly recommended dish, noted for its savory, peppery, and caramelized profile [3].
Food Overview
Khao Kang is lauded for its authentic Southern and Central Thai cuisine, served cafeteria-style from a steam table with a daily rotating menu decided by the chef. It's particularly known for its 'Thai spicy' dishes and curries [1]. The Garlic Black Pepper Pork is a highly recommended standout dish, praised for its savory, peppery, and caramelized flavor [2]. While the food is generally highly rated for its authenticity and value, some users have noted that spice levels cannot be adjusted as dishes are pre-prepared [3]. One user also noted a significant price increase over the past seven years [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The Garlic Black Pepper Pork is frequently highlighted as a must-order dish, celebrated for its savory, peppery, and caramelized flavor. Other recommended dishes include their authentic Thai curries, which are noted for being genuinely 'Thai spicy'."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •garlic black pepper pork(3)
Caveats
As Khao Kang operates on a steam-table model, dishes are pre-prepared and spice levels cannot be adjusted. The menu also changes daily, so specific dishes may not always be available. Some users have noted a significant increase in prices over the past several years.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KHAO KANG
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Thai Curry Youve Had Queens Brooklyn Etc
"This user specifically recommended Khao Kang for their green curry."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Of Any Struggling Family Owned
"This user listed Khao Kang as a restaurant that could potentially be struggling or could use more attention."
NeutralFrom post: Wander Around Flushing Or Go To Khao Kang Before
"The commenter suggested having lunch at Khao Kang before heading to Flushing, as it closes at 7 PM."
PositiveFrom post: Wander Around Flushing Or Go To Khao Kang Before
"The commenter recommended Khao Kang as a great option for dinner before a Mets game, noting it's a different type of food than options in Flushing."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bang For Your Buck In This Economy Aka Big
"Khao Kang was listed as a recommendation for good value."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter expressed a desire to keep Khao Kang a secret, calling it their favorite Thai spot and jokingly telling others not to go."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter was pleasantly surprised by the list and was glad to see Khao Kang on it, among other new places they were excited to try."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter was sad to see Khao Kang on the list, stating it's their favorite Thai spot."
NegativeFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter expressed happiness that Khao Kang was on the list, noting they love that place."
PositiveFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"This commenter recommends Khao Kang in Elmhurst for Thai food."
PositiveFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"Khao Kang is listed by the commenter."
NeutralFrom post: Tell Me Your Favorite Reliablecomfylocal Eats
"Khao Kang is listed as a recommended restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: I Built A Site To Log My Favorite Bites Across
"The commenter notes that Khao Kang's prices have significantly increased over the past seven years, more than doubling from $7.50 for two entrees with rice to current NYC prices. Despite the price increase, they still consider it a great place."
NeutralFrom post: I Built A Site To Log My Favorite Bites Across
"Responding to a comment about Thai fried rice, the user suggests that all four listed restaurants, including Khao Kang, offer their own versions, making it a potential "fried rice crawl.""
PositiveFrom post: I Built A Site To Log My Favorite Bites Across
"The user lists Khao Kang as one of their top four Thai restaurants in Elmhurst, highlighting its quick-serve style where customers point at dishes behind the counter. They specifically recommend the Garlic Black Pepper Pork, praising its dry perfection and sweet, caramelized sauce."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Random Dish From A Random
"Khao Kang is praised, with the black pepper pork specifically called out as a must-order dish that the user always gets."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Random Dish From A Random
"Khao Kang is recommended for its garlic black pepper pork."
PositiveFrom post: Best Already Preprepared Grab N Go Meals Or Good
"Khao Kang is included in a list of various establishments offering grab-and-go or pre-made food options in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Best Authentic Thai
"Distinguishes Khao Kang for steamtable/takeout and its sibling Khao Nom for sit-down service, calling all their offerings excellent."
PositiveFrom post: Best Authentic Thai
"Lists Khao Kang (Elmhurst) as a reliable pick in Queens for Thai food."
Positive