Authentic Bangkok steam-table Thai. Build-your-own meals w/ daily rotating entrees. A Queens gem!
Experience authentic Bangkok-style Thai cuisine at Khao Kang, a beloved counter-service spot in Elmhurst, Queens. Known for its steam-table setup, customers can choose from a rotating daily selection of pre-made dishes, offering a genuine taste of home-cooked Thai food. While prices have increased, the quality and authenticity remain, making it a standout choice for those seeking a true Thai culinary adventure.
Khao Kang offers a steam-table experience with a daily rotating menu of authentic Thai dishes, reminiscent of Bangkok's street food. Customers select 2-3 entrees to go with rice. Popular recommendations include the Garlic Black Pepper Pork (Moo Tod) and various curries. It's noted for offering 'real Thai spicy' options, though spice levels cannot be adjusted as dishes are pre-prepared. Some users have noted that prices have increased considerably.
"The Garlic Black Pepper Pork (Moo Tod) is a highly recommended standout dish. Other popular choices include various curries and shrimp dishes."
Customers consistently praise Khao Kang for its authentic Thai flavors and unique steam-table experience. While some note a significant price increase over the years, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many considering it a worthwhile and delicious choice.
Important Note
Spice levels cannot be adjusted as dishes are pre-prepared. Prices have increased significantly since pre-pandemic, with some finding it expensive for the area.
"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."
Neutral"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.""
Positive"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."
Positive"Khao Kang is praised, with the black pepper pork specifically called out as a must-order dish that the user always gets."
Positive"Khao Kang is recommended for its garlic black pepper pork."
Positive"Khao Kang is included in a list of various establishments offering grab-and-go or pre-made food options in NYC."
Positive"Distinguishes Khao Kang for steamtable/takeout and its sibling Khao Nom for sit-down service, calling all their offerings excellent."
Positive"Lists Khao Kang (Elmhurst) as a reliable pick in Queens for Thai food."
Positive"Recommends Zaab Zaab in Elmhurst for Thai spicy food and also mentions Khao Kang."
Positive"A brief comment stating that Khao Kang is the place to go."
Positive"A native of Bangkok recommends Khao Kang in Elmhurst as one of the most authentic Thai options in NYC."
Positive"This commenter, after returning from Bangkok, notes that their usual spots like Khao Kang in Queens haven't hit the same, leading to a break from Thai food."
Neutral"Recommends Khao Kang and Center Point (near SriPraPhai), finding Center Point more enjoyable."
Positive"Lists Khao Kang among several recommended Thai restaurants in Queens."
Positive"This user described Khao Kang as a steam-table buffet where you can get three entrees and rice for $15, noting the food is very good for its type and the block has high Thai food standards."
Positive"Khao Kang in Elmhurst's 'Thai Town' is noted for its authentic Bangkok-style steam-table curries."
Positive"Khao Kang is recommended for Thai food."
Positive"Khao Kang is praised for being authentic Thai street food, with its curries noted as being 'Thai spicy'."
Positive"This user lists Khao Kang among the top Thai restaurants that are better than most Manhattan options, highlighting its authenticity."
Positive"This restaurant is listed as a place to repeat."
Positive