Authentic Isan Thai w/ seriously spicy options. Think bold, bright flavors & a serious kick!
This Queens gem offers an authentic taste of Isan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine, drawing in diners with its bold flavors and fiery spice levels. Known for its vibrant dishes, it's a go-to for those seeking a genuine and often intense culinary experience.
Specializing in Isan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine, this spot is celebrated for its authentic flavors and particularly its ability to deliver intense spice. Dishes like larb, papaya salad, and Nam Khao Tod are frequently highlighted as must-tries, with many patrons seeking out the 'Thai hot' versions.
"Highly recommended dishes include the larb (especially with deep-fried tilapia), various spicy papaya salads (som tum), and Nam Khao Tod."
Customers overwhelmingly praise this restaurant for its authentic and intensely spicy Isan Thai cuisine, particularly recommending dishes like larb and papaya salad.
Important Note
The restaurant is noted for its small size, and some dishes can be extremely spicy, to the point where customers may regret their choice. It's advisable to be specific about your desired spice level.
"Hug Esaan is listed as a place for Northeastern Thai food, alongside Sappe and Zaab Zaab."
Neutral"Hug Esan was listed as a restaurant recommendation for a birthday in Brooklyn or Queens, highlighting its good seafood options."
Positive"Hug Esan is mentioned as a favorite for Thai food, with a recommendation to order it 'hot' for a spicy kick."
Positive"Hug Esan is recommended for north-eastern Thai food. The commenter suggests ordering it Thai hot for a very spicy experience."
Positive"Hug Esan is listed as a highly recommended Thai restaurant in Elmhurst, considered better than most Manhattan options."
Positive"This restaurant is listed as a place to repeat."
Positive"The user recommends Hug Esan for mango sticky rice, suggesting it as a place to try when other Thai restaurants are sold out."
Positive"This user endorses Hug Esan, noting that their somtums are excellent. They specifically advise requesting Thai spicy for a very intense flavor."
Positive"This commenter recommends Hug Esan for excellent larb and nam tok dishes, which are typically spicy Thai salads. They suggest this as one of the best places in the city for such preparations."
Positive"Thai spicy from Hug Esan is listed as a recommendation from a previous discussion about spicy dishes in NYC."
Neutral"Hug Esan's papaya salad is suggested for a spicy kick."
Positive"Hug Esan was listed as a recommendation for whole fish in Queens."
Neutral"This commenter favors Hug Esan currently, particularly for its Nom Khao Tod, which they find to be a well-executed dish. The restaurant's proximity to Khao Nom for dessert is also a plus."
Positive"This is a recommendation for Hug Esan as a place to try in Elmhurst."
Neutral"This restaurant is suggested for its offerings of chicken, lamb, and seafood, making it suitable for diners avoiding beef and pork who also prefer rice-heavy dishes."
Neutral"The author notes Hug Esan as a favorite BYOB spot, mentioning a corkage fee of $1 per beer and $5 per wine/soju bottle. They appreciate discovering restaurants with BYOB options, especially those without a liquor license."
Positive"This comment states that anything at Hug Esan will be extremely spicy ("fyu") if ordered "Thai spicy.""
Negative"This user agrees with the previous recommendation for Hug Esan's spicy papaya salad, noting its well-deserved popularity."
Positive"The user finds Hug Esan's Thai spicy papaya salad to be spicier than Zaab Zaab's Larb, stating they love spicy food but cannot finish it all at once."
Positive"Hug Esan, like Playground, is noted for offering "legit Thai spicy" food, with staff warning customers."
Positive
