Authentic Isan Thai w/ intense spice & incredible larb. Don't miss the papaya salad!
This Elmhurst gem specializes in authentic Isan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine, drawing praise for its vibrant and intensely flavorful dishes. It's particularly celebrated for its ability to deliver genuine spice levels, with many dishes like papaya salad and larb being standout options. The restaurant offers a cozy dining experience, making it a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic taste of regional Thai flavors.
This restaurant offers authentic Isan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine, with a strong emphasis on genuinely spicy dishes. Popular recommendations include larb and various types of papaya salad, which are noted for their intense flavors and heat. Customers can request custom spice levels, with many praising the restaurant for its authentic spice delivery.
"Dishes frequently recommended include larb, various types of papaya salad (som tum), kor moo nam tok, and the larb with deep-fried tilapia. Customers also praise the Nam Khao Tod."
Customers rave about the authentic and intensely spicy Isan Thai cuisine, frequently highlighting dishes like larb and papaya salad. The restaurant is well-regarded for its ability to accommodate requests for genuine, high spice levels.
Important Note
The restaurant is described as tiny, and while it offers authentic spice, customers should be prepared for potentially intense heat if requested. It may also be a BYOB establishment with associated fees.
"Hug Esan was recommended as a place to eat, fitting the user's preference for trying cuisines outside of their home cooking repertoire and avoiding high costs."
Neutral"This user recommends Hug Esan for Thai food that uses ingredients like tamarind, lime, and fermentation, contributing to an acidic flavor profile."
Positive"The commenter lists Hug Esan in Elmhurst as one of their favorite Thai restaurants."
Positive"This user mentioned Harlem 135th street, likely referring to a restaurant in that area, and then separately recommended Fried Tilapia from Hug Esan."
Positive"This commenter suggested Hug Esan as a good option for Thai dishes that are typically eaten with hands, like those served with sticky rice or as lettuce wraps."
Positive"Responding to a positive review, this user agrees that Hug Esan is overall awesome."
Positive"This user confirms that Hug Esan has excellent papaya salad and that the restaurant is generally great."
Positive"This user lists Hug Esan as a recommendation for papaya salad."
Neutral"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."
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