TLDR
Specialized Isan Thai fare in the heart of Queens. Bold, sour, and spicy flavors from the northeast.
Details
Recognized as a standout destination in Queens' Little Thailand, this establishment has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction [1] and a spot on the New York Times top 100 list [2]. While highly regarded as an amazing local Thai restaurant [3], some diners suggest that recent growth may have led to inconsistencies in the dining experience [4].
Food Overview
The kitchen focuses on Isan, or northeastern Thai, cuisine, which is characterized by more intense profiles of sour, spicy, and bitter flavors compared to standard central Thai dishes [4]. While the duck larb is highlighted as a standout menu item, some customers have expressed concerns regarding overall consistency [4], [6].
Highlights / Recommended
"The duck larb is frequently noted by diners as the standout dish on the menu [4]."
Caveats
Some diners have noted concerns regarding the restaurant's consistency, which has been attributed by some to recent overexpansion [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ZAAB ZAAB
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Has Anyone Been To Prung Thai Restaurant Since It
"The user lists this as one of the truly amazing Thai restaurants located in the Little Thailand area."
PositiveFrom post: New York Times Top 100 Restaurants X Michelin
"Zaab Zaab is listed on the NYT top 100 list for 2026 and has a Bib Gourmand distinction."
NeutralFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter stated that Khao Kang went out of business and recommended Saranrom and Zaab Zaab instead."
NeutralFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter stated that Saranrom should be ranked higher on the list than Zaab Zaab."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter recommended Yum Naem Kow Tod (sour crispy pork rice) and Tub Yang (grilled liver) from Zabb PuTawn."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter asked what dishes to get at Zabb PuTawn besides larb."
NeutralFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter suggested Zaab Zaab is inconsistent, possibly due to overexpansion."
NegativeFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"In response to a comparison query, the commenter explained that Zaab Zaab specializes in Isan (northeastern Thai) food, which is more sour/spicy/bitter, and recommended Zabb PuTawn as the best Manhattan spot for it, while noting Wondee Siam is standard central Thai."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter asked how Zaab Zaab compares to Fish Cheeks, Pranakhon, or Wondee Siam."
NeutralFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"In response to a request for Thai recommendations, the commenter highly preferred Saranrom and Zabb PuTawn over Zaab Zaab for Isan food, noting Zaab Zaab's regional specialty."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter asked for a recommendation for the best Thai restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter expressed that Zaab Zaab is ranked below many better Thai spots and that the only really good dish there is the duck larb."
NegativeFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
Neutral