TLDR
Vibrant Thai cuisine w/ downtown energy on the UES. Offers regional specialties beyond the usual, creative cocktails, and a unique dining experience.
Instagram Posts References
Tha Phraya's chef was part of the culinary team that created the stunning four-course menu for the Thai SELECT Dinner, celebrating the distinctive flavors of Thailand's Isan region. The post praises the overall menu for its thoughtfully crafted dishes and its memorable, balanced flavor profile.
Details
Tha Phraya brings a vibrant, downtown energy to the Upper East Side, offering a diverse menu that spans the breadth of Thai cuisine beyond typical offerings. Celebrated for its use of freshly ground spices and regional specialties, it provides a unique culinary journey [1]. The decor is eye-catching, and the creative cocktails, inspired by Thai temple games, add to the overall experience [1].
Food Overview
Tha Phraya is lauded for its authentic Thai food, with many considering it a top choice in Manhattan and the Upper East Side [1], [2]. The menu features dishes from all over Thailand, moving beyond standard curries to include regional specialties like Northern Thai sausage spring rolls, Khao Soi, and Phuket-style curries designed for sharing [1]. Specific dishes like the pomelo salad with tiny fish and fried whole branzino in a tangy kaeng som curry have been highlighted [1]. Some users have enjoyed the shrimp cakes, describing them as 'shrimp donuts' [6]. While most feedback is positive, one user felt the spice level was toned down and another mentioned that the restaurant 'toned itself down for the locals' [7], [8]. The mango sticky rice received mixed feedback, with one user stating it wasn't their preference [9].
Caveats
One user noted that the restaurant 'toned itself down for the locals' [1]. Another perspective is that while it's a good option, some find it pricey and felt they left hungry [2], [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About THA PHRAYA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Midtown Or Upper East Side Restaurant For Tonight
"This is another Thai restaurant mentioned as an option."
NeutralFrom post: Midtown Or Upper East Side Restaurant For Tonight
"This Thai restaurant was listed as a dining suggestion."
NeutralFrom post: Excellent Thai From Newcomer Wanglang In Flatiron
"Wanglang is noted as being more similar to Tha Phraya. However, the commenter prefers Wanglang due to its more varied menu and better beef in the Khao Soi."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues
"In response to a user's concern about Tha Phraya's sanitary grade, this user asked where the information was found."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues
"This user stated they personally prefer Up Thai over Tha Phraya, as they were not impressed with Tha Phraya."
NegativeFrom post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues
"This user stated Tha Phraya is easily the best Thai restaurant on the UES."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues
"This user recommended Tha Phraya."
PositiveFrom post: Manhattan Thai
"This user recommended Tha Phraya, noting its Upper East Side location."
PositiveFrom post: Manhattan Thai
"This user enthusiastically endorsed Tha Phraya, calling it 'super legit' and mentioning its Upper East Side location."
PositiveFrom post: Manhattan Thai
"This user listed Tha Phraya as a recommended Thai restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Why Are Nearly All Of The Highly Recommended Food
"Tha Praya was an excellent Thai restaurant on the UES, but it had to 'tone itself down for the locals'."
NegativeFrom post: Where To Get Miang Kham
"The user simply states the name of the restaurant, Tha Phraya."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Get Miang Kham
"The user briefly states that they have had miang kham at Tha Phraya."
NeutralFrom post: Thai Food
"This user strongly recommends Tha Phraya, indicating it is among their top choices."
PositiveFrom post: Thai Food
"This user ranks Tha Phraya as their second choice for Thai food."
PositiveFrom post: Thai Food
"This user recommends Tha Phraya for general Thai dishes, distinguishing it from Northeastern Thai cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Thai Food
"This user recommends Tha Phraya as their second choice for Thai food."
Positive