TLDR
Incredible value Thai chicken & rice spot in Chinatown. No-frills, quick, and consistently delicious.
Instagram Posts References
The post enthusiastically features Gai Kitchen as a cherished, long-time favorite in New York City's Chinatown, specifically commending its remarkable affordability in a city known for high prices. The reviewer notes having frequented the establishment for years and expresses surprise that their prices, particularly for dishes like Thai chicken over rice at $6.50, have remained largely unchanged. It's lauded as an ideal spot for a quick, affordable, and filling lunch, with special emphasis on the flavorful roasted chicken and a variety of other popular items available for cash transactions.
Gai Kitchen is a fast-casual Thai restaurant located in Chinatown, New York City, known for its remarkably affordable Thai-style chicken over rice. A small portion of this dish is priced at $6.50, while a large is $9.50, with both options including a complimentary cup of soup. Beyond their signature chicken and rice, the menu also features well-received appetizers such as crispy scallion pancakes and crab rangoons. The establishment is highlighted as a great option for a quick, budget-friendly meal.
Gai Kitchen is a Thai restaurant located in Chinatown, praised for its Thai-style chicken dishes. The reviewer has been a loyal customer since its opening, emphasizing its appeal as an ideal post-workout meal due to its protein and carb content. The restaurant is highlighted for its excellent taste, affordability, generous portions, and relatively healthy options.
Details
A go-to Chinatown staple, this casual eatery is celebrated for serving remarkably affordable Thai-style chicken and rice that keeps regulars coming back for years [1], [2], [3]. Diners can enjoy tender, flavorful roasted or steamed chicken paired with aromatic ginger rice, often for under $11 [1], [2], [3]. Beyond the main dishes, the restaurant is a consistent favorite for its value, quick service, and satisfying portion sizes [2], [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Thai-style roasted and steamed chicken served with highly-regarded ginger rice [1], [3]. Customers frequently recommend side dishes like crispy scallion or chive pancakes, crab rangoons, and chicken curry puffs [2], [3]. While the chicken is widely praised for being juicy and well-prepared, some have noted a preference for more flavorful or varied sauces [1], [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The Thai-style roasted chicken and the mixed steamed & roasted chicken served over ginger rice are highly recommended as must-order staples [2], [3]. For sides, the chive & scallion pancakes and chicken curry puffs are frequently highlighted by diners [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •chive & scallion pancake(2)
Caveats
The restaurant is cash-only for many of its best deals, and some diners have pointed out that it is a very no-frills, fast-casual establishment rather than a sit-down dining destination [1], [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About GAI KITCHEN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Bang For Your Buck In This Economy Aka Big
"Gai Kitchen in Chinatown was mentioned as a good value option."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bang For Your Buck In This Economy Aka Big
"Gai Kitchen was listed as a recommendation for good value."
PositiveFrom post: Where Does Stephen Colbert Order His Steamed
"Asks if the pictured chicken is from Gai."
NeutralFrom post: Where Does Stephen Colbert Order His Steamed
"Personally prefers Gai Kitchen's fried chicken platter over their steamed chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Where Does Stephen Colbert Order His Steamed
"Believes the pictured chicken looks like it's from Gai."
PositiveFrom post: Where Does Stephen Colbert Order His Steamed
"Suggests Gai Kitchen offers very good Thai chicken and rice similar to steamed chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"This commenter recommends Gai Kitchen in Chinatown for its Thai-style roasted and steamed dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"A brief comment stating that Gai Kitchen's meals are nice and well-packed."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user mentions Gai Kitchen."
PositiveFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"This commenter thanked the OP for the tip and plans to try Gai Kitchen."
NeutralFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"Gai Kitchen is listed by the commenter."
NeutralFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"This commenter humorously suggested ordering two meals from Gai Kitchen."
NeutralFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"This commenter asked if the chicken at Gai Kitchen is boneless."
NeutralFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"Gai Kitchen is recommended as one of the better values in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"A short comment stating that Gai Kitchen is a good spot."
PositiveFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"This commenter expressed a general concern about the quality of chicken in the US for places like Gai Kitchen, wishing for more flavorful chicken."
NegativeFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"This commenter highlighted that the chicken skin at Gai Kitchen is cooked well, which is a positive aspect not often seen at similar price points."
PositiveFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"A brief comment indicating the chicken at Gai Kitchen is juicy."
PositiveFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"This commenter warned that Gai Kitchen and Gai Chicken are different establishments and had a negative experience with Gai Chicken's dry chicken rice, but found Gai Kitchen appealing."
PositiveFrom post: Gai Kitchens Thaistyle Roasted And Steamed
"This commenter stated that Gai Kitchen is a must-visit every time they are in the area."
Positive