TLDR
Incredible value for authentic Thai chicken and rice in the heart of Chinatown. A local favorite for quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meals.
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.
Details
A go-to destination in Chinatown for budget-friendly, authentic Thai-style roasted and steamed chicken [1], [2]. The restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional value, offering filling meals that consistently satisfy diners [1], [3]. It remains a staple for those seeking a quick, delicious lunch in a casual setting [2], [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Thai-style roasted and steamed chicken, served with fragrant rice and often accompanied by a complimentary cup of soup [1], [2], [3]. Diners highly recommend the chicken and rice, garlic rice, and various appetizers like crab rangoons and chive-scallion pancakes [1], [2], [3], [6]. While most feedback is enthusiastic about the juicy chicken and well-prepared skin, a small minority of diners expressed a desire for more robust sauce options [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The Thai-style roasted and steamed chicken served with ginger or garlic rice is the standout recommendation [1], [2], [3]. Side dishes such as crispy scallion pancakes, crab rangoons, and chicken curry puffs are also highly regarded by customers [2], [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •ginger rice(2)
- •chicken rice(2)
- •fried chicken over ginger rice(2)
- •spicy thai chicken wings(2)
- •thai iced tea(2)
- •chive & scallion pancake(2)
Customer Sentiment
Patrons express overwhelmingly positive sentiment, frequently identifying the spot as a top choice for repeat visits and high value [1], [4]. While most enjoy the food and efficiency, some diners have noted potential confusion with other similarly named establishments in the city [3], [5].
Caveats
The restaurant is cash-only for certain transactions [2], [3]. Additionally, some diners have noted that service can occasionally be unresponsive if you aren't clear about the ordering process [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About GAI KITCHEN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Is Your Favorite Thai Spot In Nyc For Price
"Compares this restaurant unfavorably to Eim Khao Mun Kai for chicken rice."
NegativeFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Thai Spot In Nyc For Price
"Recommended for chicken rice."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive