Ayada Thai: Authentic Queens Dining and Craft Cocktails in Elmhurst, NY

Ayada Introduce

Ayada Thai Elmhurst: A Queens Landmark for Authentic Siamese Cuisine

For New Yorkers seeking the authentic, rich, and often boldly spicy flavors of traditional Thai cuisine, Ayada Thai in Elmhurst, Queens, stands out as an essential destination. Located on Woodside Avenue, this established restaurant has earned a stellar reputation for delivering a "real-deal Siamese" experience, moving far beyond the standardized menus often found elsewhere in the city.

Ayada Thai is more than just a local spot; it is often cited among the best Thai restaurants in all of New York City, having been recognized by prestigious guides and publications for its commitment to complexity and quality. The restaurant’s menu is extensive, reflecting the diverse culinary regions of Thailand, with a strong emphasis on authentic regional dishes, including specialty items from the Northeastern (E-Sarn) and Southern regions. This dedication to tradition ensures that diners encounter dishes made with the proper balance of sour, sweet, salty, and—crucially—spicy flavors.

The establishment proudly identifies as women-owned, contributing to the rich tapestry of Queens’ diverse local business community. It provides a full-service experience, catering to Lunch and Dinner, and is highly popular among locals, including College students, Groups, and Family-friendly crowds, while also being welcoming to LGBTQ+ friendly and Tourists drawn by its acclaimed reputation. Whether you are looking for a quick comfort meal or a full evening of adventurous dining, Ayada Thai offers an environment that is both Casual and Cozy, yet decidedly Trendy.

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Location and Accessibility in Elmhurst, Queens

Ayada Thai is strategically situated at 77-08 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA. This address places it squarely in the vibrant Elmhurst/Woodside area, a neighborhood well-known as a hub for authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in Queens, making it a culinary pilgrimage for many New Yorkers.

The location on Woodside Avenue benefits from excellent connectivity, easily reachable via public transportation, which is vital for the NYC crowd. For those traveling by car, the restaurant notes the availability of Free street parking as well as Paid street parking, though customers should be mindful that finding a space in this bustling neighborhood can sometimes be challenging.

Accessibility is a key priority at Ayada Thai, ensuring a welcoming experience for all patrons. The facility provides comprehensive amenities for those with mobility needs:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

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Services Offered

Ayada Thai offers a complete range of services designed to accommodate every dining preference, from a leisurely meal to a quick, convenient takeout order.

Key services include:

Dine-in Service: Offering comfortable Seating and full Table service for both Lunch and Dinner, with a Bar onsite for a complete dining experience.
Takeout and Delivery: Providing the utmost convenience for local Queens residents and workers through dedicated Takeout and Delivery options.
Accepts Reservations: Patrons can plan their visit in advance, as the restaurant Accepts reservations, a smart choice given its immense popularity, especially during peak dinner hours.
Full Bar Service: A wide selection of Alcohol, Beer, Wine, and Hard liquor is available, complemented by a menu of creative Craft Cocktails.
Happy Hour Drinks: Offering specific specials during designated hours, perfect for unwinding after a long day in the city.
Accommodating Payments: Accepting modern payment methods including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for fast and easy transactions.
Family Amenities: Making it comfortable for families with young children by providing High chairs and being designated as Good for kids.

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Features and Highlights

Ayada Thai’s reputation is built on a few outstanding features that consistently draw crowds and critical acclaim from across the NYC metropolitan area.

Distinctive features and highlights include:

Authentic and Complex Flavors: The greatest highlight is the food itself, known for its "complex" and "real-deal" Siamese flavors that are not diluted or Americanized, offering genuine regional Thai cuisine.
Exceptional Beverage Program: Recognized for Great cocktails and a Great tea selection, the drink menu complements the food with creative Craft Cocktails like the 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'Falling Slowly.'
Menu Depth and Variety: The menu is extensive and "encyclopedic," featuring over 15 appetizers, multiple specialty curries (like the unique Kang Som ‘Sour’ Curry), and numerous salads (e.g., Som Tum Talay), catering to all tastes.
Attentive and Fast Service: Despite its popularity, the restaurant is known for Fast service and an Attentive staff, which ensures a smooth and pleasant dining experience, as noted by numerous customer reviews.
Dietary and Health Options: The menu is inclusive, offering ample Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, alongside beloved Comfort food dishes and Small plates perfect for sharing.
Local Specialty Focus: The restaurant Serves local specialty dishes often difficult to find outside of Thailand, positioning it as a top spot for culinary exploration.

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Contact Information

New York residents looking to dine at or order from Ayada Thai can use the following details for location and direct contact:

Address: 77-08 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

Phone: (718) 424-0844

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What is Worth Choosing at Ayada Thai

For the first-time visitor or a returning local, navigating the extensive and tempting menu at Ayada Thai can be a delightful challenge. What truly sets this Elmhurst institution apart is the depth of flavor in its signature items, which are consistently praised for their authentic preparation.

The Must-Try Appetizer: Chive Dumplings (A9): Multiple patrons rave about the Chive Dumpling ($13.00). Described as "crispy on the outside- soft and chewy on the inside," these gluten-free cakes served with house soy dipping sauce are an essential, "oddly addictive" way to start your meal. Similarly, the Steamed Dumpling ($13.00) is a popular choice for those preferring a more traditional starter.

Noodle Perfection: Pad See Ew (N3) and Drunken Noodle (N5): While Pad Thai ($19.00) is an excellent benchmark, the Pad See Ew ($19.00) is a customer standout, praised for its "perfectly soft" broad noodles and rich black soy sauce flavor. The Drunken Noodle (Pad Khee Mao) ($19.00) is also a consistent favorite for its spicy basil sauce and rich seasoning, beloved by those who enjoy a bit of heat.

The Acclaimed Curry: Duck Panang Curry (C1): For a more decadent and celebrated meal, the Duck Panang Curry ($31.00) comes highly recommended, even garnering attention from the New York Times. The succulent duck in the coconut milk-based Panang curry is a rich, flavorful experience that highlights the chef's expertise.

A True Test of Spice: If you are a true spice enthusiast—a "chili-head"—Ayada is famous for offering legitimate Thai spice levels. Customers often advise that even the standard "spicy" is quite potent, and opting for the "Thai Spicy" level is a serious culinary challenge, guaranteeing an authentic "tongue-numbing goodness" that separates it from milder Thai establishments.

Finally, don't overlook the Craft Cocktails. The excellent drink selection, from the refreshing Fresh Lychee Lemonade ($7.00) to the inventive Kiss From A Rose ($16.00) cocktail, ensures a well-rounded and memorable experience at this celebrated Queens establishment.

Ayada Menu

Appetizers
A1. BBQ Pork Tenders $20.00
Grilled marinated pork served with spicy ‘jaew’ sauce.
A2. BBQ Beef Tenders $22.00
A3. Satay Chicken $14.00
Grilled chicken skewers served with peanut sauce and cucumber relish.
A4. Steamed Dumpling $13.00
Steamed chicken mixed with shrimp dumpling, served with house soy dipping sauce.
A7. Fried Tofu $11.00
With sweet chili sauce and crushed peanut.
A5. Spring Roll (5 Rolls) $11.00
Deep fried vegetable rolls served with sweet chili sauce.
A6. Crab Roll (4 Pieces) $17.00
Deep fried crab meat, ground pork, sesame oil, wrapped with tofu skin. Served with sweet & tangy plum dipping sauce.
A8. Shrimp In The Blanket $15.00
Deep fried whole shrimp and ground chicken rolls, and served with sweet & tangy plum dipping sauce.
A9. Chive Dumpling $13.00
Deep fried chive (gluten free) cakes served with house soy dipping sauce.
A10. Steamed Mussel $18.00
New Zealand mussels, garlic, onion, basil, served with Ayada’s signature spicy seafood sauce.
A11. E-Sarn Sausage $17.00
North-Eastern Thai fermented pork sausage with sides of red onion, chili, fresh ginger, and peanut.
A12. Northern Thai Sausage $15.00
Northern Thai style pork sausage, seasoned with fresh herbs. With sides of red onion, chili, fresh ginger, and peanut.
A13. Fish Cake $16.00
Curried fish cake served with cucumber and peanut relish.
A14. Fried Calamari $16.00
Battered fried calamari served with sweet chili dipping sauce.
A15. Fried Chicken Wings $16.00
Fried Chicken wings served with sweet chili dipping sauce.

Soup
S1. Tom Yum Shrimp Soup
With mushroom in hot and sour soup. Spicy.
S2. Bean Curd Soup
With ground pork or chicken.
S3. Tom Kha Chicken Soup
Chicken coconut milk soup with mushroom, red onion and galangal. Spicy.
S5. Bean Thread Soup $18.00
With ground chicken.
S7. Tom Zap Chicken $19.00
Chicken with mushroom, red onion in hot and sour soup. Spicy.

Salad
Y1. Thai Green Salad $14.00
With green leaf lettuce, onion, carrot, tomato, cucumber, fried tofu and peanut dressing.
Y2. Som Tum Thai $17.00
Shredded green papaya, long beans, tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp powder, seasoned with Thai chili, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
Y3. Som Tum Talay $24.00
Shredded green papaya, shrimp, squid, mussels, long beans, tomatoes, dried shrimp powder, seasoned with Thai chili, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
Y4. Som Tum Pu Ma $20.00
hredded green papaya, dried shrimp powder, long bean, tomatoes. and salted RAW crabs.
Y4. Papaya Salad W/ Salted Egg $19.00
Shredded green papaya, salted egg, long beans, tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp powder, seasoned with Thai chili, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
Y4. Som Tum Pu Pla-Ra $21.00
Shredded green papaya, long beans, tomatoes, dried shrimp powder, salted RAW Blue crab, and pickled fish.
Y4. Som Tum Sua $21.00
Shredded green papaya, rice noodle, long beans, tomatoes, dried shrimp powder, salted RAW Blue crab, and pickled fish.
Y5. Bean Thread Salad $21.00
Bean thread salad with ground chicken, shrimp, and squid, season with fresh chili, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Y6. Yum Moo Yor $20.00
Pork sausage salad with onion, scallion, cilantro, seasoned with fresh chili, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Y7. BBQ Pork Tender Salad $20.00
Grilled pork, seasoned with lime juice, dried chili, toasted rice powder, red onion, scallion, cilantro, and mint.
Y7. BBQ Beef Tender Salad $23.00
Grilled beef, seasoned with lime juice, dried chili, toasted rice powder, red onion, scallion, cilantro, and mint.
Y8. Larb Salad $17.00
Ground chicken or pork, seasoned with lime juice, dried chili, toasted rice powder, red onion, scallion, cilantro, and mint.
Y9. Raw Shrimp Salad $19.00
Raw shrimp served with bitter melon, fresh garlic, and topped with Ayada’s signature spicy seafood sauce. New York Timeout- The 100 Tastes You've to Try.
Y10. Moo Ma Nao $20.00
BBQ pork topped with spicy garlic, chili, and lime juice sauce.
Y12. Crispy Duck Salad $31.00
Fried crispy duck with mango, pineapple, cashew nuts, red onion, scallion, cilantro, sesoned with chili paste, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
Y13. Sour Sausage Salad $19.00
Sour pork sausage, peanut, fresh ginger, onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, and lime juice.
Y14. Seafood Mango Salad $23.00
A green mango salad with shrimp, squid, mussels, cashew nuts, scallion, red onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, lime juice, and fish sauce.
Y16. Crispy Salmon Salad $23.00
Deep-fried fluffy salmon with shredded green mango, cashew nuts, seasoned with chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Recommended by New York Times.
Y17. Thai Sausage Salad $21.00
Sweet Thai sausage salad with cucumber, cilantro, red onion, scallion, seasoned with chili, and lime juice.
Y11. Mango Salad W/ Salted Crab $23.00
A green mango salad with salted RAW crab, scallion, red onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
Mango Salad (NO SEAFOOD) $20.00
A green mango salad with cashew nuts, scallion, red onion, cilantro, seasoned with chili, lime juice, and fish sauce.

Fish
F1. Fish W/ Sweet Chili **Market Price** $42.00
Fried whole or filleted red snapper topped with sweet and tangy chili sauce
F2. Fried Fish W/ Basil Sauce **Market Price** $42.00
Fried whole or filleted red snapper topped with basil sauce, long hot chili, and mushroom.
F3. Fish W/ Mango Salad **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper topped with green mango salad, cashew nuts, green onion, scallion, and cilantro. ABC News recommended. Served with jasmine rice.
F4. Fried Fish W/ Garlic & Pepper Sauce **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper topped with savory garlic and pepper sauce.
F5. Steamed Fish W/ Seafood Sauce **Market Price** $42.00
Steamed whole red snapper topped with spicy seafood sauce.
F6. Fish W/ Sour Curry **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper in a mixed vegetable sour curry
F7. Fish W/ Papaya Salad **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper topped with green papaya salad, dried shrimp powder, peanuts, long beans, and tomotoes.
F8. Fish Pad Cha **Market Price** $42.00
Fried red snapper topped garlic, finger root, chili, basil leaves, and Long hot pepper.

Fried Rice
F1. Thai Fried Rice $19.00
Choice of Protein, egg, onion, carrot, and tomatoes.
F2. Basil Fried Rice $19.00
Choice of Protein, Thai basil, long hot chili, and egg.
F3. Pineapple Fried Rice $18.00
Choice of protein, pineapple chunk, onion, egg, and cashew nut.
F4. Thai Sausage Fried Rice $19.00
Chinese broccoli, egg, sweet pork sausage.
F5. Sour Sausage Fried Rice $19.00
Sour pork sausage, Chinese broccoli, egg.
F6. Crab Meat Fried Rice $23.00
Crab meat, scallion, and egg.

Rice Dishes
O1. Pork Leg Over Rice $20.00
With mustard green, boiled egg and Chinese broccoli over rice.
O1. Pork Leg Entree $24.00
With mustard green, boiled egg and Chinese broccoli over rice.
O2. Hainanese Chicken $19.00
Steamed chicken served with chicken stocked rice and spicy ginger sauce, served with clear soup.
O3. Shrimp Paste Fried Rice $21.00
With sweet pork, red onion, egg, chili and mango. Spicy.

A La Carte
C1. Koong Ob Woon Sen $22.00
Steamed bean thread with shrimp and pork.
C3. Sauteed Chinese Broccoli $19.00
FYI: please add your choice of protien chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, crispy pork or seafood
C5. Sauteed Chinese Eggplant
With eggplant , garlic, chili, basil leaves.
Pad Woon Sen $21.00
Sautéed bean thread with shrimp, chicken, vegetable, and egg.
C7. Prik King $19.00
Sautéed string beans with choice of protein* and prik khing curry paste
C8. Pad Spicy Catfish $23.00
Sautéed sliced catfish, eggplant, fingerroot, and long hot chili, in a spicy curry sauce.
C9. Pad Ped Moo $19.00
Sautéed pork with curry paste, fresh herbs, and lime leaves.
C10. Pad Sa-Tor $23.00
Sautéed sa-tor, bitter beans, with ground chicken and shrimp.
C11. Pad Khee Mao $19.00
Sautéed mixed vegetable and choice of protein* with spicy chili sauce.
C12. Pad Ka Prow $19.00
Sautéed choice of protein with spicy Thai basil sauce and long hot chili.
C13. Frog Legs Basil $23.00
Sautéed frog legs with basil sauce and long hot chili.
C14. Pad Khing $19.00
Sautéed choice of protein* with fresh ginger, mushroom, long hot chili, onion, and scallion.
C15. Black Egg Basil $22.00
Sautéed black egg, ground pork, basil sauce, and long hot chili.
C16. Cashew Nut $19.00
Choice of meat with cashew nut, chili paste, onion, long hot pepper and carrot.
C17. Garlic And Pepper $19.00
Choice of meat Seasoned with pepper and garlic.

Curry
C1. Duck Panang Curry $31.00
Duck in coconut milk based Thai Panang curry. **NY Times Recommended**
C1. Panang Curry With Choice Of Meat $19.00
Choice of meat in coconut milk. Spicy.
C2. Massaman Curry $19.00
Choice of meat with onion, potatoes and peanut in coconut milk. Spicy.
C3. Jungle Curry $19.00
Choice of meat with mixed vegetables. Spicy.
C4. Green Curry $19.00
Choice of meat with bamboo shoot, Thai eggplant in coconut milk. Spicy.
C5. Red Curry $19.00
Choice of meat with bamboo shoot in coconut milk. Spicy.
C6. Kang Som ‘Sour’ Curry $21.00
Non-coconut milk based curry with shrimp and mixed vegetable, seasoned with tangy tamarind paste.

Noodles
N1. Pad Thai $19.00
Sautéed thin rice noodles with choice of protein*, bean sprout, egg, scallion, and crushed peanuts.
N2. Rad Nah $19.00
Broad noodles with choice of protein*, Chinese broccoli in gravy sauce.
N3. Pad See Ew $19.00
Sautéed broad noodles with choice of protein*, Chinese broccoli, egg, and black soy sauce.
N4. Pad Kua Gai $21.00
Sautéed broad noodles with chicken, squid, and egg, served with Sriracha sauce
N5. Drunken Noodle $19.00
Sautéed broad noodles with choice of protein*, spicy basil sauce, mixed vegetable, and egg.
N6. Shabu Shabu $20.00
Bean thread noodle soup with choice of protein, vegetables, egg, and spicy fermented bean curd sauce.
N7. Nam Tok Noodle Soup $20.00
Noodle soup with choice of PORK of BEEF and meatballs, Chinese broccoli, and bean sprout.
N8. Tom Yum Noodle Soup $20.00
Clear tom yum noodle soup with ground pork, fishballs, and peanuts
N9. Yen Ta Fo $20.00
Broad noodle soup with squid, shrimp, fish ball, and fermented bean curd & tomamto sauce

Special
Soft Shell Crab (Special) $38.00
Battered fried soft-shell crab served with your choice of a pairing dish:
Rib Eye Steak (Special) 12oz $39.00
Grilled ribeye steak cooked to your preference, paired with your choice of a pairing dish

Side Order
SO1. Jasmine Rice $4.00
SO2. Sticky Rice $4.00
SO3. Chicken Stock Rice $4.00
SO4. Omelette $9.00
SO5. Fried Egg $3.00
SO6. Steamed Mixed Vegetables $8.00
SO7. Steamed Broccoli $9.00
SO8. Steamed Noodle $4.00
Flat noodle / thin noodle / glass noodle / angel hair noodle (Choose 1)
SO9. Peanut Sauce $2.00

Dessert
D1. Taro Custard $10.00
D2. Coconut Pudding $10.00
Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice With Custard $10.00
Sweet coconut sticky rice with taro custard on top
Pumpkin Custard $10.00

Beverages
Juice $7.00
Thai Iced Tea With Milk $7.00
Lychee Or Lemon- Thai Iced Tea $7.00
Palm Juice $7.00
Fresh Lychee Lemonade $7.00
Black Thai Iced Tea $7.00
Black Thai Iced Coffee $7.00
Thai Iced Coffee With Milk $7.00
Soda $4.00
Coconut Juice $8.00

Craft Cocktails (Must Be 21 to Purchase)
Summer Time $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Chrysanthemum infused artisanal vodka, jasmine syrup, mint and ginger beer.
Sunset Boulevard $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Pandan infused mekhong Thai rum, lime juice, pineapple and cranberry juice.
Falling Slowly $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Mezcal, orange, grand manier, passionfruit, Thai chili and bitters.
Winter Melody $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Pandan infused Thai rum, pineapple, lime juice, and sparkling wine.
Spring Awakening $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Gin, Lavendar, blackberry liqueur, lime juice, soda and sparkling wing.
Kiss From A Rose $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Artisan vodka, hibiscus, elder flower, lime juice, and egg white.
Conga $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Spicy tequila, triple sec, passionfruit, and lime juice.
All I Care About $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Bourbon, nepata amaro, ginger, cinnamon syrup, and bitters.
Lady Marmalade $16.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Bourbon, sweet vermouth, hibiscus, absinthe, and buriesque bitters.

Ayada Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Ayada Photos

Ayada Location

Ayada

New York Queens County Elmhurst Woodside Avenue

77-08 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

Ayada Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 1612 user reviews.

drunken noodlesfried fishsoft shell crabred snapperribeyechinese broccolishrimp saladmusselsduck currywatercress salad

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The food was incredible. Everything we had was 10/10. Three of us split three entrees, an app and two desserts and we ate it all! It was delicious.We enjoyed the spice level, and the flavors were so rich and delicious. I tried one of their cocktails, which were also excellent. Everyone was so friendly.
June 18 · Jay Yoder
The food is consistently delicious, with the Pad See Ew with Chicken being a standout – the noodles were perfectly soft. While the ribeye was tasty, it felt a bit pricey. Don't miss the chive dumplings – an excellent appetizer! Service was attentive; our waitress proactively refilled our water.
May 31 · A Wong
Great food and great service. I came here on a Wednesday evening and was seated promptly. Service was excellent and the food was delicious! I really enjoyed my cocktail, the shrimp dumplings appetizer with a yummy dipping sauce, and the pad see ew with chicken. Highly recommend!
June 20 · Kianna Davis
Stopped here before our flight. Service and staff were really friendly and attentive. The food was fresh and delicious and really reasonably priced for its quality. Would size down with spice levels even with a medium tolerance.
May 17 · Dan Sagawaga
Rating: 7.5/10Date Last Visited: 8/30/2025We ordered the Satay Chicken ($12), Drunken Noodles with Chicken ($17), Massaman Curry with Chicken ($17), and Lychee Thai Iced Tea ($6). The drunken noodles were great: the noodles were chewy, flavorful, and toppings added even more. The massaman curry was good too. The satay chicken was so juicy that it had me questioning if it was undercooked (it was not). The food was very solid, similar to other good Thai places, except nothing set this place apart from other solid Thai restaurants in the area. Overall, I would recommend this place for someone who’s looking for good Thai food in the area.
September 01 · Andy Liu