Khao Kang

- 76-20 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373

In the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of Elmhurst, Queens, a true gem of Thai cuisine awaits at Khao Kang. This isn't your typical sit-down Thai restaurant; it's a taste of authentic Thai street food, specializing in the "khao kang" or "curry over rice" style. The concept is simple and brilliant: a daily rotating selection of home-style dishes and curries are displayed in a steam-table setup, allowing customers to choose their favorites and build a custom plate. This unique approach gives the dining experience a sense of discovery and spontaneity, as you never know exactly what delicious creations the kitchen will have on offer. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, making it feel less like a formal restaurant and more like a warm and welcoming canteen. It's a perfect spot for solo dining, a quick bite during a busy day, or a relaxed meal with friends, providing a genuine taste of Thailand right in the heart of New York City.

The menu at Khao Kang, while dynamic, consistently features a range of bold and flavorful dishes that showcase the richness of Thai culinary traditions. You can select a combo set with your choice of two or three dishes served with a generous portion of jasmine white rice. The offerings often include intensely spicy southern curries like the Yellow Sour Curry (Kang Luang) and Southern Jungle Curry (Kang Tai Pla), which are noted as "the most spicy" and a must-try for heat-seekers. For those who prefer a more medium level of spice, dishes like the Spicy Herbal Fish (Pla Pad Cha) are a great choice. The menu also includes comforting staples like Thai 5 Spice Stew Pork and Boiled Egg (Kai Pa Lo) and the savory Garlic Black Pepper Pork (Moo Tod). In addition to the main dishes, they offer sides like Fried Egg and White Rice, as well as a selection of authentic Thai drinks such as Thai Iced Tea, Thai Iced Coffee, and Herbal Grass Jelly Drink. The dessert menu is equally enticing, with unique items like Coconut Pandan Jelly and Tapioca Pearl Pudding, all of which provide a sweet and refreshing end to a spicy meal. While the menu is subject to change, the consistent quality and authentic flavors are what keep customers coming back for more.

The feedback from real customers highlights both the strengths and a few minor drawbacks of the Khao Kang experience. Patrons consistently praise the food for its amazing and authentic taste, with one reviewer noting that it's "just like you would find on the street in Thailand." The perfect blend of Thai spices and the great selection of dishes are often mentioned as major positives. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere also contributes to the positive experience. However, a review did mention that the quality of the rice was disappointing, suggesting that diners might enjoy the food more if they pair it with their own high-quality rice at home. Another important point for customers to remember is that Khao Kang is a cash-only establishment, a detail that is essential to know before visiting. Despite these small details, the overall consensus is that the restaurant offers a genuinely local and high-quality dining experience that stands out in the neighborhood.

Khao Kang is located at 76-20 Woodside Ave in Elmhurst, a neighborhood widely recognized for its diverse and authentic culinary scene, particularly its concentration of fantastic Thai restaurants. This location is easily accessible, and its presence on a bustling street makes it a convenient spot for both locals and tourists exploring the area. The restaurant offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring it can accommodate a wide range of patrons. While free street parking is available, it can be limited, and paid options are also available nearby. This prime location places Khao Kang within a vibrant community, allowing it to serve a steady flow of customers throughout the day. The convenience of its setting, coupled with its reputation for serving a local specialty, makes it a popular destination for those seeking a quick and flavorful meal without the fuss of a formal restaurant setting. The fact that it's a known destination for those seeking authentic Thai food from a different part of the world makes it a significant highlight of the area.

The accessibility of the restaurant extends to its service model. With options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Khao Kang ensures that its delicious food is available to a wide audience, no matter their preference. The onsite services, including a restroom, also make it a comfortable place to stop for a quick meal. The "dogs allowed outside" policy is another small but significant feature that makes it a welcoming spot for pet owners. The simplicity of its cash-only payment policy is something to be aware of, but it contributes to the no-frills, authentic experience. This combination of a great location and a flexible service model solidifies Khao Kang as a reliable and popular choice for both a quick bite and a satisfying meal. The seamless integration of these features into the local community is a major reason for its success and continued popularity.

Khao Kang offers a variety of services designed for convenience and a relaxed dining experience.

• Delivery: Customers can enjoy Khao Kang's authentic Thai food from the comfort of their home or office.
• Takeout: A quick and efficient option for those who want to grab their meal and go.
• Dine-in: The casual and cozy atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed meal on-site.
• Onsite Services: The restaurant provides amenities such as restrooms for the convenience of its diners.

The unique features and highlights of Khao Kang set it apart from other dining options in the area.

• Authentic Thai Street Food: The restaurant is praised for its genuine flavors, reminiscent of street food found in Thailand.
• Serves Local Specialty: Khao Kang specializes in a unique "curry over rice" style of dining, which is a local specialty not commonly found in all Thai restaurants.
• Daily Rotating Menu: The menu changes daily, offering a fresh selection of dishes and a reason to come back regularly.
• Great for a Quick Bite: The steam-table setup and fast service make it an ideal place for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Cash-Only: This is a key feature to note, as it adds to the authentic, no-frills character of the restaurant.

For a taste of this authentic Thai experience, visit Khao Kang at their Elmhurst location: 76-20 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA. For inquiries or to place a takeout order, you can contact them at (718) 806-1807. The straightforward contact information and easy-to-find address make it simple for anyone in the New York region to find and enjoy their food.

For New Yorkers in the know, Khao Kang is worth choosing for its uncompromising authenticity. This is not a watered-down version of Thai cuisine; it's a genuine taste of Thailand's bold and spicy flavors. The unique "khao kang" format, which allows you to mix and match from a variety of fresh, home-style dishes, is a major draw and a refreshing change from a standard a la carte menu. The fast, casual, and cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a variety of occasions, from a solo lunch to a casual dinner. While the cash-only policy is an important detail to remember, it's a small trade-off for the exceptional quality and authenticity of the food. The fact that the restaurant serves a local specialty and has earned the praise of both local and tourist customers speaks volumes about its quality. For anyone seeking a truly flavorful and genuine Thai meal in the heart of Queens, Khao Kang is a must-visit destination that provides a memorable and delicious experience that feels both unique and comforting.

Khao Kang

76-20 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA