Sala Thai: A Taste of Authentic Thai Cuisine on the Upper West Side

Sala Thai Introduce

Introduction / Overview

In a city with countless dining options, finding a restaurant that consistently delivers an authentic and deeply satisfying experience is a true feat. Sala Thai, located on the vibrant Upper West Side, is a testament to this, having earned a reputation as a beloved go-to for many New Yorkers seeking genuine Thai cuisine. This restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides a culinary journey with flavors that are both refined and beautifully balanced, capturing the soulful essence of Southeast Asian cooking. The atmosphere is a blend of cozy and trendy, creating a lively yet intimate setting for any occasion. Whether you're a fan of classic dishes like **Pad Thai** and **Green Curry** or you're eager to explore more unique and authentic Thai flavors, Sala Thai's extensive menu has something to satisfy every craving. It's a place where every dish feels intentional, prepared with care and an eye for both flavor and presentation, making it a true gem in the heart of Manhattan.

Location and Accessibility

Sala Thai is perfectly situated at 307 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA. This prime Upper West Side address places it in a highly convenient and bustling neighborhood. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes running nearby. For those driving, **paid street parking** is available in the vicinity. While specific details on accessibility beyond what's provided are not available, its location in a modern storefront suggests a standard level of access. The restaurant is particularly popular for both **lunch and dinner**, making it a great destination for a quick bite or a planned evening out. Its central location allows it to serve a diverse crowd, from local residents to tourists exploring the area. The vibrant street life on Amsterdam Avenue adds to the overall dining experience, whether you choose to eat inside or simply enjoy the energy as you arrive.

Services Offered

Sala Thai provides a full suite of services to ensure a flexible and enjoyable dining experience for all. The restaurant offers **dine-in** service with both **seating** and a **bar onsite**, creating a lively and cozy atmosphere. For those who prefer to eat at home, **takeout** and **delivery** are available, including a **no-contact delivery** option for added safety and convenience. Sala Thai is an excellent choice for any meal, serving **lunch and dinner**, and it also offers **catering** for events. The service is known for being **fast and professional**, with staff who are warm and attentive. It’s a popular spot for groups and solo diners alike. Given its popularity and the fact that there is **usually a wait**, the restaurant **accepts reservations**, and it is **recommended to make a reservation for dinner**. This foresight helps to ensure a smoother dining experience. The menu is incredibly diverse, offering a range of options from **classic curries and noodles** to **Thai street food** and special **Summer Special** dishes. They also provide a full bar with **beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine**, in addition to a **great tea selection**, making it a one-stop-shop for a complete meal.

Features / Highlights

**Authentic and Refined Flavors**: Sala Thai is celebrated for its authentic and beautifully balanced flavors. The dishes are prepared with care, offering a taste of genuine Thai cuisine that is often hard to find in New York.
**Extensive Menu**: The menu is vast and diverse, featuring everything from classic curries and noodles to more unique offerings from the **SUM RUB THAI** and **Thai Street Food** sections. This variety ensures there is something for every palate, from the familiar to the adventurous.
**Great Atmosphere**: The restaurant has a unique blend of a cozy, trendy, and lively atmosphere. While tables can be close together, it contributes to a vibrant energy that many diners enjoy. It’s also considered a **romantic** spot, perfect for a date night.
**Excellent Service**: The staff is consistently praised for being warm, attentive, and professional, which significantly enhances the overall dining experience. They are also happy to adjust spice levels to a diner's preference, a key highlight for fans of spicy food.
**Diverse Offerings**: The restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences with **vegan options** and **vegetarian options**. They also have a full bar and offer a **happy hour drinks** menu, making it a great spot for both food and beverages.

Contact Information

**Address**: 307 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

**Phone**: (212) 433-3999

What is worth choosing

For a New Yorker looking for an exceptional Thai meal, what is truly worth choosing at Sala Thai is the opportunity to explore beyond the usual. While the **Pad Thai** is a delicious and reliable classic, the menu's more authentic and regional dishes are what make this restaurant a must-visit. The **Drunken Noodle** is frequently highlighted by customers as being "absolutely phenomenal" and is a must-try for those who enjoy a bold, savory flavor. The **appetizers** are also a great place to start, with items like the **beautiful purple dumpling** (likely the Thai Crepe Dumplings) being praised for their artistry and taste.

When it comes to entrees, the **Massamun Curry Nuer & Roti** is a fantastic choice, offering a rich and comforting dish that is a staple of Thai cuisine. For a more adventurous palate, the **Larb Pla** or the **Mieng Pla Pao** from the **SUM RUB THAI** menu provide an authentic taste of traditional Thai flavors. The **Crab Fried Rice** is another standout, praised for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and perfect execution. The menu's emphasis on fresh and intentional preparation is evident in every dish, from the street food-inspired **Krapraw Gai Sub** to the flavorful **Pineapple Fried Rice**.

Beyond the food, choosing Sala Thai means choosing a vibrant and memorable dining experience. The friendly and attentive staff, combined with the cozy and lively atmosphere, make the meal more than just food; it becomes a genuine social event. The ability to adjust spice levels to your preference is a small but important detail that shows their dedication to customer satisfaction. While the cocktails might not be for everyone, the food more than compensates, offering flavors that are both soulful and bold. For anyone craving the taste of home or a true culinary escape to Southeast Asia, Sala Thai is a gem that will keep you coming back for more.

Sala Thai Menu

Summer Special - Appetizers & Salads
SUMMER ROLL $12.00
Soft salad rolls, rice vermicelli, mango, cucumber, mint, carrot, green leaves and basil leaves. Served with peanut-tamarind dipping sauce
HOI JOR $15.00
Homemade Deep fried tofu skin stuffed with ground pork, shrimp, and crab meat,Served with Plum sauce.
SOFT SHELL CRAB WITH MANGO SALAD $16.00
Crispy batter fried soft shell crab, shredded mango, mix green vegetables, cashew nut,Cherry tomatoes and Chili lime dressing.
YUM EGGPLANT SALMON $18.00
Grilled eggplant, coconut flake, red onion, scallions, cilantro, crispy shallot with Thai chili-jamdressing topped with grilled salmon.

Summer Special - Entrees
LEMONGRASS PORK CHOP $25.00
Grilled marinated pork chop with grilled asparagus, bok choy, Served with sticky rice and jeaw sauce.
SOFT SHELL CRAB PAD PONG KAREE $28.00
Crispy batter fried soft shell crab, onion, scallions, Asian celery, long hot pepper, Eggsin a curry powder sauce
SHORT RIB BEEF PANANG $32.00
Braised Tender Short Rib, String Bean and Sweet Potatoes in Panang Curry Sauce.
LARB PLA $35.00
Deep Fried Fillet of Branzino, Chili Powder, Mint, Red Onions, Scallions, Roasted Rice Powder with Thai Chili-Lime Dressing.
CHILEAN SEA BASS IN AROMATIC COCONUT MILK $36.00
Pan roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Bunashimeji mushroom, Asparagus served withCoconut Bisque.

SUM RUB THAI - Appetizers
Kang Kao Peuak $12.00
Taro samosa. Taro puff stuffed with minced shrimp, roasted coconut flake, cilantro, garlic, kaffir lime leaves and white pepper.
Gai Hor Bai Touy $14.00
Chicken-pandan leaves. Fried marinated chicken wrapped with pandan leaves served with thick soy sauce for dipping.
Tom Yum Chicken Wings $14.00
Spicy Deep Fried marinated tom yum flavor wings with Thai herbs garnish.

SUM RUB THAI - Salad
Yum Hua Phee Tod $16.00
Batter Fried Banana Blossom, Minced Chicken, Peanut, Onions, Scallions,Cilantro, Chili jam and Coconut Milk with Thai lime dressing Topped with Crispy Fried Shallot.
Yum Ped $18.00
Spicy Deep -fried Slice Duck, Cashew Nut, Pineapple, Cherry Tomatoes,Red Onion, Scallions, Cilantro with Chili-jam-lime Vinaigrette.

SUM RUB THAI - Entrees
Massamun Curry Nuer & Roti $23.00
Slow cooked beef with potatoes, Onions, Peanut, and Lotus seedsServed with Thai Roti and Jasmine white Rice.
Pad Thai Bolan $26.00
Rice noodles, prawns, bean sprouts, red onion, cilantro leaves, string beans, peanuts, bean curd and egg net.
Gai Yang Tra Krai $24.00
Grilled lemongrass chicken. Grilled marinated Cornish hen served with black coconut sticky rice and spicy tamarind sauce.
Duck Tamarind $28.00
Crispy Duck breast, Fried Eggplant with Tamarind sauce.
Talay Thai $28.00
Shrimp, Squid, Scallops, New Zealand mussels, Chili, Long chili, Chili jam,Coconut Milk and Basil Leaves
Ped Lad Prig $28.00
Crispy Duck Breast, Steamed Asparagus and Bok Choy withSweet and Spicy Tamarind Sauce.
Mieng Pla Pao $30.00
Grilled branzino with Thai herbs. Fillet of branzino wrapped in banana leaf served with sweet and spicy caramelized palm sugar chili sauce topped with herbs, cashew nut and black coconut sticky rice.
Pla Sam Ross $36.00
Deep fried whole Branzino with sweet chili sauce served with jasmine white rice

Over Rice - Thai Street Food
Kao Kha Moo $18.00
Braised pork belly in 5 spiced broth, Chinese broccoli, pickles mustard greens and hard-boiled egg. Includes choice of rice.
Kao Moo Dang $18.00
Roasted BBQ Pork. Crispy pork belly, Chinese sausage, hard-boiled egg and cilantro with thick seasoned gravy.
Pad Prig Khing Moo Krob $18.00
Stir Fried Spicy Red Chili Curry with Crispy Pork Belly, String Bean, Chili, Kaffir Leaves andThai Herbs Topped with Fried Egg
Krapraw Gai Sub $16.00
Minced chicken, chili, long chili, string bean and Thai basil topped with fried egg. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.
Kao Moo Kratiam $16.00
Pork, minced garlic and black pepper topped with fried egg. Includes choice of rice.
Krapraw Moo Krob $18.00
Crispy pork belly, onion, chili, bell pepper and Thai basil leaves topped with fried egg.
Kao Nar Ped $20.00
Pan Fried quarter duck breast, Chinese broccoli and pickled ginger. Includes choice of rice.

Classic - Appetizers
Por Pia Tod $10.00
Crispy spring roll. Cabbage, glass noodles, taro root, shiitake mushrooms and plum sauce. Vegetarian.
Thai Veggie Dumplings $12.00
Cabbage, carrot, shiitake mushrooms, Jicama and Chive served with sweet soy sauce.
Thai Crepe Dumplings $12.00
Minced chicken, peanuts, sweet turnips and thickened sweet soy sauce.
Golden Puffs $10.00
Mung bean, cilantro, garlic and white pepper. Vegetarian.
Fried Net Roll $12.00
Shrimp, Crab Meat, Taro, and mushroom served with plum sauce.
Curry Puffs $12.00
Minced chicken, potatoes, onions, curry powder and sweet cucumber relish.
Kha Nom Jeeb $12.00
Thai steamed dumplings. Ground chicken and shrimp, jicama, shiitake mushrooms and tangy soy sauce.
Chicken Satay $13.00
Grilled marinated chicken on skewers, peanut sauce, relish and grilled brioche.
Moo Sawan $14.00
Fried marinated Thai herbs pork Served with spicy tamarind sauce.
Pla Muk Tod $14.00
Fried turmeric coconut calamari. Crispy fried calamari, roasted bell pepper and peanut vinaigrette sauce.

Classic - Salad
Thai Salad $10.00
Mixed green vegetables, bean sprouts, cucumber, fried tofu, cherry tomatoes, peanut dressing or mung bean sauce topped with crispy shallots. Gluten free. Vegetarian.
Papaya Salad $12.00
Shredded papaya, string beans, tomatoes and peanuts with Thai chili lime dressing and crispy pork rinds. Gluten free. Spicy.
Larb Gai $13.00
Spicy Thai chicken salad. Minced chicken, chili powder, roasted rice powder red onion, mints and scallions with Thai chili-lime dressing. Gluten free. Spicy.
Prawn or Salmon Mango Salad $16.00
Grill prawns, shredded mango, coconut flakes, cashew nut, red onion, scallions and cilantro with Thai chili-lime dressing. Gluten free. Spicy.

Classic - Soups
Tom Juad Puk (Cup $8 / Bowl $16)
Napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, tofu skin, cilantro and scallion in clear broth. Vegetarian.
Tom Kha Gai (Cup $8 / Bowl $16)
Chicken bunashimeji mushroom and scallions in a coconut galangal broth. Gluten free. Spicy.
Tom Yum Koong (Cup $8 / Bowl $16)
Shrimp and lemongrass broth, bunashimeji mushrooms, cilantro and evaporated milk. Gluten free. Spicy.

Classic - Curry Entrees
Red Curry $15.00
Bamboo shoots, Thai eggplant, string beans, long chili and basil with coconut milk. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.
Green Curry $15.00
String beans, Thai eggplant, heart of palms, long chili and basil with coconut milk. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.
Massamun Curry $15.00
Potatoes, onion, peanut and lotus seeds with coconut milk. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.
Panang Curry $15.00
Sweet potatoes, kaffir lime leaves and string beans with coconut milk. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.

Classic - Sauteed Entrees
Pad Krapraw $15.00
Basil. Thai chili, String Beans , onion, long chili and basil leaves. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.
Pad Khing $15.00
Ginger. Shredded ginger, onion, long chili, scallions and shiitake mushrooms. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.
Pad Kratiam $15.00
Garlic. Minced garlic, onion, scallions and assorted vegetables. Includes choice of rice.
Praram $15.00
Peanut sauce. Sauteed batter fried meat with peanut sauce and steamed baby bok choy. Includes choice of rice.
Cashew Nut $15.00
Pineapple, jicama, cashew nut, dried pepper, scallions and chili jam. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.
Eggplants Basil $15.00
Eggplant, Thai chili, onion, long chili and basil leaves. Includes choice of rice. Spicy.

Classic - Noodle Entrees
Pad Thai $15.00
Rice noodles, beansprouts, scallions, red onion, bean curd, egg and peanuts.
Pad Thai Woonsen $15.00
Glass Noodles, Beansprouts, Scallions, Red Onion, Bean Curd, Egg, Peanuts.
Pad Se-ew $15.00
Broad noodles, Chinese broccoli and egg with thick soy sauce.
Kea Mao $15.00
Broad noodles, chili, onion, long chili, egg and basil leaves. Spicy.
Pad Woosen Poo $24.00
Crab vermicelli. Crab meat, glass noodles, onion, scallions, Chinese celery and egg.
Bamee Moo Dang Poo $22.00
Wonton noodle, BBQ roast pork, crab meat, Bok choy and beansprouts.
Kao Soy $18.00
Northern style curry noodle soup. Egg noodles, onion, bean sprouts and pickled mustard greens in red coconut broth. Spicy.

Fried Rice Entrees
Thai Fried Rice $15.00
Chinese broccoli, onion, scallions, tomatoes and fried egg mixed with rice.
Pineapple Fried Rice $15.00
Pineapple, onion, scallions, cashew nuts and fried egg mixed with rice.
Basil Fried Rice $15.00
Chili, onion, long chili, basil leaves and fried egg mixed with rice. Spicy.
Crab Fried Rice $24.00
Crab meat, scallions and fried egg mixed with rice.

Side Order
Jasmine White Rice $2.00
Berry Brown Rice $3.00
Black Coconut Sticky Rice $3.00
Steamed Assorted Vegetables $5.00
Fried Egg $2.00
Peanut Sauce $2.00
Mung Bean Sauce $2.00
Roti $3.00
Sauteed Baby Bok Choy or Snow Pea with Garlic Sauce $7.00

Lunch Special - Sauteed
Pad Krapraw $13.00
Thai Chili, String Beans, Onion, Long hot pepper, Basil Leaves.
Pad Khing $13.00
Shredded Ginger, Onion, Long Chili, Scallions, Shitake Mushrooms.
Pad Kratiam $13.00
Minced Garlic, Onion, Scallions, and assorted vegetables.
Praram $13.00
Sautéed batter fried meat with Peanut Sauce, steamed Baby Bok Choy.
Cashew Nut $13.00
Pineapple, Jicama, Cashew Nut, Dried Pepper, Scallions, Chili Jam.
Eggplant Basil $13.00
Eggplant, Thai Chili, Onion, Long hot pepper, Basil Leaves.

Lunch Special - Noodles
Pad Thai $13.00
Rice Noodles, Beansprouts, Scallions, Red Onion, Bean Curd, Egg, Peanuts.
Pad Se-ew $13.00
Broad Noodles, Chinese Broccoli, Egg with Thick Soy Sauce.
Kea Mao $13.00
Broad Noodles, Chili, Onion, Long Chili, Egg, Tomatoes, Basil Leaves.
Kao Soy $13.00
Egg Noodles, Onion Bean sprouts, Pickled Mustard Greens in Red Coconut Broth.
Bamee Moo Dang Poo $22.00
Wonton noodle, BBQ roast pork, crispy pork belly, crab meat, Bok choy and beansprouts.
Pad Woonsen Poo $24.00
Crab Meat, Glass Noodles, Onion, Scallions, Chinese Celery, Egg.

Lunch Special - Curry
Red Curry $13.00
Bamboo Shoots, Thai Eggplant, String Beans, Long Chili, Basil with Coconut Milk
Green Curry $13.00
String Beans, Thai Eggplant, Heart of Palms, Long Chili, Basil with Coconut Milk.
Massamun Curry $13.00
Potatoes, Onion, Peanut, Lotus Seeds with Coconut Milk.
Panang Curry $13.00
Sweet Potatoes, Kaffir Lime Leaves, String Beans with Coconut Milk

Lunch Special - Fried Rice
Thai Fried Rice $13.00
Chinese Broccoli, Onion, Scallions, Tomatoes and Fried Egg mixed with Rice.
Pineapple Fried Rice $13.00
Pineapple, Onion, Scallions, Cashew Nuts, and Fried Egg mixed with Rice.
Basil Fried Rice $13.00
Chili, Onion, Long Chili, Basil Leaves and Fried Egg mixed with Rice.
Crab Fried Rice $24.00
Crab Meat, Scallions and Fried Egg mixed with rice.

Lunch Special - Over Rice
Kao Kha Moo $18.00
Braised Pork Belly in Five Spiced Broth, Chinese Broccoli, Pickled Mustard Greens, and Boiled Egg.
Kao Moo Dang $18.00
Roasted BBQ Pork. Crispy pork belly, Chinese sausage Hard-boiled egg and cilantroWith thick seasoned gravy.
Krapraw Gai Sub $16.00
Minced Chicken, Chili, Long Chili, String Bean, Thai Basil topped with Fried Egg.
Pad Prig Khing Moo Krob $18.00
Stir Fried Spicy Red Chili Curry with Crispy Pork Belly, String Bean, Chili, Kaffir Leaves and ThaiHerbs Topped with Fried Egg.
Kao Moo Kratium $16.00
Pork, Minced Garlic, Black Pepper topped with Fried Egg.
Krapraw Moo Krob $18.00
Crispy pork belly, chili, Thai basil leaves topped with fried egg.
Kao Nar Ped $20.00
Pan Fried Quarter Duck Breast, Chinese Broccoli and Pickled Ginger

Drinks
Soda $3.00
Thai Iced Tea $5.00
Thai Iced Coffee $5.00
Lychee Thai Tea $6.00
Thai Tea Lemonade $6.00
Jasmine Iced Tea $5.00
Coffee $5.00
Juice (Orange, Pineapple, Cranberry) $5.00
Still Water (750 ml) $6.00
Sparkling Water (750 ml) $6.00

Desserts
Mango Sticky Rice $14.00
Seasonal
Chocolate Thai Tea Lava Cake $14.00
With Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream
Trio Sorbet $10.00
Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Lemon
Kao Tom Mud $12.00
Banana Wrapped in Sweet Sticky Rice served with Coconut Ice Cream
Fried Banana $14.00
Fried banana served with coconut ice-cream.

Sala Thai Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

Sala Thai Photos

Sala Thai Location

Sala Thai

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

307 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

Sala Thai Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 3476 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This is the one and only Thai restaurant I keep coming back to in New York. I’ve dined here twice, and each visit has left me deeply satisfied. In fact, it’s hands down the best Thai food I’ve had in the city, no exaggeration.The flavors are refined and beautifully balanced, capturing the heart of authentic Asian cuisine. Every dish feels intentional, with just the right amount of care in both preparation and presentation. The staff are warm, attentive, and professional, which only enhances the experience.If you’re a fan of spicy food like me, don’t hesitate to ask for traditional Thai heat. If not, they’re more than happy to adjust the spice level to your comfort. The space is cozy and lively, tables are close together, but it never feels cramped.I’ve tried six dishes so far, and not one has let me down. If you’re craving the bold, soulful flavors of home or Southeast Asia, this place is not to be missed. Make a reservation on Google to ensure the best service, it’s worth it.The cocktails might lean more toward New York tastes, strong and didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but everything else more than made up for it. This is a gem I’ll keep returning to, and I hope the team continues to keep up their amazing work.
July 26 · Cody Robbie Tran
The appetizers were excellent, especially the beautiful purple one which was almost too pretty to eat. The drunken noodle was absolutely phenomenal and everything we tried was delicious. The atmosphere had great energy but it was really loud, to the point where I couldn’t hear much. It was also pretty hot inside even though the fans were on. Still, the food alone makes it worth a visit.
August 10 · Liran Tamam
A must-visit spot for authentic Thai food in NYC. The food is outstanding, offering true Thai flavors. We did have to wait about 30-40 minutes for a table, but that was likely due to our large group; otherwise, the wait time might be shorter. Regardless, it was definitely worth it. We sampled a variety of vegetarian dishes, and loved almost all of them—though I deducted one star for the Garden Roll, which wasn’t quite up to par. The Red Curry and Massaman Curry were absolutely delicious, easily some of the best I’ve had. The atmosphere is fantastic, making it one of the top Thai restaurants in the city.
July 13 · Hitendra Jagtap
Almost walked past this place, but so glad we came in! The food was excellent and the inside of the restaurant is really pretty as well. The medium spice level was a tad spicy for me, but everything still tasted amazing. Definitely recommend!
August 15 · Léa Kandl-Zhang
I absolutely love this Thai restaurant. If you’re hesitant to go here, i definitely vouch you try!! It’s so good, if you don’t want spicy food you can definitely try out their other none spicy options. This is for sure my top 1 restaurants in NYC. Their lychee drink is so good too❤️
August 25 · Kait