Shrimp Doughnuts and Everything Bagel-Crusted Spring Rolls? At This Thai Restaurant, It's a Yes.
The couple had already owned and operated a Thai place up in East Harlem; they are connected to the city's Thai community; they had a name all set, BKK New York (the airport code for Bangkok); and they quickly signed on an experienced Thai chef for the project, Teerawong 'Yo' Nanthavatsiri, previously owned the (now-closed) restaurant Pinto in the West Village for a decade.
It wasn't until Yo clocked all the food carts in Midtown that the final concept for the menu clicked into place. Basically: Spin a bumping NYC remix to the Bangkok street food favorites of his youth. It's the latest entry in a wider trend of New Yorkified Thai food that's emerged over the past couple of years, beginning with Little Grenjai's smash burger in 2023, followed by a Thai burger stand from Zaab Zaab, and the pop-up Tawan last year.
The design and welcoming spirit of BKK New York amplify the street party vibe, with private dining partitions that evoke corrugated steel panels of Bangkok's dining shacks. The facade opens to bar chatter while uptempo pop spills onto the street.
For seventy years, this address was home to Fuji Sushi, an office-worker staple that was one of the very first sushi restaurants in the city. But with all the huge new residential towers on the block, BKK New York seems poised to become a neighborhood go-to for locals as well.
The prices are doable (for 2025), the menu is filled with big-flavored crowd-pleasers, and the lively atmosphere feels right for just about any occasion. So go! And when you do, here's what you should get.
There are a bunch of familiar, traditionally prepared Thai dishes on the menu (including, yes, a shrimp pad Thai for $26, and a chicken pad see ew for $22), but most of the fun at BKK New York happens in the remixes. My favorite thing I've eaten here is the brisket sandwich dip ($26), a beefy beast with melted American cheese, spicy Thai mayo, and a rich broth for dunking. Jeanine told Eater that it was 'inspired by nam tok, a Thai soup my wife Kate loves.' If I lived in that luxury high-rise across the street (lol), I'd pop by all the time for one of these beauties.
Another satisfying solo dining option, perhaps while perched at the bar knocking back an $18 pandan paradise rum cocktail, is Yo's BKK hot dog (also $18), a fat, porky Chiang Mai sausage served on a brioche bun with both pickled vegetables and two kinds of fries —those green chive-y one are excellent — on the side.
Or maybe go the more traditional Thai route for your solo adventure? The difficult-to-share mama tom yum ($28) is a big soupy bowl of instant noodles absolutely loaded with charred shrimp, slabs of sweet, crispy pork, meaty mushrooms, and a raw egg thrown in for luck, all swimming in a fiery orange broth. Chef Yo told us that this dish is everywhere in Bangkok — and it's delicious. Dinner for two
Split the above sandwiches, and tack on a trio of Yo's terrific 'doughnuts' ($18), made from a blend of shrimp, chicken, and pork, densely packed and pressed into a doughnut shape, fried until the exterior gets a nice crunch, sprinkled with salted egg yolk, and served with a tangy dipping sauce. The oversized fried chicken skin chips ($12) are good, too.
If sandwiches seem too casual for whatever you've got going on that night, the wagyu kra pow ($32) feels both fancy and fun, a jumbo beef patty plopped atop a mound of sticky jasmine rice, plenty of Thai basil, garlic, and chiles bringing some pep to the party, the whole thing served in a hot stone bowl and mixed tableside. The goong koe rae ($32), a half dozen shrimp drowning in a sweet and spicy red curry sauce, also adds a sense of occasion to your meal.
Dinner for three, four, or more
BKK New York's unique spring rolls, which come wrapped in an 'everything bagel crust' ($12), make for an enjoyable addition to the meal for larger parties. And though the pork-two-ways kao moo deng moo krob skewed too sweet for my tastes, Yo is a big fan of the dish. 'Every single Thai person that eats here says this is the best version they've ever had,' he said. 'It tastes like home, and not many places serve it.'
Either dessert — mango sticky rice, or coconut ice cream — will make you happy. So do what we did and just get both.
Sign up for our newsletter.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
21 minutes ago
Judge Frank Caprio, beloved for viral court videos, dies at 88 from pancreatic cancer
Judge Frank Caprio, who is known for his heartwarming viral court moments, has died. He was 88. According to a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the former Providence, Rhode Island, judge "passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer." "Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond," the statement continued. "His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him." The statement went on and said that he "will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we strive to bring a little more compassion into the world -- just as he did every day." Many may know Caprio from his TV show, "Caught in Providence," in which clips from the series have gone viral on social media. Caprio became known as the "nicest judge in the world" for his compassion in the courtroom and the leniency he provided to those who needed it most. The show aired in 2000 and earned four Daytime Emmy nominations. "Compassion, understanding and sympathy really emanates from my upbringing, my early childhood," Caprio told"GMA3" in February while he was promoting his book, "Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories From America's Nicest Judge." "My parents were from Italy and they took care of all the neighbors and helped them, and it was those influences that really influenced my life." "Sometimes you can change somebody's life just by placing your hand on your shoulder and telling them you believe in them," Caprio told NBC Boston in 2024. Born on Nov. 23, 1936, Caprio grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, where he would go on to serve as a municipal court judge nearly 50 years later, according to his website. Prior to law, he taught American government at Hope High School in Providence. While teaching, he also attended night school at Suffolk University School of Law in Boston. He served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge from 1985 to 2023. In December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, Caprio shared an emotional video on social media revealing his cancer diagnosis. "I would ask each of you in your own way to please pray for me," he began in the video at the time. "Quite recently, I was not feeling well and received a medical examination and the report was not a good one." "I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer," he continued. Caprio said that he was being treated for the disease. "I know this is a long road and I'm fully prepared to fight as hard as I can," he added and thanked his followers for their kind messages. "I am in need for the power of prayer which I believe in addition to medical treatment that I'm receiving, is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this. Just knowing that you were keeping me in your thoughts means the world to me." In May 2024, Caprio completed his last radiation treatment, sharing on social media that he rang the bell at Baptist Health Cancer Care to mark the occasion. In one of his last videos on his official Instagram page, which was shared on Tuesday, Caprio said he had a "setback" and was back in the hospital. He asked his followers to "remember me in your prayers once more." "I ask you again if it's not too much to remember me in your prayers," he said. Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce Caprio, of almost 60 years, their five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, according to his website.
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why I Never Fully Cut Off My Most Toxic Friend
Sometimes—there is more to the story. Mason pulled up in his lifted truck, engine roaring and bass rattling the door panels. The headlights threw long beams across the street like stage lights summoning me to a set. The truck towered over me, rhythmically shaking the ground under its weight. Mason leaned out the window, flashing a wide grin, 'Well? Are you just going to stare? Get in!' I climbed in, already knowing the plan. We would stop by his place to grab his girlfriend, then head out to the concert. It felt like the start of one of those nights that could go anywhere — and, unfortunately, it did. Within a few minutes of us riding, he started telling me about this new girl he'd been chatting with, who was, 'Sizzling hot.' He went on and on, sharing intimate details of their conversation. I felt slightly uncomfortable hearing about his side piece project, given we were on the way to pick up his girlfriend. He seemed to be overcompensating, and eager to impress me and other people. In the midst of my discomfort, I realized how fast we were going. Houses were flying by as his engine roared. He was pushing his luck on yellow lights, flying through busy intersections. 'I'd prefer not to die tonight, buddy. Can you slow down?' I said, with a sardonic half smile. And part of me wanted to just say, 'Hey, relax man.' I got him to change the subject from his side piece, so that we could discuss other matters. It was awkward enough to hear about and I had other things in common with him, namely our love of metal music. His girlfriend, Jenna, got into the car. She was beautiful and fun. I couldn't fathom why he felt the need to jeopardize what he had. Then Things Went South The concert was a great time. We were headed home that night, feeling sleepy. Mason was in the front, driving with Jenna in the passenger seat. Then, his phone rang. He didn't notice it — and his girlfriend, perhaps suspecting something awry, answered the phone. She said, 'Who is this?' And after a few words exchanged, she hung up the phone, and all hell broke loose: it was the side girl, and Jenna was in the know. She started screaming at him. He yelled back, denying it all, and they went back and forth, while he's driving fast at 11 PM on a dark weaving road. I clutched my seat like I was on a broken and out-of-control rollercoaster. They went back and forth and I did my best not to shrivel up and die. Mason attempted to pull me into the argument saying, 'Don't you remember I was with you at my house that night?' I said, 'Brother, I don't want to get involved in any of this. Just take me home, please.' I managed to get home without the car flipping over. After this complete blowup, I didn't see Mason for a few months. Then, he appeared out of the blue, and we began hanging out again, just going to the gym, playing video games, doing early 20-something guy things. He and his girlfriend had, unsurprisingly, broken up. He'd been a bit of a scumbag and deserved it. After a few months, he vanished again. This was normal. He was one of those friends that just came and went over the years. Popping up out of nowhere without reason, and disappearing without explanation. About three years later, he appeared on my front porch, knocking. He said, 'Can I crash here? I'm having some problems at home. I won't stay long I promise.' I nodded yes, with a bit of confusion. He was nearly unrecognizable. He'd gained 100 lbs and grown a long beard. He stayed for the evening and we caught up, having a few beers and talking about life, forgetting all the drama and second-hand embarrassment he loved to heave onto me. He'd been in and out of jobs over those years, always getting some new gig, or getting fired for myriad reasons that were always someone else's fault. I didn't understand why he couldn't right the ship and just chill out. My other friends often asked why I even stayed friends with Mason, given his track record. Which I understood. Mason wasn't the most sympathetic character. I reasoned that I always enjoyed our company and he hadn't done me wrong up until then. Despite all the swirling nonsense and self-inflicted damage, he was genuinely nice and fun to hang out with. Then, one night, he shared something. He always drank a lot more than I did, never seeming to stop after just one or two beers. He said, 'Hey, I have to tell you something. Don't freak out.' He proceeded to tell me that his parents had been abusive (I have sufficiently moved details around to protect his identity). His mother was an alcoholic and his father had been quite violent, beating him up to the point of needing to go to the hospital with a broken nose. He lied to doctors about what happened, after his father threatened him with a second and third trip to the hospital if he didn't. On another occasion, he said his mother locked him in a closet for eight hours as punishment. One after another, Mason itemized all these horrible things that happened to him, unloading them like they'd been stuffed in his closet all these years. It was quite sad and I wondered how anyone could survive such circumstances. I also didn't know how to deal with him trauma dumping on me, and can't remember saying anything all that helpful beyond, 'I'm so sorry that happened to you.' I'd done some therapy myself and learned it was best just to listen in those moments. I thanked him for feeling comfortable sharing. Ten years have now gone by. I think back on Mason's disastrous personal and professional life. I've come to suspect much of his personal chaos may be related to the abuse. Studies have shown this type of abuse can radically warp interpersonal relationships later in life, leading to more manipulation and emotional volatility. But I also know every case is different. No, his bad upbringing doesn't condone or excuse his infidelities and deceptions. But it does provide context and reveal how damaging it can be. After that night, he again vanished, and I only saw him one more time in person before he moved to the other side of the world, searching for something that may or may not exist. It brings to mind the old quote by author Robert Goolrick, 'If you don't receive love from the ones who are meant to love you, you will never stop looking for it.' I often think of Mason's case when I deal with difficult, wholly unreasonable people in everyday life. I look past the deep frustration and animosity I feel, and try to remember there may be details I don't know that drive this behavior. Heck, if anything, it leaves me realizing, 'Wow. This person goes through their everyday life acting like this. It must be so chaotic.' What I've realized is that there are many people in this world who spend much of their life recovering from toxic parenting. I've concluded, a bit darkly, that this world would have fewer problems if people who weren't ready or interested in having kids — didn't. If you ever have a friend who is vulnerable to you in these moments, please take the time to listen. Don't pass judgement, or try to fix the situation, or add context, or dig for excessive details. Just being present in that moment can go a long way. Every so often, I catch myself checking my phone, half-expecting a text out of the blue. Something like, 'Hey, hey! What's up, you free tonight?' And if that ever comes, I'll still say yes. Solve the daily Crossword
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Enigma Norteño singer, known for drug ballads, fatally shot in Jalisco attack
The lead singer of the regional Mexican band Enigma Norteño, Ernesto Barajas, was shot and killed on Tuesday in the municipality of Zapopan in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, according to ABC 7. The singer was killed by two individuals riding a motorcycle, according to authorities. The prosecutor's office of the state of Jalisco has already opened an investigation into the murder, according to ABC 7. The band from Sinaloa is known for its 'viral drug ballads,' a musical style known to glorify organized crime. Enigma Norteño has dedicated its songs to members of the Jalisco Nueva Generacion and Sinaloa cartels. The genre has been banned by a third of the states in Mexico. The killing of Barajas comes three months after the dead bodies of five members of the Mexican regional band Fugitivo were found in the northern city of Reynosa. In July, the Council of the Judiciary of the State of Jalisco agreed to drop the criminal case against the Mexican regional band Los Alegres Del Barranco. The band came under investigation after it displayed a photograph of a leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación during a show. In April, the Mexican government announced a music contest to encourage Mexican artists to create music that does not glorify a violent lifestyle. The competition was created to encourage musicians to write songs about love, heartbreak and peace, according to Billboard. 'While the contest won't solve this issue overnight, and we're not neglecting the underlying causes — for that, there's a whole national security program — we felt it was important to create creative spaces through culture for Mexican and Mexican-American youth who are passionate about music,' Claudia Curiel de Icaza, secretary of culture for Mexico, told Billboard Español. Authorities from the state of Jalisco did not respond to a request for a comment in time for publication.
