Charm: Fresh, Authentic Thai Food in New York's Morningside Heights

Charm Introduce

Nestled in the bustling and academic neighborhood of Morningside Heights, New York, lies Charm, a Thai restaurant that lives up to its name by offering a truly enchanting culinary experience. This hidden gem has quietly built a reputation for serving some of the freshest and most authentic Thai food in the area. Charm distinguishes itself by its commitment to cooking every dish to order, ensuring that each plate is a perfect symphony of flavors. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with a focus on the quality of the food rather than a flashy dining room. It’s a place that’s become a go-to spot for locals, and it has garnered a loyal following of customers who appreciate a genuine taste of Thailand. While the physical space may be small, the flavors are anything but, making Charm a must-visit for anyone who loves Thai cuisine.

The menu at Charm is a comprehensive journey through the best of Thai gastronomy. It features a wide array of classic and contemporary dishes to satisfy every craving. A popular choice among patrons is the Noodle Entrées, with the Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodle being particular favorites. Customers rave about the freshness of the noodles and the perfect flavor balance of the sauces. The menu also offers a variety of curries, including the rich and creamy Massaman Curry, the spicy Red Curry, and the flavorful Panang Curry, all of which are a testament to the kitchen's mastery of traditional Thai flavors. For those who love fried rice, the Basil Fried Rice and Pineapple Fried Rice are excellent choices, each offering a unique and satisfying taste. Beyond the familiar favorites, Charm offers a selection of "Wok Entrées" and "Charm's Specials," featuring unique dishes like Duck Tamarind, Pad Cha Talay, and Friendly Mango Fish.

In addition to the extensive main course options, Charm provides a variety of appetizers and sides that are perfect for starting your meal or sharing with friends. The Appetizers menu includes staples like Spring Rolls, Thai Peanut Dumplings, and Chicken Satay. For a taste of something different, the Fried Calamari and Curry Puffs are great choices. The restaurant also has a strong focus on healthy and vegetarian options, with an entire menu section dedicated to vegetarian dishes like Eggplant Basil and Spicy Tofu. The "Salads" menu offers refreshing choices like Papaya Salad and Crispy Duck Salad, which are perfect for a light meal. Sides like Sticky Rice, Ginger Coconut Rice, and Steamed Vegetables are available to complement any dish. The drinks menu is simple but classic, featuring Thai Iced Tea, Thai Iced Coffee, and Coconut Juice. The variety and quality of the offerings ensure that every diner, whether they are a meat-eater, a vegetarian, or a vegan, will find something delicious and satisfying.

Charm is located at 1346 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, in the heart of Morningside Heights. Its proximity to Columbia University and other local institutions makes it a convenient and popular spot for students, faculty, and residents. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, and for those who drive, paid street parking is available. The physical space is described as tiny, which contributes to its intimate and neighborhood-focused feel. Customers can even see the kitchen right from the entrance, a feature that highlights the restaurant's commitment to transparency and freshness. While the appearance of the restaurant might seem like a "strange random spot" to some, its reputation for amazing food quickly dispels any hesitation. This neighborhood charm is part of what makes it a local secret and a go-to spot for those in the know.

The services at Charm are designed to be efficient and flexible for the modern New Yorker. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and both no-contact delivery and standard delivery. While the seating is limited, the option to dine in allows for a casual meal in a cozy setting. The focus on takeout and delivery is a key part of its business model, making it a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy high-quality Thai food from the comfort of their home or office. The restaurant is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, and its menu of quick bites and small plates makes it ideal for a fast and satisfying meal on the go. Charm also accepts reservations, which is a great option for planning a dinner with a small group of friends. Payment is easy and convenient, with credit cards and debit cards being accepted. The friendly service and efficient kitchen ensure a smooth experience for every customer.

Services offered by Charm include:

No-contact delivery and standard delivery.
Takeout for convenient, on-the-go meals.
Dine-in with limited, casual seating.
Accepts reservations.

Key features and highlights of the restaurant are:

All food is made to order, ensuring maximum freshness.
Offers a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
Known for flavorful comfort food, quick bites, and small plates.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed.
Popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.
Good for kids.
Accepts credit cards and debit cards.

Contact Information:

Address: 1346 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA

Phone: (646) 726-4548

What is worth choosing at Charm?

For New Yorkers seeking a truly authentic and fresh Thai food experience, Charm is absolutely worth choosing. The most compelling reason is the restaurant's unwavering commitment to making every single dish to order. This sets it apart from many other places that may pre-cook their food. The result, as one customer attested, is "super fresh" Pad See Ew with perfectly cooked chicken and a rich, authentic flavor. The Chicken Basil Rice and Drunken Noodles are also highly recommended favorites that showcase the kitchen's skill. While the physical space might be small and unassuming, the food is the star of the show. The quality of the ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors are what truly matter, and Charm excels in this regard. The restaurant's wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options is another major plus, making it a great choice for those with different dietary needs. While some might be hesitant due to the simple appearance, taking a chance on Charm will reward you with an unbelievably delicious meal that will likely have you coming back for more. It's a genuine neighborhood spot that provides exceptional food and a truly authentic taste of Thailand, all at a reasonable price, making it a true gem in Morningside Heights.

Charm Food & drink

Curry Entrées
Massaman Curry $13.00
Spicy. Coconut milk, potato, onion, avocado, and peanut.
Panang Curry $13.00
Spicy. Coconut milk, string bean, bell pepper, and lime leaf.
Green Curry $13.00
Spicy. Coconut milk, bamboo shoot, eggplant, string bean, bell pepper and basil.
Red Curry $13.00
Spicy. Coconut milk, bamboo shoot, eggplant, bell pepper, and basil.

Charm's Specials
Pad Cha Talay $22.00
Spicy. Sautéed shrimp, squid, fillet fish with mushroom, onion, bell pepper, and rhizome in chili basil sauce.
Pla Rard Prik $22.00
Spicy. Fried fillet fish topped with sweet and sour chili sauce.
Chicken Rama $18.00
Fried chicken breast topped with house peanut sauce on a bed of steamed vegetable.
Khao Kai Tod $18.00
Fried chicken breast over ginger coconut rice with cucumber relish.
Salmon Prik Khing $24.00
Spicy. Bell pepper and string bean with chefs select spicy curry paste.
Pad Pong Karee Seafood $22.00
Stir fried yellow curry sauce with shrimp ,squid,fillet fish,egg,bell pepper ,scallion,onion,celery and carrot .
Friendly Mango Fish $22.00
Spicy. Fried fillet fish topped with mango salad.
Kai Sam Ros $18.00
Crispy fried chicken thigh with our homemade spicy and tangy sauce
Khao Na Ped $18.00
Roasted quarter duck over rice top with duck gravy sauce served with steamed Chinese broccoli and pickled ginger
Duck Tamarind $28.00
Crispy duck with tamarind sauce on a bed of steamed vegetable.
Duck Pineapple Curry $28.00
Spicy. Crispy half boneless duck with bell pepper, tomato, pineapple, and basil in red curry sauce.
Kra Prow Khai Dao $17.00
Spicy. Minced chicken, bell pepper, string bean, basil, chili, garlic, and fried egg over jasmine rice.

Side Order
Sticky Rice $3.00
Egg Fried Rice $6.00
Steamed Vegetable $5.00
Jasmine Rice $2.00
Peanut Sauce $1.00
Ginger Coconut Rice $6.00
Fried Egg $2.00
Brown Rice $3.00

Side Order
Egg Fried Rice $6.00
Peanut Sauce $1.00
Brown Rice $3.00
Steamed Vegetable $5.00
Fried Egg $2.00
Ginger Coconut Rice $6.00
Jasmine Rice $2.00
Sticky Rice $3.00

Appetizers
Assorted Appetizer $14.00
2 curry puffs, two spring rolls, two shumai, and two shrimp rolls.
Chicken Wing $10.00
Spicy. Fried chicken wings tossed in the wok with sriracha and sweet chili sauce.
Thai Peanut Dumpling $5.95
Filled with peanut, shallot and preserved radish.
Curry Puff $9.00
Minced chicken, potato, onion, and curry powder in puff pastry with cucumber relish.
Grilled Beef $12.00
Grilled marinated beef with Thai spicy sauce.
Spring Roll $7.00
Vegetable, glass noodle with carrot sauce.
Vegetable Dumpling $7.00
Steamed vegetable dumpling with sweet soy sauce.
Shumai $8.00
Steamed crab meat, shrimp, chicken, wrapped in wonton skin with sweet soy sauce.
Chicken Satay $10.00
Grilled marinated chicken on skewers with peanut sauce and cucumber relish.
Fried Tofu $7.00
Lightly fried tofu with sweet chili sauce and crushed peanut.
Fried Shrimp Roll $8.00
Shrimp stuffed chicken wrapped in spring roll skin with sweet chili sauce.
Crab Rangoon $8.00
Cream cheese, crab stick, onion, celery wrapped in crispy wonton skin with spicy mayo sauce.
Fried Calamari $10.00
Crispy fried squid ring with sweet chili sauce.

Salads
Crispy Duck Salad $16.00
Spicy. Crispy duck, red onion, pineapple, cashew nut, scallion, cilantro with spicy chili paste dressing.
Mango Salad $12.00
Spicy. Mango, red onion, tomato, cashew nut with spicy chili paste dressing.
Papaya Salad $10.00
Spicy. Green papaya, tomatoes, peanut, long bean with spicy lime dressing.
Nam Tok Beef $14.00
Spicy. Grilled slice beef, red onion, scallion, cilantro, mint, roasted rice powder with spicy lime dressing.
Shrimp Salad $14.00
Spicy. Grilled shrimp, red onion, scallion, cilantro, mint with spicy lime dressing.
Mock Duck Salad $14.00
Spicy. Fried mock duck red onion, scallion, cilantro, mint with spicy chili paste dressing.
Thai Salad $8.00
Mixed green, carrot, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and bean sprout with peanut sauce.
Larb Chicken Salad $12.00
Spicy. Minced chicken, red onion, scallion, cilantro, mint, roasted rice powder with spicy lime dressing.

Noodle Entrées
Singapore Noodle $16.00
Stir fried flat rice noodles, egg, carrot, bean sprout, and bell pepper with Thai curry powder.
Pad See Ew $16.00
Stir fried flat rice noodle, egg, broccoli in black bean sauce.
Pad Thai $16.00
Stir fried thin rice noodles, egg, scallion, bean sprout, and crushed peanut in tamarind sauce.
Drunken Noodle $13.00
Spicy. Stir fried flat rice noodle, egg, onion, carrot, bell pepper, string bean, bamboo shoot, basil, and chili.
Pad Woon Sen $16.00
Glass noodles. Stir fried glass noodles, egg, scallion, tomato, bean sprout, and carrot.
Street Noodle $16.00
Stir fried flat rice noodles, bean sprout, carrot, scallion, in light thin soy sauce and egg.All on the top of fresh lettuce.

Vegetarian
Prik Khing Mock Duck $18.00
Spicy. Sautéed string bean, bell pepper with prik khing curry paste.
Garden Delight $16.00
Sautéed tofu and vegetable in garlic sauce.
Peanut Tofu $16.00
Fried tofu topped with house special peanut sauce on a bed of steamed vegetable.
Spicy Tofu $16.00
Spicy. Sautéed tofu with garlic chili sauce on a bed of steamed vegetable.
Eggplant Basil $16.00
Spicy. Sautéed eggplant, bell pepper, chili, and string bean with chili basil sauce.
Fried Garden Brown Rice $17.00
Spicy. Stir fried brown rice with tofu and vegetable.

Fried Rice Entrées
Basil Fried Rice $13.00
Spicy. Stir fried rice with egg, basil, bell pepper, onion, carrot, bamboo shoot, and string bean.
Pineapple Fried Rice $16.00
Stir fried rice with egg, pineapple, cashew nut, onion, scallion and tomato.
Thai Fried Rice $16.00
Stir fried rice with egg, tomato, onion, scallion, carrot, and Chinese broccoli.
Green Curry Fried Rice $13.00
Spicy. Stir fried rice with egg, basil, bell pepper, bamboo shoot and green curry paste.
Tom Yum Fried Rice $13.00
Spicy. Stir fried rice with egg, mushroom, scallion, and spicy tom yum paste.

Charm's Specials
Kra Prow Khai Dao $17.00
Spicy. Minced chicken, bell pepper, string bean, basil, chili, garlic, and fried egg over jasmine rice.
Pla Rard Prik $22.00
Spicy. Fried fillet fish topped with sweet and sour chili sauce.
Salmon Prik Khing $24.00
Spicy. Bell pepper and string bean with chefs select spicy curry paste.
Duck Pineapple Curry $28.00
Spicy. Crispy half boneless duck with bell pepper, tomato, pineapple, and basil in red curry sauce.
Pad Pong Karee Seafood $22.00
Stir fried yellow curry sauce with shrimp, squid , fillet fish ,egg, bell pepper ,scallions ,onion and carrot.
Chicken Rama $18.00
Fried chicken breast topped with house peanut sauce on a bed of steamed vegetable.
Khao Na Ped $18.00
Roasted quarter duck over rice top with duck gravy sauce serve with steamed Chinese broccoli and pickled ginger
Duck Tamarind $28.00
Crispy duck with tamarind sauce on a bed of steamed vegetable.
Friendly Mango Fish $22.00
Spicy. Fried fillet fish topped with mango salad.
Pad Cha Talay $22.00
Spicy. Sautéed shrimp, squid, fillet fish with mushroom, onion, bell pepper, and rhizome in chili basil sauce.
Kai Sam Ros $18.00
Crispy fried chicken thigh with our homemade spicy and tangy sauce.
Khao Kai Tod $18.00
Fried chicken breast over ginger coconut rice with cucumber relish.

Lunch Special
Garlic Sauce Lunch Special $10.00
Sautéed garlic, onion, scallion, and steamed mixed vegetables.
Kra Prow Khai Dao Lunch Special $17.00
Spicy. Minced chicken, bell pepper, string bean, basil, chili, garlic, and fried egg over jasmine rice.
Pad Thai Lunch Special $10.00
Stir fried thin rice noodles, egg, scallion, bean sprout, and crushed peanut in tamarind sauce.
Cashew Nut Sauce Lunch Special $10.00
Spicy. Sautéed cashew nut, onion, bell pepper, mushroom, baby corn, carrot, scallion, pineapple, and celery.
Red Curry Lunch Special $10.00
Spicy. Coconut milk, bamboo shoot, eggplant, bell pepper, and basil.
Basil Sauce Lunch Special $10.00
Spicy. Sautéed onion, bell pepper, carrot, string bean, basil, garlic and chili.
Tom Yum Fried Rice Lunch Special $10.00
Spicy. Stir fried rice with egg, mushroom, scallion, and spicy tom yum paste.
Thai Fried Rice Lunch Special $10.00
Stir fried rice with egg, tomato, onion, scallion, carrot, and Chinese broccoli.
Pla Rard Prik Lunch Special $17.00
Spicy. Fried fillet fish topped with sweet and sour chili sauce.
Drunken Noodle Lunch Special $10.00
Spicy. Stir fried flat rice noodle, egg, onion, carrot, bell pepper, string bean, bamboo shoot, basil, and chili.
Green Curry Lunch Special $10.00
Spicy. Coconut milk, bamboo shoot, eggplant, string bean, bell pepper and basil.
Ginger Sauce Lunch Special $10.00
Sautéed ginger, bell pepper, onion, carrot, mushroom, baby corn, scallion and celery.
Pad See Ew Lunch Special $10.00
Stir fried flat rice noodle, egg and broccoli in black bean sauce.
Basil Fried Rice Lunch Special $10.00
Spicy. Stir fried rice with egg, basil, bell pepper, onion, carrot, bamboo shoot, and string bean.

Soups
Shrimp Wonton Soup $8.00
Shrimp wonton with scallion in clear broth soup.
Tom Yum Soup $7.00
Spicy. Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetable. Spicy lemongrass broth with mushroom, scallion and cilantro.
Tom Kha Soup $7.00
Spicy. Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetable coconut broth with mushroom, scallion, cilantro.
Vegetarian Soup $7.00
Vegetable and tofu in clear broth soup.

Wok Entrées
Garlic Sauce $13.00
Sautéed garlic, onion, scallion, and steamed mixed vegetables.
Mushroom & Baby Corn $13.00
Sautéed mushroom, baby corn and scallion.
Ginger Sauce $13.00
Sautéed ginger, bell pepper, onion, carrot, mushroom, baby corn, scallion and celery.
Sweet & Sour Sauce $13.00
Sautéed pineapple, onion, tomato, cucumber, scallion with sweet and sour sauce.
Cashew Nut Sauce $13.00
Spicy. Sautéed cashew nut, onion, bell pepper, mushroom, baby corn, carrot, scallion, pineapple, and celery.
Basil Sauce $13.00
Spicy. Sautéed onion, bell pepper, carrot, string bean, basil, garlic and chili.

Wok Entrées
Ginger Sauce $13.00
Sautéed ginger, bell pepper, onion, carrot, mushroom, baby corn, scallion and celery.
Sweet & Sour Sauce $13.00
Sautéed pineapple, onion, tomato, cucumber, scallion with sweet and sour sauce.
Mushroom & Baby Corn $13.00
Sautéed mushroom, baby corn and scallion.
Garlic Sauce $13.00
Sautéed garlic, onion, scallion, and steamed mixed vegetables.
Cashew Nut Sauce $13.00
Spicy. Sautéed cashew nut, onion, bell pepper, mushroom, baby corn, carrot, scallion, pineapple, and celery.
Basil Sauce $13.00
Spicy. Sautéed onion, bell pepper, carrot, string bean, basil, garlic and chili.

Appetizers
Shumai $8.00
Steamed crab meat, shrimp, chicken, wrapped in wonton skin with sweet soy sauce.
Chicken Wing $10.00
Spicy. Fried chicken wings tossed in the wok with sriracha and sweet chili sauce.
Fried Tofu $7.00
Lightly fried tofu with sweet chili sauce and crushed peanut.
Grilled Beef $12.00
Grilled marinated beef with Thai spicy sauce.
Vegetable Dumpling $7.00
Steamed vegetable dumpling with sweet soy sauce.
Assorted Appetizer $14.00
2 curry puffs, two spring rolls, two shumai, and two shrimp rolls.
Spring Roll $7.00
Vegetable, glass noodle with carrot sauce.
Fried Calamari $10.00
Crispy fried squid ring with sweet chili sauce.
Curry Puff $9.00
Minced chicken, potato, onion, and curry powder in puff pastry with cucumber relish.
Fried Shrimp Roll $8.00
Shrimp stuffed chicken wrapped in spring roll skin with sweet chili sauce.
Crab Rangoon $8.00
Cream cheese, crab stick, onion, celery wrapped in crispy wonton skin with spicy mayo sauce.
Chicken Satay $10.00
Grilled marinated chicken on skewers with peanut sauce and cucumber relish.

Beverages
Sparkling Water $4.00
Thai Iced Tea $4.00
Thai Iced Coffee $4.00
Soda $2.00
Lemon Thai Iced Tea $4.00
Spring Water $2.00
Coconut Juice $5.00

Dessert
Pumpkin Custard $8.00
Taro Custard $8.00

Beverages
Coconut Juice $5.00
Soda $2.00
Lemon Thai Iced Tea $4.00
Spring Water $2.00
Sparkling Water $4.00
Thai Iced Coffee $4.00
Thai Iced Tea $4.00

Noodle Entrées
Street Noodle $16.00
Stir fried flat rice noodles, bean sprout, carrot, scallion, in light thin soy sauce and sesame oil on top of lettuce.
Pad See Ew $16.00
Stir fried flat rice noodle, egg, broccoli in black bean sauce.
Pad Woon Sen $16.00
Glass noodles. Stir fried glass noodles, egg, scallion, tomato, bean sprout, and carrot.
Drunken Noodle $13.00
Spicy. Stir fried flat rice noodle, egg, onion, carrot, bell pepper, string bean, bamboo shoot, basil, and chili.
Pad Thai $16.00
Stir fried thin rice noodles, egg, scallion, bean sprout, and crushed peanut in tamarind sauce.
Singapore Noodle $16.00
Stir fried flat rice noodles, egg, carrot, bean sprout, and bell pepper with Thai curry powder.

Salads
Shrimp Salad $14.00
Spicy. Grilled shrimp, red onion, scallion, cilantro, mint with spicy lime dressing.
Nam Tok Beef $14.00
Spicy. Grilled slice beef, red onion, scallion, cilantro, mint, roasted rice powder with spicy lime dressing.
Larb Chicken Salad $12.00
Spicy. Minced chicken, red onion, scallion, cilantro, mint, roasted rice powder with spicy lime dressing.
Mock Duck Salad $14.00
Spicy. Fried mock duck red onion, scallion, cilantro, mint with spicy chili paste dressing.
Thai Salad $8.00
Mixed green, carrot, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and bean sprout with peanut sauce.
Crispy Duck Salad $16.00
Spicy. Crispy duck, red onion, pineapple, cashew nut, scallion, cilantro with spicy chili paste dressing.
Papaya Salad $10.00
Spicy. Green papaya, tomatoes, peanut, long bean with spicy lime dressing.
Mango Salad $12.00
Spicy. Mango, red onion, tomato, cashew nut with spicy chili paste dressing.

Charm Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner

Atmosphere
Casual

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Charm Photos

Charm Location

Charm

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

1346 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA

Charm Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 161 user reviews.

deliverypricesdrunken noodlestakeoutpad see ewthai ice teaspicymassaman curryspring rollsfried rice

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This place is amazing! The food is all made to order, you can see the kitchen right when you enter. They don't reheat already made food, pad see ew noodles were super fresh, chicken was perfectly cooked, perfect flavor. Delivery/takeout only.
June 24 · Irene Gomes
This place has been in my neighborhood for years and just yesterday I decided to try it. The food is so unbelievably delicious that I went back today. My favorite so far was the Chicken Basil Rice. The drunken noodles are great. I feel that if the restaurant itself had a more appealing appearance, they may get even more business. That wouldn't be hard to do because the place is tiny but it just looks like a strange random spot that made me hesitant to try.
May 30 · Jennifer Martinez
Found spot on google maps looking for something new to eat for lunch. the reviews were good, so coworker and I went over. only ate thai a few times so wasn't real familiar but figured we'd try something new. i ordered the pad thai with chicken and thai iced coffee. It was real good. so good that we ended up going back the next day in which i got the drunken noodles with chicken and tried the thai tea. very good. enjoyed even more than the pad thai. so good that I told my wife about the spot and now I have to bring some home for dinner today. so I'll be ordering for the third day in a row once i complete writing this review. lol.
April 19 · Tobias Timothy
Went to this Thai spot because the prices are really good! I got a Thai iced coffee, the chicken Tom Kha soup & chicken Pad See Ew noodles. The flavor just wasn’t there though. It’s good for the price but that’s pretty much it. I had to add so much hot sauce at home for it to taste like something. The Thai iced coffee was also not my favorite, it didn’t taste that much like coffee. Overall not a bad spot if you’re looking for something quick & the workers there are super nice but it just didn’t hit the spot for me.
May 14 · Steph Koffroth
The last time I was here, they only offered takeouts. We ordered the Pad Thai, Chicken Wings, Fried Rice, Shumai, and Spring Rolls for lunch at Central Park. I could say that everything tasted super good and very authentic also we got the Iced Thai Tea – undoubtedly refreshing and not too sweet to my taste. Everyone should try this !!!
July 22 · Anne Dewanto