Gai Chicken & Rice

- 158 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017

Introduction / Overview

In the bustling landscape of Midtown East, where office workers, tourists, and locals are constantly on the move, finding a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal can be a challenge. Gai Chicken & Rice rises to this challenge by specializing in a beloved Thai comfort food: chicken and rice. This focused approach allows the restaurant to perfect its core offerings, providing a streamlined menu that delivers on flavor and quality. The name "Gai," which means "chicken" in Thai, is a direct nod to the star of the show, and the restaurant's entire concept revolves around this simple yet flavorful dish. Whether you prefer your chicken crispy fried, roasted, or steamed, Gai offers a variety of bowls designed to cater to different tastes. Each bowl is served over aromatic ginger rice, a staple of authentic Thai chicken rice dishes, and is complemented by a side of excellent soup broth. The menu also expands to include options like chicken tenders, wings, and unique sides such as Truffle Parm and Zaab Fries, adding a modern twist to the traditional offerings. Gai Chicken & Rice operates primarily as a takeout and delivery spot, which is a perfect model for the fast-paced environment of Midtown. The ordering process is efficient and quick, ensuring you can get in and out with your food in a matter of minutes. This focus on convenience and quality makes it a reliable and highly recommended spot for a solo lunch, a quick dinner, or a satisfying meal on the go. It’s a place that brings a taste of authentic Thai street food to the heart of New York City.

Location and Accessibility

Gai Chicken & Rice is located at 158 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA, a prime address in Midtown East. Its location is a major advantage for its target audience of busy New Yorkers and visitors. Situated just a short walk from Grand Central Terminal, it is easily accessible from any part of the city via subway and bus. The surrounding area is filled with office buildings, making it a perfect spot for a quick lunch break. The restaurant’s business model is tailored for convenience. While it offers dine-in as a service option, a customer review notes that it is essentially a "takeout place only" with "no place to eat inside," which is important for customers to know before they go. The in-store ordering process is streamlined and modern, utilizing tablets for quick order placement. For those who prefer to stay put, Gai offers both standard and no-contact delivery options, making it a reliable choice for a meal at home or at the office. The availability of paid street parking is a feature for those who drive, although it can be difficult to find a spot in such a busy area. The focus on efficiency and a convenient location ensures that Gai Chicken & Rice is perfectly positioned to serve the needs of a fast-moving urban crowd.

Services Offered

• No-contact delivery, Delivery, and Takeout services are the primary focus of the business.
• While "Dine-in" is listed, it is noted by a customer that the space is strictly for takeout.
• The restaurant is popular for both Lunch and Dinner.
• It is an ideal spot for Solo dining, given its quick and efficient service model.
• The menu provides comfort food and a quick bite, perfect for a fast-paced lifestyle.
• Payments can be made using Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

• The food is a major highlight, with a focused menu on various types of chicken over rice, including crispy fried, roasted, and steamed options.
• The use of flavorful ginger rice is a key feature that elevates the dishes.
• The menu includes unique side dishes like Truffle Parm Fries and Zaab Fries, offering a creative twist on classic sides.
• The addition of a "large enough portion" and a side of "excellent" vegetable soup (broth only) is a notable feature that adds value to the meal.
• The restaurant prides itself on "fast service," with one customer reporting being "in and out within 10 minutes" even when the place was busy.
• The modern ordering system via tablets at the store streamlines the process.
• The business is popular with both lunch and dinner crowds, indicating its reliability throughout the day.

Contact Information

Address: 158 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

Phone: (917) 675-6642

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers seeking an authentic and efficient meal, Gai Chicken & Rice is an excellent choice for a number of reasons. The primary one is the quality and authenticity of its food. As one reviewer noted, the "spicy fried chicken with ginger rice was really delicious," a direct testament to the restaurant's ability to execute its core dish perfectly. The roasted chicken is also described as "good," indicating a consistent quality across the board. Another customer highlighted the "excellent" and "very rich" flavor of the vegetable soup broth that comes with the chicken over rice bowls, which is a small but significant detail that elevates the meal. The portions are also generous, with one review mentioning the "large enough portion" of their chicken over rice, providing great value for the price.

Beyond the food, the convenience and efficiency of Gai Chicken & Rice make it a standout in a city where time is of the essence. The restaurant's model as a takeout and delivery hub is perfectly suited to the Midtown environment. The in-store experience is streamlined, with self-service tablets that allow customers to place and receive their orders quickly, even during busy periods. This fast service is a major highlight and a key reason to choose Gai. The availability of multiple service options—delivery, no-contact delivery, and takeout—provides flexibility for a variety of needs. While one reviewer had a less-than-perfect experience with a side of green beans, the positive reviews on the main dishes show that the restaurant's core offerings are a safe and delicious bet. For anyone in the Midtown East area looking for a flavorful, fast, and authentic Thai chicken and rice meal, Gai Chicken & Rice is a reliable and highly recommended choice that delivers on its promise of delicious comfort food.

Gai Chicken & Rice

158 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA