Tha Phraya Introduce
In the vibrant culinary landscape of New York City, where diverse flavors from around the globe converge, finding a truly authentic and memorable dining experience can be a treasure hunt. For lovers of Thai cuisine, the journey often leads to the Upper East Side, where Tha Phraya offers a taste of Thailand that feels both genuine and inspired. This isn't just another neighborhood spot; it’s a destination that brings the rich, complex, and vibrant flavors of traditional Thai cooking to the heart of Manhattan.
Tha Phraya has quickly become a local favorite, renowned for its commitment to classic recipes and high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Thai food or a newcomer eager to explore its depths, the restaurant provides a welcoming and flavorful introduction. From the subtle sweetness of a perfectly balanced curry to the fiery kick of a spicy salad, each dish tells a story of tradition and passion. The establishment is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary journey that transports you from the bustling streets of New York to the aromatic markets and kitchens of Thailand.
The name "Tha Phraya" itself suggests a connection to the Chao Phraya River, the lifeblood of Bangkok, hinting at the deep-rooted authenticity of the food. The menu is a testament to this, featuring both well-known classics and lesser-seen regional specialties. This focus on a broad and genuine representation of Thai cuisine sets Tha Phraya apart, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic experience without leaving the city.
Located at 1553 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, Tha Phraya is nestled in the bustling and upscale neighborhood of the Upper East Side. The restaurant's prime location makes it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors exploring the area. Situated on 2nd Avenue, it's conveniently located near several public transportation options, including subway lines and bus routes, ensuring a smooth journey for diners coming from different parts of the city. The nearby 86th Street subway station, served by the 4, 5, and 6 trains, is just a short walk away, making it a breeze to get to. For those driving, the area offers both free and paid street parking options, although as with any busy New York neighborhood, availability can vary.
Accessibility is a key priority at Tha Phraya. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their dining experience comfortably. This thoughtful consideration for accessibility makes it a welcoming spot for a diverse range of customers. The location not only makes it a great spot for a planned dinner but also for a spontaneous lunch or a post-work meal.
Tha Phraya provides a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of all its customers. Whether you prefer dining in, taking your meal to go, or having it delivered right to your door, they have you covered. Here's a breakdown of the services available:
- Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service dining experience in a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially for dinner, ensuring you get a table without a long wait.
- Delivery & Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Tha Phraya offers both delivery and takeout options. There is also a no-contact delivery service for added safety and convenience. You can pick up your order via curbside pickup as well.
- Catering: Tha Phraya also offers catering services, making it an excellent choice for events, office lunches, or private parties where you want to impress guests with authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine.
- Table Service: The staff provides excellent table service, ensuring your dining experience is pleasant from start to finish.
Tha Phraya is not just about its food; it’s about the full experience. The restaurant is celebrated for several key features that contribute to its popularity and reputation. Here are some of its highlights:
- Fast Service: Customers frequently praise the efficiency and speed of the service, which is a significant plus, especially for those on a tight schedule or during a lunch break.
- Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, from a casual date night to a group gathering.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu is extensive and caters to various tastes and dietary needs. Offerings include a wide range of beverages (alcohol, beer, cocktails, wine, coffee), healthy options, vegetarian dishes, and small plates perfect for sharing.
- Popular for All Occasions: Tha Phraya is a popular choice for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. It's a great spot for both groups and tourists looking for an authentic meal.
- Amenities: The restaurant is well-equipped with amenities such as a bar onsite and a restroom. High chairs are available for children, and they even offer a kids' menu.
- Dietary Accommodations: With numerous vegetarian options and dishes marked as gluten-free (GF) on the menu, Tha Phraya makes it easy for guests with specific dietary requirements to find delicious and satisfying meals.
For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact Tha Phraya at the following details:
- Address: 1553 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
- Phone: (646) 564-1456
- Mobile Phone: +1 646-564-1456
Choosing what to eat at Tha Phraya is an adventure in itself. The menu is a treasure trove of authentic Thai flavors, offering everything from classic noodle dishes to unique signature entrées. What makes this restaurant truly stand out is its balance of familiar favorites and exciting, lesser-known dishes. The chefs take pride in their work, ensuring each plate is a perfect representation of Thai culinary art. For starters, the Small Bites menu is a great way to begin, with items like Chive Dumpling and Curry Puff being popular choices. The Som Tum Thai (papaya salad) is a refreshing and zesty classic that is highly recommended. The Tod Mun Goong (shrimp cakes) are also a must-try. As one reviewer noted, the appetizers are flavorful and substantial, a great way to kick off the meal.
When it comes to the main courses, you're spoiled for choice. The Noodles section features all the staples, including a perfectly executed Pad Thai and a rich, creamy Chicken Khao Soi. The Classic Rice, Wok, & Curry selections are equally impressive, with the Green Curry being a top contender for its balanced flavor. However, the true gems are found in the Signature Entrées. Dishes like the Kang Pu (crab curry) and the Soft Shell Crab Prik Klua (stir-fried with chili and salt) showcase the restaurant's culinary prowess and are a testament to their dedication to authentic flavors. Another dish worth trying is the Pae-Sa Pla Tod, a beautifully prepared fried fish. While some might find the portions slightly smaller compared to what they're used to, the quality and depth of flavor more than make up for it. The careful preparation and distinct taste of each dish, as noted by a satisfied customer, make the experience truly memorable.
For those looking for something sweet to end the meal, the Mango Sticky Rice is a classic Thai dessert that is simply irresistible. And don’t forget to try one of their signature drinks, such as the authentic Thai Iced Tea or Thai Iced Coffee, which perfectly complement the meal. The variety and quality of the menu, combined with the excellent service, make Tha Phraya a place you'll want to return to again and again.
Tha Phraya Menu
Small Bites
- Som Tum Pu Plara / ส้มตำปูปลาร้า $20.00
Spicy. A bold e-san papaya salad, fermented fish sauce, lime, tomato, chili, thai olive, long bean, sweet salted crab.
- Chive Dumpling(VG) / กุยช่ายทอด $17.00
Vegan. Crispy garlic chives with batter fried into delicious cubes with sweet vinegar soy sauce.
- Curry Puff/กระหรี่ปั๊ป $18.00
Homemade crispy golden brown puffs stuffed with minced chicken, onion and curried potatoes served with cucumber relish
- Sai-Ua Spring Rolls / ปอเปี๊ยะไส้อั่ว $19.00
Spicy. A twist on Chiang-mai sausage! Crispy spring rolls stuffed with pork sausage & Thai herbs. .
- Thai Corn Salad (GF)/ ตำข้าวโพด $18.00
Gluten free, spicy. "Tum khao pod", sweet corn with long bean, roasted peanuts & red chili.
- Pak Mor (VG) / ข้าวเกรียบปากหม้อ $17.00
Vegan. Savory rice crepe wrapped sweet radish, red onion, coconut.
- Taro Spring Rolls / ปอเปี๊ยะเผือกทอด $17.00
Vegan. Fried spring rolls with yummy taro root!
- Naem Kor-Moo Tod (แหนมคอหมูทอด) $21.00
Marinated & fermented tender pork cheek served with peanuts, ginger & chili on the side
- Som Tum Pu Ma (ส้มตำปูม้า) $27.00
Thai papaya salad with marinated raw blue crab!
- Yum Goong Gaew (ยำกุ้งแก้ว) $27.00
Marinated raw shrimp, lotus stem, chili, shallot, culantro with home made spicy lime dressing
- Peek Gai Ta-Krai / ปีกไก่ทอดตะไคร้ $18.00
Herbal marinated fried chicken wings topped with crispy lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves & chilli served with nam Jim jeaw sauce.
- Som Tum Thai(GF) / ส้มตำไทย $18.00
Gluten, spicy. Light and fresh papaya salad with peanut, lime, dried shrimp, garlic, long bean, tomato & chilli in sour and spicy sauce.
- Koong Gaew (GF) / กุ้งแก้วดองน้ำปลา $24.00
Marinated fresh raw shrimps served with pickled garlic, mint and nam Jim seafood dressing.
- Yum Som-O (GF)/ ยำส้มโอ $19.00
Gluten, spicy. Yum! Pomelo salad with citrus & herb flavors, dried fish, mint in sweet & spicy dressing.
- Tod Mun Goong / ทอดมันกุ้ง $19.00
Homemade crispy shrimp cakes & ground pork served with homemade plum sauce.
- Pu Dong*** (ปูดอง) (GF) $27.00
Tangy & Spicy! Marinated raw blue crab, mint, garlic, chili with spicy & fresh lime dressing
- Yum Pu Ma (ยำปูม้า) $27.00
Marinated raw blue crab, lotus stem, chili, shallot, culantro with home made spicy lime dressing
- Ka Nom Jeep (ขนมจีบ) $16.00
Thai style dumpling stuffed with ground chicken, shrimp, egg, mushroom, chestnut, scallion served with soy vinaigrette.
Dessert
- Mango Sticky Rice $18.00
Sweet mango with homemade coconut sticky rice
Drinks
- Thai Iced Tea $8.00
- Thai Iced Coffee $8.00
Noodles
- L-Zabb Hang $20.00
Spicy. Dry rice noodle mixed with homemade brown sauce, pork slice & meatball, morning glory, topped with fried pork rinds.
- L-Stew Beef Noodles $20.00
Spicy. Herbal beef broth, rice noodle, stewed braised beef, beef meatballs, morning glory.
- L-Nam Tok Moo $20.00
Spicy. Boat noodles! Homemade aromatic pork broth, rice noodle, morning glory, pork slices & meatballs.
Classic rice, wok, & curry
- Drunken Noodles / ผัดขี้เมา $21.00
Stir fried flat rice noodles with onion, bell peppers, chili, thai basil and egg
- Pad Thai (GF) / ผัดไทย $21.00
savory stir-fried rice noodle, egg, chives, bean sprouts and roasted peanuts
- Thai Fried Rice / ข้าวผัด $21.00
Classic fried rice with egg and scallion
- Pad Ka-Prow / ข้าวกะเพราหมูสับไข่ดาว $27.00
Stir fried mixed pork with garlic, chili and Thai holy basil topped with fried egg
- Green Curry (VG) / แกงเขียวหวาน $21.00
Green curry with seasonal vegetables, coconut milk
- Pad See Iw / ผัดซีอิ๊ว $21.00
Stir-fried flat noodles with Chinese broccoli and eggs
Noodles
- Chicken Khao Soi / ข้าวซอยไก่ $26.00
A favorite from Chiang Mai! Mild coconut curry noodle soup with chicken, shallot & pickle cabbage.
- Nam Tok Moo /ก๋วยเตี๋ยวหมูน้ำตก $23.00
Spicy. Boat noodles! Homemade aromatic pork broth, rice noodle, morning glory, pork slices & meatballs.
- Ba-Mee Ped/บะหมี่เป็ด $27.00
Caramelized roasted duck breast, steamed morning glory, scallions and crispy garlic with homemade sauce over dry egg noodles.
- Zabb Hang / ก๋วยเตี๋ยวแซ่บแห้ง $23.00
Spicy. Dry rice noodle mixed with homemade brown sauce, pork slice & meatball, morning glory, topped with fried pork rinds.
- Stewed Beef Noodle/ ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเนื้อตุ๋น $25.00
Spicy. Herbal beef broth, rice noodle, stewed braised beef heel muscle, tendon, beef meatballs, morning glory.
Sides order
- Vermicelli Noodles $5.00
- Sticky Rice $4.00
- Jasmine Rice $3.00
- Fried Egg $5.00
Wok, Rice, Curry
- L-Thai Fried Rice $20.00
Classic fried rice with egg & scallion
- L-Pad Thai (GF) $20.00
Savory Stir-fried rice noodles, egg, chive, bean sprouts & roasted peanut
- L-Green Curry (VG) $20.00
green curry with seasonal vegetables, coconut milk
- L-Pad Khee Mao $20.00
Stir-fried flat noodle with onion, bell peppers, chili ,Thai basil and egg
- L-Pad See Iw $20.00
Stir fried flat noodles with Chinese broccoli and egg
Signature Entrées
- Kang Pu / แกงปู ใบชะพลู $32.00
Spicy. Jumbo lump crab & betel leaves in Phuket style coconut curry served with vermicelli noodles and seasonal vegetables.
- Goong Karee /กุ้งกะหรี่ $31.00
Creamy & rich sauteed jumbo shrimps, milk, egg, scallion, onion, sweet pepper in aromatic yellow curry sauce.
- Squid Kai-Kem/ปลาหมึกผัดไข่เค็ม $31.00
Stir-fried squid with salted egg yolk, onion, celery, sweet red chili & Thai roasted chili paste.
- Soft Shell Crab Karee (ปูผัดผงกะหรี่) $38.00
Creamy & rich! Crispy soft shell crab, jumbo lump crab meat, milk, egg, scallion, celery, onion, sweet pepper in aromatic yellow curry sauce.
- Paloh Hang (GF)/ พะโล้แห้ง $27.00
Gluten. A favorite from home! Caramelized pork belly & egg stewed overnight with homemade aromatic thai herb & brown sauce.
- Sauté Seasonal Green Vegetables (VG) (GF) / ผัดผักคะน้า $19.00
Gluten, vegan. Sauteed snow pea leaves, garlic, homemade brown sauce.
- Nuer Toon Mor Fai / เนื้อตุ๋นหม้อไฟ $33.00
Spicy. Beef shank, tendon, meatballs, morning glory, bean sprouts, celery served with jasmine rice.
- Kaeng Phed Ped Yang* (แกงเผ็ดเป็ดย่าง ) $37.00
Pan seared Duck breast, lychee, pineapple, tomato, basil in homemade red curry
- Pae-Sa Pla Tod / แป๊ะซะปลาทอด $45.00
Spicy. Crispy whole branzino in sour & orange curry & mixed vegetables.
- Pla Yang (GF) / ปลาย่าง $45.00
Gluten. Grilled boneless branzino served with nam Jim seafood sauce & sweet peanut sauce and jasmine rice.
- Seafood Pad Khee-Mao / ขี้เมาทะเล $28.00
Drunken noodles! Stir fried flat noodles with shrimp, squid, onion, bell peppers chilli, basil and egg
- Green Curry Pak Yang (VG)/ แกงเขียวผักย่าง $26.00
Spicy, vegan. Roasted seasonal vegetables in homemade green curry, coconut milk & Thai basil. .
- Soft Shell Crab Prik Klua / ปูนิ่มคั่วพริกเกลือ $32.00
Fried soft shell crab with salt, pepper, garlic & chili.
- Ka Prow Stewed Beef (ผัดกะเพราเนื้อตุ๋น) $30.00
Stir fried braised beef with garlic, chili and Thai holy basil topped with fried egg
- Beef Pad See-Iw / ผัดซีอิ้วเนื้อ $25.00
Smoky stir fried flat rice noodles with beef, Chinese broccoli and egg
- Khao Yum Pla-Tod (ข้าวยำปลาทอด) $29.00
Khao "rice", Yum "mixed",Pla-Tod "fried fish" Steamed jasmine rice mixed with shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf fresh chili & dried fish powder topped with fried fillet of branzino served with Prik Nam Pla & Nam Jim seafood sauce
- Crab Fried Rice Lava / ข้าวผัดปูลาวา $33.00
Sweet lump crabmeat, egg, scallion topped with lava crabmeat omelet.
- Goong-Tod Sauce Mun Goong (กุ้งทอดซ้อสมันกุ้ง) $33.00
Fried prawns topped with shrimp paste sauce, garic, clantro with namjim seafood sauce on the side
- Shrimp-Pad Thai (GF) / ผัดไทยกุ้ง $27.00
savory stir fried rice noodle, prawns, egg, chive, bean sprouts and roasted peanuts
- Panang Nuea / พะแนงเนื้อ $29.00
Spicy. Tender braised beef shank in homemade coconut curry.
Tha Phraya Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Tha Phraya Photos










Tha Phraya Location
Tha Phraya Reviews
crab fried ricelavasai uacrab curryshrimp cakestod mun goongdrawwhole branzinocorn saladbeef soup
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I booked a dinner reservation for 3 people the same day on Resy to celebrate my cousin's graduation since she picked this restaurant. We were all worried that we wouldn't be full after eating, but I'm happy to say that after 2 appetizers and 2 entrees that we shared,we were stuffed!! Each dish was flavorful and distinct, and we will be coming back!! The service by Mindy was also wonderful. She came over to ask about allergies at least 3 times, and refilled drinks as needed.
August 15 · Kashfia HaqueFood portion is quite small. I would recommend Squid fish and beef over rice. Both dishes are flavorful and good quality of the meat. Red curry is a bit too sweet and duck meat inside was a little dry. And the crab fried rice was also below average in my opinion.
August 14 · Emily PanTha Phaya is a hidden gem in the neighborhood—one of those rare places you’re glad to stumble upon and even happier to return to. The food is authentically Thai, packed with vibrant flavors and beautifully presented. I've been here many times andeverything we tried was delicious.If you’re looking for real Thai food in a spot, Tha Phaya is it. Highly recommended.
June 30 · puntira kittinivatkulAbsolutely fabulous dining experience. Staff was friendly and attentive, service was very quick and probably the best Thai food I personally have eaten.I gotThe shrimp cake appetizerThe crab curry with rice noodlesThe beef stew with rice/eggMango sticky riceAnd a Thai draft beerI gave a 25% tip and my check was like $140, which is more than I can afford on a regular basis but as a special treat it was simply outstanding.
July 13 · The Pondering PlumbDropped in during weekday for lunch. Atmosphere was nice and quiet. Not too crowded. We had Green Curry and Pad Thai and the food was very good. The service was prompt and servers were very nice.
August 21 · Susie Lee
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