Thai for Thought: Authentic and Friendly Thai Cuisine in the East Village

Thai for thought Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Nestled on the vibrant streets of the East Village, Thai for Thought is a hidden gem that offers more than just a meal—it offers an experience. Located at 32 E 7th St, this cozy and inviting Thai restaurant has become a local favorite, not only for its delicious, authentic food but also for its exceptionally warm and friendly service. The name itself, a clever play on words, suggests a place that encourages you to slow down and savor every bite. It’s a spot where you can find genuine Thai comfort food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a quick lunch, a solo dinner, or a relaxed meal with friends.

What truly sets Thai for Thought apart is the genuine hospitality that permeates every interaction. As noted in multiple customer reviews, the staff, particularly a woman named Mona, goes above and beyond to make patrons feel welcome, treating them like family. This level of personal care, from offering a sample of Thai Iced Tea to refilling a water bottle, creates a memorable dining experience that feels both authentic and heartfelt. This friendly energy, combined with the fragrant and flavorful food, makes a visit to Thai for Thought a truly delightful occasion.

The menu at Thai for Thought is a celebration of classic Thai dishes, each prepared with care and precision. You can find all the staples you love, from the rich and creamy curries to the beloved Pad Thai, known for its fragrant, chewy noodles. The portions are generous, providing great value for the price, which is a major plus in New York City. Whether you are in the mood for something spicy and savory or sweet and refreshing, the menu has a wide range of options to satisfy any craving.

From the popular lunch specials that offer a satisfying meal at an affordable price to the array of delicious appetizers and desserts, Thai for Thought has something for everyone. It's a place that caters to both locals looking for a reliable go-to spot and visitors seeking an authentic, neighborhood dining experience. The consistent quality of the food and the unwavering friendliness of the staff make it a standout in a neighborhood filled with dining options. It's not just about the food; it's about the feeling of being welcomed and cared for, making Thai for Thought a true East Village treasure.

Location and Accessibility

Thai for Thought is conveniently located at 32 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, placing it in the vibrant and bustling East Village. This area is a hub of activity, with a mix of residential buildings, unique shops, and a diverse range of restaurants.

The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a convenient stop for anyone in Manhattan. It is within a short walking distance from several major subway stations. The Astor Place station, which serves the 6 line, is just a few blocks away. The 8th Street-NYU station, serving the N, Q, R, and W lines, is also a quick walk, as is the Union Square transit hub, which offers connections to even more lines (L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6).

For those who prefer to drive, paid street parking is available in the vicinity, though it can be competitive during busy hours. Given the convenient subway access, public transit is often the most straightforward way to get to the restaurant.

Thai for Thought offers a variety of service options to meet your needs. You can choose to dine in and enjoy the cozy and casual atmosphere, where you'll receive attentive table service. For those on the go, takeout and delivery services are also available, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home or office. The restaurant is also noted as being good for kids and allows dogs both inside and outside, making it a very pet-friendly spot for a casual meal.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy table service in a cozy and comfortable dining room.
Takeout: Order your food to-go for a quick and easy meal at home.
Delivery: Have your favorite Thai dishes delivered straight to your door.
Table Service: The staff provides friendly and attentive service to enhance your dining experience.
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome inside and at outdoor tables, making it a great spot for pet owners.

Features / Highlights

Authentic Thai Cuisine: Serves a menu of classic Thai dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and rich flavors.
Exceptionally Friendly Staff: Known for its warm and welcoming hospitality, with staff who make you feel like family.
Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: A comfortable and relaxed setting perfect for a low-key meal.
Great Value: Offers generous portion sizes at an affordable price point, especially with the lunch specials.
Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes and can be customized with tofu.
Popular Lunch Specials: A great way to enjoy a delicious and filling meal at a reduced price during the day.
Healthy Choices: The menu includes healthy options like salads and sautéed vegetables.
Dessert Specialties: Known for classic Thai desserts like Mango with Sticky Rice and Fried Vanilla Ice Cream.
Beverage Variety: Offers a selection of classic sodas, Thai iced teas, and Thai iced coffees.

Contact Information

Address: 32 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 673-4610

What is Worth Choosing

With a menu full of classic Thai comfort food, deciding what to order at Thai for Thought is a pleasant dilemma. For a truly authentic and satisfying meal, a few dishes consistently come out on top.

First, you must try their noodles. The Pad See-Ew is a highly recommended choice, praised for its fragrant, chewy noodles and delicious flavor. The Drunken Man Noodle is another favorite for those who enjoy a spicier, more aromatic dish. Of course, the classic Pad Thai is a safe and delicious bet that always delivers.

The fried rice options are also a highlight. The Crispy Chicken with Thai Fried Rice is a popular and filling dish that comes with a side salad for a complete meal. For something with a bit more of a kick, the SPICY BASIL FRIED RICE is a flavorful and satisfying choice.

If you're in the mood for a rich and creamy curry, the Massaman Curry and Green Curry are both excellent options, best enjoyed over a bed of jasmine rice. For appetizers, the Chicken Puff and Handmade Steamed Dumplings are great for sharing.

No Thai meal is complete without dessert. The Mango With Sticky Rice is a must-try, offering a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. For a hot and sweet finish, the Fried Wrapped Banana is a unique and delicious option.

Lastly, be sure to pair your meal with one of their famous Thai beverages. The Thai Ice Tea and Thai Bubble Ice Tea are both refreshing and a perfect complement to the savory and spicy dishes. For a taste of their incredible hospitality, the lunch special is a great value and a fantastic way to experience the best of what Thai for Thought has to offer.

Thai for thought Menu

Fried Rice
Green Curry Fried Rice $17.50
Jasmine rice with green curry paste, lemongrass, bell pepper, and basil. Options: chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, beef.
Thai Fried Rice $17.50
Rice with egg, onion, scallion, tomato, Chinese broccoli and choice of chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, or beef.
Pineapple Fried Rice $17.50
Rice with egg, onion, cashew, pineapple, scallion, and your choice of chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, or beef.
Tom Yum Fried Rice $17.50
Rice with egg, onion, basil, scallion, chili paste, and your choice of chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, or beef.
Crispy Chicken With Thai Fried Rice $17.50
Fried rice with egg, onion, scallion, top with crispy chicken
SPICY BASIL FRIED RICE $17.50

Salad
Thai Salad $11.00
Mixed greens, lettuce, shredded carrot, cucumber, onion, tomato, and fried tofu. Choice of peanut sauce or lemon vinaigrette.
Som Tam (Papaya Salad) $12.00
Shredded papaya, shredded carrot, green beans, grape tomato, in a spicy chili dressing, garnished with crushed peanuts.
Mango Salad $14.00
Shredded mango with shrimp, red onion, grape tomato, cilantro, shredded carrots in spicy chili dressing, topped with cashew nuts.

Appetizers
Edamame $7.00
Steamed with salt.
Chicken Puff (3 Pieces) $11.00
Savory puff pastry filled with curried chicken and potatoes.
Thai For Thought Wings(6 Pcs) $11.00
Fried chicken wing with Thai for thought sauce.
Handmade Steamed Dumpling (4 Pieces) $10.00
Steamed dumplings with minced chicken and mushroom.
Fried Tofu $10.00
Crispy fried tofu with sweet chili sauce and crushed peanut.
Crab Rangoon (6 Pieces) $11.00
Crab meat, cream cheese in crispy wonton with spicy & sweet chili sauce.
Spring Roll (3 Pieces) $9.00
Deep-fried egg roll skin with mixed vegetable, glass noodles and taro.

Dessert
Mango With Sticky Rice $10.00
Sweet, juicy mango slices cozy up with creamy, glutinous sticky rice. A delightful dance of tropical flavors in every bite!
Fried Vanilla Ice Cream $7.00
Golden-fried vanilla ice cream ball with a chocolate drizzle.
Fried Wrapped Banana Top With Honey And White Sesame Seeds $6.00

Noodle
Pad Thai $17.00
Rice noodles with egg, beansprout, scallion, and peanut. Options: chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, or beef.
Drunken Man Noodle $17.00
Spicy flat noodles with egg, onion, Thai basil, and bell pepper. Options: chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, beef.
Pad See-Ew $17.00
Flat noodles with egg, soy sauce, and broccoli. Options: chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, beef.

Side Order
Sticky Rice $3.00
Extra Chicken $4.00
Steamed Broccoli $6.00
Extra Sweet Chili Sauce $2.00
Jasmine Rice $2.00
Fried Egg $3.00
Extra Tofu $4.00
Extra Shrimp $4.00
Extra Beef $4.00

Salad
Som Tam (Papaya Salad) $12.00
Spicy. Papaya with green beans, grape tomato, carrot in a spicy chili dressing.
Thai Salad $10.00
Mixed greens, lettuce, carrot, onion, tomato with peanut sauce or lemon vinaigrette.
Mango Salad $14.00
Spicy. Fresh mango with shrimp, red onion, grape tomato in a spicy chili dressing.

Beverages
Palm Juice $5.00
Red Bull $4.50
Thai Bubble Ice Tea $6.00
Seltzer $2.00
Thai Ice Coffee $5.00
Thai Bubble Ice Coffee $6.00
Thai Ice Tea $5.00
Bottled Water $2.00
Coke $2.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Lemonade $5.00
Ginger Ale $2.00
Diet Coke $2.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.

Curry
Massaman Curry $17.50
Onion, potato, and peanut in rich coconut milk with your choice of chicken, tofu, vegetables, shrimp, or beef.
Green Curry $17.50
Bamboo shoots, eggplant, and coconut milk harmonize in this vibrant green curry. Choose from chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, or beef for a delightful experience.
PANANG CURRY OVER RICE $17.50
Infused with lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and coconut milk, this Panang curry features tender meat or tofu over rice, with vibrant vegetables. Options: Chicken, Tofu, Vegetable, Shrimp, Beef.

Appetizers
Chicken Puff (3 Pieces) $11.00
Puff pastry filled with curried chicken and potatoes, served with dipping sauce, accompanied by shredded cucumber and carrots.
Handmade Steamed Dumpling (4 Pieces) $10.00
Delicate, translucent wrappers encase minced chicken and mushroom filling. Served with tangy dipping sauce.
Spring Roll (3 Pieces) $10.00
Filled with vegetables, herbs, glass noodles, and taro. Served with a dipping sauce.
Fried Tofu $10.00
Crispy tofu served with sweet chili sauce and crushed peanuts.
Crab Rangoon (6 Pieces) $11.00
Crab meat and cream cheese in crispy wonton with spicy and sweet chili sauce.
Edamame $7.00
Green soybeans sprinkled with salt.

Fried Rice
Thai Fried Rice $17.00
Stir fry rice with egg, onion and scallion.
Pineapple Fried Rice $17.00
Stir fry rice with egg, onion, cashew, pineapple and scallion.
Crispy Chicken With Thai Fried Rice $17.00
Crispy chicken over fried rice with egg, onion and scallion.
Basil Fried Rice $17.00
Green Curry Fried Rice $17.00
Stir-fried cooked jasmine rice with green curry paste, lemongrass, bell pepper. it results in a vibrant, fragrant , and mildly spicy fried rice with distinct flavor of thai green curry.
Tom Yum Fried Rice $17.00
Spicy. Stir fry rice with egg, onion, basil and scallion with chili paste.

Noodle
Pad Thai $17.00
Traditional stir-fried rice noodles with egg beansprout, scallion and peanut.
Pad See-Ew $17.00
Wok-fried flat noodles with egg, soy sauce and broccoli.
Drunken Man Noodle $17.00
Spicy. Wok-stir fry spicy flat noodles with egg, onion, Thai basil and bell pepper.

Soup
Tom Yum Shrimp $10.00
Spicy. Spicy hot & sour soup with lemongrass mushroom and onion.
Wonton Soup $9.00
Chicken wonton soup with bok choy and scallion.
Tom Kha Chicken $9.00
Coconut soup with mushroom, onion and galangal.
Chicken Vegetable Soup $9.00

Soup
Wonton Soup $9.00
Chicken wontons in broth with bok choy and scallions.
Tom Yum Shrimp $10.00
Spicy and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, mushrooms, tomatoes, and scallions.
Tom Kha Chicken $9.00
Creamy coconut milk with lemongrass, galangal, mushrooms, and onions.
Chicken Soup $9.00

Sautéed
Mixed Vegetable $16.00
Mixed vegetables stir-fry with choice of meat. *Choice of chicken, tofu, vegetable ** choice of shrimp, beef for an additional charge.
Gai Sub Grapow & Fried Egg $17.50
Spicy. Minced chicken stir-fried with chili, Thai basil served over rice topped with fried egg.
Pla Pad Cha $20.00
Stir-fry crispy fish fillets with aromatic thai herbs, garlic, onion, bell peppers, and young peppercorn, served with jasmine rice.
Kana Moo Krob $19.00
Chicken Garlic & Fried Egg $17.50
Chicken stir-fried with garlic, broccoli and Napa cabbage served over rice topped with fried egg.
Chicken Cashew Nut $19.00
Fried chicken with pineapple, onion scallion, bell pepper, carrot and cashew nut with chili paste.
Grapow Moo Krob+Fried Egg $19.00

Dessert
Fried Vanilla Ice Cream $7.00
Golden-fried vanilla ice cream ball with a chocolate drizzle.

Beverages
Bottled Water $2.00
Thai Bubble Ice Tea $7.00
Diet Coke $2.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Thai Ice Tea $6.00
Ginger Ale $2.00
Palm Juice $5.00
Red Bull $3.50
Seltzer $2.00
Thai Ice Coffee $6.00
Coke $2.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Thai Bubble Ice Coffee $6.00
Coconut Juice $5.00

Curry
Panang Curry Over Rice $17.50
Panang curry over rice is a delectable dish that combines tender meat or tofu with a fragrant curry sauce, served atop a bed of steaming rice. infused with lemongrass , galangal and turmeric, and coconut milk.
Green Curry $17.50
Spicy. Green curry with bamboo shoot and eggplant in coconut milk.
Massaman Curry $17.50
Massaman curry with onion, potato and peanut in coconut milk.

Lunch Special
Thai Fried Rice $12.50
Stir-fried rice with egg, onion and scallion.
Green Curry Over Rice $12.50
Green curry with bamboo shoot and eggplant in coconut milk over rice.
Crispy Chicken With Thai Fried Rice $13.50
Crispy chicken over fried rice with egg, onion and scallion.
Pad Thai $12.50
Traditional stir-fried rice noodles with egg, beansprout, scallion and peanut.
Drunken Man Noodle $12.50
Wok-stir fry spicy flat noodles with egg, onion, basíl and bell pepper.

Sautéed
PLA PAD CHA $21.00
Crispy fish fillets with Thai herbs, garlic, onion, bell peppers, young peppercorn, and jasmine rice.
Chicken Garlic & Fried Egg $17.50
Garlic-infused chicken, broccoli, and Napa cabbage over rice, crowned with a fried egg.
Praram Long Song $17.50
Tender chicken sautéed with creamy peanut sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and red bell pepper strips, with steamed broccoli and jasmine rice.
Crispy Pork Belly In Basil Sauce & Fried Egg $19.00
Golden brown crispy pork belly with basil leaves, garlic, chili, and peppers, served over white rice, topped with a fried egg.
Gai Sub Grapow & Fried Egg $17.50
Minced chicken with chili and Thai basil over rice, crowned with a fried egg.
Crispy Pork Belly With Chinese Broccoli $19.00
Succulent pork belly paired with tender Chinese broccoli in savory oyster sauce, served with fragrant jasmine rice.
Chicken Cashew Nut $19.00
Tender chicken with pineapple, onion, scallion, bell pepper, carrot, and cashew nut in a savory sauce.
Mixed Vegetable $16.00
Assorted vegetables with choice of chicken, tofu, vegetable, shrimp, or beef.

Side Order
Peanut Sauce $5.00
Steamed Broccoli $7.00
Extra Shrimp $4.00
Extra Tofu $4.00
Fried Egg $3.00
Jasmine Rice $3.00
Extra Vegetable $3.00
Sticky Rice $4.00
Extra Sweet Chili Sauce $2.00
Extra Chicken $4.00
Extra Beef $4.00

Thai for thought Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside

Thai for thought Photos

Thai for thought Location

Thai for thought

New York New York County New York East 7th Street

32 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Thai for thought Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 118 user reviews.

pricedrunken noodlespad thaispicehospitalitysaladownerthai fried ricemango sticky ricefried chicken

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This was my first time ordering from Thai 4 Thought, and it won’t be my last. I was immediately greeted by the friendliest employee (possibly the owner?) I should’ve gotten her name she exuded the best energy. She even gave me some Thai Iced Tea to try while I waited for my order. I got the Lunch special Pad See Ew with tofu. So fragrant, chewy, and delicious. And the portion size is great.
August 14 · Jackie Chan
Mona was absolutely lovely. She treated me like a grandson as soon as I walked in and even let me stay for a while, as the heat was blazing outside. She also refilled my water bottle.When it comes to the food I got the fried chicken with fried rice, which also came with a salad. The Thai iced tea was really refreshing and the mango sticky rice was also tasty. All this came out to around $30 total. Definitely recommend checking this place out!
June 23 · Joshua Hendricks
Great hidden gem for lunch. Real full-size portions and homemade for only $12.50. One of the best deals in the east village.
June 27 · Adam Giladi
Just dropped in for a quick lunch, but can confirm the Pad Thai in this tiny spot is a cut above many renditions in Manhattan: well-balanced & tamarind-forward, not overly sweet, tender chicken and a good portion. Note, lunch special only includes the entree - no spring roll, salad etc. Very limited seating - just four adjacent 2-tops. Sweet service, would go back.
April 16 · Jamie Prince
At Thai for thought, the joy of eating is not just in the food, but in the warmth and connection you feel the moment you step in. Just like sharing a hearty meal in Togo, this restaurant brings people together with its cozy atmosphere and welcoming smiles.I started with their famous Tom Yum Soup, an explosion of spice that awakens your taste buds like the first bite of a delicious Togo stew. The Kra pow was delightful, each bite reminding me of how the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. And don’t miss the chicken noodle soup —rich, fragrant, and full of heart.The service was attentive and thoughtful, just like the hospitality we value at home. The staff made sure we felt cared for, without rushing us through the experience.If you want to experience food that brings people together, Here is the place to be. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and community.
October 01 · Nicole S Lim