A Guide to My Favorite Asian Restaurants in New York City
Flipsigi
Neighborhood: West Village
Ambiance:
We ordered Flipsigi as take out, but the restaurant was really cute. There was indoor and outdoor seating and was cutely decorated.
Cuisine: Filipino
A great reason to eat a burrito. These flavors. These combinations. I was sad when I finished my meal. I wish I had time to go back and try some more of their menu items. I ordered the Adobo O.G. bowl and my boyfriend ordered the Adobo-rito. Both were amazing.
Overall Rating: 10/10
When food makes me sad that I am finished with my meal and they put effort into their establishment, they deserve a perfect score. I am excited that Flipsigi has multiple locations and I hope they keep expanding. Their food should be shared with the masses.
Top Thai Vintage
Neighborhood: West Village
Ambiance:
We love Thai takeout and this is our West Village spot! We started ordering from here during Covid. Only a few weeks ago, we found that this spot is a really cute restaurant. Time did not allow for us to actually go and sit down here, but I would definitely take a first date here (if she likes Thai).
Cuisine: Thai
We love Pad See Eew Noodles. We have also gotten the Udon Basil (very very spicy) and the Pad Thai Cashew nut (delicious).
Overall Rating: 10/10
Since Thai is one of our favorite take out cuisines, it is difficult for us to find a spot to reorder from. In our year living in the West Village, we had Top Thai Vintage at least once a month. They deserve all the props and they have a cute restaurant to make them even more special.
Wayla
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Ambiance:
This spot has the cutest patio outside with hanging lights. They don’t take reservations, so try to get there early. Since it is a smaller place, they may create shared tables, but the atmosphere and the food makes the trip worth it. This would be a perfect spot for a first date as long as you had a back-up plan in case the wait is really long.
Cuisine: Thai
Their menu is unique and seems authentic. If you are unfamiliar with authentic Thai cuisine, I would recommend looking through this menu at home, so you can research what each dish is. I went here a while ago, so I do not remember what I ordered, but I do remember leaving happy.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Without remembering the exact cuisine, I could not give Wayla a higher score than an 8. The ambiance is a gem in the city, especially if you sit outside. I enjoy going to restaurants that offer more dishes than the classic Thai we’ve grown to love.
Fish Cheeks
Neighborhood: NOHO
Ambiance:
The place is really loud and busy, but it seems like part of their allure. A cool, hip spot that is like a revolving door with customers. Definitely not a great first date spot since it was hard to hear.
Cuisine: Thai
Living up to its name, Fish Cheeks serves mostly seafood. For someone who doesn’t really enjoy fish, the Coconut Crab Curry & Crab Fried Rice were delicious.
Overall Rating: 8/10
I am sure there are people who would come to Fish Cheeks for the hustle and bustle, but I find it unsettling. Everyone was smiling throughout the meal and was encouraged and excited to try new dishes.
Pa Pa Thai
Neighborhood: Sutton Place
Ambiance:
A favorite spot for takeout. The seating is limited, but there definitely were seats. Even if you don’t live close, Pa Pa Thai is a great take-out option and they are some of the delivery apps.
Cuisine: Thai
I have only gotten one item on their menu (the Spicy Kee Mow) and I keep going back to get it again and again. It is filled with so much flavor and heat, I can never get enough.
Overall Rating: 9/10
I have had this dish from quite a few Thai spots since going to Pa Pa Thai and I find myself constantly thinking about them. This speaks wonders to how delicious their menu is. Since ambiance is also important, I have deducted a point, but if you are choosing based on flavor only, go to Pa Pa Thai.