TLDR
A long-standing Elmhurst staple for authentic Thai, renowned for its standout whole fish and bold, spicy flavors.
Details
Located in the heart of Elmhurst, this spot is frequently highlighted as a cornerstone of the local Thai food scene [15]. Fans often praise the restaurant for its exceptional fish and duck dishes [16], though opinions on its current quality are notably polarized [8], [9], [11]. Despite varying feedback, it remains a common recommendation for those seeking authentic Thai flavors in Queens [6], [13].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on traditional Thai cuisine, featuring standout items like red snapper with basil sauce [1], [2] and fancy duck [16]. While diners often enjoy the spicy options, success may depend on specifically requesting a 'Thai spicy' preparation [3], [14]. Feedback on noodle dishes is mixed, with some diners enjoying the drunken noodles [5] while others have found dishes like pad see ew inconsistent [5], [8].
Caveats
Visitors should note that the quality of dishes like pad see ew has been described as inconsistent [8], and the Chelsea Market location is often explicitly discouraged by regulars in favor of the original Elmhurst address [13].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About AYADA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Has Anyone Been To Prung Thai Restaurant Since It
"The user lists this as one of the truly amazing Thai restaurants located in the Little Thailand area."
PositiveFrom post: I Made It Out To Elmhurst For Thai Saranrom Thai
"Refutes claims of poor quality, stating the restaurant is great."
PositiveFrom post: I Made It Out To Elmhurst For Thai Saranrom Thai
"Disparages the restaurant, claiming it fell off over a decade ago."
NegativeFrom post: I Made It Out To Elmhurst For Thai Saranrom Thai
"Suggested as an alternative to Saranrom."
NeutralFrom post: I Made It Out To Elmhurst For Thai Saranrom Thai
"Recommended as an alternative to Saranrom for fancy duck and fish dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user highly recommends the goong chae nam pla (raw shrimp salad)."
PositiveFrom post: Spiciest Vegetarian Dishes In Nyc
"Ayada in Elmhurst is recommended for its curry, but with a caveat: the commenter notes that it would likely require convincing the restaurant to make it "Thai spicy.""
PositiveFrom post: Whats The Real Difference Between American Thai
"The commenter lists Ayada Thai in Elmhurst as one of their favorite Thai restaurants, with a cautionary note against the Chelsea Market location."
PositiveFrom post: Queens Thai Food Destroys Manhattan
"This user described Ayada as 'pretty meh', indicating a mediocre experience."
NeutralFrom post: Queens Thai Food Destroys Manhattan
"This user stated that Ayada is 'straight up not good anymore', suggesting it has declined in quality."
NegativeFrom post: Queens Thai Food Destroys Manhattan
"This commenter agreed that Ayada was not very impressive, concurring with a previous negative assessment."
NegativeFrom post: Queens Thai Food Destroys Manhattan
"The commenter stated that Ayada is 'mid at best' and suggested it is made for an American palate."
NegativeFrom post: Queens Thai Food Destroys Manhattan
"The commenter found Ayada disappointing during their visit before the pandemic, with dishes like pad see ew being watery. They also felt SriPraPhai, while good, wasn't 'next level'."
NegativeFrom post: Favorite Pad See Ew Or Pad Kee Mao In The City
"This commenter enjoys Ayada's drunken noodles but finds their pad see ew is not their go-to."
NeutralFrom post: Favorite Pad See Ew Or Pad Kee Mao In The City
"Ayada is the preferred go-to for pad see ew for this commenter, in contrast to SriPraPhai."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Pad See Ew Or Pad Kee Mao In The City
"This commenter emphatically states that Ayada in Elmhurst is "just so good"."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Pad See Ew Or Pad Kee Mao In The City
"Ayada in Elmhurst is listed as a recommended Thai restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Any Really Spicy Food In New York
"Ayada in Elmhurst is recommended for providing sufficiently spicy food when dishes are ordered with 'Thai spicy'."
PositiveFrom post: Whole Fish In Queens
"This commenter seconded the recommendation for Ayada, highlighting that their snapper is amazing with basil sauce."
PositiveFrom post: Whole Fish In Queens
"Ayada is mentioned as a restaurant that serves whole red snapper."
Positive