Thai restaurant

Chalong Southern Thai

Hell's KitchenManhattan

4.8· 3,467 reviewsClosed nowVegetarian
Chalong Southern Thai — thai restaurant — in Hell's Kitchen — Manhattan — NYC
Chalong Southern Thai interior — Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen

Manhattan

The brief

About Chalong Southern Thai

Chalong Southern Thai brings authentic Southern Thai cuisine to Hell's Kitchen with bold, aromatic flavors that showcase traditional recipes from Thailand's coastal regions. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options alongside their signature curries and seafood dishes. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional service reflected in its impressive 4.8-star rating, Chalong Southern Thai provides an immersive dining experience that transports guests straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand, making it a standout destination for those seeking genuine Southern Thai flavors in Manhattan.

Community Rating

4.8

½

out of 5

3,467 community reviews

Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.

Community-sourced rating

Reviews

What diners say about Chalong Southern Thai

15 verified Google reviews · 15 with owner responses

4.9

15 reviews

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August MoehrkeLocal guide
a week ago

The food just rips- you're gonna be so happy you ate here.<br><br>The crab curry has a standardized Thai medium spice rating (unalterable)- it is not that hot (jalapeno equivalent constant)<br><br>I licked the plate clean, but the person next to me was powering through their bowl in pain. The flavor is so potently good that through their sweat drenched brow they continued to preserve to keep eating this delight until they too had a clean plate.<br><br>The texture of the crab is like a marshmallow in how softly tender it is in its bite- meaty, pillowy, delicious.<br><br>The roti is flakey, soft, and maintains a perfect amount of chew throughout an entire meal. Not oily, but a fattiness lies in its flavor that has you craving for more.<br><br>The bar staff were all kind, humerous, and overall made my experience that much better. I would recommend Chalong for anyone searching for something that tastes homey in the heart and stomach.

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback August! It mean a lot to our restaurant and team! :D

Sara B.Local guide
3 weeks ago

Possibly the best Thai food we have ever had. Energy is great, service is polite and knowledgeable. We walked in, no reservation on a busy evening and the host was simply marvelous, not just because he made us wait not longer than 15” but his presence was radiant and professional. We ended up at the bar counter and had the pleasure to watch the amazing detailed work of the mixologists. Taste it too 😅 Perfection. We tried an array of different dishes, fish, lamb, curry, appetizers and one was better than the other. Flavorful, unique, well executed and quality you can taste. Food was expensive but excellent and we didn’t mind paying for the quality and the talent displayed by the chef. Divine chef. I so wanted to congratulate and to shake your hand personally if even possible next time, soon very soon. Can’t wait to go back.<br>The restaurant is loud but loud of lively energy. Didn’t mind it!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Sara! It mean a lot to our restaurant and we can't wait to see you guys back to our restaurant again! :D

Shirley ZLocal guide
3 weeks ago

Love this spot!<br>Food is flavorful, service is great.<br><br>Definitely get a reservation and it gets packed lunch or dinner.<br>Seating can be tight but that’s not a surprise.<br><br>The pad Thai is my go to. Since it’s a southern style pad Thai, it’s more creamy and personally, more tart/ketchupy.<br>The squid ink crab fried rice has a lot of flavor with the added squid.<br><br>Desserts are no frills, delicious.<br><br>Highly recommend! One of my tops!

Response from the owner

Thank you so so much for your feedback Shirley! It mean a lot to our restaurant and team! :D

Cheryl DieterLocal guide
a month ago

It's busy and you really must have a reservation if you want to experience Thai food at its best while in NYC.<br><br>We have had the pleasure of dining at Chalong both times we were visiting New York. It is one of the restaurants that you want to go back to again and again. Frankly, if I could I would live there.<br><br>The steamed fish (Chilean Sea Bass) was exquisite. As a senior citizen who has avoided fish the majority of my life I will confess that fish this fresh literally sparkles both in your mouth and on your plate.<br><br>The pork belly rests in a sauce that is sweetly spicy and delicious. The pork was tender and tasty...obviously it was once a happy pig whose joy was ensconced in the meat. Yummm!<br><br>We have had many different dishes during our dining adventure here and all have been superb.<br><br>The only negatives... I wish the drinks were a little less expensive and the portions were slightly larger but if you have to choose between a lot of food that is subpar or small quantities that will tantalize your tastebuds... than the latter it is!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Cheryl! it mean a lot to our restaurant and team! :D

Stephanie StewartLocal guide
a month ago

Excellent experience. Food was outstanding. Very clear the seafood is fresh and each dish was prepared individually. Service was excellent. We asked a lot of questions and for recommendations. Service was fast and the staff was friendly. Atmosphere was calming. Had lunch there on a Friday and while the place was busy, it was not loud in there and having a conversation at your table was very easy. The only comment that I would make is for people to know that the spice levels cannot be adjusted.

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Stephanie! it mean a lot to our restaurant and team! :D

Michael Grimm
2 months ago

Wow, what an experience. This place truly is a gem. While spending some time on my own in the city I was advised to try this place that I wouldn’t regret it. The wings were phenomenal, but the Crab Curry was absolutely insane in the best way possible. If you visit here and can handle a little spice you HAVE to try this dish. All of this surrounded by speedy service, and great conversation with the bartender. 5 stars, can’t wait to come back!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Michael! It mean a lot to our restaurant and we can't wait to see you back here again! :D

Gab LLocal guide
2 months ago

Chalong is such a delight! Excellent, smooth service and delicious food. My friends and I got the set for two as well as the pork dumplings to share. Everything was great, but we really enjoyed the Baerng Golae!! The coconut crisp with the shrimp? Divine. I personally liked the pomelo salad, the freshness of the pomelo providing a welcome contrast to the thicker, heavier dressing. The Thai iced tea ice cream came with a banana and sesame crisp and jelly balls--super yummy!<br><br>We practically drank the crab curry down, too! What a great meal. Will be back to try other dishes on the menu!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Gab! it mean a lot to our restaurant and team! :D

Your Highness TravelLocal guide
2 months ago

If you can’t make it to Thailand, go to Chalong! We were completely blown away in the best way. We ordered the Baerng Golae, Crab Curry, and Mee Pum Riang, and every dish was a total knockout. The crab curry was my absolute favorite, packed with deep, rich flavor and just the right amount of spice. Every plate felt so thoughtful, with layers of flavor that were vibrant, balanced, and seriously craveable.<br><br>The cocktails are just as impressive and make the whole experience even more fun. Everything paired beautifully and added to the energy of the meal.<br><br>The vibe is fun, a little funky, and super warm and welcoming. It is the kind of place where you instantly feel like you made the right choice walking in. The staff nailed that perfect level of attentiveness where everything just flows effortlessly.<br><br>Can’t wait to go back!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback! it mean a lot to our restaurant and we can't wait to see you guys back to our restaurant again! :D

Jason HLocal guide
3 months ago

Chalong brings the ไฟ!!... This is the real deal, and is the best Thai I’ve had outside of Phuket!!<br><br>I started with the Lumpu Salad, built around pristine scallops that were bright, citrusy, and layered with that classic Thai balance of heat, acidity, and herbs. The scallops were incredibly fresh and the dish had a punchy vibrance that woke up the palate immediately.<br><br>Next up were the Baerng Golae shrimp tacos…juicy shrimp with deep, smoky southern Thai spices wrapped in a soft bite that delivered savory, slightly sweet, and the right amount of heat.<br>The steamed fish was beautifully executed. Clean, delicate, and perfectly cooked, with aromatic herbs and broth that made every bite feel light but deeply flavorful.<br><br>To finish, the mango sticky rice hit the spot..nothing standout about this dish but after getting hit with all that flavor, I didn’t mind.<br><br>I washed all that down with a Surat Thani “After School” cocktail which was dangerously easy to drink so I just sipped on it rather than drank!<br><br>Across the board, the taste profiles at Chalong were dialed in and dialed up! The service, perfect! It’s the kind of spot that reminds you how exciting Thai food can be when the kitchen leans all the way into its roots. A seriously impressive meal.

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Jason! it mean a lot to our restaurant and team! :D

Yuelin LiLocal guide
4 months ago

Visited Chalong and overall it was decent but not particularly memorable. The squid ink seafood fried rice was flavorful and had squid and crab that tasted fairly fresh, with balanced seasoning. The curry shrimp taco was interesting — the shell was more like a crispy egg roll wrapper, almost snack-like, and the shrimp itself was well seasoned. The curry lamb was also good and not overly soft or stewed down, which I appreciated for the texture. That said, portions felt small for the price, and while everything tasted fine, nothing really stood out. Considering the pricing, the overall experience felt a bit underwhelming.

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Yuelin! we would take you concerns to improve our service in the short future! :D

July BekkyLocal guide
4 months ago

ทางร้านมี 10 ดาวให้กดมั้ยคะ❤️<br><br>Every time I visit NYC, having Thai food is a must. This trip, a fellow Thai recommended that I try Chalong, especially because they specialize in Southern Thai cuisine and as someone from the South of Thailand, I had to see if it lived up to the hype.<br><br>Let me just say: 200/10.<br><br>The flavors were absolutely incredible, it truly felt like I was enjoying a proper, high-quality meal back home in Thailand. I went with my husband, and we both agreed that every dish was beautifully executed and packed with authentic flavor. You can really taste the freshness of the ingredients.<br><br>What impressed me even more is that their curry pastes are made fresh in-house, not from a can. That makes such a difference, and you can tell they take pride in doing things the right way.<br><br>The service was also outstanding. Mr. Mung Korn was our server , so polite, attentive, and genuinely warm. He made the whole experience even more memorable.<br><br>I sincerely hope Chalong opens a location in DC one day! Until then, I will definitely be back whenever I’m in NYC. Highly, highly recommend.<br><br>ขอบคุณทุกคนในร้านมากๆนะคะ<br>รบกวนฝากบอกเจ้าของร้านมาเปิดที่ DC ได้มั้ยคะ 😝❤️

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback July! it mean a lot to our restaurant and we can't wait to see you guy back to our restaurant again! :D

Thorfan BLocal guide
Edited 4 months ago

I have a really good time at Chalong<br>As I been there 2 times for lunch and dinner<br><br>Recently I been there last week for lunch on Tuesday<br>The food is really tasty , flavorful and rich<br>Can’t explain more<br>cuz you should come try!!!<br><br>I try the set menu recommended for3-4 people<br>That amazing<br><br>The server “Mangkorn” was fantastic, friendly and give me a really good advice for food detail also co-server on that day really impressed me and my friends<br><br>Regarding the dinner I had on a visit in November and sat alone at the bar.<br>The server I forget the name also made me feel not alone while I’m eating their.<br><br>This is the place you should not miss

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Thorfon! it mean a lot to our restaurant and team! :D

poroma haqueLocal guide
5 months ago

I recently visited Chalong NYC for dinner with friends, and overall it was a solid experience worth sharing! Located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, this Thai restaurant blends modern Southern Thai flavors with a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for dinners out, pre-theater meals, or casual nights with friends.<br><br>The space feels warm and welcoming, with thoughtful décor and an inviting vibe that made our group feel comfortable right away. The restaurant tends to be popular, so reservations are definitely recommended — it can get busy, especially on weekend evenings. The service throughout the night was friendly and attentive; staff were happy to explain the menu and adjust spice levels based on our preferences.<br><br>We tried several standout dishes that left a great impression. The Green Curry Brisket was rich and flavorful, perfectly tender and aromatic. The Mee Pum Riang had a unique, savory taste that paired beautifully with the noodles. Khao Pad Mun Goong was comforting and well-seasoned, while the special Baerng Golae offered a bold, complex flavor that really showcased Southern Thai cuisine. Each dish was generous in portion and carefully prepared, making the meal very satisfying.<br><br>The vibe inside Chalong is energetic and vibrant — lively enough for a fun night out, though it might be a bit loud if you’re hoping for a quiet, intimate dinner.<br><br>In summary, Chalong NYC offers flavorful, well-prepared Southern Thai food, attentive service, and a buzz-worthy setting. While some dishes might feel a bit pricey for what you get, the quality and creativity make it worth trying. I would definitely go back to explore more of the menu and enjoy another night of great Thai flavors!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for your feedback Poroma! it mean a lot to our restaurant and team and hopefully we would see you guys re-visit us again when you are back to the city! :D

Arisa ChuklinLocal guide
5 months ago

this is probably the best Thai place I’ve been to in NYC (and I’m Thai). Their food is so authentic AND MORE. Their cocktails are insanely creative and everything just hits right - even the beef fried rice.<br><br>The afterschool (suratthani butterfly pea cocktail) was super nice. Would be ordering the at again next time.<br><br>We were a family of four with no reservations - but we showed up at right at opening on a Thursday and was immediately seated.<br><br>Service is great, food is great, well done, Chalong!

Response from the owner

Thank you so so much for your feedback ka Arisa! it mean a lot to our restaurant and team! and hopefully we would see you guys back to our restaurant soon! :D

Devon DomanskiLocal guide
6 months ago

We happened to stumble upon this in an EATER article and noted for a recent trip. We popped in on a Friday for a late lunch. Though we got a table, it was still BUSY for 2pm. The staff were SO FRIENDLY and very welcoming. There were some delicious-looking lunch specials that were great value; and if you ordered a lunch special or an entree you received a complementary order of chicken wings. All of the drinks looked and sounded great (great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic sippers); my friend and I ordered a pirate drink that was smoky and well balanced. SPOILER: all the food we had was AGGRESSIVELY DELICIOUS and I will be thinking about each dish fondly, until my next visit. We tried the pomelo salad and it was a flavour explosion of sweet, salty, spicy, herbaceous and smoky. The smoked and fried fish was different and delicious and went so well with the pomelo. We also enjoyed the pillowy peanut coconut dumplings. The flavour was savoury, rich and comforting while the mouthfeel of the rice dumpling was like a cloud. The southern pad Thai was delightful with a true tomato taste (not ketchupy… though there’s a time and a place so no shade!) made richer with a coconut creaminess and plump shrimp. Wok fried greens were also excellent and a well-selected side. This was an unplanned stop that turned out to be one of the highlights of our weekend in NYC. I would highly recommend to anyone that loves Thai; while it’s one of my favourite cuisines, we were able to find familiar favourites done well, and new iterations of dishes and flavour combinations we hadn’t tried, and discoveries like that in restaurants today are sometimes hard to come by. We were absolutely delighted and I cannot wait to return.

Response from the owner

YayyyY! Thank you so much for your feedback Devon! We can't wait to see you guys back to our restaurant again! :D

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