Introducing Bangkok’s electric street food energy to the heart of Midtown, BKK New York is the latest venture from Jeanine and Kate Royce, who previously owned and operated a Thai restaurant in Harlem. A bold addition to the city’s already-exhilarating culinary scene, the restaurant delivers a heady mix of homestyle Thai flavours, New York nostalgia, and a high-voltage design concept that channels the pulsing streets of Thailand’s capital city.
Helmed by chef Teerawong “Yo” Nanthavatsiri, the menu fuses Thai street food with Big Apple classics. Small plates, or ‘Kub Klab,’ start proceedings with fresh vegetable rolls, while mains span comforting rice and noodle dishes like a classic Shrimp Pad Thai loaded with tamarind, peanuts, and crispy tofu. For those looking to share, ‘Kub Kao’ plates include Ka Na Crispy Pork with Chinese broccoli and Branzino Tod Num Pla, an entire crispy branzino drizzled in caramelised fish sauce and paired with mango cashew nut salad. The playful “BKK x NYC” section nods to New York staples with a Thai twist, featuring the BKK Hot Dog: Chiang Mai sausage on a potato bun topped with Nam Prik Noom and a side of fries.
A cocktail program curated by Tantai “Tan” Khantachavana, fuels the energy of the space, ensuring the diners remain hydrated as they navigate the restaurant’s food menu.
Its aesthetics put together by interior design studio, EPST, the 70-seat restaurant mirrors the controlled chaos of Bangkok’s bustling markets. White brick walls and neon lights set the tone at the entrance, while the main dining space is anchored by a striking green-tiled bar with burnt orange stools.
A lightbox wall glowing with scenes of Bangkok’s famous street food districts transports diners, and intimate booths lined with dark wood and tinted glass create snug hideaways for those seeking a more low-lit dining experience. A semi-private dining space for ten, adorned with vintage Thai posters and tiffin boxes, adds a wistful feel.
Located at 238 W 56th Street, the bold and brash buzz of Bangkok arrives in the heart of Manhattan; a sensorial overload that should be a match made in foodie heaven.
BKK New York Photography, Heather Willensky.
