NYCReview
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Khao Kang
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When you’re taking the subway and the train arrives the second you step onto the platform, you might feel warm inside and wonder what you did to deserve this. It’s a sensation similar to what you feel when you find a curly fry mixed in with all your regular fries or buy a ticket to a raffle because you don’t want to seem cheap, then somehow win a trip to Lake Tahoe. If you’re looking for yet another way to experience this feeling, get some food at Khao Kang.
This counter-service spot in Elmhurst has a daily selection of around 10 different dishes, and you can get three with a side of rice for less than $15. It’s a great deal—and, once you realize how good everything is, you might feel undeserving. Are you being rewarded by the universe for never using your roommate’s bath products? Probably not. This place just happens to serve assertive, highly flavorful Thai food that isn’t as expensive as it should be.
When you walk inside, you’ll see all the dishes laid out in pans behind the counter. Some options are pretty much always available, like a sour fish curry that’ll make you sweat from your hairline and a chicken liver stir fry that has more personality than whoever you're currently dating. Depending on what the kitchen feels like making, you might also see breaded fish with big slices of eggplant, a mildly spicy tom yum soup, or some pad prik king with plenty of juicy, heavily-seasoned shrimp.
The space isn't very large, but it usually isn't too tough to grab a seat here. Stop by for a lunch with a few friends and try to claim the big table up front, or, if you’re by yourself, grab a stool along the wall, eat a quick meal, then get back to your regular schedule of work, laundry, and eating food that probably isn’t as good as the stuff at Khao Kang.
If you live in the area, this should be one of your go-to spots for a fast and easy meal. And if you don’t live in the area, you should still try to come here as often as you can. Khao Kang is an essential NYC dining destination, and a meal here costs less than off-peak ticket on Metro North. Don't take this place for granted.
The food here changes every day, but here are some things you might find.