May Kaidee NYC

Amazing home cooked thai meals in a relaxed authentic environment. Recommend.

This place is amazing! A definite must visit while in NYC! And if you're around on Sunday evening, they offer a fantastic Sunday dinner that is family style with a wide sampling of the menu and very reasonable price!

We know May Kaidee from our visit to Thailand and we were so pleased with the food there that we had to visit her new restaurant in New York. People if you really want to try authentic and absolutely delicious Thai food you need to go there! I can strongly recommend the banana flower salad however everything is absolutely delectable, it doesn't matter if you are vegan or not!

Internationally famous vegan Chef May Kaidee just opened the doors to her new NYC restaurant, the decor is not 100% finished but do not worry New Yorkers, the tables are set beautifully, and the kitchen is ready to go. They graciously start you out with a cup of ginger pomegranate tea that is perfect for a cold rainy night, and a very smart palate cleanser. You sip on it, listening to soothing Asian inspired music while perusing the extensive menu. I am always looking for the lower calorie option and ordered the gluten free spring rolls (there are three different kinds) and my BF is always looking for the deep fried option, he ordered the deep fried spring rolls. They were totally different and so delicious. The deep fried spring rolls came with three dipping sauces, cashew cream (to die for) and a homemade chili paste that is so good that I have to take one of her classes (yes she gives cooking classes too) to learn how to make it. Spicy, sweet, perfect! The spring rolls I ordered were fresh and wonderful, with the peanut sauce on top but next time I will order the peanut sauce on the side, not because it wasn't delicious... it was... but because of the calories, better to dip! For the main course my BF ordered a Green Thai Curry with glass noodles and I ordered Thai Basil with Soy Protein. The curry was so good, just the right amount of noodles vs. vegetables, no skimping and the curry sauce is masterful. The basil soy protein was so perfect, the basil was not too overpowering, it was almost like it was scented with basil. The soy protein was an extra treat, gave it a great texture. Order the brown rice it is a beautiful hearty rice with many textures and colors. I asked for a bit of a spicy kick and Chef Kaidee came out and created a spicy pepper sauce right at the table that was really wonderful and wow, hot! She then told us about her travels all over the world, cooking vegan food. I mentioned how happy we are to have her here! We were stuffed but she insisted on a bit of sweet and made us a waffle banana sandwich. The waffle was sweet with a cinnamon flavor, delicious! You know I had to get her cookbook (yes you can buy it there!) and I definitely have to attend the chili paste prep class. Not only is she a world class chef, but a lovely, sweet lady. You must go and try her food! We will be back!

Ever since Pukk closed, NYC has been begging for an all vegan Thai place. The moment has arrived!

The food at May Kaidee's was excellent and the people are really sweet and welcoming. The dishes had a wonderful individuality to them that many Thai places lack. Got our preferred spice levels just right. And their tea is great!

The restaurant had a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, but that may change when people discover this brand new place, so come quick!

I highly Recommend! out of this world thai cuisine!