May's first U.S. restaurant features many of her original signature recipes, which are served at her restaurants in Thailand. Offers a set daily changing menu for dinner every night of the week, a set menu for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. A la carte menu is also available. Holds cooking classes. Est. 2016 previously at 126 E 28th St and reopened here in 2018. Open Mon-Sun 5:00pm-11:00pm.
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215 E Broadway, New York City, New York, USA, 10002
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 24 Dec 2021 by SxNYC
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70 Reviews
First Review by HarrisonTucker
jay.callores
Points +4847
Do not skip on the Laab Pak - Edit
May Kaidee is proof that the lower and east side of Manhattan is where it’s at for the best vegan food. This place is a find and if you’re a bit further out, like myself, it is worth the trip.
Read moreMay Kaidee’s plant-based menu is gluten free (GF) except where clearly noted. Mixed in with the usual Thai fares are house specialties pumpkin hummus, seaweed soup, vegan sausage spread, and the Haw Mokk, a thick curry (not GF) served with brown-red rice. And whatever you do, do not skip on the Laab Pak, textured vegetable protein bathed in one of May Kaidee’s famously delicious sauces.
Good and delicious vibes all around. May is a gracious and accessible host who greets each guest with a warm smile. Come early and make reservations or come late and join in on the karaoke in the back.
Guest
Urdasato
Points +730
Great green curry and sticky rice dessert! - Edit
We ordered spring rolls, papaya salad, Tom yam soup, green curry, drunken noodles and sticky rice desert. Liked them all, especially green curry and the sticky rice dessert. Cozy nice place!
Read moreGuest
jeroenkusters
Points +704
Food and karaoke - Edit
A night out as if you were in Bangkok. Delicious authentic food, just as good as we know it from Thailand. Besides food, we had a lot of fun ("sanuk") with a spontaneous karaoke.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-04-23
Guest
symbiosis
Points +433
Great thai food and recipe book - Edit
Really nice meals, I can recommend. I enjoyed finally having thai vegan food, and i was so happy that she was kind enough to promote thai veganism with a book (which I purchased and made a few recipes already, very easy instructions to follow, and tasty results).
Read moreThe server was helpful to advise on meals. I know everything can be modified, but I'm kind of in the philosphy of chefs choice (omikase) so I didn't ask for any modifications. The meals could be a fair bit spicier, but i think some things came down to reach more conersvative american tastes(pointing this out because from abroad I always saw americans obsessed with chili spices, but I have not found a meal in new york which I would consider to be spicy).
May is also super sweet, it was nice to see her in the back and cooking.
I would definetly recommend. I only wish I had more time to join in the fruit cutting classes, but I'll do so next time.
Guest
INTJ_mara
Points +582
One of my fav spots in NYC - Edit
I’ve been to the old location and recently went to this new one. It is still the same amazing food and amazing May. If you have any dietary restrictions, they will try to meet them. I eat mostly WFPB and sos-free and this time they made me this dish without any oil added, I was so stoked and it tasted so good.
Read moreWent again recently and ordered straight from the menu without any modifications and nothing was overly oily or salty, just so much yum. The Tom Yum soup was out of this world, I just wish the portion was bigger! The Pad Thai I think was the best I’ve ever had anywhere so far - I loved that it had a ton of fresh veg on top.
My only complaint is their odd hours. I wish they were open for lunch not just dinner! Check before going and consider even calling in advance - I made the trip all the way from NJ to eat here and arrived a bit after their opening time (5pm) only to see the sign on the door that said they will open at 7pm lol. One of the staff members saw me turn around and cuss under my breath and kindly let me in early haha. But yeah call and check before going.
Updated from previous review on 2023-04-18
Pros: Fresh food made literally to order, Tom Yum soup is to die for, Not overly salty/greasy
Cons: Inconvenient hours, Small-ish menu, expensive sides and appetizers , Tables too close to each other - bad if crowded!
Guest
happy_banana
Points +1472
Tasty food from a very friendly chef - Edit
We tried the papaya salad, larb dish, and drunken noodles with chicken. Everything was pretty tasty, but not blow-your-mind level. The chef came out at the end and she was very friendly.
Read moreGuest
steveveg
Points +2205
Great Thai Food - Edit
We had a very enjoyable dinner here. There were plentiful choices on the menu. We especially enjoyed the Opp Woon Sen (glass noodles).The desserts were fine, not exceptional. The space is intimate. the service was very friendly.
Read moreGuest
Tucker333
Points +569
Homey, comfy food - Edit
Though a bit pricey, May Kaidee served some of the best Thai food I've had in a long time. The staff was extremely sweet, and gave us some excellent recommendations that we really enjoyed. The haw mokk kaidee was by far our favorite, though we thoroughly enjoyed the Tom Saap soup as well. When we left, we were offered free fried rice as well, which was also suuuuuuper yummy. Overall, we felt pretty content with the value we got for what we paid, and I have been dying to go back ever since! Definitely try this place if you have the chance!
Read moreGuest
bubs48
Points +147
Good Thai Food - All Vegan - Edit
As a vegan that loves thai food, with a lao wife, I had high expectations. Overall, I enjoyed it here. The menu had a nice variety of soups, salads, appetizers, and noodle and rice dishes. The food was consistently good but not great. The atmosphere could be better. It sort of feels like you are in someone’s basement. The owner was super nice. She introduced herself to us and took the time to chat with us.
Read morePros: Variety of traditional vegan thai dishes, Nice owner and staff
Cons: Atmosphere was a little run down
Guest
Dr_Nurse
Points +412
Delicious vegan Thai food, open late! - Edit
So fun to find this restaurant in NYC after going to their vegan cooking school in 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand!
Read moreThe owner, May, was extremely kind and welcoming. We showed up as a group of 6 people that morphed into about 20 people over a period of 30 minutes. We had predicted 8-9 people initially, but May and her staff were extremely flexible and unconcerned as our group kept growing. They moved us from outside to a large room inside after we outgrew the front porch area.
The food was delicious!!! Well seasoned and very fresh. They kept bringing us more dishes and stayed open 45 minutes after closing to accommodate our group.
May offered to cook for us an "all you can eat" special for $35 per person, but we couldn't get everyone to agree in time. Will definitely try that next time.
Highly recommended! They also offer cooking classes.
Pros: Friendly, family style service, Open late, Delicious
Guest
ShacharRetzkin
Points +20
Great local food in his vegan version - Edit
Very very good food. Very spicy so make sure they underatand if you dont like
Read moreGuest
NYCvegangirl
Points +23
Delicious Vegan Thai food - Edit
The restaurant is very clean and quiet. We have also ordered the food to be delivered. Everything is delicious, just a little bit pricey.
Read moreGuest
Sanmody
Points +73
Fantastic quality - Edit
Very warm and accommodating service. Very tasty Jain dishes prepared fresh customized to our needs. Ambiance needs some improvements. But a must visit place.
Read morePros: Thom kha soup, Glass noodles , Pannang Curry
Cons: Decor, Ambiance in
Guest
JZNCYeats
Points +306
Take me back - Edit
Love this place! Little off the beaten path but WELL worth it. Have been a few times and it is corky but DELICIOUS! May is lovely if you have the opportunity to meet her and she is an amazing chef. Warning hot is HOT, but delicious!
Read morePros: Food , Not super packed
Cons: Not enough room In stomach to try everyday
Guest
adalea
Points +1151
Lovely local business - Edit
Yummy and reasonable price. Can accommodate big groups.
Read moreGuest
JamesRyanYoung
Points +39
Will Definitely Return for Another Good Meal - Edit
I recently had the pleasure of dining at May Kaidee in New York City, and I must say it was a vegan food lover's dream come true. This restaurant offers an extensive array of plant-based dishes that are both delicious and satisfying.
Read moreOne standout dish that I tried was the Pumpkin Hummus. The smooth and creamy texture paired perfectly with the subtle hint of pumpkin flavor. It was a unique twist on traditional hummus and a delightful appetizer to start the meal. The combination of the rich pumpkin and the savory spices created a harmonious balance of flavors that left me craving more.
The Seaweed Soup was another highlight of my dining experience at May Kaidee. This comforting and nourishing soup had a depth of flavor that showcased the essence of seaweed. The gentle sea aroma and the umami taste made for a truly delightful soup that warmed my soul. It was evident that the ingredients were carefully selected and expertly prepared.
For the main course, I had the pleasure of indulging in the Pad Kee Mao. This classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish was an explosion of flavors. The perfectly cooked rice noodles were tossed with an assortment of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The dish was vibrant, satisfying, and left me longing for more.
The dedication to vegan offerings at May Kaidee is truly commendable. Every dish I tried showcased the creative and innovative approach to plant-based cuisine. It's refreshing to find a restaurant that not only caters to vegans but also offers such a diverse range of flavorful options.
The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The staff members were friendly, attentive, and happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions about the menu. Their passion for vegan food was evident, and their enthusiasm enhanced the overall dining experience.
In conclusion, May Kaidee in New York City is a haven for vegan food enthusiasts. The Pumpkin Hummus, Seaweed Soup, and Pad Kee Mao were just a few examples of the exceptional dishes available. The commitment to quality, flavor, and innovation in plant-based cuisine is truly commendable. I left May Kaidee feeling satisfied and inspired, already planning my return to sample more of their delectable offerings. If you are a vegan or simply appreciate flavorful and wholesome food, I highly recommend visiting May Kaidee for a memorable dining experience.
Pros: Good Food, Vegan Friendly
Guest
FrancesGonzalez
Points +305
Unforgettable Experience at May Kaidee - Edit
May Kaidee offers an immersive Thai dining experience, accentuated by its exceptional vegan cuisine. The authentic atmosphere and knowledgeable staff create a memorable dining setting. The standout dishes, including the balanced deliciousness I savored, are a testament to the culinary expertise at play.
Read moreAdding to this delightful experience, we relished our own selection of rosé wines from veganwines.com. The ability to BYOB allowed us to pair our meal with our favorite wines, elevating our dining experience. This unique combination of amazing food and drink makes May Kaidee a must-visit destination for all food and wine enthusiasts.
Updated from previous review on 2023-05-24
Pros: Delicious food , Great service
Guest
kevvvlar
Points +72
Delicious Thai food!! - Edit
Delicious Thai food! Super friendly too.
Read moreGuest
WillLarche
Points +275
Amazing - Edit
Food is so good. Not just your standards. There’s more interesting Thai cuisine. And they are so sweet and helpful.
Read morePros: Haw mokk, Opp woon sen
Guest
SarahW55
Points +17
Delicious food and wonderful service! - Edit
May Kaidee catered for our event for 20+ people and the food was fresh, tasty, and filled with delightful flavors, herbs, and spices! Service was amazing, friendly, and attentive to our dietary restriction needs.
Read moreThis is the best vegan food I have ever tasted! We ordered the pad thai, fried rice, and spring rolls. May Kaidee has great vegetarian and vegan options! Highly recommend for catering and for going out with friends/family!
Pros: Excellent Food, Friendly Staff, Great portions
Guest
lisakw
Points +1217
Not too different from regular Thai restaurants - Edit
The red curry was delicious but the pad Thai was rather lackluster.
Read moreGuest
Sophieplants
Points +242
Always delicious - Edit
Always order the pad Thai and the green curry. Phenomenal do not miss.
Read moreGuest
DoubleA914
Points +73
Delicious and Light - Edit
I enjoyed the Dumpligs with added plant based pork, Summer Rolls and hot Thai tea. My dining companion had the Pad Thai (sauce on the side) and loved it. They claimed it was the best they ever had.
Read morePros: Friendly Staff, The food is fresh from scratch
Guest
Izoldat
Points +53
Fantastic all vegan - Edit
I adore this place. The food is fab and the staff is super friendly. Try the pad Thai and the green papaya salad. Ooh now, I want to go again!
Read morePros: All vegan, Great service , Fab food
Guest
TimothyHaft
Points +68
Outstanding - Edit
We had the Tom Sapp, Green Curry, Veggie Dumplings, and Mango Sticky Rice. Everything was next level! Nice beer list was a bonus.
Read morePros: all vegan, spicy but never overpowering , subtle flavors
Cons: a little overwhelmed by the crowd
Guest
Ameisherry
Points +10421
Amazing Thai restaurant :) - Edit
Everything taste so super yummy😄from the music to the meal everything is soooooooo good ขอบคุณ
Read moreGuest
Sylvain
Points +468
Brilliant - Edit
I had a Tom Saap soup and Laab Pak, both were perfectly (very) spicy, made with fresh vegetables and mushroom. I highly recommend this place.
Read morePros: Soup, Curries, Laab Pak
Guest
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