【ร้านข้าวหนม】Khao Nom in Queens
If you’re craving authentic Thai street food, Khao Nom in Elmhurst, Queens, is a must-visit.
I’ve been here twice — the first time, we went in blind without reading any reviews, just curious to see how it would hit. Spoiler: It was so good that I had to write about it. The second time, we came prepared — tote bag in hand — ready to stock up on their famous Thai desserts after a filling lunch.
There’s something magical about enjoying authentic Thai street food in Queens — one bite and you’re transported straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand.
food highlights
Khao Nom, although the restaurant heavily focuses on Thai desserts, also offers a peek at Thai-style street food. The menu features a diverse selection of dishes, including street food appetizers, BBQs, salads, noodles, rice, and authentic desserts that are not commonly found in other restaurants.
— Small Bites —
Some of the must-try dishes that many people, including myself, enjoy are the Kao Pod Tod (Sweet Corn Fritter) and, of course, the Thai Iced Tea!
— Mains —
When there's a spicy red chili pepper 🌶️ sign on the menu, it's not your average American-Thai restaurant-style kinda spicy — it's an authentic Thai spicy kind of spice! So, I would recommend that if you can't normally handle your spice, go for the mild option because the mild is very spicy!
— Dessert —
For dessert, try the Mango Sticky Rice (my fave) or the Street Fried Yam (you won’t find these on the menu, you’ll have to look at their dessert display). The desserts are on the pricier end, but they’re rich, authentic, and totally shareable — perfect for splitting with friends while tasting a little slice of Thailand.
final thoughts
We walked in and were greeted in Thai, which was definitely a surprise to me in a good way.
The interior was small and cozy, with a mix of Thai decor and a New York industrial vibe.
We couldn't make reservations, so we just walked in. Even at 12:40 PM, there were already a few groups of people sitting inside and eating.
As we looked through the menu, our server offered some recommendations, as the menu was quite different and diverse from other Thai restaurants we had dined at in the city.
When we got our food and started eating, Khao Nom quickly got even busier as more people came in to dine.
After our meal, we decided to try their famous desserts! The menu only displayed a few desserts, but there were many more on the counter that weren't listed. With the server's help, we chose a couple of desserts to take home and enjoyed them. And they were all so good!
know before you go!
BEST TIME TO GO
Weekdays, especially Monday, Thursday, and Friday, are ideal for a less crowded experience.
DIETARY REQUEST
Khao Nom has vegetarian options available.
DRESS CODE
Casual
PRICING
$$
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05102025 12:21 | 02242024 12:43
Last Updated: 07.09.2025
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