Playground Thai Rest. - Jackson Heights

I arrived around 5:20 to check the wait time, and it was fairly empty. After that, I went to get cash. By the time my friend and I returned, it was nearing 6 PM, and we managed to snag the last available table. My friend ordered the small tom yum soup ($8), while I chose the massaman curry with chicken ($16). My friend found the raw cilantro in her soup overwhelming and not to her liking. As for my curry, it wasn’t as sweet as I expected. I requested a mild level of spiciness after reading other reviews mentioning authentic spice levels, and I found it to be just right. However, the curry tasted more like a red curry than a massaman. Considering this place is cash only, the prices are on the higher side. Since they’re similar to those at Thai restaurants in Woodside, I would probably opt for those instead, as they have larger seating and accept cards. On the positive side, the service was outstanding! There were numerous check-backs, everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and our water glasses were constantly refilled. We never felt rushed, and they kept offering to top off our drinks. Overall, the food was quite good, so if you have cash and find yourself nearby, it’s definitely worth a visit!

My boyfriend's favorite Thai restaurant in New York. It's truly authentic, and everything tastes fantastic. My favorite dish is the BBQ pork, which has an amazing aroma. The only downside is that the restaurant is a bit cramped and often crowded.

Savoring well-prepared food goes beyond just enjoying vegetables or shrimp; it's an experience that brings joy because it reflects the passion of the chef who created it. Today, I indulged in such delightful fare, and it brought a sense of happiness to an otherwise lonely and sad day. I've tried tom yum soup at various places in New York, but this spot is undoubtedly the best!

Legit Thai food. One of the best Tom yum soup! Crab fried rice really good. Highly recommend!

Great Thai. Not Amercanized. Well prepared for a reasonable price. Great service. This is our go to place. My favorite restaurant of all time.