Elmhurst · Thai · Isan
Isan cooking from northeastern Thailand in Elmhurst — sour, funky, and genuinely spicy
Zaab Zaab does the food of Isan, the northeastern region of Thailand, and does not soften it: papaya salad with fermented fish and salted crab, larb built on toasted rice powder and enough chili to be a genuine commitment, grilled meats served with sticky rice and a raw vegetable plate. It is sour, funky, and hot in a way that the standard American Thai menu never approaches. The Elmhurst room is bright and always full, and the New York Times ranked it near the top of its list of the city's best restaurants. Order the sticky rice and pace yourself.
Zaab Zaab is isan cooking from northeastern Thailand in Elmhurst — sour, funky, and genuinely spicy. Regulars order larb and som tum with salted crab.
Zaab Zaab is priced at $$ — approx. $20–$40 per person.
Zaab Zaab does not list an online reservation system. Reservations recommended; weekend waits are long
Zaab Zaab is at 76-04 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, in Elmhurst. Street parking on Woodside Ave
Zaab Zaab is open Mon–Fri 11:30 AM–3:30 PM & 4:30 PM–11 PM · Sat 9 AM–11 PM · Sun 9 AM–9:30 PM. Hours can change on holidays — confirm on Google Maps before a long drive.