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gluten-free person's dream. I believe everything on the menu was gluten-free except for maybe one or two items. The staff was amazing answered all of our questions offered many recommendations and was very prompt when our drinks were empty. Our next course was coming out, etc. the building was absolutely beautiful open kitchen and beautiful lamps covered in what looked like to be notes from customers or family or something just very unique and beautiful. Now to the food, I could have eaten the dumplings and the shaved ice only and Ben 100% pleased with my meal. This were probably my two favorite things on the menu. We had a couple of other appetizers and then we split a main course I was expecting the fried rice cakes to taste a little bit differently. I wasn't 100% impressed with those. Everything else was delicious. Spice was great and variety was amazing. Can't wait to come back.
Rounded up a 2.5, visited in a Saturday afternoon. Started with the shaw muang, I didn't care for the texture on the inside and the flavor muddlefld - nothing stood out but they were beautiful to look at. Gaeng pae, lamb/goat curry wasn't my favorite but the coconut tumeric rice was good. Had the goong on woonsen, baked shrimp with glass noodles - the shrimp was cooked well however everything else just tasted like lots of peppercorn. Had the local mushrooms on the side, I definitely liked the variety. Everything was WAY spicier than I thought it was going to be! Heat is definitely dialed up. The inside was beautiful, service was almost too attentive? Water glasses filled after 1 sip taken. Unfortunately, I won't be back, interesting menu but everything almost tasted more Indian than Thai to me and I didn't have any bites that would bring me back.
What a beautiful place to gather with friends or family for a meal, or even a delightful solo dinner. My friends and I experienced the tasting menu and I have plenty of things to note. I really liked the eggplant dish, it was light and refreshing with a hint of citrus. The tumeric rice was rich with a nice base flavor. The chilli almond was quite strong and forward, however it was quite chalky in flavor, I do not think it added anything by substantial to the tasting experience. The tofu dish was colorful, quite starchy, a different approach in tofu. I was impressed in technique of the tofu preparation to be similar in texture to meat, but firmer not a squishy tofu. The jasmine rice was lovely, it could have been a larger portion of rice to share in the table for the dishes. Thai tea tiramisu must be my favorite! What a zesty approach to dessert! Overall, from a vegetarian/vegan point of view, there is a lot more potential for this menu. Given a $85 tasting menu and out of 5 items, only 1 is vegetarian/vegan or likewise out of 6 items, only 1 is vegetarian/vegan, the stakes are high. Otherwise, I would recommend the chef to reexamine the history of vegan Thai Buddhists and bring that culinary experience across the ocean into the Philadelphia dining experience.The staff were welcoming, patient, and kind, they were helpful in creating an engaging dining experience for us.
This place 100% deserves the hype. I can't even articulate how amazing the staff are, and somehow, the food is even better. I'm not fully sure what was even ordered, but every single bite was incredible. Also, the restaurants interior is gorg. It's like you've stepped out of philly and into the jungle.
When I went here I didn't expect the food to be this good! Every dish had unique flavors and textures! I got the Jui Guay (amazing chewy texture and the mushroom + sauce combo is chefs kiss), Prik king Jae, and lastly the Pad Med Mamung- another must try (the cashew nuts were everything!). For drinks I got the Thai iced Tea and Lychee Negroni. Both were a hit. Overall I was very satisfied with the food. I will definitely go back here for any special event because the restaurant is gorgeous and the service was very professional and upscale. This was definitely an elevated Thai restaurant experience, you don't wanna miss out!
Kalaya is the most incredible Thai restaurant on the east coast! It's no secret that they're highly acclaimed with tons of awards, and just recently received the Outstanding Restaurant award by James Beard! I've visited 3 times now and each time was amazing. The food reminds me of my childhood of my grandma's cooking. Everything is beautifully presented, so flavorful, and spicy dishes are actually spicy! The cocktails and dessert are always so well done. The service is great. Everyone I've encountered has been knowledgeable and offered great recommendations depending on our preferences. The ambiance is casual but vibrant in what looks like a former warehouse of some sort. Its industrial meets modern Thai with lots of plants throughout the space to give it warmth and color. Since this restaurant is in fishtown, street parking is tricky but there is a paid lot 4 blocks away. The ground chicken flower dumplings were beautiful and tasty. I prefer the bird shaped ones with the preserved cod since the dumpling is smooth with a uniform texture. The grilled oysters were outstanding. I loved the spicy sauce and the fried garlic on top. My husband and I agreed that they have the best yellow curry we've ever had. It's powerful and served with turmeric rice that balances the flavors so perfectly. The river prawn was umami heaven and so buttery. To drink I had the pandan daiquiri which was incredibly delicious! It was the perfect frozen summer cocktail. I can't wait to go back!
One of our favorite spots! We did the Taste of Kalaya menu with a group and we were not disappointed - everything was delicious. For those with a lower spice tolerance, it might not be a bad idea to ask about spice levels of certain dishes if there are concerns. The interior of the restaurant is nice and service was great. The various shaved ice desserts were a great way to top it all off! Will definitely be back.
I came here while on a food tour in Philadelphia/New Jersey. Food: 6.4/10 - I was very excited to come here, but frankly I didn't love my appetizers/entrees. The Thai shots were really good though. I also didn't like how my rice was served in a bag Service: 6/10 - I waited for 15 minutes after the other member of my party's food had arrived to get my entree. We did get seated on time though and the waiter was great at answering our questions. Ambiance: 8.3/10 - The venue is very cute and I love the busyness of the restaurant.
What an absolutely amazing experience. Knowing how popular this restaurant is, I made reservations a few weeks in advance. We arrived early and were quickly shown to our seats. We both saw the 'Taste of Kalaya' which goes for $85 per person. It comes with a few sharable appetizers, an entree and dessert served family style. Starting off with their Shaw Muang which are flower shaped dumplings with ground chicken, cucumber and a Thai chili, these were phenomenal. Simple, but beautifully presented. The fact these bite-sized dumplings were packed full of flavor and texture were extraordinary. Next were the Gui Chai which are crispy garlic chive rice cakes with a spicy sweet soy sauce. These were also tasty, but I would have preferred a thicker accompanying sauce that coats the rice cake after each dip, rather running right off it. We were also able to choose an extra appetizer, which we opted in for Plah Hoy Namg Rom which are grilled oysters with a chili jam, crispy shallot, lemongrass and herbs. These looked beautiful, but I felt the flavours overpowered the natural taste of the oyster. For mains, we opted in for the Goong Thod Kluae which is their wok-fried river prawn in brown butter w. shrimp paste and seafood nam jim, Gaeng Pae which is a goat and lamb curry with their own spice blend and toasted coconut, and Gai Yaang Naa Por (add-on, extra charge) which is charcoal grilled chicken glazed with coconut cream, turmeric, dark soy and fish sauce. The river prawn was phenomenal. The fact this was the size of a lobster was a huge wow-factor. It's served tableside where the head butter is first removed, then the succulent meat, and finally topped with the head butter. Presentation-wise, not that prettiest thing, but the flavours were incredible. Perhaps as the server is dissecting the river prawn, they could move it onto a clean plate with garnishes to make it look more presentable. Nevertheless, this is one of the best dishes I've had anywhere. The goat and lamb curry was slightly disappointing. We found it to be overly spicy where we couldn't taste the goat and/or lamb in the dish. We're not shy when it comes to spicy food, but this set our mouths ablaze and it was difficult to take 2nd and 3rd bites from this particular dish. For the charcoal grilled chicken was decent. I found parts of the dish to be on the dry side and other parts to be tender and juicy. I didn't necessarily taste the coconut cream or turmeric, but it was a decent dish. For sides, we opted in for the Yum Makhua Yao which is marinated eggplant w. mint, galangal, fried shallots and prik nam pla, and the Moo Tod Nam Pla which is crispy pork belly w. fish sauce. The eggplant was a nice side dish to take a break from the main courses and the crispy pork belly was nice as well. Crispy, not overly fatty or oily, and would have preferred that as a main over the goat and lamb curry. For dessert, we saw a couple of our favourites but with a twist. We opted in for their Durian Sticky Rice (Great spin on a traditional mango sticky rice) and their Thai tea tiramisu (a spin on your traditional tiramisu which comes with coffee-soaked ladyfingers). The durian sticky rice was out of this world. Durian in place of mango was brilliant. Perfectly ripe, soft and was a breathtaking dessert. As for the tiramisu, this was fantastic as well. The Thai tea flavour didn't shine through as much as I would have liked, but overall, excellent. It's worth noting, the service at this restaurant is impeccable. Probably one of the best hospitalities I've received anywhere. The servers reset your table in between courses by wiping it off and everyone was professional, knowledgeable and kind. Overall, I can see why this is listed on the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. coming in at #11 according to 'theworlds50best'. The quality of food, the service, atmosphere is top notch.
Visiting Philly, we decided to give Kalaya a try. My friend booked us a reservation in advance because we knew they'd be busy. We went on Sunday of Labor Day, and they had a surprising amount of open tables. I got the Thai tea to drink, it was sweet and creamy. We decided to order the kanom jeeb nok (the bird shaped dumplings) to start. They were delicious and had a little kick of spice. We then shared the sai ua (sausage). I liked that it came with a bunch of items to put with it. Then for my entree, I got the yellow curry. I was not prepared for how incredibly spicy it was. I like spicy but it was so spicy, I couldn't taste any flavor besides spice. For dessert, we got the Thai tea tiramisu, which was good but it lacked some flavor. I will say for service, our service was so slow. My friend and I commented a few times to each other, wow this service is painfully slow. The table beside us had better service than we did, our waiter just rarely visited our table. Also, the food was good, but for the price the portion sizes were small. I'm glad we tried it but if I was in Philly again, I wouldn't go back.
Back again for another perfect Thai meal! Everything was FANTASTIC! Some of the dishes were spicy, but nothing as crazy hot as that yellow curry I had the first time. Not to mention, many of the cooling dishes did their jobs in mitigating the heat. The super-friendly and informative wait staff was careful to make sure that members of our party with food allergies were safe from shellfish. And Chef Nok stopped by our table to say hello!
Came to here to meet up with friends who are parents of a 4 month old. The manager noticed we were being seated in a smaller booth which would have left the parents cramped with the carseat so she immediately had the staff relocate us. The bigger booth was so much more comfortable; it definitely enhanced our experience. The waiters were also wonderful with checking in on us throughout the meal but not trying to rush us out the door. We got 3 entrees + 1 side: - pla nung manao (branzino) - tumis pla (fish curry) - gai yang naa por (half chicken) - yum makhua yao (eggplant) My favorite was the tumis pla and I was sad we didn't have leftovers to take home. The eggplant (I'm not always the biggest fan) was delicious - great texture and complexity of flavor. The food is a bit pricey (portions are quite small) but it all tastes delicious. We shared this among 4 adults and I left satisfied.
Kalaya has a beautiful atmosphere with lush greenery, warm lighting, and a vibrant energy that makes the dining experience feel special. The service was attentive, and every dish was beautifully presented. We ordered the grilled prawns, goat curry with turmeric rice, crispy rice cakes, and the signature purple dumplings. The prawns were fresh and flavorful, the goat curry was rich and tender, and the rice cakes and dumplings were both unique and delicious. My only downside is the value. The portions were on the smaller side, especially considering the price, so it didn't feel like the best value for the cost. That said, the quality of the food and the ambiance made it an enjoyable experience. Overall, I'd recommend Kalaya if you're looking for creative, authentic Thai cuisine and a great atmosphere--just be prepared for smaller portions and higher prices. I'd definitely come back to try more dishes.
Hype is warranted. I booked ahead for to celebrate my birthday on a Saturday night, and opted for the bar because I wanted to do à la carte (tasting menu is required at the tables on weekends). I tried: + Thai iced tea + kanom jeeb nok - bird dumplings + yum nam khao tod - crispy rice salad + kalum tod nam pla - cabbage side + lohn tai pla - coconut milk and ground pork gravy with fresh turmeric root, galangal, and lime leaf, served with nam pla kai tom, crudité and jasmine rice + pla nung manao - steamed whole branzino + Passionfruit coconut shaved ice Wow, pretty much all bangers. Top highlights were the yum nam khao tod, lohn tai pla, pla nung manao and shaved ice. So good!! read more
great restaurant ambiance and good service. loved the vibes and decor of the interior and the server was attentive, changed out our plates after the appetizer (which honestly wasn't super necessary they were not dirty at all lol) and checked in with us throughout the meal. in terms of the food i would say i had really high expectations and unfortunately they weren't met. the thai soda was nothing special it tasted like any store bought tropical flavored juice with a slight carbonation. i was expecting something more a more unique flavor profile. the chicken dumplings appetizer was a good bite but they were SO TINY. i will say the flavor was strong and you can taste all the different spices in the dumpling and the cucumber does a good job balancing out the intensity of the spices. will prob not get again tho idk if it was worth entrees were much better imo. the beef curry was quite salty and sweet but it works well with the jasmine rice. the crab curry also had a good amount of crab meat in it, not overly spicy, and good flavors overall. the flavors of both curry were quite strong so it was nice that the jasmine rice was unlimited. portions were still quite small tho we also got the gui chai. as someone that usually dont like chives that much, i enjoyed it especially in terms of the texture. it was a mochi like texture and crunchy on the outside. the sauce also complemented the dish rly well. overall i would say the dining experience was nice but idk if the food was exactly up my valley and considering the price i prob wont go again. read more
The menu offers a wide variety of unique, Thai-inspired dishes, with portions that are generously American sized. Unfortunately, my experience with the service was mixed, and at times the staff came across as patronizing and difficult to work with. As a walkin, I was able to get a table without a reservation. I asked the waiter to tell me more about the restaurant and the menu, but rather than offering any additional explanation or recommendations, he essentially read the menu flyer to me. I found this unhelpful and somewhat dismissive. After my meal, I completed the receipt and was preparing to leave. Before I had gotten up from the table, the bartender approached to collect the receipt and asked me to physically move so they could retrieve it. I found the interaction unnecessarily aggressive and uncomfortable. After taking the receipt, they did not speak to me or clear the table while I was still there. Despite the experience, I left a 20% tip. The host, however, was warm and welcoming when I left, so my impression is that the quality of service may vary depending on who you interact with. More generally, I would expect staff to allow guests to finish their visit before insisting on collecting a completed bill and receipt. As a person of color, the interactions I experienced also left me questioning whether I would feel comfortable returning on my own. I would hope the restaurant takes feedback like this seriously, because the food and menu concept are interesting, but the service experience could be improved. read more
13 days ago
gluten-free person's dream. I believe everything on the menu was gluten-free except for maybe one or two items. The staff was amazing answered all of our questions offered many recommendations and was very prompt when our drinks were empty. Our next course was coming out, etc. the building was absolutely beautiful open kitchen and beautiful lamps covered in what looked like to be notes from customers or family or something just very unique and beautiful. Now to the food, I could have eaten the dumplings and the shaved ice only and Ben 100% pleased with my meal. This were probably my two favorite things on the menu. We had a couple of other appetizers and then we split a main course I was expecting the fried rice cakes to taste a little bit differently. I wasn't 100% impressed with those. Everything else was delicious. Spice was great and variety was amazing. Can't wait to come back. read more
Rounded up a 2.5, visited in a Saturday afternoon. Started with the shaw muang, I didn't care for the texture on the inside and the flavor muddlefld - nothing stood out but they were beautiful to look at. Gaeng pae, lamb/goat curry wasn't my favorite but the coconut tumeric rice was good. Had the goong on woonsen, baked shrimp with glass noodles - the shrimp was cooked well however everything else just tasted like lots of peppercorn. Had the local mushrooms on the side, I definitely liked the variety. Everything was WAY spicier than I thought it was going to be! Heat is definitely dialed up. The inside was beautiful, service was almost too attentive? Water glasses filled after 1 sip taken. Unfortunately, I won't be back, interesting menu but everything almost tasted more Indian than Thai to me and I didn't have any bites that would bring me back. read more
What a beautiful place to gather with friends or family for a meal, or even a delightful solo dinner. My friends and I experienced the tasting menu and I have plenty of things to note. I really liked the eggplant dish, it was light and refreshing with a hint of citrus. The tumeric rice was rich with a nice base flavor. The chilli almond was quite strong and forward, however it was quite chalky in flavor, I do not think it added anything by substantial to the tasting experience. The tofu dish was colorful, quite starchy, a different approach in tofu. I was impressed in technique of the tofu preparation to be similar in texture to meat, but firmer not a squishy tofu. The jasmine rice was lovely, it could have been a larger portion of rice to share in the table for the dishes. Thai tea tiramisu must be my favorite! What a zesty approach to dessert! Overall, from a vegetarian/vegan point of view, there is a lot more potential for this menu. Given a $85 tasting menu and out of 5 items, only 1 is vegetarian/vegan or likewise out of 6 items, only 1 is vegetarian/vegan, the stakes are high. Otherwise, I would recommend the chef to reexamine the history of vegan Thai Buddhists and bring that culinary experience across the ocean into the Philadelphia dining experience.The staff were welcoming, patient, and kind, they were helpful in creating an engaging dining experience for us. read more
This place 100% deserves the hype. I can't even articulate how amazing the staff are, and somehow, the food is even better. I'm not fully sure what was even ordered, but every single bite was incredible. Also, the restaurants interior is gorg. It's like you've stepped out of philly and into the jungle. read more
2 months ago
When I went here I didn't expect the food to be this good! Every dish had unique flavors and textures! I got the Jui Guay (amazing chewy texture and the mushroom + sauce combo is chefs kiss), Prik king Jae, and lastly the Pad Med Mamung- another must try (the cashew nuts were everything!). For drinks I got the Thai iced Tea and Lychee Negroni. Both were a hit. Overall I was very satisfied with the food. I will definitely go back here for any special event because the restaurant is gorgeous and the service was very professional and upscale. This was definitely an elevated Thai restaurant experience, you don't wanna miss out! read more
Kalaya is the most incredible Thai restaurant on the east coast! It's no secret that they're highly acclaimed with tons of awards, and just recently received the Outstanding Restaurant award by James Beard! I've visited 3 times now and each time was amazing. The food reminds me of my childhood of my grandma's cooking. Everything is beautifully presented, so flavorful, and spicy dishes are actually spicy! The cocktails and dessert are always so well done. The service is great. Everyone I've encountered has been knowledgeable and offered great recommendations depending on our preferences. The ambiance is casual but vibrant in what looks like a former warehouse of some sort. Its industrial meets modern Thai with lots of plants throughout the space to give it warmth and color. Since this restaurant is in fishtown, street parking is tricky but there is a paid lot 4 blocks away. The ground chicken flower dumplings were beautiful and tasty. I prefer the bird shaped ones with the preserved cod since the dumpling is smooth with a uniform texture. The grilled oysters were outstanding. I loved the spicy sauce and the fried garlic on top. My husband and I agreed that they have the best yellow curry we've ever had. It's powerful and served with turmeric rice that balances the flavors so perfectly. The river prawn was umami heaven and so buttery. To drink I had the pandan daiquiri which was incredibly delicious! It was the perfect frozen summer cocktail. I can't wait to go back! read more
One of our favorite spots! We did the Taste of Kalaya menu with a group and we were not disappointed - everything was delicious. For those with a lower spice tolerance, it might not be a bad idea to ask about spice levels of certain dishes if there are concerns. The interior of the restaurant is nice and service was great. The various shaved ice desserts were a great way to top it all off! Will definitely be back. read more
I came here while on a food tour in Philadelphia/New Jersey. Food: 6.4/10 - I was very excited to come here, but frankly I didn't love my appetizers/entrees. The Thai shots were really good though. I also didn't like how my rice was served in a bag Service: 6/10 - I waited for 15 minutes after the other member of my party's food had arrived to get my entree. We did get seated on time though and the waiter was great at answering our questions. Ambiance: 8.3/10 - The venue is very cute and I love the busyness of the restaurant. read more
What an absolutely amazing experience. Knowing how popular this restaurant is, I made reservations a few weeks in advance. We arrived early and were quickly shown to our seats. We both saw the 'Taste of Kalaya' which goes for $85 per person. It comes with a few sharable appetizers, an entree and dessert served family style. Starting off with their Shaw Muang which are flower shaped dumplings with ground chicken, cucumber and a Thai chili, these were phenomenal. Simple, but beautifully presented. The fact these bite-sized dumplings were packed full of flavor and texture were extraordinary. Next were the Gui Chai which are crispy garlic chive rice cakes with a spicy sweet soy sauce. These were also tasty, but I would have preferred a thicker accompanying sauce that coats the rice cake after each dip, rather running right off it. We were also able to choose an extra appetizer, which we opted in for Plah Hoy Namg Rom which are grilled oysters with a chili jam, crispy shallot, lemongrass and herbs. These looked beautiful, but I felt the flavours overpowered the natural taste of the oyster. For mains, we opted in for the Goong Thod Kluae which is their wok-fried river prawn in brown butter w. shrimp paste and seafood nam jim, Gaeng Pae which is a goat and lamb curry with their own spice blend and toasted coconut, and Gai Yaang Naa Por (add-on, extra charge) which is charcoal grilled chicken glazed with coconut cream, turmeric, dark soy and fish sauce. The river prawn was phenomenal. The fact this was the size of a lobster was a huge wow-factor. It's served tableside where the head butter is first removed, then the succulent meat, and finally topped with the head butter. Presentation-wise, not that prettiest thing, but the flavours were incredible. Perhaps as the server is dissecting the river prawn, they could move it onto a clean plate with garnishes to make it look more presentable. Nevertheless, this is one of the best dishes I've had anywhere. The goat and lamb curry was slightly disappointing. We found it to be overly spicy where we couldn't taste the goat and/or lamb in the dish. We're not shy when it comes to spicy food, but this set our mouths ablaze and it was difficult to take 2nd and 3rd bites from this particular dish. For the charcoal grilled chicken was decent. I found parts of the dish to be on the dry side and other parts to be tender and juicy. I didn't necessarily taste the coconut cream or turmeric, but it was a decent dish. For sides, we opted in for the Yum Makhua Yao which is marinated eggplant w. mint, galangal, fried shallots and prik nam pla, and the Moo Tod Nam Pla which is crispy pork belly w. fish sauce. The eggplant was a nice side dish to take a break from the main courses and the crispy pork belly was nice as well. Crispy, not overly fatty or oily, and would have preferred that as a main over the goat and lamb curry. For dessert, we saw a couple of our favourites but with a twist. We opted in for their Durian Sticky Rice (Great spin on a traditional mango sticky rice) and their Thai tea tiramisu (a spin on your traditional tiramisu which comes with coffee-soaked ladyfingers). The durian sticky rice was out of this world. Durian in place of mango was brilliant. Perfectly ripe, soft and was a breathtaking dessert. As for the tiramisu, this was fantastic as well. The Thai tea flavour didn't shine through as much as I would have liked, but overall, excellent. It's worth noting, the service at this restaurant is impeccable. Probably one of the best hospitalities I've received anywhere. The servers reset your table in between courses by wiping it off and everyone was professional, knowledgeable and kind. Overall, I can see why this is listed on the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. coming in at #11 according to 'theworlds50best'. The quality of food, the service, atmosphere is top notch. read more
Visiting Philly, we decided to give Kalaya a try. My friend booked us a reservation in advance because we knew they'd be busy. We went on Sunday of Labor Day, and they had a surprising amount of open tables. I got the Thai tea to drink, it was sweet and creamy. We decided to order the kanom jeeb nok (the bird shaped dumplings) to start. They were delicious and had a little kick of spice. We then shared the sai ua (sausage). I liked that it came with a bunch of items to put with it. Then for my entree, I got the yellow curry. I was not prepared for how incredibly spicy it was. I like spicy but it was so spicy, I couldn't taste any flavor besides spice. For dessert, we got the Thai tea tiramisu, which was good but it lacked some flavor. I will say for service, our service was so slow. My friend and I commented a few times to each other, wow this service is painfully slow. The table beside us had better service than we did, our waiter just rarely visited our table. Also, the food was good, but for the price the portion sizes were small. I'm glad we tried it but if I was in Philly again, I wouldn't go back. read more
Back again for another perfect Thai meal! Everything was FANTASTIC! Some of the dishes were spicy, but nothing as crazy hot as that yellow curry I had the first time. Not to mention, many of the cooling dishes did their jobs in mitigating the heat. The super-friendly and informative wait staff was careful to make sure that members of our party with food allergies were safe from shellfish. And Chef Nok stopped by our table to say hello! read more
Came to here to meet up with friends who are parents of a 4 month old. The manager noticed we were being seated in a smaller booth which would have left the parents cramped with the carseat so she immediately had the staff relocate us. The bigger booth was so much more comfortable; it definitely enhanced our experience. The waiters were also wonderful with checking in on us throughout the meal but not trying to rush us out the door. We got 3 entrees + 1 side: - pla nung manao (branzino) - tumis pla (fish curry) - gai yang naa por (half chicken) - yum makhua yao (eggplant) My favorite was the tumis pla and I was sad we didn't have leftovers to take home. The eggplant (I'm not always the biggest fan) was delicious - great texture and complexity of flavor. The food is a bit pricey (portions are quite small) but it all tastes delicious. We shared this among 4 adults and I left satisfied. read more
Kalaya has a beautiful atmosphere with lush greenery, warm lighting, and a vibrant energy that makes the dining experience feel special. The service was attentive, and every dish was beautifully presented. We ordered the grilled prawns, goat curry with turmeric rice, crispy rice cakes, and the signature purple dumplings. The prawns were fresh and flavorful, the goat curry was rich and tender, and the rice cakes and dumplings were both unique and delicious. My only downside is the value. The portions were on the smaller side, especially considering the price, so it didn't feel like the best value for the cost. That said, the quality of the food and the ambiance made it an enjoyable experience. Overall, I'd recommend Kalaya if you're looking for creative, authentic Thai cuisine and a great atmosphere--just be prepared for smaller portions and higher prices. I'd definitely come back to try more dishes. read more
I loved going to this restaurant, blew my mind and expectations! The experience was excellent, the staff is very knowledgeable about the menu and options. So if you go in without knowing what to eat, they are very helpful! The ambiance was very pleasant and elevated. The food was amazing, she had the lamb curry (bit spicy), charcoal chicken entree, and the pork sausage for appetizer. All of these are delicious options. read more
6 months ago
Came for a birthday celebration. One of the few nicer places on my short list of restaurants with reservations available, so I decided to go for it. Service was excellent! Our staff were always looking out for us, and making suggestions and recommendations throughout our entire meal, and even helping us with some tips to better enjoy our meal (they saw me sweating in response to the Thai spice). Definitely made this a top-notch experience. Ambience here is great! Love places with *real* greenery indoors and a lot of natural light, like this place, and seats and tables were spread out sufficiently such that there was a nice background chatter without feel too infringed upon by other conversations. We ordered a good variety to share. The spare ribs and the glass noodles dishes were amazing! Everything came out as ready, but it was on a good cadence such that we were enjoying things as they were ready, hot and fresh. I'm no expert on legitimacy of flavors and dishes, but honestly this feels like the most legit stuff I've had in the Thai wheelhouse in a while. To boot, even though we said no to dessert because we had other plans, they came with a candle on a plate to still share birthday wishes. A nice touch! Definitely a fancy occasion kind of place in my books, but I'd definitely make a return trip on another occasion! read more
Out-of-towner - took a group of 8 of us to Kalaya tonight, after wanting to try to get there the last couple of years. Absolutely did not disappoint! Interirior is lightly dimmed, beautifully spacious with ample room at the tables for family-style dining. Friday nights + big party pushes you right into their tasting menu which actually gives you quite a few options to customize. Love Thai but have limited exposure to a larger spread so the staff here are awesome at helping you through selecting options. Chose fried squid, massaman beef curry, yellow chicken curry, stir fried mushrooms, crispy pork belly, river prawns, colossal crab stir fry, Thai tea tiramisu and shaved ice. Fantastically fresh and clean dishes, with table-side service of the prawns. Parking in the area is very dense on a Friday night at least, with a few pay lots a few minutes walk away, or play for the devil for a street opening! read more
Delicious food at a gorgeous restaurant. Service is unnecessarily pretentious and put off bc we didn't want to do a bunch of shared plates. I get that it's the intention of the restaurant but not a big deal if we want separate dishes from our group. Food is amazing though! read more
4 months ago
1 month ago
I've heard so many good things about Kalaya and finally was able to come here to celebrate a birthday recently. The restaurant is beautiful and very spacious, and service was impeccable. For our large party, we had to go with the tasting menu. Every dish was packed with flavor and many of them were spicy. While I enjoyed almost everything we ordered, my personal favorites were the chive rice cakes, river prawn, and fish curry--all of which were unique and unlike anything I've had anywhere else. The shrimp salad, goat curry, stir fried mushrooms, and grilled skirt steak were good as well but not as memorable. The only items I did not care for much were the pork belly (drier than expected) and flower chicken dumplings (flavor just didn't appeal to me). Initially, the appetizer portions seemed tiny, but with the tasting menu, our entire party was more than satiated with the main dishes and desserts. Overall, everyone had a great experience. Kalaya is truly deserving of its popularity and accolades. read more
7 months ago
Oh my god I dream about that duck salad! Each dish tasted unique in this wonderful Thai restaurant. I went here to celebrate my dear friend, Kayla's, birthday and we had a fantastic time. One of my favorite restaurants in Philly now! It was also a beautiful restaurant. So many plants and great natural lighting. Our server was also very kind and cooperative. We were able to celebrate my friend's birthday very well. read more
Very difficult to find parking spaces around the restaurant. It's quite hard to have a reservation here too, but it's definitely possible. We went with the tasting menu and everything is decent. To my own taste, the whole meal definitely leans more on the salty side, and Kalaya doesn't play when it comes to spice and heat so be prepared. Dark yet nice ambiance, and friendly service. read more
Absolutely lives up to its reputation! We came for weekend lunch and were not disappointed. From the airy but intimate interior, attentive and welcoming service, to dishes that bring fresh flavor bombs and artistry on the plate, Kalaya should be on everyone's Philly list. read more
Visited Kalaya for the first time for dinner in April 2026. Our server encouraged us to order family style (as that's how the menu was designed) but since 1/3 of my group was vegan, we decided to order 1 appetizer, and 2 entrees. The waitress reiterated we should be ordering more but we said we were okay with the portion sizes ordered. The chef came out and asked us about how we ordered. She also reiterated the menu and we ended up ordering an additional app and entree. Needless to say, we had a lot of leftovers. The food was good but I won't be rushing back. read more
Kalaya was an out-of-this-world dining experience in flavor, service, and vibes. Definitely one of the best meals I've had - it won top 50 in the U.S. for a reason! Walking in, the indoor greenery and sunroof windows make it seem like a lush sanctuary in the dead of winter (when I visited, there was solid ice all over the streets). The bar is beautiful and the open kitchen really adds to the ambiance. Service is incredibly attentive and kind! Khao niaw na goong - an appetizer that leans more on the sweet side with a savory twist from the prawns. The coconut on top helps bring it all together, loved this dish! Kalum tod nam pla - don't be fooled by the simple cabbage, this seared dish is somehow simultaneously both light and smoky. It was absolutely delish and was perfect between the intense spicy bites. Pla nung manao - STAR dish of the meal! Perfectly spicy and tangy; I didn't even know fish could be this buttery and soft. This had me looking at branzino in a whole new light, I'll be thinking about this dish for a long time. Gaeng pae - be warned, this curry is SO spicy! It was absolutely delicious though, and the sticky coconut rice is the perfect complementary vehicle for each bite. While I'm not a fan of cucumbers, the pickled cucumber that came with this dish almost changed my mind, with a tart spicy kick that paired perfectly. Shaved ice - one of the creamiest smoothest shaved ice bowls I've ever had, and certainly one of the most memorable. The coconut jelly shavings looked like Parmesan at first, giving us quite a surprise, but turned out to be absolutely delicious with the coconut ice, strawberry and pineapple sauces, and the hidden tapioca pearls on the bottom. Also, it was huge! Mine came with a candle for my birthday, which was a nice touch. Overall, Kalaya was an amazing meal that exceeded my already high expectations! I loved every bite and wished I could make my stomach twice the size to keep eating more. Hopefully I'll be able to return in the future! read more
5 months ago
Went to Kalaya in for my partner's birthday and glad I did! I had the gui chai, jui guay, and hed pad kratiam, each dish full of bold, delicious flavors. The gui chai was crispy, the jui guay balanced, and the hed pad kratiam had deep umami. Portions are generous and we decided to go family style. The interior is beautiful, moody yet bright. Even on a weekday around 6, it was packed, so making a reservation is a must! It's lively but intimate, perfect for a date night, girls night, or any special occasion. The service was attentive and helpful. I'd definitely recommend it to any lover of flavor forward food! read more
Yelp Review 2025 #231: Recently dubbed as one of North America's Best Restaurants this year, I was surprised I was able to get a reservation a couple of weeks in advance. The earliest reservation I could get was at 8:30pm which was pretty late for me. However, earlier dinner times became available the day of so I switched my reservation to 6:30pm. I arrived 15 minutes early. And I waited a loooong time to get seated. I watched and heard people with a 6:45pm reservation and 7pm reservation get seated before me! I kept checking with the unfriendly hostess and I kept getting the same response "we're working on getting your table ready." I finally got seated at 6:58pm despite having a 6:30pm reservation. The server, Matthew was super sweet though. He was the best part about Kalaya. He made the best recommendations, super friendly, attentive and helpful. I was watching other servers too and they were all wonderful. After placing my food order, all I had was time to watch and observe. The manager comes out to the front and the hostess miraculously switched her attitude which gave me the ick! The food was also good. Shaw Muang: Five flower-shaped dumplings with ground chicken, cucumber and thai chili. The little sliver of Thai chili packs a lot of heat which is somewhat balanced by the cooling cucumber and slightly sour sauce in the blue-colored dumpling. 5/5 Pu Pad Pong Karee: Colossal crab stir fry with egg, nam prik pao, Chinese celery and crab roe, served with jasmine rice. Generous portions of crab meat. Very tasty without being overly spicy. 5/5 Sua Rong Hai: Grilled skirt steak with nam jim jaew, served with sticky rice and crudité. I tried so hard not to order this because it's my default. But I wanted beef. Tender, flavorful but the portion is rather small. 4/5 Thai Tea Tiramisu: Whipped mascarpone, lime curd, coconut caramel. I saw a lot of people order shaved ice...and my server also recommended it but I've made up my mind on getting Thai tea tiramisu before I even got here. The lime curd and coconut took away from the Thai tea flavor. 3.5/5 I had a view of the kitchen from my table. There are trees in the middle of the restaurant. It's dimly lit which makes for a good option for a nice dinner. Get a better hostess! read more
Such a beautiful place & seems like it's always crowded. Be prepared to spend . My server was great. The one hostess with the glasses was pleasant. The other one--I can't say the same. I just couldn't remember that my reservation was at that crowded bar & was clarifying. No need for trying to flex your nonexistent muscles . The food was good, but my main dish (barramundi fish) was way too spicy --which I wish I'd asked before ordering. The pork belly was on the sweeter side and I enjoyed it. The apps were okay. I'd give this place another chance, but I'm not rushing back. read more
Atmosphere & Service: I was excited to try Kalaya for dinner after hearing so many rave reviews, and it did not disappoint. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable, walking us through the menu and thoughtfully explaining how to build our meal, from appetizers to entrées and sides, to complement the bold flavors and spices best. Food: We started with the Shaw Muang chicken dumplings, and they were AMAZING. I have no idea how so much flavor and spice fit into such a small dumpling, but they absolutely nailed it. This is a must-order! Seriously. For our main dishes, we chose the Gaeng Pae goat and lamb curry, accompanied by the Kalaya spice blend and toasted coconut, served with a side of turmeric rice. We also ordered the Gai Yaang Naa Por charcoal-grilled half chicken, which was generously portioned and more than enough for two people. On our server's recommendation, we added the Kalum Tod Nam Pla cabbage with fish sauce, and it turned out to be the perfect balance to the meal, cutting through the richness and rounding out the flavors nicely. I highly recommend trying out Kalaya. read more
In Short: Really beautiful spot with a very attentive team and lovely flavorful food that packs a punch! Ambiance -- I came here with friends but I think the vibe of the restaurant is perfect for a date night or a special gathering! There is lush greenery all around the restaurant and the lighting incorporates both natural lighting with the big windows and roof skylight and warm mood lighting. Food: The flavors are vibrant, savory, and delicious! Some dishes will definitely pack a punch of authentic level spice so be warned and perhaps ask your server which ones are very spicy if you cannot handle the heat. The shaw muang chicken dumplings were dainty but very complex in flavor. The pla muk thod krueng fried squid was one of our favorites, being crunchy and full of umami flavor. The yum nam khao tod salad will take you on a spicy heat adventure so be warned! We also got the moo tod nam pla pork belly, gaeng gai khao min chicken curry and pu pad pong crab dish. The numeric rice in the chicken curry was delicious and the crab stir fry was a dynamic almost curry like dish which paired excellently with jasmine rice. Service: The team at Kalaya really made our lunch such a wonderful standout experience. Our server (a blonde-brunette long haired man) and the manager (blonde/brunette lovely woman) checked in with us frequently and were incredibly attentive. We also got to talk with them about some of the dishes and the background of Chef Nok which really elevated our meal and made us appreciate it all the more. read more
Beautiful ambiance and presentation. The lum Yong cocktail was absolutely delicious. One of the highlights of the night. The flower shaped chicken dumpling and the cod dumpling shaped like chickens (both are shellfish and peanut free) were beautiful. I will say that they looked better than they tasted. In particular the textures of the fillings for both wet strange. The tofu curry was spicy and flavorful. The mushroom salad was also yummy. The Thai tea tiramisu was also yummy but not what I expected. The service was good. read more
Beautiful, bright, lively space. The chef walked the floor and checked in on every table multiple times while we dined there. Drinks were deliciously tropical but not too sweet. Everything we ate was magnificent! We asked the chef for recommendations but she told us that she doesn't have favorites. I get it! It's all too good to decide. When you're all done, the check comes out as a Thailand Passport, adorable! We packed up our leftovers and got them back to the hotel that night but forgot to put them in the fridge overnight. We were so bummed! We were looking forward to enjoying the leftovers. read more
11 months ago
My girls have taken me here for Mother's Day and it was lovely. Service was great. Drinks were good. Food was decent. My daughters and I all agreed that it reminded us of home-cooked meals with a twist. Location wasn't in the best area of Philly but it's getting better due to gentrification. But anyway, would definitely come back. read more
Everything at Kalaya (kah-lay-YAH) is amazing. Friday and Saturday dining requires you to order the $75/person tasting menu, and this allows you to sample the variety of flavors and dishes Kalaya has to offer. You can't go wrong with any dish, but a spicy curry followed up with a creamy nam kaeng sai (Thai shaved ice) is incredible. Standout dishes are the shaw muang (chicken dumplings), gai yaang naa por (grilled half chicken), and any flavor of shaved ice. Get a reservation one month ahead or be prepared to wait a few hours. The restaurant is spacious and pretty with a few palm trees and plants at the center of the dining room. Kalaya is a perfect restaurant to take a date or celebrate a special occasion as long as attendees are open to spicy food and a variety of Thai flavors. When in doubt, ask your server for suggestions! read more
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More info about Kalaya
Ask the Community - Kalaya
How does the tasting menu work? Their menu says "Choose selections from the main menu based on party size." Does that mean for a party of two we would choose two entrees each? Are the dishes smaller when ordering from the tasting menu?
Can they accommodate a peanut allergy?
Yes, I have one and they let me know which menu items had peanuts in it or not.
Is tasting menu only for large groups or can we do it for a party of 2? I don't see anything about it on the website. Thanks!
I did it with a party of 2 over the summer!
Is there any restriction on bringing children of ~ 2 years?
It is not overtly prohibited. However, both you and your child might better enjoy a meal in a more child-friendly restaurant. Kalaya is crowded, busy, noisey, and serves very spicy food. It is definitely geared toward adults.
Is there parking available on premise?
No. There is no parking for Kalaya, only street parking. This area is super busy. You will have to drive around to get a spot. Good luck!
Do they take walk-ins?
Yes! But it's always packed. Best chance of walking in would be to show up before they open and wait in line for a bar seat. Def shoot for a resy.
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