Introduction
Saranrom Thai opened in 2020 at 8110 Broadway in Elmhurst and, within a year, landed a Michelin Bib Gourmand as one of the first seven Queens restaurants ever to earn the distinction. The kitchen cooks the way Thai grandmothers, night-market vendors and family kitchens do, pulling from every region of the country rather than one.
Walk in around dinnertime and the first thing you notice is the smell of fish sauce caramelizing and chilis hitting hot oil. Chef Nueng grew up in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok's original market district, and the menu reads like a tour of what he ate there, from shrimp-paste fried rice to a fluffy fried catfish salad that regulars order on every visit.
This guide covers what you need to plan a meal: the full menu with prices, opening hours, how to order takeout or delivery, what guests say in their reviews, and how to get to the restaurant from around Queens.
General Information About Saranrom Thai
The name Saranrom is a Thai word for being cool, happy and joyful, and it also belongs to a historic royal garden in Bangkok. The owners describe the goal as eating the way you would at a friend's house in Thailand, with dishes served family style and meant to be shared. The cooking leans herb-forward, with fresh basil, kaffir lime leaf, green peppercorn and lemongrass doing as much work as the chilis.
The room is small and railroad style, lined with wall-to-wall wood paneling, and the staff will ask whether you want your dishes coursed out or brought together. Saranrom sits on the Broadway stretch that locals call Little Bangkok, and it fills up quickly on weekend evenings, so reservations by phone are a good idea for groups. Walk-ins are welcome, and there is a handful of outdoor seats in warmer months.
Saranrom Thai holds a 4.8 out of 5 on Google across roughly 1,360 reviews, has drawn more than 440 Yelp reviews and 1,600 photos, and earned an 8.7 out of 10 from The Infatuation, which called it one of the best Thai meals in New York. Most entrees run $15.95 to $17.95, whole-duck plates are $26.95, and a typical dinner with an appetizer and a drink lands around $20 to $30 per person.
- Address
- 8110 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373
- Phone number
- (347) 808-0545
- Online ordering
- Pickup by phone, or delivery through Grubhub and Seamless
- Google rating
- ★★★★★ 4.8 out of 5, about 1,360 reviews
- Opening hours
-
- Monday11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Google Maps
- Open in Google Maps
- Services
- Dine in, takeout, delivery, reservations by phone, outdoor seating, credit cards accepted, wheelchair accessible entrance and dining room
- Price range
- $20 to $30 per person
- Parking
- Metered street parking on Broadway, municipal lots nearby in Elmhurst
Saranrom Thai Photos and Reviews
Guests come back to the same handful of plates. The crispy shredded catfish with spicy mango salad and the pineapple crispy duck curry are named over and over in Google reviews as the reason to visit, and the Infatuation called the Yum Pla Duk Fu the best thing on the menu. Reviewers also single out the shrimp-paste fried rice and the basil-sauce minced beef as must-try dishes.
The second thing people praise is how the flavors land. Reviews describe the cooking as herb-packed and highly seasoned rather than simply hot, with fresh basil, lime leaf and fish sauce coming through clearly. Several guests who have traveled in Thailand write that the food tastes exactly like what they ate at street stalls in Bangkok, and the Michelin Guide's inspectors describe the dishes as notably appetizing.
Service gets consistent mentions for being welcoming and attentive, with seating, water and food arriving promptly. The wood-paneled room is cozy and intimate, and the family-style portions are generous, with the half-duck plates easily shared between two people. On Yelp the restaurant has collected more than 440 reviews and 1,600 guest photos.
What guests are saying
"Small spot, huge flavor. Reminded me exactly of the street food I had in Bangkok."
"The Basil Duck was very crispy, really good flavor, sauce was flavorful with a bit of spice."
Frequently Asked Questions
First-time visitors tend to want the same practical details settled before they head to Broadway: what to order, when the restaurant is open, whether it delivers, and how much to budget. The answers below come from the restaurant's own site and current listings.
What is Saranrom Thai known for?
Saranrom Thai is known for regional Thai street food and a Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded in 2021. Its most-ordered dish is Yum Pla Duk Fu, crispy shredded catfish with mango salad at $16.95, followed by the Pineapple Curry Duck at $26.95 and Kee Mao Thai drunken noodles.
What are the hours at Saranrom Thai?
Saranrom Thai is open every day of the week from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, including weekends and most holidays. The restaurant recommends calling (347) 808-0545 to confirm hours on major holidays.
Does Saranrom Thai offer delivery and takeout?
Yes. Takeout can be ordered by phone at (347) 808-0545 for pickup, and delivery is available through Grubhub and Seamless. Delivery app prices run slightly higher than the in-house menu.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. Most curries, fried rice and noodle dishes can be made with tofu and vegetables instead of meat, starting at $15.95, and Fried Tofu, Thai Spring Rolls and Mixed Vegetables are on the menu. Tell your server about dietary needs, since the kitchen regularly uses shellfish, peanuts and fish sauce.
How much does a meal cost?
Plan on about $20 to $30 per person. Small plates run $7.95 to $14.95, most noodles, fried rice and curries are $15.95 to $17.95, whole-duck plates are $26.95, and lunch specials are $14.95 with a free spring roll or fried egg.
Does the restaurant take reservations?
Yes, reservations are accepted by phone at (347) 808-0545. Walk-ins are also welcome, and larger groups are encouraged to call ahead during peak dinner hours because the dining room is small.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday lunch is the most relaxed time to visit, and it is when the $14.95 lunch specials are offered. For dinner on Friday or Saturday, reserve by phone or arrive early in the evening to get seated quickly.
Location and Directions
Saranrom Thai is at 8110 Broadway in Elmhurst, on the busy stretch of Thai restaurants and groceries known as Little Bangkok. It is an easy trip from Jackson Heights, Woodside, Corona, Rego Park and Forest Hills, and the M and R trains run along Broadway through the neighborhood. Metered street parking is available on Broadway, with municipal lots nearby.