We all met at Sala Thai to celebrate my sister’s birthday; I was also considering it for the Patron program for The Public. We shared everything.

Not going to the Upper West often, I hadn’t realized this was right next door to Mimi Cheng’s, a women-owned dumpling house that’s been on my radar. I’ll have to return.

Our apps included the veggie-filled cold summer rolls ($10 for 6); the chicken and potato-filled curry puffs ($12 for 4), grilled skewers of marinated chicken in a peanut sauce served with grilled brioche ($12 for four skewers) and my favorite, their Pla Muk Tod, crispy coconut fried calamari ($12) with a roasted bell pepper-peanut vinaigrette sauce. I’d also recommend their crispy batter fried soft shell crab with a flavorful mango salad ($15).

Skip the oddly textured grilled scallops ($15) served with a Thai sweet and spicy sauce. But do try the Ped Lag Prig ($27), crispy duck breast with steamed asparagus, bok choy with sweet and spicy tamarind sauce. We also liked their pad see ew, the broad noodles with chicken and Chinese broccoli and egg with thick soy ($15) and the basil fried rice with chicken with jasmine rice that had a hidden spice kick.

By the way, this restaurant implements a 90-minute table time. If you’re in the area, stop by but don’t go out of your way to dine there.

Sala Thai
Upper West Side
307 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10023
(212) 433-3999
salathainyc.com/