Mao Mao

This Thai restaurant in the Broadway, Brooklyn area is truly unique. We stopped in for dinner around 9 PM, and as expected in New York, parking was tricky—we ended up parking about half a mile away and walking.

The ambiance stood out immediately: very dimly lit, almost to the point where you could barely see your food, with low, close-set tables and eclectic décor. A Thai movie was projected on a big screen (without sound), which added to the charm. However, we were seated next to a rack filled with condiments, possibly fish sauce, which gave off a strong odor that was a little distracting.

For appetizers, we tried the steamed dumplings (shumai style), stuffed with chicken and shrimp. They arrived hot, juicy, and perfectly steamed, with a light soy-based dipping sauce—simple but excellent. For my main, I ordered my go-to Thai dish: minced meat with basil, served with rice. The portion was generous enough that I had leftovers for lunch the next day. It was flavorful, though I wished for a bit more chili heat and a stronger punch of basil. A fried egg on top would have been the perfect touch but was missing. My husband chose a soupy noodle dish with a curry-like broth and chicken. The broth was mild but aromatic, the chicken tender, and the fried noodles added nice texture. The menu itself was fairly small but thoughtfully curated, with some interesting options like Wagyu beef.

Overall, despite the very dim lighting and the occasional strong condiment smell, the food was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. I’d recommend this spot for anyone looking for a slightly off-beat but tasty Thai dining experience in Brooklyn.

The ambiance here is seriously one of the best in NYC - you feel like you’ve stepped straight into Thailand. The food was excellent, and our server was lovely and attentive. The chairs are a bold, unexpected touch that shake up the usual dinner vibe in a great way. Definitely a standout spot.

Overall rating: 4.8
Price: $24 pp w/ tax & tip (total of 2x)

I saw this place pop up on my TikTok and have been wanting to try it for awhile.Admittedly I thought they had like movie nights but realized it’s just old Thai movies. It’s a super cute spot, but wow the seats are so uncomfortable. They serve on paper plates which is fun. I really like that the menu is easy to understand. And when you don’t drink, it’s actually pretty affordable. Items my friend & I ordered:

- Curry Puff chicken: 5/5 very good, def recommend
- Sai Krok Isaan: 4/5 not sure what I was expecting but nothing special
- Khao Kaprow Moo: 6/5 so simple, yet so good. A tad spicy, but not too much.

There were a few large parties here & I don’t know how they do it. I could only come here on a date or with a friend. The seats are not comfortable, but that shouldn’t stop you from grabbing a snack.

Such a great spot! The food was absolutely delicious — we loved everything we tried. The vibe is amazing, especially in the evening. It really feels like you’re somewhere in Bangkok. I also have to say, their drinks are incredible — especially the lychee one. Everything was just so tasty!