Eim Khao Mun Kai - Elmhurst, New York

Sledge W.

I have an addiction for Hainanese chicken and rice and I've hit a few good spots. This place is certainly no exception either. Options are rather limited in this place, in fact I think chicken over rice, along with gizzards was the only selection so I got the chicken over rice sans gizzard along with lemon Iced tea. The chicken over rice may be the only thing on the menu but they do it very well. The chicken was flavorful and tender, the rice was cooked just right, add soy sauce or spicy sauce for an added kick of flavor and there was also 3 cucumber slices and broth on the side which made for a great palette cleanser.

Props to the servers in the spot. They were very accommodating and helpful. I've lucked out with the restaurants I've gone to with the waiters and registers just providing their best for the customer. I hope that streak keeps going.

Nancy

Probably knew we were not locals. The portions were small for two people and mostly dark meat!! Looked at the table next to us, whose order was for one person and it looks like the same size as ours (probably a local patron and got the breast). The chicken was just okay, nothing special. The soup was tasty.

Yuwei P.

BEST hainanese chicken I have had in NYC! Those who say it’s basic and you can get it anywhere in Thailand - then go to Thailand and save this place for those of us stuck in NYC!

There’s no bathroom and it’s a small restaurant so just keep that in mind! It’s good for solo and two people for a quick lunch.

Frugal C.

It’s my belief that this is a
million $$$ chicken recipe 🥇🥇

The steamed chicken is tender & flavorful. The jasmine rice is nothing short of spectacular 👍

I loved the soup that came with it and requested a 2nd serving.

Seating is limited to a 12 person capacity. Sometimes I do takeout and eat across the park. Recommended on a sunny day.

All this goodness for $13.07, tax included. It’s a healthy option over fried chicken & rotisserie chicken 🐔.

Update: was 5 stars ⭐️ but changing to 4 stars after I read other reviews and agreed the price has GONE UP & portion is SMALLER 😤😤

$11.50 would be the sweet spot. Many venues offer a good lunch for $9-$10 🙏🏻

Thanapol E.

Before you try this restaurant, please read

The food is really okay nothing special. It’s like cheap Khao Mun Kai you can get in Thailand. Sorry but it’s true. Since it was in Thai neighborhoods so my expectation was higher than that.

On the receipt, they asked for 18% tips. Like they handwritten it on the receipt pad. Which it is not making sense to me. There was no service. The server never refill our water. They never asked how we like the food.

I’m totally not supporting this business. And I’m sorry for this bad review. But there are much better Khao Mun Kai places out there around the city that you can go but not …

Yvonne M. F.

I first came here back in 2015 with two friends, and we were all blown away by how delicious and pure the food tasted and how cheap the price was (I think we paid less than $10 before tax and tip then!!). This was now my third visit with my husband and toddler, and the food was just as delicious as the very first time. This time, we got the plate for two people which came with two portions of delicious and fragrant chicken rice, a generous portion of both white and dark chicken meat with some gizzard and liver, some slices of cucumber and cilantro, and endless amounts of the addictive ginger scallion sauce, hot sauce, and a soybean paste (I think?). We both agreed that we could probably drink the ginger scallion sauce because it was just lip-smacking good and well seasoned. We did not refrain from putting massive doses of the sauce on our chicken. We also enjoyed the hot sauce that went well with the ginger scallion sauce and the chicken. The chicken is just perfect; there’s no other place I’ve had khao mun gai in NYC that compares to how perfect this spot is - super juicy and moist, tight skin, delicious and addictive condiments (plus low price!!).

While the prices have gone up, it’s 100% understandable given inflation and the fact ingredients just cost more. Plus, if you had the same quality and quantity meal in Manhattan, it would easily cost at least 50% more.

The service is quick and friendly. There is very limited seating and the space is small, so I would not go here if I had more than two or three people with me. The tables are small and the seats are only stools, but honestly, I think it makes the place more charming and like what it would be like if you were in Thailand or somewhere somewhere else in Southeast Asia. No restroom unfortunately, either, so make it quick and snappy!

Even though we don’t live in the area, we still make it out here because the food is that good. Elmhurst overall is quite underrated for food, as there are so many delicious and eclectic options nearby, but this is definitely one of the biggest highlights.

Sean K.

Whenever I'm in the mood for nice, high-quality chicken or some good Asian comfort food, and I have cash in hand, this place is always there to provide that comfort.

Although the restaurant has a cozy and compact interior, making for an intimate dining experience, there is usually a table available.

I wish they accepted credit cards, but they only take cash (as of this review), so keep that in mind before deciding to dine in.

Otherwise, you can order online for delivery.

If you're looking for great value and high-quality chicken, definitely check this place out.

Brigitta J.

Eim Khao Mun Kai is a fantastic spot for Hainan chicken rice! I ordered the steamed chicken over Hainan rice along with a Thai iced tea, and everything tasted amazing. The chicken was tender, well-seasoned, and paired perfectly with the fragrant, flavorful rice. It's a simple yet nutritious meal that truly satisfies.

The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, which made the experience even better. The Thai iced tea was the perfect refreshing complement to the meal. If you're craving a delicious, wholesome dish with great service, Eim Khao Mun Kai is definitely worth a visit!