Kalaya

Why we love it: Chef Nok Suntaranon, winner of the 2023 James Beard award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, moved her beloved Italian Market BYOB to a spacious, tropical-inspired spot in Fishtown that’s even more vibrant than its first iteration. The concept is the same—preparing wonderfully flavorful dishes the way she saw her mom do it when she was growing up in Southern Thailand—but now, you can dine there for dinner and lunch on the weekends. You can’t go wrong with a crowd-pleasing starter like gui chai, crispy garlic-chive rice cakes with spicy sweet soy sauce.

If you know only two things about Kalaya in Fishtown, it's probably that it’s the best Thai restaurant in Philly, and that the walk-in wait time on a busy night is about the length of a Marvel movie. Even if you do get a reservation for dinner, they serve an entirely different menu during the day, so stopping by during lunchtime is a no-brainer. Try dishes like the poached shrimp and lotus root salad, short rib soup swimming with lemongrass, and let the view of 14-foot palm trees spark a fantasy about never going back to the office again.

Suntaranon opened her restaurant, then a cozy 32-seat BYOB space in the historic neighborhood of Bella Vista, in 2019, presenting dishes inspired by her family and royal Thai cuisine. In 2022 she moved to a much larger location in trendy Fishtown that seats more than 200, expanding the menu and launching a sharp cocktail list. Her growth is a reflection of the audience she cultivated, provoking diners one meal at a time to consider her culture beyond the usual takeout-menu staples.

Kalaya is one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia, hands down. Chef Nok Suntaranon’s fiery Thai dishes are unlike anything else available in the city—and they’re completely addictive. A bottle of Riesling with a little sweetness will carry you through a very spicy meal of fried fish cakes, laab ped (duck salad), rich southern-style chicken curry, and stir-fried noodles.How to book: Reservations via Tock.

Kalaya shot onto Philadelphia’s hospitality scene with a buzz that first impressed top local chefs and then quickly catapulted chef-owner Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon onto the world stage for her authentic Thai cooking, which pays homage to the recipes of her mother, the restaurant’s namesake. The eatery and its dishes such as tapioca dumplings with ground pork, sweet radish and peanuts, or a goat and lamb curry with a house spice blend and toasted coconut drew the attention of the James Beard Foundation, which nominated Suntaranon as best chef, Mid-Atlantic in 2022 and 2023. Kalaya’s popularity caused it to outgrow its original home in Bella Vista, opening a sequel in the heart of Fishtown’s burgeoning dining scene.

After humble beginnings as a BYOB in the Italian Market, Kalaya is all grown up. This restaurant reinvented itself in a much larger Fishtown space at the end of 2022, but continues to serve some of the best Thai food in the country, now in a bigger space with more tables, a larger menu, and the welcome addition of a liquor license do you can have a beer slushy with your meal. Owner Nok Suntaranon (Philly’s latest winner of the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Mid-Atlantic Award) is uncompromising in her commitment to presenting her native Southern Thai food in its most classic form.

Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon partnered with local restaurant group Designed Hospitality (the team behind Suraya, see below) to take Kalaya from a snug BYOB in the Italian Market to a stunning new space a few miles north in the Fishtown neighborhood. Designed by Philadelphia-based Stokes Architecture and Briquette Studio, Suntaranon’s celebrated Thai restaurant features a polished open kitchen and plenty of natural light, thanks to glass doors and a central skylight—under which a copse of live palm trees grows.

After two decades as a flight attendant, Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon opened her first restaurant in 2003 as an ode to her mother, Kalaya Suntaranon, who inspired the dishes on her menu with love and precision. Her name serves as an ode to both. She had found the ideal place to begin her culinary journey, taking her far away from home through vast expanses of Southeast Asia and eventually back home again to Philadelphia with Ziv Katalan, a Wharton professor who'd met her during flights.

Opened in 2019 as a tiny BYOB in the Italian Market, Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon’s ode to southern Thai cuisine now occupies a revamped warehouse in Fishtown. Palm trees grow under the lofty ceiling in the center of the dining room,where you might start the evening with a cocktail made with galangal and lemongrass. The fiery, complex curries are always revelatory, as are the platters of grilled freshwater prawns and sweet-and-tangy cabbage doused in pungent fish sauce.

Kalaya is a highly acclaimed restaurant in Philly known for its authentic Thai cuisine. Renowned for its bold and flavorful dishes, Kalaya offers a diverse menu featuring dumplings, tropical cocktails, and innovative beer slushies. This restaurant is so popular due to its ability to maintain authenticity while introducing creative elements to traditional Thai cooking, making it a popular destination for those seeking a genuine Thai dining experience in Philly.

When we want excellent Thai food, Kalaya is the first place we think of. The Fishtown restaurant's busy industrial space includes a full bar and lounge area, booths for large groups, and 14-foot Thai palm trees reaching up to an atrium glass ceiling. From their innovative cocktails to excellent dishes like umami-rich wok-fried pork belly, flower-shaped dumplings, and sweet-spicy-sour grilled squid, it's an experience unlike anywhere else in the city.

Kalaya is in the top three of my favorite Thai restaurants ever. I’ve had my fair share of Thai food, but they served up flavors that I hadn’t experienced at any other Thai restaurant before. Because this place is on the pricey side, I suggest going with a small group of friends, ordering a couple of the mains (especially the curries) and pairing them with a side of sticky or jasmine rice so that you can get a good sample of the menu.

Address: 4 W Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125Phone:+1 (215) 385-3777Website:kalaya.netDetails: $$$, Thai restaurant. Kalaya LLC, located in Philadelphia’s South Philly neighborhood, offers an impressive dining experience with its authentic Thai cuisine, attentive staff, and cozy atmosphere. The knowledgeable and friendly staff provide excellent service, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of throughout their visit.

Kalaya is a special Thai restaurant in Philadelphia, located at 4 W Palmer St. It's a mix of modern and traditional Thai styles, welcoming you with its cozy atmosphere as soon as you enter. Why we love it: Kalaya is more than just a place to eat; it's a whole experience. You get to enjoy meals that bring out the rich flavors and scents of Thai spices, all while listening to soothing Thai music in the background.

Kalaya is a restaurant that provides a unique and exceptional dining experience. It features a striking atmosphere with beautiful artwork, a skylight, and cozy booths, while the service is outstanding with attentive staff who are eager to help customers navigate the menu and make recommendations. The food at Kalaya is delicious and offers a unique blend of flavors and spices.

Fun fact: Before James Beard-award-winning Thai restaurant Kalaya moved into its space in Fishtown, it used to be located in the space that Mawn currently occupies. Seeing as Kalaya consistently tops the lists of the best restaurants in Philadelphia, you can’t go wrong with anything from the menu. However, we strongly recommend saving room for dessert.

During quarantine we have developed our own at-home traditions and one of them is Kalaya take-out date night. Although we cannot travel right now, Chef Nok Sunteranon's Thai dishes really transport us. Without fail, we always order mara pad kai, shaw muang, coconut rice and then we mix up our entree dish because she's always innovating her menu!.

Pick up the recent package of stories by Craig, as well as the stunning photos and videos by colleague Monica Herndon, who followed Kalaya owner Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon on a trip to southern Thailand. If you’re unsure how to pronounce Kalaya, which Nok named after her mother: In one video, you’ll hear her say it, “Kah-lay-YAH.

Since moving from South Philly’s Italian Market to a larger space in Fishtown, Kalaya carves out space for delicious Thai food. The restaurant is named for the owner, Nok Suntaranon’s mother, Kalaya, and embodies the love behind the restaurant. You’ll see this appear in their fresh seasonal ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.

In the famous 9th Street Italian Market, Kalaya Thai Kitchen and Market serves delicious traditional dishes and new twists on old favorites. Take a look at your hand at the Shaw Muang (flower-shaped chicken dumplings) and Khao Soi Nua (egg noodles in curry sauce served with skirt steak) to enjoy a hearty and filling food.

Kalaya Thai Kitchen is an authentic Thai restaurant with lots of good curries and stir fry. Make sure to order the Shaw Muang, these super cute and Instagrammable chicken dumplings. Keep in mind many of the dishes use fish oil, so ask ahead of time which ones do not to ensure you order the appropriate dishes.

Kalaya is a cozy Thai restaurant in Bella Vista named for the owner's mother. Curries, dumplings, and salads are all on offer. Some of the most popular items are kang gai kow mun (chicken curry), som tum (green papaya salad), and sakoo sei hed (tapioca dumplings filled with shitake mushrooms and peanuts).

Kalaya is a cozy Thai restaurant in Bella Vista named for the owner's mother. Curries, dumplings, and salads are all on-offer. Some of the most popular items are kang gai kow mun (chicken curry), som tum (green papaya salad), and sakoo sei hed (tapioca dumplings filled with shitake mushrooms and peanuts).

There’s a reason why people can’t stop talking about Kalaya. This Fishtown gem brings bold Southern Thai flavors that you don’t find just anywhere in Philly. Dishes like the grilled branzino, paired with pineapple and herbs, and the tom yum soup with giant river prawns are packed with spice and freshness.

We're starting off strong with Kalaya, an authentic Thai eatery in Philadelphia. Chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon won a regional James Beard Award for “ best chef” in 2023. This brick-lined eatery in Philly's Fishtown neighborhood highlights the family recipes of Suntaranon's upbringing.

Why You Need To Dine Here: Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine made from family recipes that have been passed down through generations. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are prioritized on the menu. Pro Tip: There’s a Fishtown location currently in progress.

A vibrant atmosphere with a show-stopping dining room and electric energy. You cannot order wrong, as every dish on the menu has been thoughtfully perfected. Prepared to be in awe of the entire dining experience.

Kalaya - Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon is joining forces with the team behind Suraya, Pizzeria Beddia and Condesa to open a second bigger location with a bar and outdoor seating at 4 West Palmer in Fishtown.

Get traditional Thai dishes like kang pae (goat curry), som tum (green papaya salad), and kanom jeeb (shumai dumplings). Open for delivery or pick-up Monday-Friday, 5-9pm and Saturday-Sunday 4-9pm.

Located in Fishtown, this Thai restaurant in Philadelphia was opened by 2023 James Beard award-winning chef Nok Suntaranon based on recipes created in her native Thailand.