Qi Bangkok Eatery’s Pad See Ew Is A Winner
If the new Pad Thai Cart on 50th and 6th has taught us anything this week it’s that the heart of Midtown has a serious craving for thai food. The cart was packed yesterday (reports had the line at 20+ people) and they ran out of food shortly after 1pm. But I’m more of a pad see ew kind of girl. Located on 8th Ave. btw. 42+43rd, Qi Thai isn’t quite as far as the places on 9th and Chris had nice things to say about their reasonable lunch specials back in the spring.
But how is their Pad See Ew? I needed to find out…
The lunch specials are priced perfectly, and with so many options, it’s certainly a difficult choice. I went with the chive corn dumplings appetizer. When they arrived, I was a little concerned that the dumplings were sitting in the soy dipping sauce, but — I assume because of the prompt service — they were nice and hot upon arrival and did not get soggy. If you like to actually see the veggies in your vegetable dumplings, as well as taste them, these are for you. No generic cabbage slaw in these babies!
As for the pad see ew, Qi served a very good version, which I ordered with veggies. Sweet and chewy, the noodles were cooked perfectly. Besides the usual noodles, egg and Chinese broccoli combo, other veggies like carrots, zucchini, celery really added color. The best part is, the noodles plus the dumplings were $7.95 plus tax, which makes it an excellent deal for a lunch that is absolutely enough food to sustain you til dinner.
If you’re looking for interesting Thai food in Midtown West, you’d be happier at Pure Thai Shophouse, but they fall short on ambiance compared to Qi. And while I think the food and price were definitely worthy of another trip, the decor is really why you should swing by here over the other Thai places on Ninth. (In other words I can confirm that six months later, Chris’ review is just as true now as it was then.) With chandelier-like fixtures in cases separating the tables from one another, clear acrylic seats and white everything else, this place transports you out of the monotony of the workday, even if for a short lunch hour. And for some, that is going to beat waiting in line at a cart.
Qi Bangkok Eatery, 675 8th Ave (between 42nd and 43rd St); 212-247-8991
Posted by Rachel Goldner at 11:45 am, November 9th, 2011 under qi thai, Thai.
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Mm! looks delicious! Pad See Ew, veggie dumplings, and only $8? Rachel, you’re a girl after my own heart!