Kati Thai Cuisine (East Village)
When people are asked to think about comfort foods, one common answer that may come to mind is Thai food. Kati Thai Cuisine in Manhattan’s East Village is here to present diners with amazing Thai food at an excellent price point.
Located on 347 E 14th St, Kati is a family-owned Thai restaurant that has been serving high quality dishes since 2009. Their food is stellar and also comes at an amazing price point, allowing diners of all backgrounds to come and try their offerings. The atmosphere is modern and clean, but relaxed and friendly, beckoning diners in even into the late night.
Where Kati really shines for value though is their lunch specials. Starting at only $12, diners can choose from a variety of entrees along with a side dish to accompany it. I chose to go for the beef Pad See Ew with fried tofu, which only ran me about $14 (prices may vary over time) before tax and tip.
The Pad See Ew is freshly prepared upon order and comes in a generous portion size. The noodles are broad and springy, and the sauce is not overly sweet or salty. The noodles themselves do an excellent job of highlighting the dish’s seasonings, and the stir fried broccoli adds a nice touch of flavor with each bite. The beef itself is thoroughly cooked, and I really liked that it was neither rubbery nor tough when chewing on it. As a note, different meat options are available for this dish at different price points.
As for the fried tofu, it is an excellent side dish without being too heavy. It comes with six pieces and is paired with a chili peanut sauce. The tofu is crispy and airy, and although it may not be mind blowing on its own, it is satisfying and raises no complaints. The sauce certainly helps to bring more flavor to the tofu, combining an exciting flavor profile with a superior texture.
Most importantly though, the customer service left an impression on me. The staff was patient and attentive to my every need, and also answered any questions I had about the menu, ultimately recommending me the Pad See Ew and the fried tofu given my own taste preferences. Kati stands out for its service alone, but its excellent food is also a great companion to the overall value proposition for diners.
A true hidden gem amongst the many restaurants in the East Village, Kati is a highly recommended option for a casual meal either by yourself or with friends.
