New York’s Thai food scene is a storied one that’s been welcoming in newcomers seemingly every day. Among those is LenLen, the new bar and restaurant in Flatiron, from co-owners Wanisa Torboonsitikorn and chef Peter Ki Suk Tondreau, who run a bunch of Chelsea Market food stands. The new restaurant is a vibey destination with a level of playfulness that matches the high-quality and fun Thai street and comfort dishes, served in a convivial space.
The drinks, led by Robert Lam-Burns, are flavorful and inventive. I got the Tomato Som Tum ($25), aptly described to me as a light margarita, with a hint of savoriness.
The space is clubby-cool with a 1970s decor theme — look out for festive tiffins along high-up shelves, and family photos with inserted illustrations of the namesake cat mascot. While the restaurant was fully packed, it never felt overcrowded — there’s breathing room between tables.
Get your shopping list ready: It’s not that obvious from the exterior, but LenLen’s front room masquerades as an actual shoppable store. So you can grab some post-dinner packaged Thai foods like ramen and chile pastes.
This new bar inspired by 1970s Bangkok features a menu of familiar Thai comfort-food dishes and street stall fare from Peter Ki Suk Tondreau, with items like roasted chile eggplant dip, chili jam clams, and crab-fried rice. Drings range from a jasmine martini or Thai tea to interesting wine pours by the glass for under $20 and reasonably priced by the bottle.