Fragrant, Fried and Flavorful: Thai Diner Review

Updated January 16, 2024

I can’t lie, when I first saw the viral tiktoks of the Thai egg sandwich and fries, I couldn’t help but judge the Thai an American food combination. Could a Thai “diner” really work?

When I finally made it to Thai Diner though, I was fully convinced.

I spent 2 months in Thailand for an internship during college. I was particularly inspired by the papaya salad from the stall near my apartment. I had never before (and never after) tasted 15 distinct flavors that each contributed so differently, but played a beautiful harmony together.

The many flavors of Thai Diner’s dishes reminded me of that original mouthful variation that hooked me to Thai food once and for all.

Looking for more delicious restaurants? Try the Best Restaurants in Greenpoint, my favorite neighborhood!

The Food

Thai Diner Egg Sandwich ($14)

Menu Description: “Egg, cheese, Sai Oua herbal sausage & Thai basil wrapped in roti”

Layers of roti wrap the hot contents of the sandwich. The multiple layers of roti work together to create a superb chewiness, although each individual piece is super thin.

The sandwich explodes with delightful flavor coming from the Sai Oua herbal sausage, but the comforting buttery egginess of the sandwich is still pronounced.

You’ll taste the multidimensional flavors of red curry, lemongrass, cilantro and other spices in the Sai Oua sausage.

While the portion looked small, they pack a punch! I shared the sandwich and fries with a friend and it easily lasted us throughout the day.

Thai Disco Fries ($13)

Menu Description: “Fries smothered in spicy Massaman curry with pickled green peppercorn, red onion, peanuts & coconut cream”

Wow. The Thai Disco Fries are like chili cheese fries, but you’re dipping deliciously crisped fries in an insanely flavorful Massaman curry. 

A lot of the curry pooled to the bottom of the bowl. When I was eating the last few fries doused with the sauce, it was very spicy, so try to distribute the sauce from the beginning!

The toasted peanuts were a crunchy, nutty delight and bode excellently with the sharp scents of the curry and contrasted well with the soft insides of the fries.

The Venue

My friend and I didn’t have a reservation on MLK Day, a public holiday. After waiting 30 minutes at nearby Cafe Integral, we were seated in the outdoor patio.

The temperature in the covered outdoor patio felt reasonably warm for a cold day in January, but I kept my parka on to feel comfortable.

If I came back though, I would definitely opt for indoor seating. It was gorgeous and golden inside, with wood walls and warm woven textures covering all of the walls and ceiling. The numerous plants added an adventurous and vibrant touch.

The Rating

I would give it a 8.5 out of 10 for the excellent food. The 1.5 off was for the heaviness, in particular, the oiliness of the food.

I would come back to eat the Thai Diner Egg Sandwich again.

I’d also like to come back for lunch or dinner and try their mains, like the curries and noodles!

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