I got the Himokawa dipping udon set with tempura and it was so good! The noodles were perfectly cooked and chewy and the tempura were not greasy with a thin coating. The sauce that they gave to dip the udon was my favourite part. Loved the slight hint of yuzu! Near the end, the udon at the bottom were really difficult to separate so that’s the only thing that bothered me. We came at around 7:00pm on a Sunday and were lucky enough to get seated almost right away with around a 5 minute wait. They close a little early on Sunday at 8pm, so keep that in mind when visiting.

This place is very popular, and on weekends at lunchtime you’ll likely need to wait for a table unless you arrive right when it opens. That said, the wait usually isn’t too long. Their specialty is a variety of udon and cold noodle dishes—the noodles are springy and unique, and the toppings are well-seasoned without overwhelming the natural flavor of the noodles. The way the dishes are enjoyed also feels distinctive, making it a spot well worth visiting.

Hoi Heen F

Great food and fast customer service. Also good value. A bit crowded to eat there but nothing out of NYC realm. Recommend giving this a try. A good twist on Hainese chicken with ginger.

Cat L

Simple, satisfying meal. The menu focuses on one main food item - Thai style Hainanese chicken rice(khao man gai), offered in three portion sizes, along with a nice selection of drinks. I went with the Thai green tea, which paired well with the meal. They offer a variety of sauces so you can mix to your own preference (we combined the soybean paste with the ginger-scallion sauce). The broth that comes with the dish complements it perfectly.

+1

Maria D

Amazing hole in the wall restaurant / grab and go spot. They even sell sticky rice to go. Wide range of foods I’d never seen at very reasonable prices. No seating, cash or zelle payment.

Ohiyo Goji yi mashi

The food is fresh, clean, and delicious! I’m usually nervous about finding hair or dirt in meals, but here everything well-prepared. The flavors are clean, the combos are satisfying, and the prices are really fair !

John

A hidden gem of Elmhurst, only popped in because a certain place had a 45min wait. One of the better Hiananese Chicken Rice places I've been, and if taking into account price to taste/quality ratio I'd have to give this place 5 stars. Recommend getting the combo for the chicken meat and the liver, so good. The ginger scallion sauce pulls the dish together. There isn't much else on offer here, just the small menu that they focus on. Which is how it should be. We also got extra chicken, photo shows the portion for 3 with $7 of extra chicken.

Irene Yap

This place literally has one thing on the menu: Hainanese Chicken Rice, and they do it amazingly. You could smell how fragrant the food is the moment you walk in. The chicken is tender, the liver cooked to perfection (so much so that we ordered an extra serve), and the ginger scallion sauce addictive. It's a very small place with only 3 tables but service is still attentive and efficient.

N CHOU

Probably one of the best Hainan chicken and chicken rice I’ve had in the U.S. The ginger scallion sauce is a must, and if you can handle some heat, definitely try the chili sauce—especially when mixed with raw garlic! The place is small and cramped, so don’t expect to fit comfortably if you’re in a group larger than three.

Sledge Williams

I have an addiction for Hainanese chicken and rice and I've hit a few good spots. This place is certainly no exception either. Options are rather limited in this place, in fact I think chicken over rice, along with gizzards was the only selection so I got the chicken over rice sans gizzard along with lemon Iced tea. The chicken over rice may be the only thing on the menu but they do it very well. The chicken was flavorful and tender, the rice was cooked just right, add soy sauce or spicy sauce for an added kick of flavor and there was also 3 cucumber slices and broth on the side which made for a great palette cleanser. Props to the servers in the spot. They were very accommodating and helpful. I've lucked out with the restaurants I've gone to with the waiters and registers just providing their best for the customer. I hope that streak keeps going.

Yuwei Pan

BEST hainanese chicken I have had in NYC! Those who say it’s basic and you can get it anywhere in Thailand - then go to Thailand and save this place for those of us stuck in NYC! There’s no bathroom and it’s a small restaurant so just keep that in mind! It’s good for solo and two people for a quick lunch.

+2

Yvonne meets Food

I first came here back in 2015 with two friends, and we were all blown away by how delicious and pure the food tasted and how cheap the price was (I think we paid less than $10 before tax and tip then!!). This was now my third visit with my husband and toddler, and the food was just as delicious as the very first time. This time, we got the plate for two people which came with two portions of delicious and fragrant chicken rice, a generous portion of both white and dark chicken meat with some gizzard and liver, some slices of cucumber and cilantro, and endless amounts of the addictive ginger scallion sauce, hot sauce, and a soybean paste (I think?). We both agreed that we could probably drink the ginger scallion sauce because it was just lip-smacking good and well seasoned. We did not refrain from putting massive doses of the sauce on our chicken. We also enjoyed the hot sauce that went well with the ginger scallion sauce and the chicken. The chicken is just perfect; there’s no other place I’ve had khao mun gai in NYC that compares to how perfect this spot is - super juicy and moist, tight skin, delicious and addictive condiments (plus low price!!). While the prices have gone up, it’s 100% understandable given inflation and the fact ingredients just cost more. Plus, if you had the same quality and quantity meal in Manhattan, it would easily cost at least 50% more. The service is quick and friendly. There is very limited seating and the space is small, so I would not go here if I had more than two or three people with me. The tables are small and the seats are only stools, but honestly, I think it makes the place more charming and like what it would be like if you were in Thailand or somewhere somewhere else in Southeast Asia. No restroom unfortunately, either, so make it quick and snappy! Even though we don’t live in the area, we still make it out here because the food is that good. Elmhurst overall is quite underrated for food, as there are so many delicious and eclectic options nearby, but this is definitely one of the biggest highlights.

+1

Louis Tsai

I’ve come here a number of times now and there’s nothing more than I like than their steamed chicken. This place makes the homiest and most delicious steamed chicken but if you love crispy or grilled I definitely recommend trying it. Make sure you get garlic and use their sweet soy sauce. If you like spicy I definitely recommend using their hot sauce and add the chili for extra spicy :)

Albert Husmillo

This is probably one of the best places to eat when you’re in Queens! It’s definitely comfort food for me! The dish itself is very simple but it’s very tasty and you customize your own sauce to flavor your chicken. I love the chicken broth and it’s everything in one plate. Plus the it doesn’t break the bank! Also they have nice selection of refreshments. I love their Thai Iced Tea and also their Thai Green tea. This is definitely one of my favorite places to eat. It’s cash only so don’t forget to bring some with you if you’re checking it out.

+1

Cheveen

This has been my favorite go-to Hainanese chicken spot since it opened a few years ago across from the Elmhurst Hospital. Unfortunately I moved to Brooklyn the beginning of this year and therefore I can’t visit as often as I used to. Now that COVID-19 has hit the world and small businesses are suffering from loss of revenues I try to support my favorite restaurants by ordering take out and delivery. Due to the distance, my bf and I drove to Queens today for Hainanese chicken take out. We ordered a set three that comes with three sets of chicken, rice and soup. However, when we got home we saw only three bags of white rice and soup with no chicken. We called and let the store know of the situation and the owner was very nice and apologetically offered to deliver the chicken. We explained that we live very far away close to Coney Island. After a quick moment of pondering, he insisted on delivering the chicken. NGL but after approximately two hours of waiting we doubted the legitimacy of the call and the agreement to delivery. Yet we soon received a call from the owner saying he was downstairs. In addition to brining the the chicken we were missing, he also brought two addition meals, crispy chicken over rice and roasted chicken over rice and a Thai iced tea. ElM Khao Mun Kai Elmhurst is an amazing restaurant with exceptional customer service no matter the time and situation. We highly recommend that you try this place out if your haven’t. Thank you owner for going through such great extents for fulfilling orders and delivering the missing order!

+3

Good place to grab a quick meal, either by yourself or with one other friend (bar-style seating). The udon portion doesn’t look like much, but was surprisingly filling with the tempura. Delicious, though not at Raku quality.

Came here at 5pm on a Friday alone and no wait at all. The menu is simple, focusing on Himokawa udon sets. The tempura here is well made and not overly greasy, pairing well with the dipping sauce. The only drawback was the saltiness of the hot broth - I tried drinking it alone and it was unbearable. Considering this wasn’t the cold dipping noodles, I assumed that this broth would be less concentrated and more clear. Service was great and as a solo diner, I didn’t feel rushed at all. Overall, I would recommend people to visit at least once, but would personally not rush back.

the tempura has a light, thin batter that pairs nicely with the dipping sauce, making it very refreshing. The wide udon noodles have an interesting texture, but the soup base itself is a bit underwhelming.

Overall a decent meal. The cold noodle set with the katsu is a must get. The soup noodle is very salty and mid but that comes with Japanese soup I guess. It’s a bit pricey but decent experience

Visited on a weekend afternoon after hearing about their flat udon noodles served tsukemen-style. The place has a Japanese bar vibe with only counter seating—no tables. Ordering is done by scanning a QR code at your seat, but I found it uncomfortable that you’re asked to tip before your food even arrives. My friend got the hot udon and I had the tsuke cold udon. Both came with six flat noodles and tempura. The food tasted good, but the portion felt small for the price, which was disappointing. The biggest letdown was that there’s no restroom available. It’s worth trying once for the unique noodles, but I probably won’t be back.

Udon noodle was great. But the chicken broth was salty in my taste. I liked the cold fish broth udon better. Their shrimp tempura was salty as well. It was a good shrimp tho. I would've ordered 5 myself if it wasnt salty. There can be a wait so I recommend going in a bit earlier than usual dinner time if going for dinner.

Leon Huang

Good portion, and you can refill the soup which is good! The chicken is good, but not the best. It’s not too pricy so a good choice for workday dinner!

Frugal Cyclist

It’s my belief that this is a million $$$ chicken recipe 🥇🥇 The steamed chicken is tender & flavorful. The jasmine rice is nothing short of spectacular 👍 I loved the soup that came with it and requested a 2nd serving. Seating is limited to a 12 person capacity. Sometimes I do takeout and eat across the park. Recommended on a sunny day. All this goodness for $13.07, tax included. It’s a healthy option over fried chicken & rotisserie chicken 🐔. Update: was 5 stars ⭐️ but changing to 4 stars after I read other reviews and agreed the price has GONE UP & portion is SMALLER 😤😤 $11.50 would be the sweet spot. Many venues offer a good lunch for $9-$10 🙏🏻

+4

the noodles were unique - we tried the signature dipping set and broth set. my favorite was the sweet potato tempura. we waited almost an hour on saturday evening.

The udon texture is great—nice and chewy but not overly so. Tempura is also solid, especially the bacon one. It’s my first time trying bacon tempura and it was surprisingly good. The dipping udon broth is flavorful, and with all the extra seasonings, you can switch up the taste, which is fun. But the hot soup version was way too salty for me. That said, the set costs around $22–23 and only comes with six noodles… I mean, seriously? I’m not even exaggerating—it was literally six noodles.

Eric Ma

Taste okay but the portion they give is for 11yrs old kids, set 2 is a grown man portion, but the price! smh $25 for a set 2 plus a lemonade $5 full of ice cubes,$30ish with tax" No credit card accept "dinning in demands %20 tip smh, only thing behind that fake smile is bring me the tray and no water. %20 tip?!?!

John Zhou

I'm conflicted about this place. On one hand, I love hainese chicken, and that is the only thing they serve, and they do it well, meaning it's authentic. On the other hand, the portions are small, and the price is high for this neighborhood, and the chicken are bland and flavorless until you add the various condiment and sauce that they provide. There's no secret recipe. It's just broiled or steamed chicken, cooked to perfection, meaning it's cooked just right, not too raw, and not too overcooked. The taste comes from the added sauce. It's really a very, very simple dish but over glorified by many other reviewers. The chicken soup is really tasty. If you want to try something authentic and feel like you are transported to Thailand, then this place is worth a try. Otherwise, some of you might be disappointed. I'll be back, but only very occasionally.

Nancy

Probably knew we were not locals. The portions were small for two people and mostly dark meat!! Looked at the table next to us, whose order was for one person and it looks like the same size as ours (probably a local patron and got the breast). The chicken was just okay, nothing special. The soup was tasty.

Shane S.

WARNING: Entitled workers, asking for mandatory 20% tip when you eat in. it is strange they ask for mandatory 20% tip when you eat in. They just put the plate on your table. I don't mind tipping, but they asked for 20% when I went to pay for my food. I will not come back. Don't recommend. Portions are tiny and small for the cost and cash only but still charging tax 👎.

ala

Thai Store sign but no Thai food. Old reviews are no longer valid. Only one entre on menu that is Hianam chicken. Food is compromised by poor service! Salty likely MSG. Cash only if eat in. No rest room. First time try out but was horrified. Tiny portion as shown. Is the receipt size 1.5X and cost 15$. Service by the lady short hair with glasses was very poor. She touched me when I put some sauce that was open to serve on table. Horrible. Mean. Possibly raicist. As show those tiny bit of sauce will cost extra and aint allow to use the sauce on table. Wierd.. Overalls pricy, poor Service, tiny portion with msg; sitting almost none. One bad server who may be the owner or the manager herself speak volumes that customers are for exploitation. Profit is more important than reputation. There are many other asian authentic eats around. You will be generously served, comfortably seated; able to use restroom restaurants close to it. Don't give your money to undeserved. No longer friendly like those old reviews.