Mommy Pai’s Is NYC’s Best Thai Chicken Finger Restaurant | Eater NY

"From the same owners as Thai Diner and Uncle Boons, this Thai chicken finger joint is not your average fast-food tender spot, serving halal, gluten- and dairy-free fingers punched up with lemongrass, garlic, soy, white pepper, and coconut, plus nine sauces, including Thai hot honey with orange and makrut lime and the Phuket Island with galangal and green peppercorn. What makes it so good is its specificity, and the slate of tropical frozen drinks only sweetens the deal. Order grilled or fried chicken fingers—though, let’s be honest, you’re here for something fried—and get the combination plate: four in the seasoning of your choice with spicy bamboo slaw, one sauce, and a tropical drink for $15. The citrusy lemongrass is the best, with coconut a close second. The crispy tofu sandwich is a vegetarian stunner, piled with pickled mustard greens and slathered with nam prik num, an ultra-savory green chile condiment. Make it a side party with the Hat Yai vegetable plate (cauliflower, mushroom, snake beans, purple sweet potato, and baby bok choy, plus spicy bamboo slaw), and add coconut-scallion “mommy cakes” and french fries just because. With a window ordering system and a small outdoor dining parklet, it feels like a roadside Thai food stand planted in the middle of Manhattan. You haven’t really done it until you’ve tried all the seasonings and sauces—it might take more than one visit, or one if you bring enough people." - Nicole Fellah