Hug Esan

"Hug Esan is on the same block in Elmhurst as some of our other favorite Thai spots, like Zaab Zaab and Ayada, and it might be our current favorite. Get a group together and settle into the tiny, vibrant dining room for a meal you’re going to be talking about for a while. Build out your order around a whole tilapia: it comes grilled or fried, and both choices are correct. You should also get a bowl of spicy mee ka tee or khao piak sen, a meat-heavy soup thickened with pork blood. Round out your meal with some salads and small bites. We’re especially partial to the grilled chicken livers and crispy frog legs." - bryan kim, hannah albertine, nikko duren, arden shore, will hartman

"Near Thai dining destinations Ayada and Zaab Zaab, Hug Esan is smaller than these restaurants, but the regional Isan specialties here are no less mighty. Get four people together, BYOB (for a small fee), and settle into the tiny dining room for a lunch or dinner you’re going to be talking about for a while. The whole tilapia comes grilled or fried, and both are good choices. You should also get a bowl of spicy mee ka tee or khao piak sen, a meat-heavy soup thickened with pork blood. Round out your meal with some salads and small bites. We’re especially partial to the grilled chicken livers and crispy frog legs, but everything is delicious." - will hartman, bryan kim, hannah albertine, neha talreja, willa moore

"There’s no stinting on the fish sauce and other sharp flavors at Hug Esan, from owners Chiraporn Sornphoom, Jariya Charoenwong, and chef Jintana Khamphaiboon. The fascinating, delicious, and frequently fiery Isan menu runs to chicken with jeaw sauce, toasted rice salad dotted with sour sausage, crab omelet served over rice, whole fish, plus the usual larbs and papaya salads." - Eater Staff

"The small business, which has around a dozen seats, became a spokesperson for the food of the Isan Province in northeast Thailand when it opened in 2017: Eater’s critic said it served a wider range of dishes from that region 'than any restaurant in New York.'" - Eater Staff

"Hug Esan is on the same block in Elmhurst as some of our other favorite Thai spots, like Zaab Zaab and Ayada. Get a group together and settle into the tiny, vibrant dining room for a meal you’re going to be talking about for a while. Build your meal around a whole tilapia: it comes grilled or fried, and both are good choices. You should also get a bowl of spicy mee ka tee or khao piak sen, a meat-heavy soup thickened with pork blood. Round out your meal with some salads and small bites. We’re especially partial to the grilled chicken livers and crispy frog legs." - Carina Finn