Pranakhon

"What a surprise when this massive Thai restaurant set down just south of Union Square, decorated like a Bangkok outdoor market with a lottery ticket window, fake electrical poles and pigeons, and all sorts of dining spaces on two levels. The cooks are from southern Thailand, and several dishes originated there, including khao yum, a refreshing salad that will knock your eyes out with its colorful ingredients. In line with the over-the-top decor, Bangkok street food can also be found." - Robert Sietsema, Eater Staff

"Pranakon may be located on University Place, but step inside and be immediately transported to Bangkok. There’s a window for buying Thai lottery tickets, movie stills, and other items — in short you find yourself dining in an open-air market. Lots of regional dishes to choose from, along with the street food of the capital, plus all-in lunch specials." - Robert Sietsema, Eater Staff

"The name may reference Bangkok's original name, Phra Nakhon, but this busy spot is all about the now and just might convince you that you're dining in an alley in the capital city. It's precisely the point, as this restaurant from Intira and Norapol Youngphitak celebrates Bangkok's street eats scene. Dishes are well-executed, especially the hor mok hoy mang phu, a vibrant dish of tender mussels stuffed with curry paste custard and sweet coconut milk sauce. Namtok kor moo yang plates grilled marinated pork jowl tossed with spices and a Thai chili-lime dressing, but khao yum is a knockout dish with its flurry of ingredients. It tastes even better while sipping an inventive cocktail named for characters in Thai soap operas." - Michelin Inspector

"Pranakhon, another new Bib Gourmand restaurant near Union Square." - Luke Fortney

"This hopping University Place spot, steps from the south end of Union Square, emulates a bustling market in Bangkok, with the waiters outfitted as pedicab drivers. Big fun! In addition to street food, Bangkok style, you’ll find dishes cherry picked from all corners of the country: curry pancakes stuffed with chicken, grilled steak with jaew sauce, pork jowl salad, and from the Thailand’s Malay Peninsula, khao yum, a rice salad so brightly colored it will knock your eyes out." - Robert Sietsema