I’m a mommy (pai). A mamacita? The Thai Diner’s newest chicken finger window is now open in Nolita! #sistersnacking #nyc #nycfood #newyork #newyorkcity
Okay, foodies, let me tell you about my latest obsession: Mommy Pai's in Nolita! If you're a fan of Thai Diner, you absolutely have to check out their new chicken finger shop. I popped over recently, and let me just say, this isn't your average chicken joint. It's a true love letter to Chef Anne Redding's mom, Ampai, and you can taste the authenticity in every bite. First off, the whole experience of ordering is super fun. You get to choose your combo box – grilled or fried. I went with fried, because, let's be real, sometimes you just need that crispy goodness! Then comes the real challenge (a delicious one!): picking your chicken flavor. They have lemongrass, muay thai spicy, and coconut. The coconut fried tender was hands down my favorite; it was perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside with a subtle, sweet, savory flavor that just hit different. But honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any of their fun flavors. Now, for the sauces! This is where Mommy Pai's truly shines. There are 8 different sauces to pick from, and they're all so unique and delicious. I totally recommend doing what we did and getting all 8 for just $12 – it's the best way to explore. My favorites were definitely the Red Chili for a fiery kick and the Phuket Island for its bright, tangy notes. Each sauce brings a whole new dimension to the chicken fingers, making every bite an adventure. Beyond the chicken, don't sleep on their sides. We tried the Mommy Royal Sandwich, which was a delightful surprise, and you absolutely must get the waffle fries as a side. If you're feeling adventurous, spice it up with their green curry noodles – they're seriously addictive. I also spotted their veggie bowl and Jungle Queen fried chicken sandwich on the menu, which I'm definitely eyeing for my next visit. Oh, and those coconut scallion mommy cakes? A perfect bite-sized treat! But the grand finale for me was their Thai Tea Condensed Milk Soft Serve Twist. Picture this: rich Thai tea swirled with sweet condensed milk, served perfectly cold. It's an incredible, refreshing way to end your meal and honestly, this soft serve alone makes Mommy Pai's a must-visit. Seriously, if you're in NYC and craving something truly special, head to Nolita and treat yourself to Mommy Pai's. You won't regret it!
