Staff:
Sue Lin
Contributor, Asiafood.org

Recommendation:
Olieng Thai Cuisine
644 10th Ave
(btw 45th and 46th)
(212) 307-9388

Type of Food: Thai

Favorite Menu Items:
Whenever I go, I get the Tom Kha Gai, a spicy Thai coconut milk soup, and the chef's special Yum Ped, a roast duck salad with coriander, mint and green mango. I also make sure to try a new dish every time, and have never been disappointed.

What kind of occasion would you recommend this restaurant for?
A cheap, casual meal with good friends.

How would you describe the atmosphere of this restaurant?
It's an unpretentious spot in a half-wide storefront on Tenth Avenue with only seven tables. It's lovely and cozy, and they really make you feel at home. Nid, the owner, is always on hand to make sure you're happy with your meal.

In general what else do you like about this restaurant?
Olieng really stands out among the many Thai restaurants of Hell's Kitchen. What makes them great is the fact that they don't skimp on ingredients. Their dishes deliver the full spectrum of flavors and textures that make Thai food so wonderful (and which, in their absence, make for such disappointing meals!) Mint, coriander, green mango, toasted rice, cashew nuts- they're all there, and all at bargain prices!

How did you come across this restaurant?
I was taking a class in the neighborhood and tried it one day, knowing it would be good (something about the look of the place and the fact that the name of the restaurant is a bit obscure - you know they're concentrating on the food!)

Other comments:
Olieng means "Thai Iced Coffee"; they're not yet licensed to serve alcohol, but management is more than happy to provide glasses for your own beer or wine.