Cool, Happy, Joyful — That's Saranrom
In Thai, "Saranrom" means to be cool, happy, and joyful. It's also the name of a historic royal garden in Bangkok — a place of calm in the middle of the city. We named our restaurant after that feeling, because it's exactly what we want every guest to feel at our table.
A Childhood in Bangkok's Old Market
Chef Nueng grew up in Phra Nakhon, the first and oldest district of Bangkok, home to the city's historic old market. Surrounded by hawker stalls, street carts, and generations-old family recipes, he absorbed traditional Thai cooking simply by living inside it — learning technique, balance, and timing the way most people learn a language: by immersion.
When he moved to New York, he worked alongside other chefs across the city, refining his craft and developing recipes of his own. That journey — from an apprentice in Bangkok's street-food culture to a chef with a menu of his own — became the foundation for Saranrom Thai, which he opened in Elmhurst in 2020 to bring real Thai street food to New Yorkers who miss it, or have never tried it.
Milestones
Saranrom Thai Opens on Broadway
Chef Nueng opens Saranrom Thai in Elmhurst, bringing Bangkok street-food traditions to Queens with a menu that spans multiple Thai regions rather than sticking to one.
A Neighborhood Favorite
Word spreads through Elmhurst's "Little Bangkok" corridor. Regulars start requesting the same dishes by name — the Yum Pla Duk Fu catfish salad becomes the restaurant's calling card.
Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognition
Saranrom Thai is named a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant and featured on "Best Thai Restaurants in NYC" lists — recognized for exceptional food at a neighborhood price.
Our Concept
Thai street food, served family style. Dishes leave the kitchen as soon as they're ready — the way food is shared at a Thai table, not staged for a photo.
Our Ingredients
Fresh herbs, real fish sauce, house-made curry pastes, and imported Thai staples — balanced for flavor first, heat second.
Our Neighborhood
Proudly part of Elmhurst's "Little Bangkok," alongside the city's best concentration of Thai restaurants — we're honored to be named among the favorites.