Chalong

The story

Chalong NYC – Southern Thai Restaurant in New York City | Michelin Bib Gourmand

A Taste of Southern Thailand in Midtown

At Chalong, the cooking is direct, confident, and unmistakably Southern Thai. Chef Nate Limwong, a Suratthani native, spent decades honing her craft across Asia, Australia, and North America before returning to her roots. Her goal was clear: to make Chalong the first Southern Thai-focused restaurant in New York City. The Michelin Bib Gourmand award recognizes the quality and value of what she’s built.

Chef Nate Limwong’s Journey

Born in Suratthani, a region known for fresh seafood and a rich culinary tradition, Chef Limwong absorbed the flavors of home early. She later worked in French and Chinese kitchens, mastering techniques that she now applies to the dishes she grew up loving. After leading some of New York’s most respected Thai kitchens, she opened Chalong to celebrate her heritage. The restaurant’s name itself evokes the southern coast, and the menu follows suit.

Food with Attitude

The menu is built around bold, aromatic curries, fresh seafood, and rice dishes that demand attention. Appetizers like Jeeb Pu—steamed dumplings stuffed with crab, shrimp, and pork, served with a southern-style dipping sauce—set the tone. For mains, the Crab Curry pairs jumbo lump crab with crispy soft shell crab and betel leaves in coconut curry. The Green Curry Brisket, braised and finished with Thai eggplants and holy basil, is a standout. Seafood shines too: Pla Mok Krueng wraps turmeric-rubbed Chilean sea bass in banana leaves, while Sator Goong brings the punch of stinky beans and aromatic curry paste.

Cocktails That Tell a Story

The Long Dtai cocktail series, created with beverage director Cici Pratamon, draws on tales from southern Thailand. Drinks like The Pirate of Tarutao (mezcal, guava, plum, yuzu, chili) and Leonardo on The Beach (coconut rum, matcha, pandan) are crafted to complement the heat and depth of the food. Each sip is a small journey south.

The Atmosphere

The space on Ninth Avenue is unfussy and welcoming—a place where the cooking does the talking. Whether you’re here for a quick meal or a longer evening with friends, the energy stays relaxed. The Michelin Bib Gourmand nod confirms what regulars already know: Chalong delivers genuine Southern Thai cooking at fair prices, without pretense.