Tong

The story

Tong Brooklyn: Authentic Thai Small Plates in Bushwick, NYC

Tong in Bushwick

Tong means gold in Thai, and at this Bushwick spot that is exactly what you find: a wealth of authentic Thai flavors served in a welcoming, lively setting. The restaurant focuses on kub klaem—small plates and snacks from across Thailand designed to be enjoyed with a drink (or three). Think whisky, beer, or one of their inventive cocktails alongside dishes that balance heat, acidity, and crunch.

The Food

The menu is a tour across Thailand. Start with goi neu, an Isaan-style spicy beef tartare tossed with shallot, cilantro, and toasted rice, served with taro chips and lettuce. Or the gai tod, shatteringly crisp chicken thighs from Hat Yai, topped with crispy shallots and sweet chili sauce. Other small plates include succulent grilled pork jowl with a spicy tamarind jaew dipping sauce, and a bright, funky tum tang—cucumber, chili, tomato, lime, and fermented anchovy sauce.

For bigger appetites, the kub khao (entrees) section offers dishes like Massaman brisket (braised beef with potato, fried shallot, and peanut) and crab curry, a southern turmeric coconut curry with jumbo crab meat. The kang tai pla is a fiery fisherman’s curry with branzino, long hot pepper, pumpkin, and bamboo shoot. Rice and noodle dishes round out the menu, including a classic pad see ew with beef.

Recognition

The kitchen’s commitment to genuine, bold Thai cooking has earned Tong a Michelin Recommended designation. It’s a place where the spice level is taken seriously—guests are advised that when you say spicy, it will be very spicy, in a good way.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with indoor and outdoor seating. The space suits everything from a quick lunch to a celebratory dinner. Catering and private party options are available, and the restaurant is open daily from noon. Reservations are recommended.

In a city with no shortage of Thai restaurants, Tong stands out for its focused, authentic kub klaem culture and dishes that taste like they come straight from the streets of Bangkok and beyond.