LumLum — Restaurant in New York

We left the conference with that classic New York plan: “quick bite before the airport.” Famous last words. My colleague spotted LumLum Thai, I checked the clock, and we both agreed we had exactly the right amount of time to eat responsibly and act like adults. The host told us 15 minutes. Perfect. Fifteen became a gentle exhale: a short line, the scent of lime and chilies drifting from the pass, and the pleasant clatter of a tiny room running at full clip.

Inside, LumLum is small in the good way—a handful of tight tables, a slim banquette, and a lane just wide enough for servers to slide by with that New York ballet step that keeps water glasses upright. The palette is warm—pale wood, woven textures, a couple of leafy plants doing their part—while low pendant lights make the place feel like golden hour even when it isn’t. You catch spurts of Thai pop under the room’s conversation and the steady sizzle from the kitchen window. It’s the kind of shoebox that asks you to lean in and actually talk to the person across from you. We did.

We started with the fried pork—little bronzed pieces that snapped clean at the edge and stayed juicy in the middle. The coating had that crackly rice-flour crunch, lightly seasoned—pepper, garlic—so the pork didn’t need a speech to make its point. The dipping sauce was bright and bossy—chili, lime, a fish-sauce wink—like someone bottled the idea of wakefulness. We “shared” it in the way people say “we” when one of them is clearly doing more than half the sharing.

For my main, I went curry with steak. It arrived with a confident, coconut-chili sheen and those citrus-lift aromatics that suggest kaffir lime without announcing themselves like a keynote. The steak was sliced blushing medium, rested properly so it absorbed the curry instead of swimming on top of it. Heat built slowly—not a dare, just a handshake that firmed up as you went. The jasmine rice did its job like a great bass line: supportive, a little fragrant, exactly where you need it when your spoon keeps returning to the bowl.

Across the table, my colleague ordered a calamari dish over very thin noodles—a tangle of rice vermicelli that carried a light, glossy sauce. The calamari had that rare tender bounce (no rubber bands today), and you could taste the wok’s quick kiss—just a hint of char—pulling sweetness from scallions and herbs. It was clean, bright, and the kind of plate you “sample” once and then keep sampling as if it’s a scientific study.

Service ran snappy and kind. Menus down, waters refilled, spice levels calibrated with a simple, “Do you want us to make it sing?” They did, and it did. Plates landed in a rhythm that respected conversation—enough time to notice details, never enough to wonder where anything was.

Then came the part where we forgot the airport exists. The room’s hum, the light, the way the curry’s heat lingered just long enough to keep you talking—it all conspired to stretch the evening. The flight to Buffalo did what flights sometimes do when you treat time like a suggestion: it left without us. We shrugged, finished the last forkfuls, and ordered water like the responsible people we briefly were at the beginning of this story.

Verdict: LumLum is the kind of tiny New York restaurant that punches way above its square footage—a place where the food is precise, the flavors feel alive, and the ambiance convinces you that schedules are flexible. Get the fried pork. If you like a good, layered heat, get the steak curry. If you prefer lighter and herbal, borrow (steal) bites of the calamari with thin noodles. And if you’re headed to the airport afterward, pad the calendar. This little room is very good at making you forget you own a...

It has been a while since I’ve been upset with a meal while dining out. My mood was literally ruined while I was having this meal, which made this meal less enjoyable. The fresh branzino (steamed) that arrived this morning (recommended by the waiter) had a lot of bones and has more of a fish taste than I’d like. Also while you serve out the food from this dish, you need to be super careful and make sure you don’t tilt or spill the contents in the dish. I’d recommend this fish dish for anyone who really enjoys bones and likes the taste of fish. My husband really enjoyed the fish though.

And the moon cocktail (waiter said this was his favorite cocktail so of course I had to give it a try) came at the end of our meal (and I had to ask twice for it prior, and asked for it to be cancelled because we were almost done with our meal) when it was the first thing that we ordered. When I wanted to cancel the cocktail order, they made it almost immediately. It had such a strong rum taste; I barely tasted any of the coconut flavor or any of the other ingredients in that drink. I only had like two sips of it and gave the rest to my husband.

The chives and shrimp dumplings (recommended by the waiter) had a nice mochi skin texture, but barely had any shrimp in it. The pad kee mao had a good amount of seafood and tasted okay. When the waiter asked how everything was, I originally said that everything was okay, but when he asked a second time, I said, “Can I be honest with you? The fish has a lot of bones and is hard to eat and the cocktail really shouldn’t have came at the end of the meal.” He was very apologetic and said that the cocktail was of no charge and that if we would like, they can remove the charge of the fish too. But since my husband liked the fish, we said it’s fine, we will pay for the fish. He probably saw how upset I was at the meal, he brought out homemade complimentary coconut ice cream at the end of the meal for us. That ice cream was yummy and did make me feel better.

We sat at one of the tables outside of the restaurant - if you want to be surrounded by the nyc traffic noise, loud passerbys and essentially have the classic hustle bustle nyc dining experience, this setting would be good for it. But if you’re looking for a more calm, relaxing and quiet meal, this might not satisfy your needs.

Anyway, as I’m writing this review, I’m thankful for the follow-up service that the waiter provided to try to make my experience better. I’ve learned that what is recommended is not always suitable. I am most likely not going to be coming back here...

LumLum, located in New York City, is a vibrant and exciting dining destination that brings a fresh and modern take on Thai cuisine. Nestled in a bustling part of the city, LumLum stands out with its inviting atmosphere, creative menu, and exceptional service.

As soon as you enter LumLum, you are welcomed by a warm and stylish interior. The décor blends contemporary design with traditional Thai elements, creating a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. The lighting is soft and flattering, making it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.

The menu at LumLum is a delightful journey through Thai flavors, offering a mix of traditional dishes and inventive new creations. One of the standout appetizers is the Crispy Spring Rolls, which are perfectly fried to a golden crisp and filled with a delicious mix of vegetables and spices. The Tom Yum Soup, with its perfect balance of sour and spicy, is another must-try, offering a comforting and flavorful start to the meal.

For the main course, LumLum’s Pad Thai is exceptional, featuring perfectly cooked noodles, a tangy tamarind sauce, and generous portions of shrimp or chicken. The Green Curry, with its rich and aromatic coconut milk base, is another highlight, packed with fresh vegetables and tender pieces of meat. The menu also offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

One of LumLum’s unique offerings is their creative cocktail menu. The drinks are crafted with the same attention to detail as the food, using fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. The Thai Basil Mojito, for example, is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, with a hint of basil that pairs beautifully with the lime and mint.

Service at LumLum is attentive and friendly. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to provide recommendations or accommodate special requests. Their genuine enthusiasm for the food and culture adds to the overall dining experience.

Pricing at LumLum is quite reasonable, especially considering the quality of the ingredients and the care taken in preparation. Portion sizes are generous, ensuring that diners leave satisfied.

🍹LumLum in NYC offers a fantastic dining experience that showcases the best of Thai cuisine with a modern twist. With its delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and excellent service, it’s a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic and memorable Thai meal...