Some years ago, I had gotten word of a Thai restaurant in Manhattan that served something very unique even in a diverse food metropolis like NYC. The unique dish is called Chor Muang which is the Royal Thai dumpling that was only reserved for royalty in olden times. It was a fancy spot that unfortunately shut down a bit later.
A little later on, I was informed that there was a new Thai restaurant opening in Brooklyn that had a very familiar name and it was the same owners as the aforementioned establishment in Manhattan that had left a great impression on me when I dined in and simultaneously left a hold in my heart when they closed down all of a sudden. With that said I was super stoked that Nuaa would be around again even though in another borough!
Brooklyn as we all know is a super unique borough so it was very fitting that the new restaurant be set up there. They have the corner space on the block so you cannot miss them.
The interior is super spacious and the whole place has a nice feel to it (they have an outdoor area for when the weather is good). The bar area and drink menu consist of very nice zero proof drinks.
My first visit was during Valentines Day and they had a special prix fixe menu that consisted of five courses. Certain courses allowed you to to choose one from among two to three options (some dishes may or may not be available)
First course consisted of a dish called Yum Hoi Nang Rom (salmon gravlax with fried oyster, Thai chili jam and crispy onion.
Second course I chose the Purple Blossom Dumpling I mentioned above (hand crafted butterfly pea flower dough, minced chicken, peanut, preserved radish and golden garlic).
Third course I chose Nur Ken Tom Kati (6oz NY strip steak, lemongrass-coconut sauce, kaffir lime and scallion flatbread).
Fourth Course had one dish called Som-Ow Pla Hang (grapefruit, dried bonito, fried shallot, kaffir lime posset, sweet rice cake and lemongrass gelee.
Fifth course was dessert and what is very interesting is that they have a chef who has pastry experience so the desserts are not your average Thai fare (and there is nothing wrong with those desserts of course). The dessert menu seems to always be evolving and changing overall.
I think it was well worth the price at the time. The dishes here are quite amazing.
They informed me that they were starting to offer brunch later on which intrigued me. I rarely ever attend any brunch but I was down for this one. I returned with a friend and we ordered:
Fresh Pomelo Salad (grilled shrimp, toasted coconut, caramelized cashew nuts, lime fish sauce caramel). The pomelo was in season at that time. Refreshing.
Fresh Banana Blossom Salad (coconut poached chicken, 2-nuts, organic quail egg, Thai Chili jam-coconut nam yum). Savory salad for sure.
Crispy Octopus Mussel Pancake Skillet (beansprout and chili sauce). This is apparently a very famous Thai street food. I can see why.
Son In Law Duck Egg (fried boiled organic duck egg, homemade black pepper brioche, tamarind-fish sauce caramel). This was a dish my friend was excited to try as she had seen another version of it elsewhere. Try it at least once if you ever dine.
Shrimp Spicy Basil Noodle (wide rice noodle, fresh Thai bamboo, holy basil, lesser ginger). The same noodles used in Chinese dishes and other Thai dishes like Pad See Ew. the shrimps were pretty plump. Tasty dish.
Dessert was a separate menu from brunch. In order to not have any regrets I just ordered all three desserts they offered at that time. Everything including dessert was plated very elegantly and worth a photo.
Overall I loved the food and dishes that I was able to order (there are a lot more I have not tried) and of course the biggest compliments go to the wonderful FOH staff who take care of customers and BOH who make sure things run smoothly in background,
This review reminds me I am overdue for a visit. I wonder what cool dessert they will have next. And those royal dumplings I will always...
Read moreDespite a rainy day and a mediocrely designed logo, my low expectations were delightfully challenged by The Nuua Table's Thai brunch menu, a unique concept I had never encountered before, and one that greatly piqued my curiosity. From its unassuming exterior, I did not expect the extraordinary experience that unfolded.
Greeted and seated, we immediately discovered an ambiance beyond expectation. It was clean, woody, filled with greenery and deep orange accents, all bathed in warm light. Despite being packed, it was not loud. Every detail, from the Thai inspired fork and sea city patterned napkins to the pretty striped cups and the rainbow window on the door, showcased immense effort and care.
We started with Spicy Fries, Pan Seared Vegetable Dumplings, and Pink Grapefruit Salad, all beautifully presented and delicious. The grapefruit salad, though sweet, was perfectly balanced by fish sauce. While I was not a huge fan of the good dumplings, my friends loved them. The fries were thick, perfectly crispy outside, and soft and creamy inside. It was clear the chef masterfully understood the ingredients, prompting us to order an additional entree (the Roasted Mushroom Noodle Bowl).
All entrees were beautifully executed, suggesting upscale restaurant experience. The Roasted Mushroom Noodle Bowl was delicious, savory, and sweet, with a subtle lingering spice, even for a non mushroom lover. The Egg Toast was a great Thai pancake interpretation, savory and pleasantly fishy, with crispy boiled egg for texture; highly recommended. The Chicken Kuay Teow Kua and Shrimp Pad Thai were just okay; I would suggest exploring other, more interesting options here.
We could not leave without dessert. The sole option available was delicious; its meringue, surprisingly light, and a creamy, subtly spiced part made for an interesting flavor. We were all happy, though we wished we had tried other main dishes instead of the Chicken Kuay Teow Kua and Shrimp Pad Thai.
Our unnamed server was exceptional: proactively refilling water, describing dishes well, and even swapping plates after starters. His hawk like attentiveness meant we only needed to ask for the check. The check itself was presented in a cute folder, featuring an illustration of the restaurant door. Despite many tables, their work ethic was incredible. 10 out of 10.
The bathroom was perfection: super clean, smelling of citrus gum, with a thoughtful orchid plant, that aligns with the cuisine. A last check up trip was a delightful cherry on top.
I highly recommend The Nuua Table and will absolutely return, even going out of my way to try their dinner menu and interesting cocktails. Discovering this truly wonderful Brooklyn restaurant was a joy. Perhaps a logo redesign could better reflect the incredible craftsmanship of their interior and meticulously...
Read moreThis was one of my most pleasant dining experiences in the NYC area. This little spot located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn is worth the trip out of the city, and certainly a trip down the street.
Let's start with the atmosphere and decor. It is such a refined and beautiful room. It isn't overdone, but right up to the edge of perfection. While I was sitting there, I kept thinking that I'd like to create an interior like this.
Then, the staff greeted us with such kindness. I can't tell you the times that I have entered an establishment and wondered if someone even saw me. This staff was so quick to welcome us. It was almost like they wanted us there.
The food was so well-plated. Before I tasted the food, I was enamored. It was almost too pretty to eat.
I had the papaya salad. I loved it. It was the perfect balance of sweetness to heat. There was perfect texture. Some peanuts added with fermented fish sauce, shrunken shrimp and had a little heat, for those sensitive to that. Then, I had the duck meatballs served in a beautiful green foam on sticks. Next was the pad see ew with pork belly. I forgot the actual name and couldn't find it on the online menu. But, I didn't forget the wonderful flavors. I also had the crispy purple eggplant. It was prepared with green and yellow bell peppers in a chili pepper seasoning.
This would be a regular stop if lived anywhere close, and will be must stop...
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