Maomao

“Mao Mao is much more than a Thai restaurant—it’s a complete experience. From the moment you walk in, the vintage Thai cinema-inspired space sets the tone. The atmosphere is lively, fun, and full of personality without feeling gimmicky. It feels like you’ve been transported somewhere far beyond Brooklyn. The food is equally impressive. The menu goes beyond the usual Thai restaurant staples and offers dishes that feel thoughtful, regional, and packed with flavor. Every plate we tried was vibrant, well-balanced, and beautifully executed. The cocktail program is also outstanding and pairs perfectly with the food. Great energy, excellent service, and some of the most memorable Thai food I’ve had in NYC. Mao Mao is the kind of place you’ll want to bring friends to—and then come back again yourself.”

“Such a cool place!! I went here with 3 friends and they were immediately super accommodating. It was some of the best Thai street food I've ever had, the lychee cocktail was amazing and our server Angie was the sweetest! The decor was also so fun. Highly recommend this!”

“Loved this spot! We came for NYE for a quick dinner - the service was excellent and the dishes were perfect (we got the mango appetizer twice). The vibe is great, service was quick and friendly, and the aesthetics are engrossing. Had a great time and will be back - thanks to the team!!”

“This Thai restaurant in the Broadway, Brooklyn area is truly unique. We stopped in for dinner around 9 PM, and as expected in New York, parking was tricky—we ended up parking about half a mile away and walking. The ambiance stood out immediately: very dimly lit, almost to the point where you could barely see your food, with low, close-set tables and eclectic décor. A Thai movie was projected on a big screen (without sound), which added to the charm. However, we were seated next to a rack filled with condiments, possibly fish sauce, which gave off a strong odor that was a little distracting. For appetizers, we tried the steamed dumplings (shumai style), stuffed with chicken and shrimp. They arrived hot, juicy, and perfectly steamed, with a light soy-based dipping sauce—simple but excellent. For my main, I ordered my go-to Thai dish: minced meat with basil, served with rice. The portion was generous enough that I had leftovers for lunch the next day. It was flavorful, though I wished for a bit more chili heat and a stronger punch of basil. A fried egg on top would have been the perfect touch but was missing. My husband chose a soupy noodle dish with a curry-like broth and chicken. The broth was mild but aromatic, the chicken tender, and the fried noodles added nice texture. The menu itself was fairly small but thoughtfully curated, with some interesting options like Wagyu beef. Overall, despite the very dim lighting and the occasional strong condiment smell, the food was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. I’d recommend this spot for anyone looking for a slightly off-beat but tasty Thai dining experience in Brooklyn.”

“4.3 stars. Birthday dinner for our son and couldn’t have picked a cooler spot! Located in a questionable neighborhood from our trek out there, Mao Mao is a gem in the rough. We actually walked past it and had to double back. From the moment we walked in, we knew it was going to be solid. Started with a Thai Iced Tea ($7), Khao Kriap aka Shrimp Chips ($5), Pik Gai Zaap aka Wings ($11) and Kung Sam Rot aka Fried Shrimp ($12). All were brought out shortly. Shrimp chips were good though small in size. Wings were small as well but had nice seasoning. The fried shrimp were very good and super crispy! We all ended up ordering Khao Soi for our entrees. Yes, we are HUGE fans of this most delicious Northern Thai noodle dish. Our birthday boy added some extra egg noodles (+$6) which filled him up. Note that they do not have dessert here so any sweet cravings will have to be filled elsewhere. Very friendly employees who work well together to keep things moving smoothly throughout the restaurant. All-in with tip for dinner was right at $160.”