Swing my Wayla in heart of lower east side

Wayla: A Feast for the Tastebuds — and the Eyes

Tucked away in a cozy Lower East Side basement, Wayla is more than just a Thai restaurant — it’s a place that invites you to take a pause, savor life, and enjoy every bite. (“Wayla” means “time” in Thai, a fitting name for a spot where you can relax, dine richly, and soak in the atmosphere.)

The Food: Comfort, Creativity, and Thai Soul

Vibrant, Homestyle Thai: Wayla’s menu is deeply inspired by the street markets of Bangkok and infused with a greenmarket sensibility.  There’s a comfort-food quality to many dishes, paired with thoughtful, fresh ingredients.

• Superb Dishes:

  • Moo Sarong: Pork meatballs wrapped in a single long, crispy noodle — a playful texture that’s both crunchy and juicy.

  • Sen Chan Pad Lobster: Tender lobster stir-fried with silky rice noodles, egg, chives — all elevated with a subtly rich sauce.

  • Larb Pla Tod: Crispy whole branzino tossed with mint, lime, shallots, and chilies — a satisfying blend of herbaceous, citrusy, and fried textures.

  • Som Tum Thai: Classic green papaya salad with fresh lime, peanuts, dried shrimp, and crushed chiles — light but bursting with flavor.

    

  Brunch Vibes: Their stone-pot brunch is aromatic and comforting, featuring Northern-Thai inspired dishes like slow-braised ribs in yellow curry, served with pickles and egg for a deeply flavorful, hearty meal.

  
  

  Drinks with a Twist: The cocktail menu is creative — take for example the “Sway Wayla,” made with butterfly-pea flower, shiso, cucumber, lemon, and Brooklyn gin.  They also have a version of the Bloody Mary that leans Thai, with tamarind, horseradish, and spicy notes.

  
  

  Desserts: Finish your meal with something sweet but unexpected — like Thai coconut ice cream infused with jackfruit for a chewy, tropical touch.