Delish Cheap Eats NYC…

Shrimp Noodle
Shrimp Noodles

Before I commence reviewing Los Angeles restaurants I wanted to serve up some delish NYC cheap eats.

It’s my parting gift.

And, here we go.

Pam Real Thai
Pam Real Thai

Pam Real Thai has been around since 2001. Bangkok-born chef and co-owner, Pam Panyasiri, is far too busy cooking to fuss over furnishings or decor which is non-existent.

The restaurant is also geographically desirable if you are theater bound or in midtown Manhattan.

Most of Pam’s dishes originate in Bangkok and are less spicy than typical Thai cuisine.

Squid Salad
Squid Salad

Finding ourselves in the ‘hood at lunchtime, Courtny and I made a beeline for Pam.

We started with a truly fabulous squid salad. The squid was tender and flavorful and the scallions and onions, tossed with lime dressing, enhanced the dish ($6.50).

Shrimp Noodle
Shrimp Noodles

We also shared Pad See Ew, a shrimp flat noodle dish, consisting of Chinese broccoli, tender, sweet shrimp and flat rice noodles with a tantalizing sweet soy sauce ($7.50).

The Massamun Curry simmered in a yellow curry with potatoes, onions, peanuts, cinnamon and cumin is another favorite ($8).

The total for two with jasmine tea was $17.00.

Fuku+
Fuku+

Disappointing, but reasonably priced was the extensively hyped Fuku+ in the Chambers Hotel on 56th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. There is also a Fuku in the east village.

Milk Bar
Milk Bar

The space, inside the Chambers Hotel, is at street level behind the Milk Bar stand where you can order takeout and purchase cookies and ice cream.

Fuku+ overlooks Má Pêche below.

The little restaurant has some unexpected extras like waiter service and a rockin’ playlist to ramp up the energy of the crowd at the counter and high-top tables.

My friend Paula and I dined in the cute restaurant which used to be the bar for David Chang’s Ma Peche.

Fried Chicken Sandwich
Fried Chicken Sandwich

Due to the hype regarding the supposedly unbelievable, much ballyhooed fried chicken sandwich or Minime, we felt compelled to order it ($6).

I thought the fried chicken was uninspired and tasteless, the egg bun soggy.

Paula loved it. She admitted to being a big fan of fried chicken.

I didn’t even finish my sandwich.

Wedge Salad
Wedge Salad

The wedge salad looked like it came from a high school cafeteria. The bacon and dressing were lackluster…yuck ($11).

Paula ordered the mixed greens which were dreadful ($11).

Our talkative table neighbor ordered the Mission Chinese Fuku Fingers or in simple terms, very spicy chicken nuggets ($16).

They invoked copious sweating from the Pakistani gentleman. His face was beet red and he was breathing heavily.

Cereal Milk
Cereal Milk Soft Serve

The couple next to us ordered the cereal milk soft serve ice cream and thought it a huge disappointment (4 oz. size for $5).

Compost Cookie
Compost Cookie

We also ordered the compost cookie which arrived wrapped in plastic…lousy ($2.25).

Can someone explain all the buzz about Fuku+?! Is it just because David Change is a successful celebrity chef?

Fuku+ has a full bar, wine, beer and cocktails. The environment is pleasant. Have a drink and an order of fries ($3).

Kung Fu Little Bun Ramen
Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen

Another savory, inexpensive spot is Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen at 49th Street and 8th Avenue.

Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen
Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen

It is small, family run, unassuming and delicious. No atmosphere, but there is always awkward charm built into dumpy, but clean, genuine Chinese restaurants.

Crabmeat & Pork Soup Dumplings
Crabmeat & Pork Soup Dumplings

The rich tasting soup steamed dumplings were seriously as good as Anita Lo’s Annisa Restaurant for only $9.95. They were juicy and filled with crabmeat and pork (6 for $9.95).

Squid Noodle
Squid Noodles

The squid ramen dish with Bok Choy was amazing ($12.95).

Steamed Vegetable Dumplings
Steamed Vegetable Dumplings

The steamed vegetable dumplings were good not great, a bit bland, but a lovely green color (6 for $7.95).

Egg & Chive Bun
Egg & Chive Bun

We also ordered a breakfast fav, egg and chive in a fried bun. It wasn’t my favorite, but still tasty (2 for $4.99).

The total with tip and tax was $44.00 and there was food left over.

Pam Real Thai and Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen are authentic and delicious.

My advise, skip Fuku. It Fuking sucks.

Pam Real Thai 404 West 49th Street. Open 7 days a week 11a.m.-10:30pm. No reservations.

Fuku+ 15 West 56th Street (Between 5th & 6th Avenue) 1st Floor of Chambers Hotel New York City. Lunch daily 11:30-3:00pm, Dinner served Sunday-Tuesday 5-10pm, Wednesday-Saturday 5-11pm.

Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen. New York City. 811 8th Avenue (8th Avenue and West 49th Street). Cash only. No reservations. Open daily 10:30am-9:45pm. Free delivery with $15 minimum.

One Comment

  1. Paula Lopez says:

    Lol. Yes I truly l love Fried Chicken- Paula

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