Overview
A beloved counter-service spot serving authentic Thai-Malay cuisine on the border of Long Island City and Astoria. This family-run kitchen specializes in comforting classics like Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak, and pad thai—all 100% halal.
What to Expect
Step into AYAM and you will find a casual, welcoming space with playful decor and the aroma of fragrant spices. Order at the counter, grab a seat, and watch as your meal is prepared fresh. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, perfect for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or grabbing takeout before catching a movie at the nearby theater.
Best for: quick halal lunches, takeout before a movie at the nearby theater, and anyone chasing the nasi lemak a Malaysian reviewer called the best in the city.
Why Visit?
- 100% Halal certified - authentic Thai-Malay flavors
- Famous chicken rice with signature fermented ginger sauce
- Family recipes passed down through generations
- Affordable prices - most mains under $15
- Quick, friendly counter service
Menu
Signatures
Steamed Chicken Rice
Poached chicken served with ginger rice, chicken broth, and fermented spicy ginger sauce
Fried Chicken Rice
Boneless fried chicken served with ginger rice, chicken broth, and fermented spicy ginger sauce
Grilled Chicken Rice
Grilled chicken served with ginger rice, chicken broth, and fermented spicy ginger sauce
Combo Chicken Rice
Choice of two chicken styles with ginger rice, broth, and sauce
Nasi Lemak
Coconut rice served with fried chicken, crispy anchovies, peanuts, sambal, boiled egg, and cucumber
Noodles
Flavorful noodle dishes with rich broths and fresh ingredients.
Pad Thai
Stir-fried rice noodles with chicken, tamarind, tofu, egg, bean sprouts, and peanuts
Pad Kra Pow
Stir-fried Thai basil with minced chicken, chilies, and garlic, served with rice and a fried omelette
Khao Soi
Coconut curry and wheat noodles with braised chicken, chili oil, crispy noodles, and pickled mustard greens
Pad Kee Mao
Spicy stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables
Pad See Eew
Wide rice noodles with chicken, broccoli, and egg in sweet soy sauce
Sides
Perfect accompaniments to complement your meal.
Murtabak
Ground chicken stuffed egg pancake served with pickled cucumber and onion relish
Wonton Chips
Fried wonton with laab seasoning and Thai sweet chili sauce
Drinks
Refresh yourself with our selection of beverages.
Thai Iced Tea
Classic creamy Thai tea served over ice
Iced Bandung
Rose syrup with condensed milk over ice
Thai Cream Soda
Refreshing Thai cream soda
Thai Sala Soda
Thai sala fruit soda
Reviews
- 7 months ago -
Haseeb Jangda
"Very well designed halal family business with great food and service. The space and the menu design are beautiful. I got the nasi lemak which was very tasty. Prices are reasonable. Maybe because I was..."
- 5 months ago -
LL C
"I'm Malaysian and let me tell you that this is home to the BEST nasi lemak in the city. The sambal is 12/10 sedap (delicious). Everything on the menu we tried was a banger. Can't wait to come back. No..."
- 5 months ago -
Hollis Travel
"AYAM is honestly one of the worst excuses for a restaurant I’ve ever walked into. The food wasn’t just inauthentic — it tasted like someone Googled “Malaysian food” and tried to freestyle th..."
- 6 months ago -
Jamilah C.
"Recommend the chicken rice bowl that you can get fried, steamed or grilled & comes with yummy ginger broth. Their drinks, wonton chips and Nasi Lemak are also worth trying. The pad thai was underwhelm..."
- 5 months ago -
Yasmine Alm
"Food was very authentic and fresh. Very friendly service. Got the Khao soi, pad Thai and martabak to go. Portion sizes were huge, so def worth the price. Would definitely go back to try their other ..."
