Hello dear
Welcome To Mao Mao
Mao Mao, located in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, NY, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a unique dining experience nestled in a cinema basement adorned with antique Thai relics. The atmosphere is further enlivened by classic Thai films playing overhead, inviting guests into a novel world of culinary delights. The menu boasts an array of tantalizing dishes, from the crispy Thai-Chinese chive dumplings to the flavorful Isaan-style beef laab. Each dish showcases authentic flavors, perfect for sharing among friends. The attentive staff and eclectic decor create a warm, inviting vibe, making Mao Mao a must-visit culinary gem.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
FRIED PEANUTS W. LEMONGRASS, LIME LEAVES, AND SALT
US$6.00BRUTALLY SPICY & SOUR SLOW-COOK PORK WITH LIME, FRESH CHILI, CILANTRO AND GREEN ONION
US$21.00PAPAYA SALAD W. SHRIMP, LONG BEAN, PEANUTS, LIME, FISH SAUCE AND TOMATO
US$17.00
SEAFOOD LAAB-SHRIMP, SQUID, AND MUSSELS - W. RED ONION, LIME JUICE, ROASTED RICE POWDER AND CHILI
US$21.00FRIED CHICKEN LAAB W. RED ONION, LIME JUICE, ROASTED RICE POWDER AND CHILI
US$15.00MINCED CHICKEN LAAB W. RED ONION, LIME JUICE, ROASTED RICE POWDER AND CHILI
US$15.00
ISAAN STYLE BEEF LAMB, W. COW BILE (DEE WUA) RED ONION, LIME JUICE, ROASTED RICE POWDER AND CHILI
US$19.00STICKY RICE
US$4.00JASMINE RICE
US$4.00 About
Mao Mao
Welcome to Mao Mao, a unique culinary gem tucked away in the basement of a cinema on 1000 Broadway, Brooklyn. This enchanting spot offers more than just a meal; it presents a vibrant experience steeped in Thai culture. From the moment you step through the doors, the atmosphere captivates with antique Thai relics and vintage movies playing overhead, setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining adventure.
The menu at Mao Mao celebrates the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. Start your journey with a selection of Khaem lao Thai drinking snacks, such as the Fried Peanuts with Lemongrass, Lime Leaves, and Salt (US$6) or the Thailand’s Famous Crunchy Fried Chilies, which deliver an addictive crunch ideal for sharing. The Pickled Green Mango with Chili Sugar (US$5) is a standout, offering a refreshing sharpness that complements the more savory dishes perfectly.
For the daring, the Brutally Spicy & Sour Slow Cooked Pork (US$21) packs a serious punch with lime, fresh chili, cilantro, and green onion, while the Wontons Stuffed with Chicken, Shrimp, and Mushrooms (US$15) provide a comforting experience in a flavorful clear broth adorned with bok choy. Each dish reflects the heart and soul of Thai culinary artistry, leaving your taste buds dancing with delight.
The ambiance at Mao Mao is as memorable as its menu. Diners have praised the quirky seating arrangements—think old theatre chairs combined with cultural decor that creates both a cozy and vibrant dining environment. Guests like Sanjeev Saxena and BK Higgins rave about the uniqueness of the setting, bringing together not just food, but storytelling through Thai cinema, making your meal a shared experience of culture and flavor.
The attentive staff adds to the warm atmosphere, ensuring that your dining experience flows seamlessly. Guests appreciate how quickly the meals arrive, perfect for those eager to savor the bold flavors. The atmosphere, combined with delicious offerings such as the Khan Soi soup and Mango Sticky Rice, solidifies Mao Mao as a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic Thai fare in a setting that feels both personal and exhilarating.
In summary, Mao Mao is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. Here, you can indulge in exquisite Thai food, surrounded by a captivating ambiance, making it the perfect spot for a casual night out or a special occasion. I highly recommend grabbing a few dishes to share, allowing you to fully explore the flavors while soaking in the warm, inviting atmosphere. Don't miss out on this Brooklyn treasure!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ One of the most unique settings for a restaurant, in the basement of a cinema with antique Thai relics on display and a silent vintage movie playjng overhead. ”
“ Not just a restaurant (although the food is delicious). This is an experience! Old theatre seating, movie posters, crazy movies playing, and the nicest hosts you could ask for. I wanted to invite them home. The spicy chilies are not for the timid but the taste keeps you reaching for more. The appetizers were delicious and the Khan Soi soup was so full of flavor, the whole table loved it. I would definitely go back again! ”
“ Solid food, all the dishes I had were excellent. The decor is nice and unique. Seating is a bit awkward if you’re taller but if you get any other seat than the bench it should be ok. The service was great, quick and I was seated quickly every time I came here. The noodle soup was excellent! Overall, great for a nice night out. ”
“ This place is a gem! Such a fun interior covered with antique and cultural decorations. They play Thai movies on the wall and have unique seating with even some movie theater chairs adding to the vibe. The staff was attentive, the food came out quick and was delicious, and I loved the mango sticky rice. Recommend! ”
“ I think that this is a really unique space to have a casual dinner with friends. I love the ambiance, old Thai movies playing and just an overall really cool vibe. I recommend getting a few things on the menu to share. I highly recommend getting the curry puffs. ”
“ Such a great spot! The food was absolutely delicious — we loved everything we tried. The vibe is amazing, especially in the evening. It really feels like you’re somewhere in Bangkok. I also have to say, their drinks are incredible — especially the lychee one. Everything was just so tasty! ”
“ The ambiance here is seriously one of the best in NYC - you feel like you’ve stepped straight into Thailand. The food was excellent, and our server was lovely and attentive. The chairs are a bold, unexpected touch that shake up the usual dinner vibe in a great way. Definitely a standout spot. ”
“ Overall rating: 4.8 Price: 24 pp w/ tax & tip (total of 2x) I saw this place pop up on my TikTok and have been wanting to try it for awhile.Admittedly I thought they had like movie nights but realized it’s just old Thai movies. It’s a super cute spot, but wow the seats are so uncomfortable. They serve on paper plates which is fun. I really like that the menu is easy to understand. And when you don’t drink, it’s actually pretty affordable. Items my friend & I ordered: - Curry Puff chicken: 5/5 very good, def recommend - Sai Krok Isaan: 4/5 not sure what I was expecting but nothing special - Khao Kaprow Moo: 6/5 so simple, yet so good. A tad spicy, but not too much. There were a few large parties here & I don’t know how they do it. I could only come here on a date or with a friend. The seats are not comfortable, but that shouldn’t stop you from grabbing a snack. ”