ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Elmhurst
Best Cheap Eats in Elmhurst
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Elmhurst
Best Romantic Restaurants in Elmhurst
Best Thai in Elmhurst
Master Critic Review
Ayada
8.6
A high-demand Thai kitchen on Woodside Ave where the best meals come from focused ordering: one deep curry, one wok noodle, and a sharp salad to cut through the heat. It’s busy, tight, and table-close, but the food holds up across repeat visits—especially when you lean into their signatures instead of over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Raw shrimp salad, Panang curry, Pad see ew
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A proven, high-volume Thai kitchen where the core curries and noodles stay reliably strong.
Who should go: Thai regulars who order heat-forward classics
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for less waiting
What to order: Raw shrimp salad, panang curry, pad see ew
Insider tip: Keep it tight: 1 curry + 1 noodle + 1 salad beats a big spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive on Woodside Ave, especially after 6pm. Expect to circle or walk a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans and sneakers are standard; come ready to eat, not to pose.
Noise level: Loud and tight — close tables, high energy, and constant kitchen traffic make long conversations challenging.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, sometimes longer during peak Thai Town hours
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes typical; earlier lunch can be faster
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several curries, noodle dishes, and vegetable sides can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with customization, but fish sauce and shrimp paste are common; confirm clearly with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some options — rice-based noodles and curries can work, but soy sauce and shared prep require caution.
Best For
Better for: Bold, heat-forward Thai classics with consistency — especially curries, spicy salads, and wok noodles that hold up under pressure.
Skip if: You want a calm dining room, lots of personal space, or a long, leisurely meal — other Thai Town spots offer more breathing room.