ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegan Restaurants in Lower East Side
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
May Kaidee
8.4
An all‑vegan Thai restaurant offering plant‑based renditions of classic dishes like curries and stir‑fried noodles — flavorful, fresh and often gluten‑free. Its cozy, inviting atmosphere and friendly service make it a go‑to for those craving Thai comfort food minus the meat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), Panang curry with brown rice, Tom Yum soup
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Authentic Thai vegan dishes inspired by the owner’s Bangkok street‑cart roots.
Who should go: Fans of Thai food seeking plant‑based options
When to visit: Dinner hours (5–11pm) for full menu and relaxed vibe
What to order: Pad Kee Mao, Panang curry, Tom Yum soup
Insider tip: Portions are shareable — go with friends to try more dishes without overpaying
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; best to use nearby garages (approx. $15–$20) or public transit. No valet available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — comfortable attire is fine, but nothing too sloppy.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations recommended for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; 5–10 minutes at most.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based, so fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — all dishes are vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Many options are gluten-free; ask staff for specifics to avoid soy sauce-based dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — cozy, low-key ambiance with flavorful food makes for an intimate, relaxed experience without the pressure of fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekday lunch or early dinner, but weekends are busy — booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for parties of 3 or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — small children are welcome, but the menu skews adult-flavored and the space is compact, so older kids may enjoy it more.
Best For
Better for: May Kaidee excels in authentic vegan Thai cuisine with fresh ingredients and creative plant-based renditions, setting it apart from standard Thai restaurants or generic vegan spots.
Skip if: If you’re seeking traditional non-vegan Thai dishes, a larger space, or a fast casual experience, you might prefer other nearby Thai restaurants.