Search any restaurant by name and city. We research the must-order dishes across critic reviews, food media, and regulars, and surface the inside knowledge most first-timers never find.
★ The LegendThe dish the restaurant is most famous for.
◆ Fan FavoriteWhat regulars reorder every single visit without thinking twice.
● Chef's PickExplicitly endorsed by the chef or kitchen.
◇ Hidden GemWhat first-timers walk past. Often a side or starter regulars always order.
Results are AI-generated and may not always be accurate. Always verify dishes and hours before visiting.
Ugly Baby, named after a Thai superstition to ward off evil spirits from beautiful newborns, is a restaurant that unapologetically celebrates the fiery, authentic flavors of regional Thai cuisine. After a brief hiatus in late 2024, Chef Sirichai Sreparplarn is bringing his vision back to a new, larger space in Williamsburg in early 2026, promising an even wilder take on his menu. This is the kind of place where you cede control to the kitchen and embrace the heat, knowing you're in for a truly unique and intense culinary education.
★ The Legend
Khao Soi Nuer
This Northern Thai egg noodle curry soup with beef shank is a dish that has garnered consistent praise since the restaurant's inception. The rich, complex curry broth and tender beef shank are a signature of Chef Sreparplarn's cooking, often described as intensely flavorful and addictive.
◆ Fan Favorite
Kao Tod Nam Klook
This curried rice dish, mixed with fermented pork, peanuts, and ginger, is a textural and flavor explosion that regulars consistently rave about. Pete Wells of the New York Times famously described it as an 'ultimate discovery,' with its chewy, golden crust and vibrant mix of ingredients.
● Chef's Pick
Kua Kling
Chef Sirichai Sreparplarn's Kua Kling, a southern dry eye round curry, is consistently highlighted as a signature offering that embodies the restaurant's commitment to bold, intensely spiced, and authentic Thai flavors. It's described as 'brutally spicy' and a dish that Sreparplarn showcases from southern Thailand.
◇ Hidden Gem
Pla Tod Kamin
This fried turmeric sea bream is a unique dish that New York Magazine singled out, detailing its preparation where the turmeric-and-garlic rub is scraped off, fried separately, and then reapplied like frosting. It was also recommended by staff as a non-spicy option.
Insider Tip
Don't try to customize the spice level here; Ugly Baby is famous for its uncompromising heat, and the kitchen serves dishes as they're intended. Instead, order a variety of dishes, including some of the milder options or sticky rice, to help balance the heat and fully appreciate the complex flavors.