Galanga Inc

NY MAG said precisely the opposite of what I criticized this place for. Upon leaving I saw this review and questioned the knowledge of validity of this review (reviewer) and wondered where the hell has the taste, style, sophistication and quality of NYC really gone? This place is horrible. The so-called ""balance"" of the food (upon which Thai food is created) is NOT present. It is all sour. Nothing more. The Duck Larb had 5 tiny strips of duck in it at a whopping $16.50 price tag. Full of sliced onions and cilantro and unbalanced acidic taste. It was awful. The ""sticky rice"" alongside it was nothing more than over cooked watered down saturated flavorless rice. I had to turn it back. The staff was unfriendly and rude. They grabbed plates before you were even finished. The salmon was flavorless except for the overly peppered topping. The interior had no flavor whatsoever. The Green Papaya salad was all lime and chili without any nuance or flavor that this dish typically offers. This restaurant is absolutely an insult to the Thai kitchen. HORRIBLE! more

The reviews of this restaurant are all good. The food is certainly fresh and tasty. Except the Tom Yum noodle soup. I didn't like it here (although I've enjoyed this dish elsewhere). My wife, who is Filipina didn't like it either. It had a bitter taste, like green tamarind or too much fish sauce. So I immediately ordered something else. Then we had a battle over whether we should pay for the uneaten Tom Yum. I wouldn't have minded paying for it (after all, I chose it), but the waitress then spent the evening ignoring us (I had to order additional drinks from another waitress), claimed to intercede with the manager (who never showed their face) and finally conceded that we hadn't actually eaten the Tom Yum, took it off the bill, but then more or less demanded a 15% tip! Beware. You had better like the food. Or else! more

The food is great and inexpensive. Have been going here for years. Love it. I use yo love the staff also but they had some changes and I just don't like. They are not friendly and full of attitude. If you don't give the tip they want they are very disrespectful and make you not want to come back. Only the food keeps me coming sadly. more

had a very very badly sick from their Tofu wok! more

The food at Galanga gets 4 1/2 stars. I had sangria, calamari, and the shrimp drunken noodle. I am a drunken noodle aficionado, and theirs is in my top three. It was fresh and had just the right amount of chili. For dessert, try the fried banana with ice cream - mini spring rolls stuffed with banana, drizzled with honey with ice cream in the center. Delicious food, not authentic Thai, but it's great nonetheless. Pros: food, location, decor Cons: waitresses more

I LOVE Galanga!! A friend introduced me to this intimate, cozy Thai restaurant 2 years ago and it's still my favorite place for an affordable, tasty meal in the W. 4th St area with a date or small group of friends. Their calamari is the best in the city -- and I love their drunken noodles, curries, and grilled chicken dishes. I've never had a bad meal there. This past weekend was no exception. We showed up at 7:30 pm on a Saturday, were promptly seated and the wait staff was awesome. This is the perfect place to grab great Thai before a film at IFC -- or prior to heading over to the great Belgian beer bar across the street. Pros: Great calamari, Inexpensive, Intimate, Great & fast waitstaff Cons: Can get crowded later on the weekends, but it's worth a wait! more

The food was really good. I would recommend the Jeeb dumplings and the drunken noodles. They were really good. We got a few different plate and shared, but those were my favorite. The place is cute, but a little too small. I more

However, you say it its one of the trendiest places in the area and some of the best Thai in the neighborhood. Like most Thai places, this establishment is cheap, friendly, and delicious. Recommended for an intimate date or a small group. Pros: Food, Service, Presentation Cons: Small Tables, Crowded more

I eat at Galanga, and order out delivery from Galanga all the time. Very efficient service, fast and friendly. Most of all, the food is excellent! I would recommend it to anyone. Pros: Food , Service, Value more

My friend and I found Galanga completely on accident. Now I'm hooked and usually make the trip across the Hudson to eat there at least 2 or 3 times a month. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is cozy, and you simply can't beat the prices. If you like spicy, then try the Drunken Noodles and wash it down with a cold Singha beer. Don't forget a Thai Iced Coffee before or after your meal! Pros: tasty food, great prices more

Best Thai in the city. Food: Amazing! No bland, tasteless dishes here. The pad-thai is quite savory. The duck salad is amazing. You can taste their attention to detail. No full bar. Wine and beer. Ambience: Small, but they make it work. The lighting is nice. Very hip. P.S. Bathroom is quite clean and enjoyable :) Service: Usually 2-3 wait staff, which is acceptable, as the place is small. Servers are friendly, and the food is prepared in a timely fashion. Do not bring your credit card, as they only accept cash. Value: This is what completes the package. Value is something of a lost art in the New York restaurant/bar scene. Here you get amazing food, at a clean, fun place, without having to worry next month's rent! Overall. Check out this place. I now compare other Thai restaurants to Galanga. Pros: The best food, Great prices Cons: Cash only. more

The food here is excellent. Try the Shrinp Fried Rice with lychee! A friend of mine loves the west 4th grilled chicken. The service is also speedy and friendly. I almost don't want this place to get too popular. It isn't very big. almost. Pros: food, service Cons: , limited drink choices more

This is a jewel of a restaurant. The food was among the best, if not the best period, Thai I've had in the city. Ambience is great, decor is modern and clean yet warm, and the service was fantastic. All they need is a full liquor bar and cocktails to match the food. Also - cash only right now - assuming that's temporary. It will be a pity once it's ""discovered"" b/c the space is small and I'll never be able to get a table again. Pros: Food, Ambience, Service more

Probably the best Thai food I have had in NYC. It's only been open for a few weeks but I have already visited 4 or 5 times. Very friendly staff and a great location. Pros: Inexpensive, Authentic, Delicious more

I stumbled upon Galanga on a Sunday afternoon, not typical of the standard tourist fare restaurants around West 4th Street ....Galanga was a cool calm oasis with a surprisingly extensive menu, reasonably priced with quiet efficient service. Only beer and wine are served but the cool decor and tasty food make up for that and there are a myriad of places near-by to grab a 'real' drink afterwards. Pros: Extensive menu, Cool decor, Reasonable prices more