Kalaya

Frasier and Cheers. The Linc and The Vet. The old Kalaya and the new Kalaya. Sometimes, the sequel really can be better than a great original.

Since the current incarnation of Kalaya opened in Fishtown, it has become our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood and easily one of the best in Philly. From the innovative cocktails and excellent southern Thai food—outshining anything similar being served in the city—to its show-stopping dining room and buzzy energy, Kalaya is better than ever.

The original was a cozy and charming 30-seat BYOB in Bella Vista that shut its doors in 2022. If, like us, you wondered if the replacement would serve the same classic, beloved dishes or maintain the warm, lively ambiance that it had before, the answer is yes. This bigger and boozier Kalaya checks all of these boxes, and then some. The modern industrial space includes a full bar and lounge area, several suede booths for large groups, and 14-foot Thai palm trees reaching up to an atrium glass ceiling. 

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

You’ll feel the energy as soon as you enter, from the time you’re impatiently awaiting your table to when you’re taking selfies over plates of curry. But it’s not just the sexy see-and-be-seen atmosphere or the decidedly not impatient and welcoming owner that will make you want to stay until closing. It’s the outstanding food that really makes Kalaya an essential Philly destination (like The Miracle on 13th Street, except less, you know, neon). 

The easy part here is taking shots of whiskey Ya Dong. The hard part is deciding what to order when every dish is good. The menu is extensive—be prepared to debate what to get with your group. Do you start with the chicken dumplings that look too pretty to eat, or the fiery, sweet, and sour grilled squid? You’ll want to have some umami-rich wok-fried dishes, but need room for at least one of the rainbow of curry options. Yes, the portions are large and the ingredients are fresh, but it’s the complex blend of flavors and textures that makes it all unforgettable. 

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

While you really can’t go wrong at Kalaya, there are ways to amplify the experience. Sit at the bar or at a two-top by the palms for a fantastic date night. Bring every friend you know, grab a booth in the back, and play table tetris with an order of (almost) everything. The experience isn’t totally flawless; you may have to wait 20 minutes past your reservation time since the previous diners aren’t exactly eager to leave. But the experience will wow you long after you’re seated—and you’ll leave convinced that once in a while, lightning really does strike twice. 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

Cocktails

Outside of the physical space, the bar menu is the second-biggest revamp since Kalaya’s move to Fishtown. Crafted by the team behind R&D Cocktail Bar, the cocktails are blended beautifully and flowing with ingredients like creamy coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves, and toasted rice.

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

Shaw Muang

We’re not saying these flower dumplings are magic—we haven’t seen any cauldrons in the open kitchen. But the blend of ground chicken, cucumber, and Thai chili will pretty much take over your every waking thought. Each bite is juicy, and it has just a touch of sweetness to counter the spice from the chili.

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

Gui Chai

These garlic chive rice cakes are crispy on the outside and have a smooth, velvety center. The combo of earthy chives and spicy-sweet soy sauce may be the best pairing in Philly since Hall and Oates.

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

Laab Ped

There’s no need to shoot an episode of Hot Ones with wings anymore. They can just eat this salad and they’ll get the same teary-eyed reaction. It’s not to say the combination of ground duck, crispy duck skin, lime leaves, scallions and fish sauce is bad—just be sure to have a cocktail, pitcher of water, or fire extinguisher nearby.

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

Pu Pad Pong Karee

We’d love to eat every stir fry every time we come here. But there’s no table big enough, and even we have limited stomach capacity. So if you have to choose just one, this is it. It beautifully mixes chunks of crab meat, chili oil, crunchy Chinese celery and salty crab roe with silky, creamy coconut milk. Another absolute must.

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

Khiaw Waan Kalaya

From the gorgeous pool of green curry broth and color-changing glass noodles to the vegetal sweetness in each bite of jumbo shrimp and mushrooms, you won’t know whether to take pictures of it or eat it before anyone else does. (Hint: you should eat).

photo credit: Mike Prince

Tom Yum Kalaya

At first glance, it looks like the $95 for this dish went to getting the prawns a gym membership. They are massive, and sit in a spicy-sour lemongrass soup brimming with mushrooms and barramundi. It’s one of the few just-good dishes here. We suggest skipping the showpiece and ordering an assortment of others instead.

photo credit: Gab Bonghi

Shaved Ice

We know this is a water ice town, but these mounds of shaved ice are a close second. The outside is light and fluffy while rich cream in flavors like passion fruit, Thai tea, and banana is hiding underneath. It looks like a volcano, except you want to run toward this kind.