PHLReview
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Kalaya
Included In
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
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Shaw Muang
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Gui Chai
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Laab Ped
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Pu Pad Pong Karee
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Khiaw Waan Kalaya
photo credit: Mike Prince
Tom Yum Kalaya
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Shaved Ice