SAPpronounced “Sep,” offers a unique experience of authentic Northeastern Thai cuisine in the heart of Chelsea. Here, upscale Esan-style street food and train market fare are complemented by inventive cocktails made with Thai spirits.
Created by the ambitious team behind SOOTHR, SAPPE is reminiscent of 1950s Thailand, the country’s Golden Age, an era where Western influences blended with traditional Thai culture. The result is a dining experience reminiscent of a bustling train station full of various food stalls.
The design reflects this vibrant theme, combining the glamour of old Bangkok with conventional Thai materials. Guests are greeted by a striking portrait of Jae Hwee, the restaurant’s muse, and can admire the colourful Thai stained glass windows, a magnificent bar made of Breccia Scoppio marble and neon lighting that creates a lively atmosphere.
A plexiglass window offers a glimpse into the bustling kitchen, while a transitional space decorated with Thai street signs and food trucks adds a serious touch.
Chef Tom Khaengkarn, known for his expertise at Michelin-starred Somtum Der and a career spanning two decades, heads the kitchen. His mastery of cooking over open flames and aromatic herbs is reflected in the menu, which is divided into seven sections: Ping-Yang combinations (grilled, marinated protein or vegetable skewers with SAPPE powder as a side dish), Death (fried dishes), Ring Yang à la carte (Thai grills & BBQ without skewers), Tum/Yum/Goi (salads), Rice & Noodles, Starters, PagesAnd Dessert.
The SAPPE offering focuses on Ping Yang Grill Skewers. Choose from twelve tantalizing options including chicken skin, mushrooms, ox tongue, prawns, gai ping (marinated BBQ chicken) and sai moo (pork intestine), all grilled over an open flame. Each skewer is seasoned with SAPPE’s secret homemade spice powder, which really elevates these savory bites.
The section Death (fried) promises its own adventure with wing Zaab presents marinated chicken wings coated with SAPPE’s spicy powder and fresh coriander.
Esan dishes highlight the unique flavors of northeast Thailand. The main Esan dishes include sap Ribsgrilled marinated pork ribs; Pla-Raa spicy green papaya salad with shrimp and anchovies and Sok Lek Kuaa hearty beef blood salad with herbs. Tom Yum Tiger Prawns stew–a spicy-sour soup with tiger prawns, mushrooms and Thai herbs–and raw delicacies such as Goi Now (Beef Tatar) presents the strong flavors of the region.
Noodle and rice specialties such as Khao Base rod Fair Gai (Hua Lamphong Station-style chicken fried rice) and Cha mama Koong (fried, wavy egg noodles in spicy basil sauce, shrimp, finger root and young peppercorns, garnished with fish roe) round off the hearty selection.
For dessert, enjoy Kluay Ring I-Tima grilled banana with coconut milk caramel and butterfly pea gelato, or Chao Guay – The Legend of Chao Guay I-Tim Noma refreshing glass jelly with boba and brown sugar.
The drinks menu compiled by beverage director Supatta Banklouy is affectionately referred to as Surah Nareea phrase that translates to “Belles and alcohol” and is inspired by epic Thai female protagonists from various novels and films. The recipes are designed to immerse the drinker in each “Belle’s” story, and there is an accompanying story to accompany each story.
Try the Lamyongthat calls for Ya-Don, a time-honored herb-infused liquor with pickled gooseberries, similar to a deconstructed Thai martini. Or opt for Riama home-fermented sticky rice vodka served with a “holy water” (bergamot-infused water) that guests should mix themselves. The Thai Tea Slushie is a great start to the weekend with brunch.
Key findings:
Location: Chelsea, New York: The most beautiful cities
Address: 240 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
Kitchen: Thai
Price: $$
Reservations are accepted: Yes – SevenRooms
The mood: SAPPE masterfully combines authentic Thai street food with innovative Esan cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails to create a comprehensive gastronomic experience.
Our favorite dish on the menu: We love the Sappe Ribs, Skewers and
The clothing: Elegant casual wear
Breakfast, lunch or dinner: Lunch: Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 15:30; Dinner: Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Brunch: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 – 15:30.
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