Ресторан · Brooklyn · ⭐ 9.9/10 · 1766 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:14:18
Address: 204 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
RUA Thai: A Floating Market’s Recipes, Docked in Cobble Hill
Every dish at RUA Thai traces back to a boat. The name means “rowboat” in Thai, and the Cobble Hill restaurant is chef Kornpon Theeraumpornkul’s love letter to Ratchaburi province and the Damnoen Saduak floating market, where his grandmother sold shrimp donuts from the water — the same donuts that now open dinner here.
The Concept
Theeraumpornkul, formerly executive chef at Yum Yum Too, opened RUA in 2023 after years of cooking other people’s menus; this one is autobiographical. He grew up helping his grandmother fry her famous shrimp donuts after school, and the restaurant recreates market cooking with polish rather than nostalgia alone. The bar belongs to Dolporn Thongneam, an alum of the celebrated Ayada, whose cocktails are named for Ratchaburi’s districts. The opening drew national press attention within weeks.
What to Order
Begin where the story begins: sugar shrimp donuts, panko-coated and stacked on a sugarcane stick. The fish curry custard and duck crepe in roti show the kitchen’s finesse; the six-hour massaman braised short rib with chestnuts is the centerpiece for two. Seafood-stuffed pineapple and grilled river prawns over tom yum ramen bring the market’s playfulness; blue butterfly-pea jasmine rice turns the table photogenic. Finish with a Pho Ta Ram cocktail — vodka, melon, pineapple — or the lychee butterfly-pea soda.
The Space
A cozy jewel-box room: floating-market photographs across exposed brick, temple-style gold-leaf lettering, traditional triangle pillows as accents. Warm light, close tables, unhurried pace.
Who It’s For
Diners who choose restaurants for their stories, couples on quiet-corner dates, and families who want Thai cooking a generation deeper than the standards.
Good to Know
Should I book ahead? Yes — it is a small dining room and word has traveled; reservations run through the website.
What dish defines the restaurant? The sugar shrimp donuts, made to the grandmother’s floating-market recipe.
Are there gentle, non-spicy options? Plenty — the short rib, duck crepe and rice dishes lean aromatic rather than fiery.
Can vegetarians be accommodated? The menu states plant-based preferences are accommodated; tell your server when ordering.
Does RUA cater? Yes — catering is offered across New York, alongside pickup and delivery.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:30–22:30 |
| Tuesday | 11:30–22:30 |
| Wednesday | 11:30–22:30 |
| Thursday | 11:30–22:30 |
| Friday | 11:30–22:30 |
| Saturday | 11:30–22:30 |
| Sunday | 11:30–22:30 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:14:18
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: brooklynka.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
I had such an incredible experience at Rua Thai in Brooklyn! ✨ The restaurant is beautiful, with a bright, tropical atmosphere and lots of Instagram-worthy details. The food was incredibly tasty. We started with sangr…
Everything turned out great! The food was fresh, tasty and very authentic. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the service was quick. The portions were generous, and everything we ordered was very tasty. Definitel…
Stumbled upon this Thai spot while walking through Brooklyn, and it turned out to be a great find.
The atmosphere is cosy, nicely decorated with Thai touches — perfect for a casual meal.
Mains:
* The Pad Kra Pao was i…
Finally found the Thai spot in Brooklyn we'd been dreaming of! The atmosphere at Rua Thai is cosy and fun (the floating-market inspiration is so cool), and the food is fresh to the highest level. The shrimp donuts were c…
Came here for a fun evening, and RUA Thai delivered a great atmosphere and food. The vibe is lively, really reminiscent of a Bangkok street stall. We loved the grilled Mama Tom Yum river prawns — serving the instant nood…