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Chef “Yo” Reimagines New York City Street Food at BKK New York
April 29, 2025, 12:59.51 am ET

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Photo: Cititour.com

At BKK New York, nestled in the bustle of Midtown’s 56th Street, the flavors of Thai street food meet the rhythm of the city that never sleeps. But this isn’t just another trendy opening—it’s the latest act in Chef Teerawong “Yo” Nanthavatsiri’s unlikely journey from the world of theater to the kitchens of New York.

In our exclusive sit-down with Chef Yo (watch the full interview below), he reveals how his past life on stage helped shape the energy and emotion he brings to the plate today. Starting out as a busboy, he climbed the culinary ranks to eventually open Pinto in the West Village—a beloved neighborhood staple. Now, at BKK New York, he’s turning the spotlight back on something he says has faded from food conversation: “the real New York street food.” Think halal bowls, hot dogs, and soft pretzels—but with a Bangkok twist.

See our exclusive interview with Chef Yo here:

The menu reflects that duality, bringing together NYC nostalgia and Thai tradition. There’s the BKK Hot Dog, a Chiang Mai sausage loaded onto a potato bun with Nam Prik Noom and fries; and a Brisket Sandwich with Thai-spiced jus, offering a Southeast Asian riff on the classic deli staple. But Yo doesn’t stop at fusion. “We replicate every dish you’d find in Bangkok,” he tells us, including lesser-known plates like Mama Tom Yum, a spicy, herbaceous soup featuring shrimp and crispy pork—a common find on Thai streets, but rare to see stateside.

With its immersive flavor combinations and unfiltered personality, BKK New York isn’t just a love letter to Thai cuisine—it’s a full-throated celebration of the streets, whether in Bangkok or New York. As Chef Yo puts it, “We wanted to bring the energy back."


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