Food: ☆☆☆☆

Service: ☆☆ ½

Ambiance: ☆☆ ½

Cost: $$

Must try: Special Sauce, Indian Curry, Laad Na

Are you a true lover of spice? Then you absolutely have to try Jaiya Thai, which might be one of the most unique Thai food spots in Manhattan.

Started in Elmhurst in the 1970′s by Pok and Wanne Pokpoonpipat, Jaiya now has two East Side locations, which are thriving.

Hugely popular, especially with the Indian community, who throng the place in search of the kind of heat that only the kitchen at Jaiya understands.

In my opinion, Jaiya has two signature dishes that absolutely have to be tried – the “Special Sauce” and the “Indian Curry”. Get it with whatever meat, seafood of vegetable of your choice but nothing beats the prawn or crab.

They also have a really good Tom Yum soup, which is served family style and is searing with fiery sweet and sour flavors. Spice really means something at Jaiya so don’t ask for spicy unless you truly can take the heat.

My advice is don’t go to Jaiya for the regular “Basil Chicken”, “Massaman Curry” etc type dishes. I guarantee you will be disappointed – though they do make a decent Pad Thai and a great Laad Naa.

Stick to my suggestions and you will soon join the entourage of Jaiya’s devotees that dot the New York landscape.

Here is some of what we ate: