A new Thai chicken finger and tropical fruit drink spot is set to debut in Nolita on August 8. Mommy Pai’s comes from the team behind acclaimed Thai Diner and the former Uncle Boons. Located at 203 Mott Street, the playful takeout counter pays tribute to chef Ann Redding’s mother, Ampai. During its opening weekend, Mommy Pai’s will operate from noon to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Highlights
- Mommy Pai’s will arrive in New York’s Nolita neighborhood on August 8.
- The Thai takeout concept located at 203 Mott St honors chef Ann Redding’s mother, Ampai.
- The menu features options like Purple Sticky Rice and Lettuce Wraps, Waffle Fries, and Coconut Rice & Beans in Banana Leaf.
Mommy Pai’s Opens in Nolita
Set to debut on August 8 in Nolita, Mommy Pai’s will welcome guests at 203 Mott Street. The new concept comes from the team behind the former Uncle Boons, an acclaimed Thai spot that once called Nolita home.
Chef-partners Ann Redding and Matt Danzer created Mommy Pai’s as a tribute to Redding’s mother, Ampai. The duo also runs Thai Diner, another neighborhood favorite known for its bold Thai-American flavors.
In 2013, the pair launched Uncle Boons, where they combined Thai flavors with fine-dining elegance. They followed it with the 2015 debut of Mr. Donahue (later renamed Uncle Boon’s Sister) and, in February 2020, Thai Diner, a lively exploration of Thai-American comfort food that earned instant praise from both critics and fans.
Must-Try Dishes and Drinks
The menu offerings are focused on Thai-style chicken fingers sold in threes, either grilled or fried, or even as a customizable “Mommy Combo” complete with a side and beverage.
Sauce options, which can be bought individually or in three-packs, include Phuket Island Sauce, Heavenly BBQ, Noom Spicy Green Sauce, Passionfruit Pink Peppercorn Sweet & Sour, and Thai Hot Honey.
Flavor options include lemongrass, spicy, Muay Thai, and a crispy coconut-only variety. Combos served at the restaurant are accompanied by pickles, a hibiscus quail egg, and a choice of sauce.
Sandwiches include the Mommy Royale, Filet O’Tofu, and the Jungle Queen. A la carte snacks and sides consist of Garlic Chive & Tapioca Dumplings, Curry Puff Mozzarella Sticks, Som Tum Slaw, and Green Curry Kanom Jim Noodles.
Desserts range from Thai Tea and Condensed Milk Soft Serve to mini Taro Tapioca Donuts with Pandan Sangkaya Custard.
The beverage list highlights tropical fruit mixes like Tropical Fruit Punch, Mango Coconut, Spicy Tamarind Orange, and Pineapple Thai Basil. These concoctions can be transformed into a “THAIPHOON” topped with condensed milk soft serve.
There is also a curated beer selection, such as Thai Disco Beer and Leo Thai Lager, alongside Thai iced tea and other soft drinks.
Immersive Design
Designed by Ann’s sister and longtime collaborator May Redding, the space is filled with playful touches—think vibrant portraits of Ampai, aka “Mommy Pai,” and a design inspired by Thai wooden homes and food stalls.
The decor design blends the cozy charm of traditional Thai wooden homes with the bright, textured feel of street food stalls. Hand-carved silver cloud sculptures from Thai artisans line the storefront, adding a whimsical flair to the Nolita streetscape.
Mommy Pai’s operates Thursday through Monday, from noon until 9 p.m. Service here is grab-and-go via the takeout window, with a few outdoor seats available. Delivery and expanded operating hours are forthcoming. Mommy Pai’s is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with expanded hours and delivery on the way.
