
Laut
Vibrant Southeast Asian eatery in Union Square serving Thai, Malaysian, and Singaporean flavors with a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great value

Laut
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great value
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant Southeast Asian eatery in Union Square serving Thai, Malaysian, and Singaporean flavors with a lively atmosphere.
"The food was full of rich, authentic Southeast Asian flavors, and everything tasted so fresh."

🎯 Book Ahead for Sundays
Reservations are essential for Sunday lunch as it gets packed quickly! :calendar:
🔊 Embrace the Buzz
The restaurant can be loud, but many enjoy the energetic vibe! :musical_note:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roti Canai & Roti Telur
Appetizers
Flaky, buttery flatbread served with delicious curry dips. A must-try starter!

Singapore Crispy Soft Shell Chili Crab
Entrees
A flavorful and satisfying seafood dish with a delightful crispy texture.

Duck Curry
Entrees
Rich and aromatic curry with tender duck, a standout dish for many diners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations are Key
Embrace the Vibe (and Noise!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Sundays
Reservations are essential for Sunday lunch as it gets packed quickly! :calendar:
🔊 Embrace the Buzz
The restaurant can be loud, but many enjoy the energetic vibe! :musical_note:
🍽️ Family-Style Feasting
Order multiple dishes to share for a true taste of Southeast Asia. :forkandknife:
🌶️ Flavorful Favorites
Chili crab, duck curry, and roti canai are highly recommended by diners. :star:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Sundays
Reservations are essential for Sunday lunch as it gets packed quickly! :calendar:
🔊 Embrace the Buzz
The restaurant can be loud, but many enjoy the energetic vibe! :musical_note:
🍽️ Family-Style Feasting
Order multiple dishes to share for a true taste of Southeast Asia. :forkandknife:
🌶️ Flavorful Favorites
Chili crab, duck curry, and roti canai are highly recommended by diners. :star:
💧 Water Glasses Stay Full
Expect attentive service with constant refills of your water glass. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Laut is celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Southeast Asian cuisine, with standout dishes like chili crab and roti canai. Diners praise the generous portions and attentive service, though some note the restaurant can be quite loud. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few have expressed being underwhelmed by the food on occasion.
"Made a reservation to ensure our spot, and good thing we did, cause it got packed within 20 minutes of opening during lunch hours on a Sunday. Upon entering, I was so impressed with the interior, gorgeous wall art, beautiful ceiling, and a small bar in the back corner.
The menu had so many exciting dishes. They were pricey but that’s expected in the city. We picked a bunch to have a full on family style meal. We ordered the roti canai, roti telur, ilat bakar (fish), duck curry, Singapore crispy soft shell chili crab, baby bok choi, Hainanese roast chicken with rice, Malaysian curry with shrimp and side of bao buns. The dishes started coming out one after another within short intervals. All the dishes were so amazing, huge portions, full of flavors. My favorite were the chili crab, duck, roti canai and the Thai iced tea. All of us were belly full as we throughly enjoyed all the dishes. We even had some leftovers to take home.
The service was good. Our server was so friendly. Empty dishes and plates were taken out quickly. We were able to take our sweet time dining in. Overall we had a delightful lunch experience here with our friends and kids."
Nehal
"Nice spot for Asian food. Was definitely hot on the day we went so was hot in the restaurant but perf place for winter cozy meal (seats close together). Overall service was great and enjoyed a couple dishes for a great price. Loved the bok choy as well as roti. Overall recommend"
Michele Guttermuth
"fantastic. must go here. super great flavor, fast service, your water will always be full and you will leave happy. go around christmas and walk around union square christmas market before or after dinner. you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu."
Alison Pouw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laut is conveniently located in Union Square. You can reach it via several subway lines, including the N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6, and L trains, all stopping at the 14th Street-Union Square station. It's a short walk from there. Parking in the area can be challenging and expensive, so public transport is generally recommended.
Yes, Laut is very accessible by public transport. The 14th Street-Union Square subway station is a major hub serving multiple lines, making it easy to get to from various parts of the city.
For holiday meals, consider taking the subway to avoid traffic and parking hassles. The Union Square area is well-connected, and you can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Union Square Christmas Market before or after your meal.
While there are parking garages in the vicinity of Union Square, they can be quite expensive. Many visitors opt for public transportation to avoid the stress and cost of parking.
Depending on your starting point, walking to Laut might be feasible if you're in a nearby neighborhood. However, for longer distances, the subway is a much more efficient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend lunches and dinners, as Laut can get very busy. Walk-ins are accepted, but you might face a wait.
Laut typically serves lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they can vary.
No, there is no admission fee to enter Laut. You only pay for the food and drinks you order.
Yes, you can walk in without a reservation, but be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak hours like Sunday lunch.
Laut has a casual to smart-casual dress code. Most diners wear comfortable, everyday attire.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Diners rave about the Roti Canai, Roti Telur, Singapore Crispy Soft Shell Chili Crab, and Duck Curry. Many also enjoy the Hainanese Roast Chicken and Baby Bok Choy. The sampler platter is a good way to try a variety.
Yes, Laut is generally considered good for families. They offer a variety of dishes that can appeal to different tastes, and the family-style dining encourages sharing. Some reviewers mention bringing kids and having a delightful experience.
Laut serves Southeast Asian cuisine, with influences from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Expect a flavorful and diverse menu.
Yes, many reviewers note that the portions at Laut are generous, especially when ordering family-style. You're likely to have leftovers to take home.
Laut offers a selection of beverages, including Thai iced tea, which is a popular choice among diners. They also serve cocktails and other non-alcoholic options.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Laut has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that can get quite loud, especially during busy periods. The interior is often described as having gorgeous wall art and a beautiful ceiling, creating a cozy and inviting space.
While it can be loud, many find Laut to be a great spot for a casual date night due to its lively ambiance and delicious food. If you prefer a quiet dinner, consider visiting on a weekday evening.
The service at Laut is generally praised as friendly, attentive, and fast. Servers are known to refill water glasses promptly and clear empty dishes efficiently.
Yes, Laut can be a good choice for celebrating special occasions, especially if your group enjoys a lively atmosphere and flavorful food. The family-style dining makes it ideal for groups.
The seating at Laut can be cozy, with tables placed relatively close together. This contributes to the lively atmosphere but might feel a bit cramped for some.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Laut's interior is often described as having gorgeous wall art and a beautiful ceiling, making it visually appealing for photos. The presentation of the food is also quite photogenic.
To capture the ambiance without too many people in the background, consider visiting during off-peak hours or making a reservation for an earlier seating. The food shots will always be great!
Absolutely! The dishes at Laut are often beautifully presented and full of vibrant colors, making them perfect subjects for food photography.
While not a designated photo spot, the unique interior decor, including the wall art and ceiling, offers great backdrops. The food itself is also a highlight for photos.
The lighting at Laut is generally warm and inviting, suitable for both general ambiance and food photography. It creates a cozy feel, especially in the evenings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the restaurant can be loud, many families find the energetic atmosphere fun rather than disruptive. The generous portion sizes mean there's usually enough food to go around, and leftovers are common. The attentive service ensures that family needs are met efficiently.
👫 Couples
Sharing dishes like the Chili Crab or Duck Curry can be a fun and intimate part of the date. The restaurant's visually appealing interior also adds to the ambiance, making it a great place for conversation and connection over a shared meal.
💸 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Opting for family-style dining and sharing multiple dishes among a group can also be more economical than ordering individual entrees. The generous portion sizes mean you're likely to get good value for your money, potentially even having leftovers for another meal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Flavors of Southeast Asia at Laut
Popular choices like the Roti Canai and Roti Telur offer a delightful introduction to Malaysian flatbreads, perfect for dipping into rich curries. The Singapore Crispy Soft Shell Chili Crab is a testament to the region's love for seafood, delivering a satisfying crunch and a flavorful sauce. For those seeking heartier options, the Duck Curry and Hainanese Roast Chicken are frequently praised for their depth of flavor and tender textures.
Beyond the signature dishes, Laut also excels in offering a variety of vegetable sides, such as the Baby Bok Choy, which provides a fresh counterpoint to the richer main courses. The overall dining experience is designed for sharing, encouraging guests to order multiple dishes and enjoy a communal feast, much like one would experience in Southeast Asia.
Laut's Energetic Ambiance
The interior design plays a role in this atmosphere, with mentions of gorgeous wall art and a beautiful ceiling creating a visually appealing space. The seating arrangement, where tables are placed relatively close together, further enhances the sense of a bustling environment. This cozy setup means that during peak hours, the restaurant can feel quite packed, adding to the energetic vibe.
This lively ambiance makes Laut a great spot for casual gatherings and celebrations where a more boisterous setting is welcomed. It’s a place where conversations flow freely, and the energy of the city seems to permeate the dining room. If you're looking for a quiet, intimate meal, it might be best to visit during off-peak hours or opt for a weekday lunch.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit