Zen Yai is dedicated to bring authentic Vietnamese and Thai rice noodle cuisine to New York. Originally the first Vietnamese and Thai cafe in Sunnyside, Queens, Zen Yai Noodle Bar now brings the unique taste of real Vietnamese and Thai noodle cuisine to Williamsburg, New York. Owner Brian C. is passionate and determined to share his art of flavor and food design from his family by providing food worth experiencing again and again.

Our head chef Mukda Sakulclanwat comes from the village of Mukdahan in Thailand. At the border of Las, it is inhabited by Vietnamese, Lau, and Chinese immigrants. Her cooking style is inspired by her father and the open household kitchens of her village. She moved to New York in 2004 and found herself working at Kittichai and Blue Orchid, both high end Thai restaurants. She then found an opportunity to share bona fide Thai food and offer the home style cooking she enjoyed through Zen Yai.